Saint Barts in the Caribbean is a hotspot for luxury and adventurous travellers. The tiny island is St Martins neighbour and gets only a small number of annual visitors. You can find some spectacular Villas in Saint Barts along the coast that are among the best in the world. If you’ve never heard of the island or don’t know anything about it, check out these reasons why you should take a holiday to Saint Bart’s this year.
Some of the Caribbean’s Best Beaches
Saint Barts has a total of 22 beaches spanning the coastline. Some are popular with locals who like to hang out with their friends in the evening. Others have a handful of resorts and vacation rentals nearby. Expect a band of white sand curving around the shore. Thick jungle borders to the one side as the gentle waves roll in on the other. You can easily find secluded beaches in Saint Barts. Rent a car and drive around the mountain roads and you’ll find your own slice of paradise. If you like surfing, head to Toiny Beach where the waves crash offshore bringing in a current to ride.
St Bart’s Doesn’t Feel Touristy
The Caribbean receives millions of tourists each year. Cruise ships dock at the popular ports and the tiny seaside down become overrun with visitors every day. The resorts on other islands burst with holidaymakers taking away the charm and charisma of the islands. Saint Barts, on the other hand, is relatively unknown. This means it only gets a fraction of the tourists compared to more popular spots like Jamaica. So, you’ll have more opportunities to see the real Saint Barts rather than the superficial touristy zones.
The Perfect Honeymoon Destination
Because of the beauty of the island, it has become a magnet for honeymooners in recent years. Saint Barts can be defined as the closest thing to a tropical paradise. You can find vacation rentals next to the coastline overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Sit in the rooftop infinity pool. Relax with a glass of wine. Then watch the sunset. Then you can get a car and drive down to town and enjoy the exceptional dining experiences. If you want to have a luxury getaway filled with romance, Saint Barts is the place for you.
The Island’s Picturesque Capital Gustavia
Saint Bart’s capital Gustavia almost resembles a fairytale-like tropical paradise. The small buildings have the island’s characteristic red roofs which make them look a little bit similar to a gingerbread house. You can walk around the capital (more of a small town) in a single afternoon. Highlights include both Fort Gustaf and Fort Karl in the northern part of Gustavia. Spend an hour or two at Shell Beach or watch the world pass by overlooking the harbour.
Yacht-Lovers Paradise
Saint Barts is a haven for exclusive luxury yachts. Wealthy owners moor up on the island after cruising around the Caribbean. You can stand in the harbour and count hundreds of yachts of all shapes and sizes. Some of the larger ones cost millions of dollars. Even if you’re not a yacht owner, you can still soak up the atmosphere. Stand in the harbour and snap photos of the elegant vessels. Stroll around and read the quirky names and wave to the people on board.
Saint Barts has the Perfect Climate
It doesn’t get too hot in Saint Barts. Nor does it get too cold. Temperatures hover in the high 20s (Celsius) all year round. This is the ideal weather for wearing t-shirts and shorts and sunbathing on the beach. May and June see slightly cooler temperatures while December and January get higher temperatures. If you love the sun and want to top up your tan, Saint Barts makes the perfect holiday destination. Despite having a rainy season, you can practically guarantee good weather for most of the year.
Incredible Food
Stroll around the waterfront in Gustavia and you’ll find plenty of high-end restaurants. Some offer the catch of the day while others focus more on international cuisine. But the real culinary treat lies in the island’s unique fusion of French and Creole food. Order the grilled yellowtail snapper or warm zucchini soup with lobster fritters. If you want to try some of the more local dishes, order some street food from the vendors. You’ll feel an explosion of flavour when you bite down, and come away with a deeper appreciation of Caribbean food.
You Might Bump into Your Favourite Celebrity
Saint Martin receives the highest number of celebrities on vacation compared to its island-nation neighbours. The likes of Roman Abramovich and The Clooneys have their own private villas on the island. If you drive around, you’ll occasionally come across an enormous complex with a higher level of security than most properties on the island. These are where the celebrities spend their time. Paparazzi often follow the celebs on Saint Martin and you might see them hanging outside their villas. Because of the island’s population of just 35,000 people, you have a much higher chance of bumping into someone famous. Especially down near the waterfront or in the restaurants. Keep your eyes peeled. You never quite know who you’ll bump into.
Luxurious Holidays in Saint Barts
The island paradise allures celebrities and yacht-owners, but doesn’t see the hordes of tourists like some of its Caribbean neighbours. Visitors can book coastal villas, try a unique fusion of French-Creole cuisine and explore the quaint capital Gustavia. Check out the gorgeous white-sand beaches and keep your eyes open for famous faces.
