St. Barth travels Tips
While other Caribbean
islands prospered thanks to large sugar cane plantations and slavery, Saint
Barthélemy which became Swedish in 1784—flourished from commerce
and contraband. Back under the French flag a century later (1878),
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the island maintained
its penchant for business and also benefitted form the fiscal advantages
allowed by Sweden. Saint Barthélemy eventually attracted international
investors and tourism became the most important element of the local economy.
In spite of their traditional values, the Saint Barths were able to negotiate
the rapid transition to a modern lifestyle and the advent of tourism, without
abandoning their destiny to strictly foreign development as might be true
on other islands in the Antilles.
The Weather on St. Barts:
SBH experiences lovely
trade winds, blue skies and puffy clouds for most of the year. The temperature
varies between between low 80s F (27-32 C) during the day to mid-70s F
(15-25 C) at night. The temperature does not increase significantly in
the summer months (which are a great time to visit). The island is very
arid. However, there are occasional rain showers where a single cloud will
briefly pass over the island (see example to left). |
"Rainy season/hurricane season"
is generally considered to be September and October (although technically
hurricane season runs from July - November) and a number of hotels and
restaurants on the island close down during these two months.
BEACHES
The other decision you'll
have is what beach to go to. There are several, and all have their attributes
and their fan clubs. My favorite is Flamands Beach. Many prefer Saline
Beach or Gouverneur, on the opposite side of the island. Others prefer
St. Jean or Lorient Beach. Grand Cul de Sac isn't exciting but it’s protected
and has a pretty view; it’s a great place to windsurf, kayak, or take out
a paddle boat, and it’s a really safe beach if you have small children.
Shell Beach is small and convenient to town, and if you happen to be staying
in Corossol there is a cute little beach there as well. Wherever you are,
you're never more than 5 or 10 minutes from a great beach, and that is
where most visitors spend their days. Of course you can also charter a
boat for a day sail, go snorkeling, hike or bike around the island’s many
trails.
Why this outpouring of affection
for and devotion to St. Barths?
To us, it arises from
the happy balance of all of the ingredients necessary for a perfect Caribbean
vacation (or life for that matter!) that the island possesses. The people
are sophisticated yet very friendly and down-to-earth. The shops and hotels
run the gamut from simple to world class, but the cleanliness and quality
of service are uniformly excellent.The food, whether consumed in restaurants
of all price levels or purchased from numerous shops scattered throughout
the island, is the equivalent of and frequently far superior to the very
best food available in the best restaurants in the largest cites in the
United States.The climate is ideal with daily air temperatures varying
only between 82 and 85 degrees throughout the year (evenings are in the
70's), and water temperatures ranging from 79 to 82 degrees.
The physical appearance of
St. Barths is breathtaking, comprised of a number of volcanic peaks which
guaranty fabulous vistas both day and night and ringed by Caribbean waters
of an almost unbelievable azure and a dazzling variety of beaches (sand,
shell and stone) which are almost all undeveloped.
Of course, the most gorgeous
mountains and Caribbean beaches and the best restaurants in the world would
mean nothing were it not for the residents of St. Barths who are unfailingly
polite and pleasant to be around.
To quote Julia Robert's description
of George Clooney, they are “charm monsters” not only because of their
very good looks but also because they embody both the very best of French
culture together with the mellow, laid back style of “the Little Latitudes.”
Most of the people we have met on St. Barths have moved to the Caribbean
from someplace else and are there not only because of the beauty of the
place (and safety-- there is virtually no crime) but also because they
want to live by a different set of rules. It is no easy task to provide
service and meals at the most exacting standards while at the same time
not taking oneself or life too seriously, but the people of St. Barths
manage this feat. If only we Americans could learn how to follow their
example.
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