Overview

The island of St. Barts, long known for its pristine beaches and mountainous countryside, is part of the Leeward Islands in the French West Indies. St. Barts Island is short for Saint Barthelemy Island or the Collectivity of Saint Barthelemy. It consists of the island of St. Barts as well as several small islands that surround it. The main island, which is approximately 9 square miles of natural beauty, is located about 150 miles away from Puerto Rico. St. Barts was originally settled by the French and then sold to the Swedish, and it continues to have many cultural ties to both nations today.

St. Barts has transformed over the years into a place where the rich and famous go to take a break from it all, partly because of it has over 20 white sand beaches, high-end designer shopping districts, and upscale restaurants.Some of its internationally famous beaches are accessible only by boat or hiking. Celebs like David Letterman, Diddy, Uma Thurman, Kate Moss, and Jimmy Buffet have all stayed on the gorgeous island of St. Barts.This is an island where culture and style are being reinvented daily.

Activities & Attractions

St. Barts has a number of beaches that are perfect for water sports of all kinds. If you want to try your hand at windsurfing, venture over to Grand Cul-de-Sac, St. Jean, or Lorient. Snorkeling, scuba diving lessons, and water skiing are also popular activities on the island. If you are interested in catching big waves, St. Barts has some excellent surfing spots as well.

Gustavia, the capital of St. Barts, is an enchanting harbor town dotted with stylish boutiques, duty-free shops, and art galleries. Gustavia also has an open-air market. Delectable gourmet cuisine can be enjoyed throughout St. Barts. There is a wide variety of dining options on this exclusive island. Several of its top restaurants are housed in historic buildings that date back to the time of its first French or Swedish settlers. If you want to view the lovely art collections on the island, stop by the Musée de St. Barthélemy.

Lodging

During the high season, St. Barts can be pricey. However, the island also has very affordable accommodations during the off-season, making it an ideal vacation destination for every budget. There are about 23 hotels on the island and several private villas, some of which are available for rent.

Transportation

Getting around the island of St. Barts is a breeze. Visitors can either travel by taxi, car, or scooter. Car rentals are the best for tourists, as it gives them the freedom to explore the island to the fullest. The island has two taxi stands, one at the airport and the other in Gustavia. There are plenty of motorbikes, mopeds, and scooters available on the island as well.