Officially named St. Barthélemy, but commonly known as St. Barts, this beautiful Caribbean island has become a paradise playground for celebrities and regular tourists alike. Here’s a list of our favorite reasons to visit that will have you planning your vacation in St Barts today!
1. Arrive by Air or Sea
There’s something rather mystical and romantic about visiting an island that’s completely a world of its own. St. Bart’s is only accessible by flying on a small turboprop plane into its small airport at St. Jean or via boat through Gustavia, its capital city. If you’re looking to truly get away from it all, there’s no better start to a vacation than completely escaping via air or sea.
2. Perfect Summertime Weather
St. Bart’s is perfect for a summertime getaway from May to June when the weather is ideal. This is the best time for sunbathers to enjoy the beach, boaters to take to the water, and hikers to wander around and see the sights. September through November is the rainy season, so tourists would do well to beware, lest they tote umbrellas around during their entire trip.
3. Breathtaking Beaches
One of the main reasons people travel to St. Barts is to frolic on its 22 white-sand beaches. With crystal-clear water and breathtaking scenery, they’re a draw for surfers and sunbathers alike. Catch some waves on Toiny beach or take in some sun and amazing views at Gouverneur Beach.
4. Snorkel and Spot Sea Creatures
Unlike scuba diving, it takes no special certification or training to snorkel. You only need to be able to swim and stay afloat, which is much easier when you’re floating around in the salty sea. The clear, clean water around St. Bart’s provides an ideal environment for snorkeling. You can spot scores of brightly-colored fish flitting around, as well as evil-looking barracudas. Keep your eyes open for friendly sea turtles and even sharks!
5. Go Diving
For a deep-water adventure, take the plunge and get your dive certification. Head to Lorient Beach to experience some of the most amazing underwater dive sites.
6. Amazing Food
If you enjoy French cuisine, St. Bart’s is your heaven. Most of the restaurants here serve traditional French fare. They use fresh, high-quality ingredients to bring you mouthwatering dishes that will have you reminiscing about your amazing meals for years.
7. Keeping It Quaint
For those who are sick of cluttered beaches lined with high-rise hotels and condos, St. Bart’s is a peaceful, laid-back alternative. Buildings over two stories are banned here, helping keep things more quaint and quiet. Adding to the effort is a restriction on cruise ships (they aren’t allowed to dock on the island) and casinos.
8. Hang Ten
From the months of December to April, St. Bart’s is hot. While this may make it oppressive for tourists wishing to walk around and see the sights, it creates the perfect place for surfers in Canada and the United States to escape the winter weather off of their coasts and hit the waves where it’s warm.
9. Spot Celebrities
Because St. Bart’s is so low-key, it’s the perfect place for A-listers to hide out and hang out. The island is a virtual playground for the rich and famous, whether they’re cruising around on yachts, taking Instagram selfies on beaches, or grabbing a bite to eat at a local cafe. Everyone from the Kardashians to Nick Jonas and Paris Hilton has been spotted here, so keep your eyes open!
10. Explore Gustavia
If you come in by boat, you’ll already be familiar with Gustavia. It’s worth returning to during your trip in order to enjoy the sights, from the forts dating back to the 17th century to shell collecting on the aptly-named Shell Beach.
11. Take a Submarine Trip (Sort Of)
If snorkeling isn’t your deal, you can still enjoy spotting sea life. Take a Yellow Submarine tour and just try not to sing the classic song as you spot fish, dolphins, sharks, and even shipwrecks from inside the semi-submersible vehicle.
12. Go High-Class in a Yacht
For a few steps above submarining, charter a yacht and spend the day relaxing in style. This will give you the opportunity to go diving, spot diverse marine life, or just hang out on deck enjoying the ocean breezes. And yes, that probably was Kim and Kanye who just sailed past you. Simply smile and wave!
13. Go Shopping
If your interests run more along the lines of high fashion and handbags than outdoor walking and water sports, St. Bart’s will give you a variety of places to get your shop on. Head to Gustavia and St. Jean and enjoy exploring the designer boutiques there.
