St. Barts
St Barthélemy
From its picture postcard harbor to its 22 spectacular beaches, many visitors consider this small island the most beautiful in the Caribbean. Its green, hilly landscape houses sparkling lagoons, meadows marked with low stone fences and lovely villages, all surrounded by coral reefs and clear azure waters. A favorite retreat of the rich and famous - Tom Hanks proposed to Rita Wilson here, and one of the beaches is called Rockefeller after a former owner -- St. Barts is renowned for its natural beauty, delicious cuisine, chic shops and laid back atmosphere.
Also known as Saint Barths, the island was discovered by Columbus in 1493 and named for his brother Bartolomeo. It was first claimed by France in 1648, then sold to Sweden in 1785, then sold back to France in 1878. The Swedes left their mark by naming the capital in honor of King Gustav III and their blond, fair-skinned, blue-eyed progeny spread across the island.
Much of the colony's early prosperity came from French buccaneers who swarmed to the island, bringing plunder taken from Spanish galleons. One of the most famous, Monbars the Exterminator, reputedly hid his treasure so well it still remains somewhere between the beaches of Anse du Gouverneur and Grande Saline.
When the Swedes took over, they declared St. Barts a neutral free port and made fortunes in trade. Now, tourism is the primary focus of the island. The capital is Gustavia, a charming little duty-free port filled with red-roofed buildings, numerous boutiques and a harbor bustling with small boats and big yachts. Many of the full-time residents are French citizens. French is the primary language spoken, but many locals also speak English, particularly at the hotels and restaurants.
Speaking of restaurants, St. Barts is considered by many to be the culinary capital of the Caribbean. Dining in St. Barts is one life's great pleasures, and the island's eight square miles boast more than 100 eating establishments. Many top young French chefs do a not-exactly-hardship tour here, and the blend of local produce, fresh seafood, and French culinary talents result in some memorable meals. Since St. Barts doesn't have large resorts or casinos, dining more than amply substitutes for nightlife.
In the words of their tourism department, the heart of a St. Barts holiday is spent doing very little besides relaxing in the warmth of the Caribbean and letting time slow down. For the record, St. Barthélemy is part of the European Union and has a mayor, a town constable and a security force of gendarmes. This force is sent from France for what must surely be one of the best tours of duty on earth.
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