Saint Barthélemy Flag
"Heaven on Earth"
Why visit St Barthelemy (aka: St Bart, St Barts or St Barth)?
For the affluent Luxury Traveler seeking ATV adventure, beautiful white sand beaches, boating, designer boutiques, diving, duty-free shopping, French ambiance, leisure fine dining, hilly landscape, open air jeeps, snorkeling, Swedish vibes, uncrowded destination, and yachts.
Photo Credit: Reissaamme/Pixabay
At a Glance
- Souvenirs to Buy: Art, cigars, cosmetics, crystal, designer clothing, flower essences, handcrafted straw goods, jewelry, liquors, mahogany reproductions of colonial furniture, natural haircare products, perfumes, porcelain, pottery, watches, and wine.
- Local Cuisine to Try: Accras (cod fritters). Fangui (cornmeal dish).
History
- In 1493, Christopher Columbus sailed passed the island.
- In 1648 French Settler moved onto the island.
- In 1651, the island was sold to the Knights of Malta.
- In 1763, French mariners from Normandy and Brittany moved onto the island.
- In 1878, sold the island back to the French.
- In 1957, David Rockefeller, an American Millionaire purchased a property on the island. Transforming to upscale island tourism.
- In 1996, the first St Barth Film Festival was held promoting Caribbean films and filmmakers.
Fun Facts
- The only Caribbean Island once a Swedish Colony. Yet, the culture, cuisine and language is distinctly French.
- Referred to as the "French Riviera" in the Caribbean Islands.
- Before the French Revolution, King Louis XVI sold the island to King Gustav of Sweden in exchange for Sweden Trading Rights.
- A volcanic island encircled by shallow reefs.
Shell Beach, Gustavia, Saint Barthélemy. Photo Credit: kristinekelly/Pixabay
Special Holidays/Occasions
- Annual Events: (January) Carnival, Literacy Festival & Book Exchange, Music Festival, (March) Gastronomic Festival, St Barth Festival of Caribbean Cinema, St Barts Bucket Regatta, (April) Les Voiles de St Barth Regatta, St Barth Film Festival, (May) SBJAM Music Festival, St Barth Cata Cup, (July) Fête in Anse des Cayes, Heritage Festival, Northern Neighborhood, (August) Feast Day, Fetes Patronale, Fête of St Barthélemy, Fête of St Louis, SB Jam Festival, Regattas, Windward Island Fête, and (November) Gustavialoppet.
- Holidays: New Years Day, Easter Monday, Labour Day, V-E Day, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, Bastille Day, Assumption Day, All Saints Day, Armistice Day, and Christmas Day.
Good to Know
- Daylight savings time is not observed.
- Gustaf III was ranked the world's third most airport on The History Channel, Most Extreme Airports program.
- Sint Maarten is a short ferry ride, however, strong currents can make for rough water crossing.
- Nude and topless sunbathing is permitted.
- Whales Migrate Season is May - April and August for sea turtles.
- French is the official language, but English is widely spoken.
- Windsurfing is popular on windward beaches.
- Restaurant Bar, Le Select is said to be Jimmy Buffett's inspiration to "Cheeseburger in Paradise" song.
- You may enjoy reading Case et Cuisine - Traditional Living & Fine Dining in St Barthelemy.
- Movies that may inspire your visit Arthur (1981), Arthur II (1988) and Salt (2010).
- Volleyball is the most popular sport on St Barts.
- Restaurants tend to add a 15% service charge.
- Taxi drivers expect a tip of 10% of the fare.
- There are public bathrooms.
- Has no rivers or streams.
- La Ligne de St Barth is locally sourced products from the island consisting of flowers and plants.
- Tourism industry is unevenly regulated and inspections do not commonly occur.
- Prevalent Diseases: Chikungunya & Dengue.
This international destination requires:
- A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
- Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000EUR.
Hurricane Season is June - November.
- Coolest Season: January - March
- Humid & Hottest: June - September
- Peak Season: December - April
- Shoulder Season: September - October
Your Must-See & Do
- Historical Sites: Fort Gustave
- Museums: Corossol Musee Interocean, Musee Municipal de St. Barthelemy and Museum le P'tit Collectionneur.
- Popular Attractions: Anse de Flamands, Anse de Grande Saline, Anse de St Jean, Corossol, Anse de Toiny, Anse du Colombier, Anse du Gouverneur, Columbier Lookout Point, Grand Cul de Sac Beach, Gustavia, Le Petit Anse, Lorient, Nature Reserve of Saint-Barthélemy, Swedish Belfry and Swedish Clock Tower.
Photo Credit: H Rabbitt/Pixabay
My industry designation earned as a Caribbean Specialist combined with our local connections with Cruise Lines, Tour Operators, Hotels, Resorts, Airlines, Villa Rental Companies, Adventure Travel providers and Limo companies will offer you Exclusive Benefits that you won't be able to achieve on your own. Such as: Complimentary Breakfast for Two Daily, Dining or Resort Credit, Spa Treatment, Airport Transfer, or other privileges. Even Room Upgrades, Early Check-In and Late Check-Out when available.
Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel? Your one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney I Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals
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All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.
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