ST Barts

**Destination Guide: St. Barts, Caribbean**

**Summary**

Saint Barthélemy, more commonly known as St. Barts, is a small, volcanic isle located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea. This picturesque sanctuary is known for its stunning beaches adorned with high-end restaurants, pristine waters, ritzy boutiques, and lavish villas. It is an overseas collectivity of France, offering a delightful fusion of Caribbean sun, sand, and laid-back atmosphere with a European twist of sophistication and luxury.

**History**

The island was initially inhabited by indigenous people, who referred to it as Ouanalao. Christopher Columbus discovered St. Barts during his second Caribbean journey in 1493, naming it in honor of his brother Bartolomeo. The French took control of the island in the 17th century. During the Napoleonic Wars, it was briefly handed back to Sweden in exchange for trade privileges, becoming a vibrant center for trading and shipping activities. In 1878, St. Barts returned to French hands. Today, its Swedish legacy is still visible in the capital city, Gustavia, named after King Gustav III of Sweden.

**Landmarks**

1. **Gustavia Harbor:** Bustling with yachts, this sheltered port reflects a vibrant maritime culture. Its surrounding area teems with shopping venues, trendy restaurants, and historical sites reminiscent of its Swedish and French colonial past.

2. **Fort Gustav:** This historical site offers panoramic views of Gustavia Harbor. Although the fort itself is in ruins, the vista and old cannon site make it a worthwhile visit.

3. **Wall House Museum:** Located in Gustavia, this museum showcases the history and culture of St. Barts, from its indigenous people’s roots to its modern flare.

4. **St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church:** A quaint 19th-century church in Gustavia with a bell tower providing impressive views of the harbor.

5. **Shell Beach:** Near Gustavia, it’s known for its shells instead of traditional sand. There’s also a restaurant on the beach for refreshments.

6. **Saline Beach:** One of the most unspoiled beaches on the island, a brief hike leads to its powdery sands and crystal-clear waters.

7. **Gouverneur Beach:** A secluded beach with remarkable vistas, and according to local lore, it holds buried pirate treasure.

8. **Grand Cul-de-Sac:** This lagoon is popular for water sports like windsurfing, kite surfing and paddleboarding due to its shallow, calm waters.

9. **Toiny Coast:** A wilder side of St. Barts, featuring a coastline highlighted by cliffs and strong waves. It’s perfect for a challenging hike.

10. **Colombier Beach:** Accessible only by foot or boat, this secluded spot offers fantastic snorkeling opportunities.

**Restaurants**

1. **Bonito:** An upscale, elegant venue offering French-Latin fusion cuisine with stunning harbor views.

2. **Le Toiny Restaurant:** Fine dining venue located hotel Le Toiny, serving exquisite French and Caribbean dishes.

3. **Orega:** A Franco-Japanese gourmet restaurant in Gustavia, serving creative and high-quality dishes.

4. **L’Isola:** Classic Italian cuisine showcased in a sophisticated atmosphere, widely regarded as one of the finest dining spots.

5. **Le Select:** Known as the inspiration for Jimmy Buffet’s song “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” this laid-back spot is perfect for burgers and beers.

6. **Maya’s:** A beach-front restaurant in Public, catering to the tastes of St. Barts’ international clientele, with a changing menu based on what’s fresh and in season.

7. **Shellona:** Known for its Mediterranean cuisine and beachfront location on Shell Beach, providing a vibrant dining experience.

8. **Tamarin:** Set in a beautiful garden, Tamarin offers delicious global cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.

9. **On The Rocks:** Located at the Eden Rock Hotel, where Jean-Georges Vongerichten serves up global dishes with an emphasis on seafood.

10. **Bagatelle:** Known for its lively atmosphere and renowned for its French cuisine, located in the heart of Gustavia.

**Bars**

1. **Nikki Beach:** An upscale, vibrant beach club known for its lively parties, and high-end beachfront cocktails.

2. **Bonito:** A French-Latin fusion restaurant, perfect for sipping craft cocktails, with harbor views from the elevated bar.

3. **Le Select:** The ideal spot for a relaxed beer in classic Caribbean surroundings.

4. **Rhum Room:** Specializing in rum, offering an impressive selection, most of which are Caribbean in origin.

5. **O’Corail:** A beach bar with colorful cocktails and an equally bright setting on the sands of Grand Cul-De-Sac beach.

6. **Modjo St. Barts:** A trendy bar with a nightlife vibe, playing a good blend of music until late.

7. **Papa’s Bar:** Offering a wide range of cocktails and a relaxed atmosphere, overlooked by the beautiful St Jean Bay.

8. **Bar de l’Oubli:** Serving refreshing drinks in the heart of Gustavia, popular among locals and visitors alike.

9. **Bagatelle:** Perfect for enjoying an evening out in Gustavia, with its blend of delicious cocktails and lively atmosphere.

10. **Foxy’s Lounge Bar:** Located on Shell Beach, Foxy’s offers a stunning beachfront location to enjoy a cocktail.

**Entertainment**

1. **Eden Rock Gallery:** Visit this art gallery for a selection of works by international and local artists.

2. **Local Markets:** Experience the local culture at vibrant markets held in Gustavia.

3. **The Annual St. Barts Music Festival:** Classical, ballet, and jazz performances featuring artists from all over the world.

4. **Scuba Diving:** Crystal clear waters make it perfect for discovering hidden underwater treasures.

5. **Wind Adventures:** Offering watersport adventures like windsurfing and kiteboarding at Grand Cul-de-Sac lagoon.

6. **The Carnival:** A traditional pre-Lenten festival in Gustavia filled with parades and dancing.

7. **Luxury Shopping:** St. Barts hosts several high-end designer boutiques including Cartier, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes.

8. **Sailing:** Charter a catamaran or classic monohull to explore the stunning coastline and surrounding islands.

9. **Yoga Center:** Offering beach yoga classes, perfect for relaxation.

10. **Deep Sea Fishing:** Charter a fishing boat and experience the thrill of deep-sea fishing.

**Living in St. Barts**

1. **Gustavia:** The capital city, a mix of luxury and quaint charm with its streets lined with boutiques, high-end restaurants, and a beautiful harbor, exhibiting an alluring blend of small-town charm and cosmopolitan sophistication.

2. **St Jean:** Known for its lively vibe with beautiful beaches, lots of shops, and a variety of restaurants and bars. Home to the famous Eden Rock Hotel.

3. **Lorient:** A somewhat unaffected area, popular with locals, and home to beautiful beaches and an old church.

4. **Vitet:** Offering some of the most beautiful views of the islands, this quiet and residential area is quite exclusive.

5. **Anse des Cayes:** Renowned for its surf beach, this area is perfect for those who love the sea and live an active lifestyle, yet still want to maintain the quintessential Caribbean way of life.

**Conclusion**

St. Barts is undeniably an exclusive paradise, offering an enticing blend of natural beauty, history, gastronomy, and vibrant entertainment. It’s a place where luxury seamlessly marries simple Caribbean charm. From its beautiful beaches to its upscale dining and shopping, it provides a picture-perfect retreat. St. Barts welcomes you with open arms to embrace its laid-back island charm or indulge in the five-star luxury it’s famed for. Visit St. Barts once, and it’s bound to be a destination you’ll long to return.