Saint-Barthélemy is one of the Leeward Islands in the French West Indies. Located around 35 km southeast of Saint-Martin, it was once part of Guadeloupe. But, until the population voted in favor of independence.
Saint-Barthélemy is a stopover for cruise ships and a preferred port for private yachts. The nearest major commercial airport is on Saint-Martin, but Saint-Barthélemy has a small airport known for its spectacular landings. Ferry services also link the two islands.
The French influence and its past history give this Caribbean island a special charm. The combination of French sophistication, Caribbean lifestyle and music makes it a unique and highly sought-after destination.
1. One of the best reasons to go to Saint-Barthélemy: enjoy the beauty of the Caribbean island’s paradise beaches
Saint-Barthélemy is a volcanic island entirely surrounded by shallow reefs. It is separated from Saint-Martin by the Saint-Barthélemy Channel. The island boasts 25 public beaches and a few private ones, with powdery white sand and superb turquoise waters.
- Leeward beaches are more protected, more suitable for swimming and safer for children,
- while the windy beaches are popular with water sports enthusiasts.
On the windward side, there’s the quiet beach of Lorient and the very wide beach of Anse des Flamands. Le Petit Anse is a very safe and popular beach. Locals love to go there with their families.
Downwind is Anse de Colombier, only accessible by boat, and Anse de Grande Saline, a nudist beach. Shell Beach or Anse de Grand Galet is so named because of the large number of shells scattered across the sand. Saint-Jean beach is the liveliest, home to Nikki Beach and Eden Rock.
At the northern end of the island are two lagoons: Anse de Margot and Grand Cul-de-Sac. In the south of the island, Anse du Gouverneur is a small, picturesque beach with easy access.
2. Take off for Saint-Barthélemy and make an incredible arrival by plane to see the famous French West Indies island from the air
Arriving in St-Barth by plane is an incredible emotion. But why? Saint-Barthélemy’s Saint-Jean airport has one of the shortest runways in the world: 650 meters. You look out of the window of the little propeller plane (the only ones that can land there), the beach of Saint-Jean below fast approaching, skimming past the unperturbed bathers. A breathtaking landing guaranteed!
The airport has an excellent safety record. When you set foot on the tarmac and look around, you say to yourself that it was really worth it! You’ve arrived in paradise!
3. Choose St Barth: a playground on a human scale that’s easy to explore
Saint-Barthélemy is a small island with a total surface area of just 21 km2. Everyone gets around on two wheels, by car or on foot. You can drive around the island in half an hour. Cabs are rare and very expensive.
4. Gustavia: discover three cultures living side by side
Gustavia, the capital of St Barths, is a picturesque town full of charm. Its colorful architecture and cobblestone streets will transport you to another era. Gustavia is also a place where French, Swedish and Caribbean cultures converge, making it a unique place where you can discover a variety of cuisines, arts and traditions.
From 1785 to 1878, before the island was sold back to France, it was ruled by Sweden. Gustavia, the capital of the chicest of the Caribbean islands, is a melting pot of French ambience, Nordic architecture and typical Caribbean lifestyle.
Fort Gustave, overlooking the harbour, was built in 1787 by the Swedes to protect the island. It’s well worth the climb for fabulous views of the sea, dense palm forests and the town’s trademark red roofs.
The small town, which is a duty-free zone, boasts no fewer than 200 stores, including many high-end designer boutiques of French origin: Cartier, Yves Saint-Laurent, Chanel, you name it! Local artisans are also represented in a number of galleries, exhibiting paintings as well as jewelry and accessories. Discover the local culture with a drink or meal at Select, which boasts the oldest bar on the island (over 70 years old).
5. Saint-Barth in the West Indies: dive into a colorful underwater world with the marine reserve!
St Barth is an underwater paradise. The island’s crystal-clear waters teem with colorful coral reefs and tropical fish. You can explore the Colombier Marine Reserve and discover a variety of marine species in their natural habitat.
Treat yourself to a trip on the glass-bottomed boat known as the Yellow Submarine. You can either sit on the deck and look over the side, or descend through a tunnel and admire the colorful underwater world directly. You might even catch a glimpse of a wreck colonized by all kinds of amazing sea creatures.
There is also a vast nature reserve to protect coral reefs and underwater species to the north of the island, which is fabulous to visit and explore while snorkeling.
Why not spend a luxurious day cruising around the island aboard a splendid catamaran? In St. Barth, anything’s possible!
6. The island of Saint-Barthélemy: the perfect destination for a dream vacation in a private villa, in a luxurious tropical setting (ideal for honeymooners).
For a luxurious, upmarket trip to St Barts, the island is packed with luxury villas offering breathtaking ocean views and top-of-the-range amenities. Staying in a private villa in St Barths means exclusive accommodation and an absolutely unforgettable vacation.
Many Caribbean islands have lost much of their charm due to the construction of vast hotel complexes. Not so on Saint-Barthélemy. Hotels are a minority on the island, often with fewer than 15 rooms.
People who come to Saint-Barthélemy stay (apart from their own yachts) in private villas. There are around 400 to rent in St. Barts, all with their own swimming pools and located close to or near the many beaches. Renting a villa in St Barths is clearly the best solution if you want to enjoy an authentic and unique experience.
Saint Barthélémy, an ideal destination for lovers of top-of-the-range services in the peaceful haven of an intimate island.
In conclusion, St Barth is a dream destination for your next Caribbean vacation. With its heavenly beaches, natural beauty, scuba diving opportunities, luxury villas (not to mention the possibility of celebrity sightings), St Barth is guaranteed to deliver unique and unforgettable experiences. Look no further, St Barth is the ideal location for your next dream vacation!
