The Caribbean is full of exclusive resorts; St. Barths (also known as St. Barts or St. Barthelmy) is one of the few exclusive islands. Those who can afford to stay here enjoy low-key European sophistication, where the person next to them on the topless beach, the beachfront bistro, or the excellent French restaurant could easily be a famous rock star or mogul. from the movies, but probably not, as most spend their time in one of St. Barths’ many luxury private villas.
Attractions
St. Barths is more of a place to be, not to see, but the tourist office offers a walkers’ guide to Gustavia’s historic sites, including Fort Gustav and the House of the Wall Museum. The fishing village of Corossol has a traditional Norman culture and the InterOceans Museum, which houses a large collection of seashells. Lorient’s original settlement includes a popular Ligne St. Barths cosmetics store. St. Barths also offers good diving, fishing, boating, and especially windsurfing.
Beaches
St. Barths has more than 20 beaches, ranging from bustling St. Jean and Grand Cul de Sac to the more private Grand Saline, Gouvernier and Flamands. If you are looking for true seclusion, Anse Colombier can only be reached by boat or a half-hour walk along a goat path. Sunbathing topless is common, even on family beaches like Shell Beach and Marechal, but public nudity is illegal.
Hotels and Resorts
There are several independently owned (not big chain) hotels in St. Barths, mostly small properties with a dozen rooms. The largest, the Guanihani Resort and Spa Hotel (Book Now), has only 76 rooms. Of all the Caribbean islands, St. Barths is the one where visitors are just as likely to rent a private villa during their stay as they do to book a hotel. Whether you choose a hotel or villa, don’t expect bargains – rates range from moderate to stratospheric.
Restaurants
Unsurprisingly, St. Barths is home to many upscale French and Creole restaurants, including some reservation-only restaurants favored by camera-shy celebrities. However, because many people rent villas here, local markets and take-out shops are also popular options, whether they are cooking for themselves or handing out groceries to villa staff to prepare.
Culture and history
The history of St. Barth is a familiar one in the Caribbean: first inhabited by Carib Indians, then fought by European colonial powers. The twist comes in the form of their Swedish heritage: the Swedes made St. Barths one of their few overseas outposts during the 18th century. Today, apart from the name of the capital (Gustavia), few reminders of the Swedes remain. Rather, the island has a heavy French accent, with modest locals mixed in with wealthy visitors in a sophisticated but low-key setting.
Events and festivals
Many French parties and a handful of Swedish ones are celebrated locally; Larger international events include annual music festivals in January and August, and the Caribbean Film Festival in April. St. Barths residents have an avid passion for volleyball, and the St. Barths Volleyball Cup tournament in July draws huge crowds.
Night life
St. Barths is not a party island, although there are some hot spots that cater to the young, rich, and reasonably famous. The still popular Le Select bar in Gustavia is famous for inspiring Jimmy Buffett to write “Cheeseburger in Paradise.” Nightclubs include Le Feeling in Lurin and Le Petit Club, Casa Nicky and the Yacht Club in Gustavia. Yet for many, the best St. Barths nightlife experience lingers over a late dinner before retiring to your private villa.
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