Traveling is one of the best ways to experience a different culture and a new way of living. And with so many amazing destinations in the world, it can be hard to choose where to go next. Today we are going to talk about St. Barthelemy Island, a tiny island off the coast of the great France that is perfect for those who want to take a quick getaway. The island is just 45 minutes away from Guadeloupe and will allow you to experience French culture without having to fly too far away from the most popular tourist country in the world.
St. Barthelemy is a unique, pristine, and picturesque island that many people have been looking to visit for years. This beautiful island is a popular destination for those who want to experience the true Caribbean. But before you hop on a plane and head out to St. Barthelemy, here are some things you should know about the country so you can be fully prepared for your trip.
Quick facts: A brief history
Source: stbarth.com
Saint Barthélemy, also known as St. Barts, is an island in the West Indies located north of Saint Martin and east of Anguilla. The French side of the island is a popular yachting destination and home to the world’s most luxurious hotel, Hotel de Paris.
The island has a rich history, with occupation by several European nations. The earliest settlements are due to Sir Francis Drake’s landing in 1586 which allowed England to set up trading posts on the island as part of the Triangular trade.
The island is one of the few islands in the Caribbean that has never been colonized by any other country and so remains under French rule to this day.
Tropical plants and flowers cover most of the island and provide a wonderful backdrop for many of its picturesque landscapes. The majority of plant life on the island is concentrated in three areas: Maho, Anse de Colombier, and Baie Longue. Maho is home to the world-famous Maho Bay, where visitors can snorkel or dive through coral reefs and see bright-colored fish swimming all around them.
The best time to travel to Saint Barthelemy
Source: vogue.com
The weather and climate, snorkeling, and sunsets are amazing in St. Barthelemy all year round, but there are other reasons to plan your trip during specific seasons.
Winter: If you’re looking for some winter sun, St. Barthelemy can be an excellent choice for a winter getaway, especially if you’re looking for a warm climate that isn’t too hot or humid. Many people book their stay during Christmas and New Year’s Eve, making it easy to experience both the winter and holiday season on this tropical island.
Spring & Fall: These are two of the best times to travel to Saint Barthelemy because they are shoulder seasons. The crowds have yet to arrive at these particular times, that is if you are one who doesn’t like spending their vacation in a crowded location, read more.
Things you shouldn’t miss on St. Barthelemy Island
There are many things to see and do while vacationing on St. Barthelemy Island. You can visit the famous Gustavia harbor, go snorkeling in some of the best spots in the Caribbean or enjoy a relaxing day at one of the many beaches. The possibilities are endless, so here are some places you shouldn’t miss if you travel to this island:
Gustavia Harbor (Vieux-Port)
This harbor is located in Gustavia, which was built during Swedish times and now has around 4,000 inhabitants. In the harbor, you will find luxury yachts and fishing boats as well as pirate cruises that can entertain you on your visit there.
St. Jean Beach
Source: access.sb
For the best view of St. Barth’s Bay and one of the best beaches in the world, head to St. Jean Beach. This beach has white sand, crystal clear waters, and great snorkeling opportunities in addition to its lovely views. A fun fact about this beach is that it’s considered one of the most romantic places in the world.
Jardin Exotique
This garden is located just feet from your villa doorstep and offers wonderful views of St. Jean Bay as well as some very unique flora that you won’t find anywhere else! It’s also a great place to take pictures for memories.
Napoleon House
This house was built by Napoleon Bonaparte’s brother, Joseph Bonaparte during his exile to St. Barth and has since become the island’s most famous attraction! Make sure to check out this historical site while still at St. Barthelemy.
Beaches
Source: travelandleisure.com
Aside from St. Jean, there are numerous beaches with over 10 miles of beachfront property, there are many beautiful beaches that you should check out during your trip. One of the most popular beaches on Saint Barths is Anse de Gouverneur Beach that offers a great place to relax on a soft, white sand beach or on one of the many lounge chairs available for rent. If you’re looking for something more secluded, head over to Anse de Grande Saline Beach or Anse de Flamands Beach which both boast beautiful views and white sand beaches.
The Weather and Climate
The climate on St. Barts is tropical with a rainy season from May to November, but rarely strong enough to ruin your plans for the day or night out on the town or an early morning swim in the warm waters at Baie de l’Embouchure beach or Anse de Gouverneur beach. It’s a very narrow strip of land that runs from north to south. The highest point on the island is Morne Trois Pitons, which reaches an elevation of 463 meters (1,519 feet).
Where to Stay
Most of the hotels on St. Barts are located in Gustavia which is divided into three sections: the lower town, which is where you will find all restaurants, shops, and markets; the middle town contains most of the luxury hotels, and the upper town offers more exclusive hotels for those who want more privacy and exclusivity than what you get in the lower town.
Conclusion
This island has a lot to offer, especially if you love spending time on the beach. Barts by some people, but no matter what you call it, this island is a great place to spend some time during your next vacation. The weather and sunsets are amazing in St. Barthelemy all year round, but there are other reasons to plan your trip during specific seasons. St. Barthelemy is the next place you want to visit.
