The glamorous island of St Barts is one of the Caribbean's top beach destinations. Ringing the island are immaculate strips of sand and ethereal turquoise waters. The shallow reefs that encircle the island help to protect these renowned beaches, and they also provide excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities. Only adding to the allure of the St Barts beaches is the fact that they are rarely overcrowded, and it certainly doesn't hurt that the island gets more than 300 sunny days a year on average.
St Barts is one of four French overseas territories that help to make up the Leeward Islands. It is one of the most upscale destinations in the area, catering mostly to wealthy travelers. It has an elegant yet casual appeal, and many liken the island to the French Riviera.
Resorts that know how to satisfy their discerning guests are in good supply in St Barts, and as you might expect, the very best are found right on the sand. The island's lodging scene isn't all about the beachfront resorts, however. Villa and apartment rentals are plentiful, and while most are found in the hills as opposed to on the sand, guests are never very far from a world-class strip of sand.
Due mostly to its connection with France, St Barts has a rather liberal edge to it. This is especially true on the island's beaches. Topless sunbathing is very common, and two of the best beaches in St Barts often see visitors shedding all forms of clothing. These two beaches are Anse de Grande Saline and Gouverneur Beach. Other beaches here aren’t as free spirited. These beaches include the very popular St Jean Beach and Flamands Beach. There is a beach to suit nearly every taste and preference in St Barts, so visitors should have little trouble finding one or more that fits their desires.
St Barts gets a healthy amount of visitors on an annual basis. These visitors are predominantly of the upscale crowd, and they come looking to relax on white-sand beaches and to cruise their yachts through the area waters. High-end shopping and dining at quality restaurants are just some of the other options for things to do in this northeast Caribbean destination, and the growing nightlife industry caters to those who wish to keep the fun going after the sun goes down. But still, beaches are one of the top draws and there are approximately forteen that can be found around St Barts.
Saline is one of the best-known beaches in St Barts. A bit out of the way, Anse de Grande Saline Beach maintains an undeveloped and isolated appeal that is hard to match. The fact that the ocean bottom is shallow makes for some excellent swimming when the wind and surf are down. On windier days, the surf can get quite rough, and blowing sand can present some issues. There also isn’t much shade to speak of, but the sheer beauty of Anse de Grande Saline is reason enough to drop by. This beach ranks high among the best beaches in the Caribbean, which is testament to its all-around appeal. Nude sunbathing is common at Anse de Grande Saline.
Not too far west of Anse de Grande Saline is another beautiful south coast beach that St Barts visitors might consider moving to the top of their lists. At Gouverneur Beach, scenic cliffs ring the sand, and it’s possible to catch glimpses of St. Kitts in the distance. Snorkeling off the Gouverneur Beach point can be a joy for those who wish to explore the underwater realms, and a restaurant that can be found on the road in makes for a great place to grab something to eat or drink on the side. Perhaps a sunset drink or meal will be in order after a fun day at the beach. As is true of Anse de Grande Saline, this beach gets its fair share of visitors that like to go au natural, so visitors might make note.
If full nudity at the beach isn’t your thing, all of the other beaches in St Barts prohibit the very liberal practice, limiting their policy to topless sunbathing only. St Jean Beach is one such example, and it’s also an example of one of the best beaches in St Barts. Actually two beaches in one, St Jean Beach is split in two by a prominent promontory that is known as Eden Rock. Thanks in part to the resident hotels, there is no lack of watersports activity options at St Jean Beach, and there are restaurants to dine at. Shops are relatively easy to access from St Jean Beach, as is the airport, and overall it is the most popular beach on the island. This results in a lively atmosphere on most days. A lovely villa, Eden Island, is very close to St. Jean Beach
To the west of St Jean Beach is a less crowded beach that many St Barts visitors have come to love. This beach is Flamands Beach, and it presents a wide and long swath of sand for beach enthusiasts to enjoy. A few hotels, including the Hotel Saint Barth Isle de France, provide tempting accommodations near the water, as do some enticing villa rentals. As is true of the other St Barts beaches, the water at Flamands Beach is of a stunning turquoise hue, and on most days, the surf is invitingly subdued. There are some shaded areas, and winter is when the surf is usually at its roughest.
Easily one of the best St Barts beaches, Colombier Beach is perhaps best known for its seclusion. The only way to get there is to take a boat or walk approximately 30 minutes along a rather rugged trail. The walking trail is actually a goat path, and it passes Flamands Beach. Those who choose to arrive by way of the path are treated to some stunning views along the way, and the journey is certainly worth it. The usually calm waters result in some good snorkeling conditions, and since there aren’t any services, the beach has a very tranquil appeal. Many visitors bring food and drinks along with them. As a side note, Colombier Beach is also commonly referred to as Rockefeller’s Beach.
Situated on the north shore of St Barts is a delightful, reef-protected stretch of sand that many tourists somehow miss. This beach is Lorient Beach. The surf is usually calm at Lorient Beach, though the breakers that sometimes rise up on the western side attract surfers from time to time. Development is at a minimum, which lends to the low key nature of Lorient Beach, and there are shady areas where beachgoers can seek some relief from the hot Caribbean sun when they aren’t swimming.
Over on the northeast coast of St Barts, Grand Cul-de-Sac Beach offers more in the way of facilities and amenities than Lorient Beach. Watersports equipment can be rented with ease, for example, and both hotels and restaurants team up to take care of many a tourist’s lodging and dining needs. Due to the fact that it is often windy at Grand Cul-de-Sac Beach, it is an especially desirable destination for those who are looking to do some kite surfing or wind surfing. Sailing is also popular at Grand Cul-de-Sac Beach, and since the water is quite shallow a far distance out, families with younger children will do well to keep it in mind when looking for good places to play.
RHONY live it up on the Island of St Barts!
Yachts, private villas, pristine beaches, barely-there bikinis and plenty of Pinot Grigio...the Real Housewives of New York (RHONY) hit St. Barts in style. Veteran housewives Ramona Singer, Sonja Morgan and Luann De Lesseps (The Countess) join new cast ...
Beyonce and Jay-Z have taken their daughter on her first vacation. The couple, who celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary last week, have been enjoying the sunshine on the Caribbean island of St. Barts with three-month-old Blue Ivy over the weekend, and took the tot for a day trip on a yacht.
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Kick-off Les Voiles de Saint Barth 2012 Caribbean regatta in the magical French West Indies sailing paradise!
Today the prestigious and top-class Caribbean sailing regatta Les Voiles de St. Barth 2012 with Gaastra Sportswear as the official partner starts: At the third edition run...
Inside the Bucket.
This video features the 2012 St Barths Bucket Regatta and music by the Evan Goodrow Band. Special thanks to the entire crew of the Rebecca, Baz Bar, St Barths Online and the guys from the Evan Goodrow Band for putting on a fantastic show. The song from the Evan Goodrow Band is c...
On board with Rebecca.
The best event in St Barths took place on March 24 - 27, 2012. This video features the beautiful 141 ft sailing yacht, The Rebecca.
produced by Real Media Travel for St. Barths Online and Baz Bar St Barth.
The age old saying of "I need a holiday to get over my holiday" actually seems applicable if you happen to be Paul McCartney.
The Beatle took wife Nancy Shevell on a romantic break to the Caribbean island of St Barts, just days after the pair visited Paris.
Last week, the lovebirds showed support ...
On the day their pregnancy news was announced, Thor star Chris Hemsworth, 28, and Elsa Pataky, 35, were seen in sunny St. Barts, France on Wednesday (January 18). The Fast Five actress looked lovely in blue, sporting her beautiful baby bump.
Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky
Chris and Elsa - w...
She might be 44, but Tamara Mellon still boasts a figure that women half her age would be proud of.
The Jimmy Choo co-founder showed off her toned figure in a sexy animal-print bikini as she hit the beach with her daughter in St Barts yesterday.
The skimpy string two-piece highlighted Tamara's env...
With almost every other celebrity couple enjoying the New Year in exotic locations, Gary and Danielle Lineker weren't going to be any different.
The married couple were spotted enjoying a romantic walk along a beach in St Barts today - and looked very much in love.
Gary, 51 and his wife, 32, had o...
Which beaches to choose?
The glamorous island of St Barts is one of the Caribbean's top beach destinations. Ringing the island are immaculate strips of sand and ethereal turquoise waters. The shallow reefs that encircle the island help to protect these renowned beaches, and they also provide excell...
St. Barts, Why Not?
Since the wealthy and celebrated frequently visit St. Barts for a tropical vacation, you will find that many plush St. Barts Resorts can be found on this stunning island. For those taking St. Barts holidays, it is simple to find hotels with each luxury available. Frequently thes...
Vacation With the Rich and Famous at St. Barts.
Want to bump into celebrities and be seen hanging out where the rich and famous play? Then the Caribbean island of St. Barts is the place to be.
While warm sand and blue waters do make an ideal vacation location, this destination has that and a whol...
Where to go for one day in Caribbean?
St. Maarten / St. Martin
The half-Dutch, half-French island of St. Maarten/St. Martin, with its many restaurants and hotels, makes a great base for an island-hopping adventure. Graced by the nickname Unspoiled Queen, tiny little Saba is not the kind of Caribbe...
Villa La Plage in St Barts.
The posh French resort isle of St. Barth's was already a prize destination when Roman Abramovich purchased an estate there for $89 million in 2009; since the oligarch arrived it has become even more so.
Now Christie's International Real Estate has listed another impres...
Baywatch in St Barts.
Making it official after five years of engagement, Brooke Burke and beau David Charvet have reportedly tied the knot while yachting in St. Barts.
According to Life & Style, the "Dancing with the Stars" host and the former "Baywatch" hunk, who have been vacationing in the...
St. Barth Summer Sessions Aug. 5-15, 2011
St Barth Summer Sessions 2011 this year will have a focus on artists from Brazil. The festival will take place at a variety of different venues all over the island, and in the end of the festival there will be a big common concert in the Harbor of Gustavia ...
The Eclipse, no ordinary yacht.
It probably hasn't escaped your attention that, with modern methods of transport, measuring and telecommunication, no "terra incognita" is safe from the crazed enthusiasm of certain explorers of scientists. Everything has already been discovered and minutely placed o...
Ashley Rodriguez Trio
Ashley Rodriguez, one of the famous finalist from the American Idol 2010 is back in St Barth between May 5-15. Ashley was participating last summer for the St Barth Summer Session in august 2010 at La Plage and she will now come with her 'All Girls Band', Liz on the guitar ...
The La Plage restaurant introduce :
ST BARTH SUMMER SESSIONS
« 5 to 15 august 2010, 10 days of crazy music ! »
Festival program
La Plage St Jean Tel: 0590 52 81 33 Email: tombeach@wanadoo.fr Site: www.stbarthsummersessions.com
