Suitcase – St. Barth

Getting to St. Barth:

Getting to St. Barth can be an interesting experience as it’s not the easiest place to travel to, but well worth the voyage. St. Barthélemy is a tropical desert island with fantastic beaches, world class shopping and gastronomic dining. The island is small supporting a limited number of inhabitants and tourists offering exclusivity to those who are lucky enough to find themselves here.

The only way to get to St. Barth is via small aircraft, private yacht, cruise ship or ferry. Flights into St. Barthélemy (SBH) arrive from three nearby airports Guadeloupe (PTP), San Juan (SJU) and from Juliana Airport in St. Maarten (SXM) where 10-minute shuttle flights are made throughout the day. Your St. Barth adventure begins as your flight drops down between craggy mountain peaks onto the short runway landing just feet from the beach and ocean of Baie de Saint-Jean.

To make the most of your St. Barth’s visit I recommend staying awhile, renting a villa and a car. The island is steep and rugged, so 4 wheel drive is a must. It’s easy to get around St. Barth, plus the freedom when traveling by your own means offers the opportunity for discovery. Sibarth Villa Rentals and Wimco, their partners in the states is the premier agency for villa rental on St. Barth offering a vast selection to choose from and the expertise in placing individuals in the most appropriate accommodations.

If you are day tripping to the island and choose not to rent a vehicle, I’ve included approximate taxi times between Gustavia harbor to areas of interest. A rental car is still the best way to go unless you don’t plan to leave the Gustavia area.

AREA – Gustavia: Gustavia = SHOPPING! Get an amazing swimsuit at Hip Up, Black Swan or Kiwi. Find fun shoes at Kokon. Treat yourself to exclusive natural spa products from Ligne St. Barth or visit the pharmacy for interesting European body products. Check out boutiques like Made in St. Barth, Filles des Iles, Caravan, Ilena, Chic St. Barth and Lolita Jaca for unique finds. Shop Linde Gallery for vintage designer accessories and ready to wear. Based on the exchange rate, the same stores and brands could cost less stateside, therefore, save your purchases at Cartier, Hermes, Longchamp, Stuart Weitzman, etc. for home, unless there is something you absolutely know you can’t find stateside.

Dining in Gustavia – try Le Bistro for delicious Carpaccio, fresh fish and Italian pastas. They are located along the waterfront at the harbor, past the little park with large anchor and rotunda separating the sides of the harbor, near the post office on Quai de la Retrocession / Rue Samuel Fahlberg. Another fun spot is Le Select, a mainstay outdoor beer and burger joint, (think Cheeseburger in Paradise) stay for a drink and you just might stay for the burger as well, on Rue de la Guadeloupe and General de Gaulle.

Stroll through Gustavia, wandering leisurely to Anse de Grands Galets / Shell Beach – (Shell is not nice for swimming, but this little cove is full of beautiful seashells and a great place for taking unique photographs). This is a pleasant way to spend the day discovering the Gustavia neighborhood of St. Barth and once you’ve reached Shell Beach, stop for lunch or a sunset cocktail at Do Brazil Restaurant. Taxis can easily be arranged for your 5-minute return to Gustavia Harbor from this location.

Many of the excursion companies are located on the city hall side of Gustavia Harbor, waterfront on Rue Jeanne D’Arc. Here you can join Jet Ski tours, go out on a catamaran, rent a fishing boat or discover the island by sailboat.

For a more personal experience, discovering St. Barth by small sailboat might be an option for you. Lil’E St. Barth is a small sailboat skippered and managed by Mowgli. He offers various trips at 1 ½ hours, 2 hours, 4 hours and 8 hours and can also personally train you in the art of sailing; limited to 3 guests plus the captain. www.lilestbarth.com

AREA – Baie de Saint-Jean: 8 minute Taxi from Gustavia to Baie de Saint-Jean. This calm, white sand beach has a broad shallow base, allowing you to wade a good distance and is my favorite beach on St. Barth. Bring your snorkel gear to see the marvelous fish and sea turtles around the rocks of the Eden Rock Hotel; you’ll be glad you did! If you get hungry, enjoy lunch with your feet in the sand at “The Sand Bar” restaurant located at world famous Eden Rock Hotel. You could also enjoy fine dining in “On The Rocks” for an unforgettable meal, though you probably wouldn’t want to show up in your swimsuit.

From Baie de Saint-Jean, you can watch the dramatic airport landings of Winair, St. Barth Commuter and Air Caraibes flights as they drop down onto the short runway that ends just feet from the beach and ocean. Sign’s warn you not to cross the beach when aircraft are landing, better look before crossing the beach!!!!

Across the street from the Eden Rock Hotel and Nikki Beach next door is a secondary Mecca for St. Barth shopping. It’s smaller than that of Gustavia but it’s just as fun! Ligne St. Barth is located near here. Taxis can easily be arranged for your return to Gustavia Harbor from this location.

AREA – Anse de Gouverneur / Governors Beach: 15-minute taxi from Gustavia to Anse de Gouverneur / Governors Beach (tied for my second favorite beach) unspoiled; pristine white sand, bigger waves and the ability to swim with suit or au natural ☺ bring a picnic lunch and your snorkel gear, though be cautious of the surge!!! Taxis must be pre-arranged for pick up, there are no services on or around this beach.

AREA – Anse de Grande Saline / Grande Saline Beach: 20 minute taxi from Gustavia to Anse de Grande Saline / Grande Saline Beach (tied for my second favorite beach) close to the wild coast of St. Barth with golden brown sand, swimming with suit or au natural and Le Grain de Sel Restaurant nearby for lunch. Bring good shoes for the walk through the dunes to the beach (Keen’s are perfect!). This beach has the strongest surge with heavy undertow and is not recommended for weak swimmers.

If making the drive to Anse de Grande Saline, take the long way (30 to 40 minutes depending on time spent at viewpoints). You’ll see most of the St. Barth coast this way. Trek past the airport, by Baie de Saint-Jean, then ask to see the dramatic views from Pointe Milou, pass grand cul de sac and the hotel Le Toiny or stop here for lunch at Le Gaiac for unforgettable views and service. Allow time for a leisurely meal if dining at this gastronomic restaurant.

Continue your trek passing Anse de Grand Fond and the wild coast. This is a fun spot for a photo op with areas to pull over; you’ll know them when you see them. For the return to Gustavia, travel the roads through Morne Lurin, through Lurin and into Gustavia from the backside, (20 minutes). *Either pre-arrange your taxi for the return to Gustavia or call from Le Grain de Sel restaurant, if dining there.

AREA – Anse de Colombier / Colombier Beach: 20 Minute taxi from Gustavia to Anse de Colombier / Colombier Beach (drop off area). If you feel up to a hike, bring your snorkel gear and head to Colombier Beach. Park at the viewpoint located at the end of the road, trek down the craggy hillside with picnic lunch, lots of water and your favorite pair of Keens. The trek down to Colombier Beach takes roughly 25 minutes and a little longer going back up. If being dropped off, be certain to arrange for a pick up, as there are no services on or near this beach.