Reservations 866-270-2849 | Mention Discount Code: 27842ST. BARTS/ ST. BARTH
Overview
Bonjour! Ca va?
A guide to one of the Caribbean’s most precious gems…
Officially Saint Barthélemy, the island is an overseas territory of France and is located southeast of St. Maarten/ Martin.
Believed to have been discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493, the island was named in honor of his brother Bartolomeo. During the 1600s, the French arrived and took control from the Indigenous East Indians and in 1784 the island was sold to Sweden. France bought the island back in 1878. Among other remaining Swedish influences is the name of its capital, Gustavia.
Gustavia, unlike many, is a duty-free port. A little Caribbean, a little European, you’ll find elegant boutiques, a yacht-filled harbor, and a tranquil lifestyle.
Approximately 9 square miles, this intimate charm remains a natural haven and has approximately 8,000 residents. The island has a fusion of beautiful b eaches, breathtaking villas, amazing restaurants and chic resorts.
You’ll find ethnic restaurants such as Creole, Italian or Asian as your stroll through the streets. You’ll also find butcher shops with French cuts of meat, vegetable markets, pastry shops and grocery store shelves stocked with products exclusive from France.
St. Barts is rich and famous in the Caribbean. Famous for the numerous celebrities that frequent the island for that perfect Caribbean getaway! Throughout the year you’ll find visitors such as Jimmy Buffet, Kate Moss, Beyoncé and Jay-Z.
St. Barts is also a great place to practice your French! Most persons on the island speak English as well, and are delighted to help visitors struggle through their explanations en français.
With temperatures ranging from 20-30 degrees Celsius, pristine white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, lagoons and lush green landscapes, St. Barts is a stunning Caribbean vacation getaway rated one of the top ten beach destinations in the world by Travel Channel!
Top 10 Reasons to Go
Chances are you won’t have to go through all 10 bef ore a you’re sold on the destination, but here are the top reasons travelers should vacation in St. Barts.
1. St. Barts is an exclusive Caribbea n vacation destination.
2. The atmosphere is luxurious and chic making it the ultimate vacation hotspot for the rich and the famous from all over the world.
3. Food and wine lovers will find a heaven on earth in St. Barts. You’ll find fabulous restaurants nestled in every nook and cranny on the island. Reservations are always appreciated, and during peak seasons, they are necessary. When dining we recommend: the Francois Plantation, the Hideaway, and or La Langouste just to name a few.
4. St. Barts is unrivaled in the Caribbean for the kind of shopping experience it provides and visitors come here to purchase the latest fashions and designer outfits. Here, the high-end boutiques rub shoulders with island-made merchandise harmoniously. The Gustavia belt of shops is all about luxury whereas the St. Jean shops focuses on less glamorous clientele.
5. Deep sea fishing in the wide expanse of the blue ocean, along with surfing on the sea swells adds another dimension to beaches of the island. Windsurfing and other water sports make St. Barts an exciting destination all round.
6. With rejuven ation being the order of the day, Top St. Barts hotels have incorporated lush spas in their amenities. Isle de France and the Guanahani even allow non-guests to partake of these delights, whenever free.
7. St. Barts is also visited for its history. The famous explorer, Christopher Columbus, once visited the isle in 1493. It was also a French colonial site and bears testimony to this in its architecture.
8. St. Barts boasts of 14 glistening white sand beaches, quite a few for a small island. Keeping in line with the exclusive theme of the beach resort, they are rarely crowded and offer luxurious sunbathing. There are also beaches designed for entertainment, with water sports; the Grand Cul de Sac and St. Jean are two that fit the bill.
9. Gorgeous sunny weather pervades the atmosphere in St. Barts and light tropical showers periodically give respite from the sun’s rays making for a great holiday vacation spot.
10. French wine and Cuban cigars are available in abundance on the island. French wine is available widely, and is being retailed by one of the island’s most famous French chefs, Bernard Javelle. The best tobacconists on the island are Le Comptoir de Cigar et Panamas located on Gustavia.
Gallery
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- View of Gustavia Harbor
Images are courtesy of the St. Barts Tourist Board and Photographer : Laurent BENOIT
Getting Here
AIRPORT/GATEWAYS/FLYING TIMES: Airport: Gustavia Airport. Gateways/Flying Times: Winair flies via St. Maarten. Winair Code Share and Interline Partners (which allows checking of baggage directly through) are: US Airways, Continental, and AirFrance. St. Barth Commuter also provides air lift.
Lounge:
Dine:
Explore: Gustavia Harbour.
Website: http://www.saintbarth-tourisme.com/
If you have any questions with your existing hotel reservations or need help booking, call us at the numbers below.
