Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest
St. Barthelemy, more popularly referred to as St. Barths or St. Barts, is one of the premiere vacation destinations of the rich and famous. This is the ideal paradise location is you are looking for a luxurious and relaxing vacation complete with white sand beaches and delectable French cuisine. However, it comes at a high price, which is why celebrities can flock here to wind down with some privacy. If you can afford the steep prices, St. Barthelemy is truly worth the trip. St. Barthelemy was discovered in 1493 by Colombus, and most of the natives are of Norman and Breton descent.
At only eight miles long, St. Barthelemy is one of the smallest islands in the Caribbean. There are only about four-thousand residents on this island, which is nestled in the French West Indies. Unlike many Caribbean vacation spots, St. Barts prides itself on not having large casinos or resorts or all-inclusive hotels. Instead, the accommodations consist of mostly privately-owned inns and family-run villas. This quaint environment allows for the optimal relaxation experience, rather than a fast-paced adventure-filled vacation. It is one of the view places left where you wont pass by a McDonalds or a shopping center during your stay. The main attractions are the beaches, without question. Therefore, the foremost activities to indulge in if you travel to St. Barts are basking in the sun and lazing around the beachfronts.
St. Barthelemy is also famous for their scrumptious cuisine. Due to the intimate atmospheres at the dining establishments, it is recommended that you make reservations before arriving. The service at St. Barts restaurants is superbly attentive. Emmanuel Motte is the chef at the fabulous Carl Gustav Restaurant, and it is touted as one of the foremost eateries in the French Caribbean. You can enjoy such treats as the Yellow Fin Tuna, delicious Cajun dishes, and mouthwatering chocolate desserts. Another great choice is the Wall House Restaurant, located in the capital city of Gustavia, alongside the harbor. Gustavia, named after a Swedish king, is St. Barts only town and seaport. The Wall House Restaurant was voted the best overall restaurant on St. Barthelemy in the 2004 Best of St. Barths Awards. The owners, Franck Mathevet and Dennis Chevallier, are friendly and inviting to their visitors, adding to the personal feel of the restaurant.
If you cant stand a vacation without at least a little activity, you could indulge in a snorkeling or scuba diving excursion during your travel to St. Barths. The water is so clear and blue that it is unlike snorkeling anywhere else. The top places to snorkel are Lorient Beach, Colombier Beach, Petit de Anse, and Forchue Island. Lorient is the best place to snorkel if you want to see sea turtles, and Petit de Anse is ideal for viewing turtles and parrotfish. Scuba diving in St. Barthelemy is excellent, and you have a very good chance of seeing turtles, parrotfish, barracudas, angel fish, eels, tarpoon fish, and coral. If you have not scuba dived before, you can have a professional guide you through the experience. If you want to take a guided dive, you should make reservations.
An exciting nightlife is not a cornerstone of the St. Barts travel experience, and there are limited options after dark. Most visitors enjoy the peace and quiet of a night under the stars, along the water. However, if you want to enjoy a night on the town in St. Barthelemy, there are a couple of possibilities. Le Select, located in Gustavia, is a low-key bar that locals and celebrities love. It is an open-air environment with simple tables and dcor. Another possibility is the Bar de lOubli, located in the center of Gustavia, which is slightly trendier, and usually features live entertainment.
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