The dreamy island of St Barthemlemy, abbreviated St Barts is an ideal Caribbean vacation destination. Long stretches of sandy beaches, greenery and teal blue waters make it a relaxing and recharging place. St Barts villas on the beach are some of the most sought after vacation rentals around.
About 250 kilometers east of Puerto Rico this island is a popular destination for the rich and famous and those looking to class it up a bit. Christopher Columbus made his way there in 1493 and named the island after his brother Bartolomeo. The island has been under Swedish and English rule but is primarily a French colony that has become known for its luxury resorts. French is the official language, but most residents also speak English.
This is a volcanic island fully encircled by shallow reefs. At only about 25 square kilometers, this small island enjoys sunshine nearly all year long and the winds keep the humidity pleasantly low. Rugged cliffs and hidden stretches of post card perfect beaches make this Caribbean island a place to remember. As you are looking to plan your next dreamy escape, here are four reasons to go to St Barts.
The Beaches
There are fourteen dreamy and wonderful beaches open to the public around St Barts. When reading about what to do on this island, entire articles are dedicated solely to describing the appealing qualities of each beach. Here is a closer break down of two awesome beaches to check out. No matter which beach you go to, please remember to be an environmentally aware visitors. Coral reef ecosystems are extremely fragile. Stepping on or kicking coral can cause damage that takes lifetimes to grow back. Use eco-friendly sun screen and make sure to apply it about twenty minutes before you enter the water so it has a chance to set in. If you see any trash while you are there, there is no reason you can’t help the sea life out and put a floating plastic bottle in the trash can if you can.
Baie de St Jean: This idyllic stretch of sandy beach adjacent to brilliant teal waters is great for wind surfing or snorkeling. The reef system generally protects these waters and keeps them calm. This is a busy beach on the island and makes for great people watching. The small airport is nearby and you can keep tabs on how many people are coming and going from the island. Near the beach there are tasty bistros and cute boutique stores if you get hungry or need a reprieve from the sun.
Anse des Flamands: Unless you are staying on the north side of the island you may not even know this beach exists. However it can be easily reachable as it is only three miles north of the main port at Gustavia. A rarity on this island, if you are lucky you can snag a tiny patch of shade from the palm trees near the beach. If you are looking for a bit of exercise other than beach walking, try the semi strenuous hike to the nearby dormant volcano. This is the volcano that is believed to have formed St Barts. If you are driving yourself there, some visitors have noted it is worth getting there early as the parking spaces are limited.
Shop and Explore Gustavia
A high end shopping hot spot, Gustavia is known as one of the shopping capitals of the Caribbean. Here is the spot for fancy shopping, design outlets and plenty of stores dotting the narrow streets and alleyways. The main center of the action is along the iconic Quai de la Republique. The Carre d’Ot Plaza is also home to St Barts local bands and creative designers. The La Savane Center across from the small airport also has a lot of nice shops as well.
Stay in Amazing Accommodation
This is the place to plan and a trip and not hold back. St Barts is known for taking even experienced luxury travelers to a whole new level of luxury. This island prides itself on hosting social elites while still maintaining a charming and relaxed vibe. Many savvy travelers are finding the benefits of veering away from traditional hotel bookings and instead opting to rent a private villa all for themselves. By doing so they still get all the creature comforts of home but with a sampling of more lavish amenities. If you are able to travel with a group of friends or family and split the cost of these types of accommodations, there are some great deals to be found.
Visit the Inter Oceans Museum
The Inter Oceans Museum is in the small and charming town of Corossol Village on the western side of St Barts. The passionate oceanographer Ingenu Magras set this place up and it is one of the islands most quirky and different exhibition centers. The museum holds more than 9000 shells and lots of other marine related objects of interest. Guests can take a tour of the seabed of the Caribbean and see what types of creatures live between St Barts coral reefs and the sand banks. Once you have finished your museum visit, the town of Corossol is a wonderful place to spend some time exploring.
As you are looking for a place to plan your next vacation full of beaches, sun and warm waters for swimming, make sure you keep St Barts on the top of that list. This charming island will be waiting for you.
2018 ·