Only 20 miles from St-Martin, tiny, exclusive St Barths has something of a reputation as a playground for the rich and famous. Sheltering tiny, secluded bays beneath dramatic, towering cliffs, with rolling hills just begging for hilltop villas, the sheer geology of the island almost demands to be treated as a VIP retreat – not least because its tiny runway ensures it remains off-limits to mass tourism. And yet, here and there, in rustic villages and vibrant local markets, St-Barths still has plenty to offer everyone. With many locals tracing their roots back to Brittany and Normandy, St-Barths has a distinctly sophisticated, French feel, with surely more haute cuisine restaurants per head than anywhere else on earth. But sifted with intoxicating warm winds, suffused with local spices, the island also has a rich, Creole tradition, bursting out in its music and food. As you’d expect, there is plenty to do away from the beach on St-Barths, from diving and riding to snorkelling and deep-sea fishing; but in many ways St-Barths is all about the beach, with 17 of them dotted around the coast – all of them lovely, most of them palm-fringed and great for swimming – just waiting for you and your beach towel.
Facts
Capital
Gustavia
Airport
St Jean
Currency
Euros (£1= 1.17 Euros), US$ also accepted
Size
21 sq kms
Population
approx. 7,000
Average temperature
about 27 degrees centigrade. St-Barth has two seasons: the caréme, the dry season; and the hivernage, the hurricane ¬season from July to November, when heavier rains are expected.
Local highlights
Anse de Colombier in the far west of the island is a stunning, powdery white beach, while Anse de Gouverneur is a little more rugged, but no less beautiful; the fort-flanked capital Gustavia is a super chic spot for some window-shopping and strolls along the marina, with superb restaurants for all budgets and tastebuds; perhaps the best restaurants in the Caribbean; super chic beach shacks, such as Sand Bar and Nikki Beach on St Jean beach; collecting shells on Grande Chalet, otherwise known as ‘Shell Beach’; the village of Corossol, like something out of 19th century Brittany; January music festival; people-watching at Le Select bar in Gustavia; sculpture galleries in Gustavia.
Getting out and about
There is no bus service on St-Barths, and taxis are pricey, so hiring a car is by far the best option. Roads are very steep on St Barts, so if you are hiring a car – which is a great way to see the island – a 4x4 jeep is recommended. There is an excellent ferry service between St-Barthélemy and St-Martin, with a journey time from 40 to 90 minutes, depending on the craft.
Travel arrangements
Access to St Barts is via Antigua. Flying time London to Antigua is approximately 8 hours. British Airways and Virgin have direct flights to Antigua. BMI flies from Manchester. You can also fly daily with Air France via Paris and St Martin. Flying time Paris to St Martin is about 9 hours. Then there is an onward flight of about 10 minutes to St Barts.