St. Barts Island
Touted as the "Hamptons of the South" and "St. Tropez in the Tropics", St. Barthelemy is as French as it gets in the Caribbean, with amazing restaurants and small stunning beaches. Shopping at fashionable boutiques, lounging at outdoor cafes, yacht-hopping or relaxing on one of the many beaches is the best way to enjoy a day on St. Barts, as the island is commonly called.
St. Barts measures only about nine square miles. It is one of the few islands yet to be overbuilt, and its largest hotel, the Hotel Guanahani & Spa, has just 71 rooms. The rest of the hotels have fewer than 40 rooms each. Despite its snob appeal and the fact that downtown Gustavia's streets are line with the likes of Prada, Gucci and Louis Vuitton, St. Barts still manages to evoke small island charm.
Arrival: Guests calling on St. Barts, which caters to the smaller upscale cruise lines, arrive at the yacht-packed main harbor, walking distance from Gustavia. There is no cruise terminal, but there are ATM's, Internet cafes and currency-exchange offices downtown.
Independent Sightseeing: Most visitors spend time shopping and dining in Gustavia. For those who want to tour the island or spend the day on a beach, rental cars can be prearranged through Budget Rent-A-Car. Cabs are not always readily available on St. Barts.
Must-See Attractions: Shell Beach, reachable on foot from Gustavia, is great for a taste of the local beach scene. Even more popular are Grand Cul de Sac and St. Jean. The latter is a few minutes walk from the charming shops and cafes in St. Jean.
Off The Beaten Path: The Clarins Spa at Hotel Guanahani is ideal for travelers who want to be pampered in a setting that's reminiscent of Bali. Just be sure to call ahead to prearrange treatments. Sailing enthusiasts may want to rent a Hobie Cat, available in either St. Jean of Grand Cul de Sac, and windsurfers should contact St.-Barts Waterplay which rents kayaks and pedal boats.
Restaurants: Le Select, home to Jimmy Buffett's "Cheeseburger in Paradise" sits smack in the middle of Gustavia, with outdoor tables ideal for people-watching. A bit fancier is the bar/restaurant at Carl Gustaf, the hotel on the hillside overlooking Gustavia Harbor and offering gourmet French fare and fabulous views. Beachside dining is available at Indigo, the restaurant at the Hotel Guanahani.
Best Souvenirs: The narrow streets of Gustavia offer some gems of boutiques that sell hand-crafted sandals, custom-made sarongs and stylish goods. Guests can also grab St. Barts T-shirts at Le Select or at any of the upscale souvenir shops.
