St Barthelemy is the Monte Carlo of the Caribbean

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 Barts. Shortened to Saint Barth in French – and St Barts in English, St Barthelemy is the Monte Carlo of the Caribbean, without the traffic jams but with the added advantage of flawless beaches.

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 Barts 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!

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The first European settlers came from Normandy and Brittany – some of the traditional bonnets from northern France can still be seen in the villages – but in 1784 the island was leased by France to Sweden in exchange for trading access to the Baltic. From there, St Barth's was a prosperous Swedish colony and Sweden’s only Caribbean possession for a century, until the islanders voted by 351 votes to one for the restoration of French rule. The Swedes left their mark in the place names – the capital is Gustavia – but the ambience and culture, from the baguettes to the bars, the language and the law, are French through and through. The island remains an overseas territory of France.

Favored as one of the Caribbean's more exclusive islands, the crowds are never too big, so you can always count on a relaxing vacation with lots of personal space!

Approximate Air Travel Time

New York City: 4.25 hours
Boston: 4.5 hours
Miami: 2 hours
Philadelphia: 4 hours
Los Angeles: 5.5 hours
Chicago: 3.5 hours
Dallas-Fort Worth: 3.75 hours
San Francisco: 6 hours

Areas Within St Barts

Gustavia/South Shore

The largest town and capital on St Barts, 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. Hereyou 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.

Topography

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.

Climate

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.

What To Do & See on St Barts

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 Barts 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 Barts 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 Barts 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.

Dining on St Barts

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 Barts come to the rescue. The cuisine ranges from Continental French to island Creole, and they all serve the finest seafood you could want.

Nightlife on St Barts

St Barts is fairly quiet in the way of nightlife, but in its laid-back way, it has plenty to do. Gustavia offers watering holes to discos, and a 5-minute walk from Gustavia, the Petite Anse de Galet coastline makes for a perfect after dinner or midnight stroll. It is known also as Shell Beach for its ankle-deep piles of tiny shells.

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