If you've ever wanted to lounge around on a small, secluded bit of heaven in the middle of the ocean, head over to St Barths. This 8-square-mile island has all the ingredients of a tropical wonderland - a Caribbean location, pristine beaches, clear waters, and a laid-back island spirit. St Barths is so appealing that it regularly draws a crowd of the rich and famous. People who can afford anything choose this little dot on the map, and since there are few private areas on this island, celebrity spotting is common. In fact, all the beaches are public domain, so you may find yourself sunbathi ... More
This quaint hotel features all-harborview suites and is just 5 minutes walking distance from the beach and shopping. Enjoy on-site panoramic dining and a piano bar, a gym, pool & sauna.
Brightly painted bungalows dot flowering hillsides that slope down to 2 white-sand beaches. This posh yet low-key resort features a spa and exquisite French cuisine.
A large plantation house and a cluster of deluxe cottages sit on a secluded, picturesque beach. The spa is among the most exclusive on St. Barths, and features a gym and exotic sauna.
This newly renovated 4-star resort is comprised of 32 gingerbread cottages nestled on a hillside above the beach at Anse des Cayes. All cottages have large terraces with excellent views.
Overlooking the spectacular St. Jean Beach, this quiet, charming and intimate retreat has a lush tropical garden as its centerpiece. The pool has a panoramic sea view.
If you've ever wanted to lounge around on a small, secluded bit of heaven in the middle of the ocean, head over to St Barths. This 8-square-mile island has all the ingredients of a tropical wonderland - a Caribbean location, pristine beaches, clear waters, and a laid-back island spirit. St Barths is so appealing that it regularly draws a crowd of the rich and famous. People who can afford anything choose this little dot on the map, and since there are few private areas on this island, celebrity spotting is common. In fact, all the beaches are public domain, so you may find yourself sunbathing next to Tom Cruise!
First discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493, it changed hands a number of times, falling into Swedish possession during the 18th century. In 1878, the island ended up in French hands and, for the past hundred years, Gallic ideals have influenced the way of life on St Barths. Favored as one of the Caribbean's more exclusive islands, the crowds are never toobig, so you can always count on a relaxing vacation with lots of personal space!
New York City 4.25 hrs
Miami 2 hrs
Philadelphia 4 hrs
Boston 4.5 hrs
Los Angeles 5.5 hrs
Chicago 3.5 hrs
Dallas-Fort Worth 3.75 hrs
San Francisco 6 hrs
Gustavia/South Shore: The largest town and capital on St Barths, Gustavia reflects an inkling of Swedish culture still remaining from their occupancy over a hundred years ago. Speckled with chic French restaurants and cafés, this town provides the perfect follow-up to a day on the beach. Nothing French would be complete without loads of luxury items, and several streets are lined with boutiques specializing in the finest in European clothing, perfumes, and jewelry. The beaches are very calm.
North Shore: The northern half of the island is dominated by beaches ideal for swimming and sports. Snorkeling is most rewarding with abundant marine life at the Bay de St Jean. Windsurfers should head to Anse de Marigot and Grand Cul de Sac.
Interior: The midsection of this island is dominated by hills and volcanic mountains. Here you will find a few smaller villages and tastes of the simpler island life. Entertain yourself with hours of scenic drives and beautiful hikes through the hills.
St Barthelemy is a crescent-shaped island located in the Caribbean and is a part of the French West Indies. White-sand shores and coral reefs surround the island, and the interior is dominated by dormant,volcanic mountains.
The seasons are "Wet" and "Dry," with overall warm and sunny weather year-round. Temperatures average 74° in the Dry season from December to May, and an average of 81° in the Wet season from June to November. The heart of hurricane season lasts from late August to early November, though strikes are rare and there is plenty of advance notice to prepare. When threatened by a hurricane strike, one should expect a 2-day displacement from evacuation to safe return.
Like all Caribbean islands, this is a year-round destination, with some seasons that are busier than others. The most popular time to visit is December through May, when the weather is at its best and the majority of activities are scheduled. The most relaxing time, however, is really from April-November, when the crowds are smallest.
It is known as the island that is posh enough to attract all the hottest celebrities and still provide the average traveler with a perfect tropical vacation. With picturesque beaches, top of the line French cuisine, and European boutiques, St Barths lives up to the role of the celebrity vacation spot with style and grace.
Scuba Diving: For surface snorkeling, at Anse du Gouverneur and around St Jean there are beautiful coral reefs in full bloom, full of colorful fish. The most spectacular deep dives are around Pain de Sucre, an islet off Gustavia harbor, and near a small cape, l'Ane Rouge, off Colombier Bay.
Beaches: There are 14 public beaches on the island, each with a distinct character. Whatever your preference, you'll find it to relax in the sun, ride on a rolling surf, or a take a snorkeling adventure on a teeming reef.
Fishing: Between May and September, try for blue and white marlin. Bull-nosed mahi mahi are the common catch from December to April. Year-round, tuna and barracuda make challenging catches. Catch-and-release is highly encouraged.
Hiking: An island rich in volcanic mountains and waterside trails, St Barths provides wonderful rambles through nature. Favorite spots include the more remote beaches at sunrise and sunset, and the secluded rocky footpath of Petite Anse.
Horseback riding: Straight out of a romance novel, a sunset ride on horseback across a beach is an everyday experience at the Ranch des Flamands. You can get riding lessons or follow a guide on a "no skill necessary" excursion around the island.
Sailing: Exploring the island also means taking to the surrounding sea, and you'll find many private boat-owners offering sunset cruises and island tours. If you feel the need for speed, rent a catamaran in the bay of Saint-Jean and in Grand Cul-de-Sac.
Windsurfing: Even though St Barths has been known as the training ground for Olympic teams, the winds and waters are calm enough to be navigated by the amateur. The St Jean and Grand Cul de Sac beach clubs rent windsurfers and teach beginners.
Corossol: The French influence on the island is most apparent in this tiny fishing village. It is not uncommon to find the older women in traditional ankle-length dresses, with sunbonnets and bare feet. Most of their income stems from homemade crafts such as straw baskets and wall hangings. Corossol houses the Inter-Oceans Museum, which displays more than 9,000 seashells from all over the world.
Shopping: Since St Barths is a duty-free port and most of its influence is French, you will find unbelievable bargains for jewelry, liquors, French perfumes, cosmetics, and the latest in European designer clothing. Gustavia provides the most variety with small stores lining rue du Roi Oscar II, rue de la France, and rue de Bord se Mur.
After a day of sporting around, lounging on the beach, or browsing the markets, it's easy to work up a healthy appetite, and the great restaurants of St Barths come to the rescue. The cuisine ranges from Continental French to island Creole, and they all serve the finest seafood you could want.
Gourmet: Carl Gustaf Restaurant's panoramic view of Gustavia Harbor is a visual appetizer to the flawless gourmet French fare. If you just want a light Antillian lunch of sea scallops with white truffles, or a 6-course meal around crispy roast duck, the chef will amaze you with his creations . Rue Des Normands, Gustavia
Highly recommended: K'fé Massaï has food as innovative as its French nouveau décor. The walls are clad in tones of grapevines and earth, and the tables and glassware are custom designs. The delicacies begin with curried coconut sauce accompanied by French bread. Favorites include the lightSalad De Marche, consisting of pears and lamb lettuce in a walnut oil and vinaigrette, to Brochet de Volaille Grilee a la mode Thai, a richly-flavored Thai-style skewered chicken. For dessert you can't go wrong with the Sablé Choco Banane, a heavenly mousse. The Oasis Center, Lorient
Local Flair: La Langouste provides the beachfront dining and Creole fare that sums up what St Barths dining is all about, along with the best in lobster specialties. If you like fresh seafood served up spicy you'll love this place, and since it's set right on the bay, it's perfect for a sunset dinner. Hotel Baie des Anges, Anse de Flamands
Romantic: Marigot Bay Club, near one of the most popular beaches in the Caribbean, has romance written all over it. Most of the selections are served for two, so that "large" lobster dish can be tackled like a team. For dessert, the profiteroles with chocolate sauce are the second sweetestpart of the night... Marigot Bay
St Barths is fairly quiet in the way of nightlife, but in its laid-back way, it has plenty to do.
Le Select: This favorite watering hole in Gustavia attracts lots of sailors with its great drinks and live music. Almost every visit guarantees a good time and lots of laughs, and legend has it that this is the place that inspired Jimmy Buffet to write "Cheeseburger in Paradise" after munching at the outdoor grill on the sea.
Le Petit Club: If you're partial to partying with mind-blowing disco and dance, this glossy club in Gustavia is the best you'll find in St Barths. The music is great and the crowd even better, with everyone pumped up and having fun.
Feeling: With its brain buzzing drinks, music, and a large dance floor, this club is the best night out in Lurin - always crowded and always fun.
Bar de l'Oubli: Situated on Centreville, the most prominent corner in Gustavia, this posh bar begins its day at 8am, with breakfast and Bloody Marys. The night brings a lively mix of chic patrons.
Moonlight Walks: Only a five-minute walk from Gustavia, the Petite Anse de Galet coastline makes for a perfect after dinner stroll. It is known also as Shell Beach for its ankle-deep piles of tiny shells.
Festival de Musique de St Barthelemy: Started by 5 dedicated, professional musicians in 1985, this annual gathering now lasts for about ten days and attracts top level musicians from all over the world. Performances highlight the broad spectrum of music, ranging from symphony orchestras to jazz. January
Carnival: The entire month is devoted to the celebration of Mardi Gras. Restaurants and bars hold food and wine festivals and the nights are filled with music and dancing in the streets. At the end, there is a parade featuring outlandish costumes and a bonfire at Shell Beach. February
St Barths Film Festival, Cinema Caraibe: Created to bring world-wide attention to the films of the Caribbean, events include screenings at and seminars on "The Magic of Film." April
Gastronomic Festival: In celebration of the local fare, restaurants offer tastings at this week-long event. May
Bastille Day: Since St Barths is a part of the French Antilles, the end of the French monarchy is celebrated here as well. The activities include parades and feasts. July
With year-round tropical weather and gorgeous beaches, you'll most likely spend the days in little more than a bathing suit and ultra-casual cottons. Bring comfortable walking shoes for hiking or market-hopping. Nights on this fashionable French island call for stylish clothing.
We strongly advise that you confirm the following information and regard this only as a basic guide.
Drinking: You must be 18 years old.
French is the official language, although English is widely spoken.
The current is 220 volts/50 cycles AC, so you'll need an adapter for American appliances.
Entry: A valid US passport is required.
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: Effective January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including US citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.
The passport requirement does NOT apply to US citizens traveling to or returning directly from a US territory. US citizens returning directly from a US territory are not considered to have left the United States and do not need to present a passport. US territories include the following: Guam, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
St Barthelemy Customs: Visitors over the age of 17 may import, duty-free, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 cigarillos or 250g of tobacco; 2 liters of alcoholic beverages; 50g of perfume; and 250ml of eau de toilette.
US Customs: Travelers can bring back up to $800 worth of duty-free merchandise. This may include 1 liter of alcohol, 5 cartons of cigarettes, and 100 cigars. The importation of Cuban tobacco products is strictly prohibited and punishable by heavy fines and/or criminal prosecution.
Departure Tax: A maximum tax of $16 will be levied when exiting the country, though you should check to see if it was included in the price of your airline ticket.
The US does not maintain an embassy in St. Barthelemy. US citizens requiring assistance can contact the US Embassy in Barbados.
US Embassy Barbados (Jurisdiction over St Barths): Consular Section, ALICO Building - Cheapside, Bridgetown, Barbados, West Indies, phone 246-431-0225, fax 246-431-0179, e-mail ConsularBridge2@state.gov
St Barthélemy Tourist Office: Quai General de Gaulle, Gustavia, 97133 St. Barthelemy, French West Indies, phone 590-27-87-27 fax 590-27-74-47 email odtsb@wanadoo.fr