St. Barthelemy, more commonly referred to as St. Barts, lies only 15 miles off the southeast coast of St. Martin. This V-shaped island of only 8 sq. miles sports 14 white sand beaches that ring this hilly and oh-so-French island nation. This tiny nook in the Caribbean sea has made sure that large-scale development and tourism has not made its way to these shores. The low buildings blend in with the surrounding terrain and there is no cruise ship port on the island. The 6,500 people who call St. Barts their home like things this way and at most restaurants, movies, and music events you are likely to have as many locals sitting around you as tourists.
St. Barts is a small volcanic island with just one main town, its capital, Gustavia and 12 small villages. Its 14 white sand beaches are all public and free. On an island this small, the tourism zone actually takes place around the entire island. With a rental car you will be able to sightsee the entire island, but for even more fun, rent a mini-moke or a scooter. Probably the best way to sightsee St. Barts is from a boat excursion as many parts of the island are only accessible from the water.
Activities abound in St. Barts so let’s start near the water. Many villas, cottages, and apartments line these beautiful beaches and interspersed among them are a wonderful collection of restaurants, bistros, and bars. The crystal-clear turquoise waters that surround St. Barts invite you to explore either above or below the surface. Diving, snorkeling, fishing and sailing are among the most popular activities. As you drive up into the hills you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic vistas of the island, small quaint villages, and the sea below.
Most people who stay in St. Barts are actually staying on the island, although each day a large number of tourists come over from St. Martin via a ferry for a day trip. This may cause some crowding during the day in Gustavia and on the beaches, but as evening approaches these people return to St. Martin and St. Barts returns to an evening filled with great food and drink, movies, and music.
Dining in St. Barts is not just a necessity it’s actually a major attraction, maybe even a lifestyle. Remember this is a French island and food is their passion. With over 75 cafes, restaurants, and bistros, you can enjoy cuisine that ranges from local Caribbean to very, very French. At most of the restaurants and cafes you can enjoy music that runs the gamut from steel drums to a gentle piano or even jazz. St. Barts also has an open-air theater which shows recently-released French films and others.
St. Barts is truly a magical destination where you can play hard during the day then settle into an evening of fantastic food and drinks and fiery sunsets.
