Ana
Gouverneur, St. Barts
6 Guests, 3 Bedrooms, Ocean View, Pool
6 Guests, 3 Bedrooms, Ocean View, Pool
St. Barts
Saint-Barthélemy, which is also known as Saint Barth, St. Barths, or St. Barts, is a small volcanic island. It is one of the most northeastern islands in the Caribbean Sea. It sits between St. Kitts and St. Martin and is about 22 miles (35 kilometers) from either one. Exotic Estates St. Barts villas are in high demand.
St. Barts is the only Caribbean island to have once been a colony of
Sweden for any length of time. The Swedes turned the island over to the French
in 1878, and the French culture is a strong influence. French is the official
language, and the Euro is the official currency. Many places do accept US
dollars, however.
St. Bart has its own airport, the Gustaf III Airport, located
on the north coast. It serves mainly regional planes that carry less than 20
passengers. Visitors coming from other countries need to catch flights to the
larger airports in the Caribbean and then take a smaller plane to St. Bart.
St. Bart typically gets over 300 sunny days per year making
it a draw for affluent American beach-lovers. The quaint island has around 14
beaches, which are generally not crowded. They all have white sand and are free
to the public.
St. Bart is divided into two paroisses (parishes) called Sous
le Vent (Windward) and Au Vent (Leeward). Each parish is further subdivided in
20 quartiers that correspond roughly to settlements.
An old French communal rule decrees that no building can be
taller than a palm tree. Consequently, there are no skyscrapers or huge
resorts. Most tourists will thus stay in a St. Barts villa.
Gustavia
Saint-Barthélemy’s capital is a city called Gustavia, and it
was named after Gustav III (1746-1792), the King of Sweden. It is located in
the Sous le Vent paroisse on the island’s southern coast and has a sheltered
harbor.
As of the 2005 census, Gustavia is home to 3100 people – or
nearly a third of the island’s population. In addition to being the largest
city on St. Barts, Gustavia is the main shopping area. Gustavia also boasts a
number of buildings that date back to its days as a Swedish colony; many of
them have been restored. Travelers will find many a Caribbean villa in the
area.
Things to Do
in Gustavia
Wall House
Museum
The Wall House Museum was originally a stone, two-story house
built during the Swedish Period (1785-1878). It was converted into a museum
around the turn of the 21st century and is now home to documents, photographs
and artifacts from St. Bart’s history. It also contains a library. The museum
is located at La Pointe on Gustavia Harbor.
Yellow
Submarine Tours
The Yellow Submarine is actually a semi-submersible that
departs from the Gustavia’s Ferry Dock and takes travelers to such places as
the wreck of the “Marignan,” which sank in 1995 and has since become a habitat
for nurse sharks and other fish.
Saint
Bartholomew’s Anglican Church
Saint Bartholomew’s Anglican Church was built in 1855. The
church was built mainly from stone found on the island, but the builders also
used limestone from France for the steps and front wall and volcanic rock from
the neighboring island St. Eustatia for the doors]m
Fort Gustav
Fort Gustav was one of three forts outside of Gustavia built
by the Swedish. Built in 1787, it sits on a hill and thus provides a splendid
view of Gustavia and its port. The fort itself is mostly in ruins, but the
lighthouse still stands.
Shell Beach
As the name suggests, Shell Beach is covered with seashells
and is thus popular with collectors. It’s a short walk from the harbor, and
there is also a cliff; some brave souls will go cliff-diving. Visitors can also
enjoy a Greek restaurant called Shellona.
Saint Jean
Saint Jean is a quartier located in the Sous le Vent
paroisse, and it is also on the island’s northern coast. Saint Jean boasts the
second-largest shopping district on St. Bart. It is also home to a variety of
luxurious hotels, villas, and restaurants.
Things to Do
in Saint Jean
St. Jean
Beach
St. Jean Beach is conveniently located near the Eden Rock
Hotel and the airport. In fact, it’s a little too close to the latter for the
runway ends in the westernmost part of the beach which has consequently roped
off. It’s still a beautiful and popular beach that gets a lot of visitors, for
its calm waters make it ideal for sailing and swimming.
Stade de St.
Jean (St. Jean Stadium)
The St. Jean Stadium is the only stadium on St. Bart’s. It
was originally built in 1979, and then renovated over 30 years later. It is
used chiefly for soccer and rugby games.
Area Food
Maya’s To Go
Maya’s To Go is the place for ordering snacks or meals to go.
While the menu changes every day, pastries, rolls, breads, and coffee are among
the staples. Maya’s also sells chocolates, crackers, tea, and wine. Patrons can
eat at the bar or order things to go. Maya’s is kid-friendly and accepts cash
and all major credit cards. It is located at is Les Galeries du Commerce, St.
Jean, St. Barts FWI 97133. For more information, call (590) 590 29 83 70.
The Hideaway
The Hideaway, which has been in business since 1997, is a
large and open restaurant with a wrap-around porch. It describes itself as
“multi-cuisine,” which means it serves dishes ranging from fresh fish to pizza
to l’escargot. The restaurant is also kid-friendly and provides orders to suit
their tastes. While most of the restaurant is non-smoking, there is a terrace
for smokers outside. The Hideaway accepts both cash and major credit cards.
Flamands
Flamands is a quartier or neighborhood located on the
island’s northwest coast, and it is also part of the Sous le Vent paroisse. It
is known mainly for its beach.
Things to Do
in Flamands
Flamands
Beach
Flamands Beach is a deep and long beach that provides
visitors with a view of the small islands north of St. Bart. It has a
west-facing shoreline that makes it the perfect place to watch sunsets. While
it is close to both Cheval Blanc Hotel and the restaurant La Langouste, it is
not crowded.
Area Food
La Langouste
La Langouste is conveniently near the beach and also has a
swimming pool where patrons can cool off. It serves traditional French cuisine,
including a lot of fish dishes. The restaurant is said to serve “the best
lobster on the island.” The restaurant also serves beef filet, veal chops,
chicken brochettes, pastas, and salads. Wine can be ordered by the glass or the
bottle.
Anse de
Grand Cul de Sac
Anse de Grande Cul de Sac is a quartier in the Au Vent
paroisse. It is located in the northeastern part of the island and is right
above Petit Cul de Sac.
Things To Do
in Anse Grande Cul de Sac
Grand Cul de
Sac Beach
Grand Cul de Sac Beach is popular with visitors who enjoy
water sports like fly fishing and kayaking. It also gets enough wind to satisfy
kite surfers and windsurfers. Its shallow waters make it ideal for snorkelers
and children.
Tennis Club
Du Flamboyant
Tennis Club Du Flamboyant is a family-run facility that has
been in business for nearly 30 years. The owners had the two tennis courts
renovated in 2015, and they are covered with a soft, synthetic material that is
easy on the joints. Patrons can also rent equipment or take lessons.
Area Food
La Gloriette
La Gloriette is a beach restaurant that serves lunch and
dinner. It specializes in French and Creole cuisine and is also known for its
rum. Patrons may reserve deck chairs for sitting on the beach. To learn more or
to make a reservation, call (590) 590 29 85 71.
Lorient
Lorient is located on the island’s northern coast. It is a
quartier in the Au Vent paroisse.
Things to Do
in Lorient
Eglise de
Lorient (Church of Lorient of St. Bartholomew)
The current Church of Lorient is a Catholic church that was
built in the the 1850s and is considered a good example of 19th-century Swedish
architecture. The original church was built in 1724 and was burned down by
pirates. The current church was damaged by an earthquake in 1974 and extensively
renovated in 1988. Sailors have used the church's bell as a landmark for
generations.
Institut
Nature Et Beaute
Institut Nature Et Beaute is a spa that provides massages and
beauty treatments. Visitors can enjoy pampering in the form of manicures,
pedicures, and hot stone massages
Lorient Beach
Lorient Beach is east of St. Jean Beach, and it is popular
with surfers. There is a surf shop on the premises where people can hire
instructors or rent gear. Both the shop and beach access are near JoJo Burger.
Area Food
JoJo Burger
JoJo Burger is a casual beach restaurant known for its
excellent burgers. They offer several different types, including fish burgers,
cheeseburgers, and burgers with bacon and cheese. The restaurant also offers
salads, paninis, and a large selection of drinks.
