Travel Almanac #1, St. Barts: A Slice of French Culture in the Heart of the Carribean
An Introduction to Paradise: Welcome to St. Barts
The Allure of St. Barts: Understanding the Island's Charms
St. Barts is a small volcanic island located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea. Despite its size, it packs a significant punch in terms of its natural beauty and cultural richness. At the heart of the island is Gustavia, the capital and main town, characterized by its red-roofed buildings, luxury yachts, and quaint harbor. The town's charm is reminiscent of a French Riviera village, with a touch of Caribbean warmth. There’s nothing quite like it on earth.
The French influence in St. Barts is pervasive and delightful. You'll see it in the quaint architecture reminiscent of a French seaside village, hear it in the lilting French accents of the locals, and taste it in the delicious fusion of French and Caribbean flavors that grace the local cuisine.
Where to Stay
Though the island is small there are distinct areas that each give a different experience to guests staying or visiting. A few of the more notable areas are:
Gustavia
The island's capital, Gustavia, is a vibrant, bustling hub where French sophistication meets Caribbean charm. Here, you'll find excellent dining options, high-end shopping, historical landmarks, and an active nightlife.
Luxury: Hotel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf offers excellent harbor views and first-rate service.
Mid-Range: Hotel Villa Lodge 4 Epices is a boutique hotel with lovely sea views and private pools in some rooms.
Budget: Sunset Hotel offers simple, clean rooms with a convenient location.
St. Jean
Home to the popular St. Jean Beach and the famous Eden Rock, this area is vibrant and full of life. Here, you'll find a mix of beach clubs, shops, and restaurants, with plenty of watersport activities.
St. Jean Beach is the place to be if your top priority is walking to a new beach club every day. It’s also very centrally located, with easy access to the rest of the island. The only downside? Traffic can get backed up through here at the island’s “rush hour".”
Luxury: Eden Rock offers luxury villas and suites with an outstanding dining experience.
Mid-Range: Les Ilets de la Plage offers beachfront villas with kitchenettes.
Budget: Emeraude Plage offers bungalows in a garden setting right on the beach.
Grand Cul-de-Sac
Grand Cul-de-Sac is known for its turquoise lagoon, making it perfect for families with young children and water sports enthusiasts. Here you can try kite surfing, paddle boarding, and kayaking.
Top Pick: Hotel Le Barthélemy features a lovely pool area and direct beach access. It’s TA‘s favorite hotel on the island because of its service and beautiful location.
Luxury: Another nice choice in the area is Le Sereno Hotel, offering beachfront suites and villas with a modern design.
Attractions: St. Barts’ Best
The island's allure lies in its myriad of attractions. Beach lovers can relax on Shell Beach or St. Jean Beach, each offering a unique beachside experience. History buffs will appreciate Fort Gustav and Wall House Museum, providing fascinating insights into the island's past. And for the shopaholics, St. Barts’ luxury boutiques and vibrant markets are a treat.
Experiencing St. Barts: Adventure and Nightlife
Whether you're an adventure enthusiast or a nightlife lover, St. Barts has you covered. Its abundant marine life offers excellent snorkeling opportunities, while the island’s sailing and hiking options cater to the more active traveler. Your hotel concierge can recommend hikes, and it’s best to get a local’s POV because some of them can be hard to find.
On the nightlife front St. Bart’s beach clubs are some of the world’s best, playing lively french EDM that pairs perfectly with a glass of champagne. Hot Tip: every beach club has a different vibe depending on the day. Make sure to call ahead and make reservations, and don’t be shy about inquiring about the DJ/music on the days that interest you.
Nikki Beach, one of the island’s most iconic, is TA’s top choice.
Practical Information: Traveling to and Around St. Barts
Getting to St. Barts can be an adventure, and you have a few options. Most people fly into St Maartin (Airport code SXM), and then connect by boat, airplane, or helicopter. For the budget traveler, the ferry will be the best option, starting at $15 each way. It’s not a long trip, but it’s not luxurious either.
Our standard recommendation would be to jump on a flight. Currently, prices for that are around $200/person and the flights, while not the most comfortable, are very short. But be warned, if you’re afraid of flying you have one of the world’s most difficult approaches ahead of you. Check the picture at the top of this guide if you’re not sure what I’m talking about (or don’t, if you prefer not to know).
The luxe option is a helicopter transfer from SXM to SBH. This is an awesome choice if you can afford it. The approach to SBH via helicopter is extraordinarily picturesque and you’ll feel like you fit in with the rich and famous who summer on St. Barts.
Conclusion: A Unique Caribbean Gem
Whether you seek the rhythm and vibrancy of Gustavia, the sun-kissed allure of St. Jean, the serene beauty of Pointe Milou, the water sports haven of Grand Cul-de-Sac, or the untouched authenticity of Corossol, the island caters to every traveler's dream.
Just be sure you’re up for a bit of an extended adventure getting there, and if you’re budget-conscious keep in mind that there’s a reason this island is a playground for the rich and famous.