Saint Barthélemy island. Saint Barthelemy from A to Z: holidays in Saint Barthelemy, maps, visas, tours, resorts, hotels and reviews

There are not so many elite islands on the planet, and one of them is Saint Barthélemy. The mighty of this world have chosen a paradise for overseas residences, an exotic pastime, a luxurious vacation. Why? Elementary: the divine Caribbean island is truly the embodiment of Eden on Earth.

Saint Barthélemy on the map

The island of Saint Barthélemy on the world map or a detailed map of the island can be viewed using the navigation buttons (+/-).

The name Saint Barthélemy is often shortened to Saint Barth or Saint Barts. An extraordinary curl of the West Indies is located in the northern region of the Windward Islands, belongs to France. Guadeloupe is located 200 km to the south, less than 20 km to another Caribbean neighbor.

A rocky coastline with stripes of beaches washed by the Caribbean Sea. The maximum level above the water surface is 286 meters, the territory of the privileged section of the Caribbean is only 21 km², the administrative center is the settlement of Gustavia.

Speaking of any type of vacation on St. Barts, you can safely add the super prefix, as vacationers here are special. However, some celebrities cannot be called guests - they are the owners of private property. For a simple tourist, the path to Saint Barthélemy is thorny. First of all, because of the crazy prices for everything and everyone. Plus, it is not so easy to decide on accommodation, since the booking process is complicated, costly both in terms of money (well, there are no budget hotels, no), and in terms of time. So the "unfortunate" moneybags have to acquire overseas square meters of exotic things, so that at the first "I want" to materialize on the coveted island.

How do the elect rest? It only depends on their desires. In theory, the whole mix is \u200b\u200ba la Caribbean: golf, horseback riding on thoroughbred trotters, weekends on multi-meter beautiful yachts, underwater fishing or diving with equipment that costs more than the price of a car, topless sunbathing, bliss in gentle waves. Of course, the service is top-class: if restaurants, then exquisite, if boutiques, then branded, if service, then well-trained.

Modern millionaires know a lot about rest, and therefore strive for virgin nature. In an ecologically clean region there are no industrial plants, the Caribbean Sea is the cleanest, the vegetation is rich, there is a lot of untouched corners.

No one on their own initiative has the right to build up, the potential owner receives permission only after long, sometimes dragging on for years, negotiations. But the result is worth it: a unique ecosystem intact. And the appearance of Saint Barthélemy only benefits from the prudent exactingness - the beaches are not fenced, even if they approach the very gates of the residences, none of the luxurious mansions towers above the palm trees, the island is literally buried in bright greenery.

Although there are no fresh water bodies, the vegetation is diverse, from original cacti and flowering shrubs to spreading giant palms, fruit groves, lush forests.

A voyage to Saint Barth is not to listen to an opera tenor or go to a museum - this land is just for relaxation. Therefore, there are no special sights on it, unless, of course, the owners of the mansions themselves and their guests are considered as such. Here are just a few:

• Rockefeller... A sort of pioneer who rebuilt a mini-kingdom in the northwestern part of the coast. Actually, in honor of him, since then, the town has been called Rockefeller.
• Rothschild... He designed the residence somewhat later than his predecessor, and on the opposite coast.
• Fords... Yes, those are. Of the billionaires.
• Rudolf Nureyev... The first defector from the USSR, who settled on the fabulous shore. At home, he was enrolled in the shameful "defectors", but this, as they say, is a different story. By the way, the great dancer is no longer alive, and the estate has changed owners, but it is still proudly called "La maison de Noureev".
• Sylvester Stalonne... Cool Rambo owns several plots of land.
• Roman Abramovich... That's right, why bother with the reservation every time, since you can have your own "scrap", which cost 90 million American rubles, where there was a place for swimming pools, tennis courts, dining and dancing areas. And the guests at the hospitable Roman were noticed eminent: Milner, Posner, Yumashev with Dyachenko, Shvidler, etc.

Show business stars, politicians, actors-actresses, titled athletes, bankers, businessmen, offspring of royalty ... And yet there are a few classic attractions: churches, a dilapidated fort, the village of Corossol, Cape Eden Rock, the shell beach, Shell beach, airport with a mega short runway.

When is the best time to go to Saint Barthélemy

The temperature fluctuates little throughout the year, averaging around 26˚. The sea is tenderly warm in summer and Caribbean in winter. The most visited period is from December to April.

All the most-the-most-most - nature, service, rest, entertainment. Dream? Perhaps, however, for some it has already become a West Indian reality called Saint Barthélemy. Even with a bit of a certain snobbery ...

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From St. Petersburg to Saint Barthélemy, it is also cheaper and the fastest to fly with Vinair and Air France: a journey through the French capital lasts from 16 hours and costs from 1000 EUR one way.

Find flights to Saint Barthélemy

Transport Saint Barthélemy

There is no public transport on Saint Barthélemy. You can only get around the island by taxi. Parking lots are located at Gustav III Airport and in Gustavia, you can call a car by phone. A trip from the airport to the capital costs 25 EUR, to Grand Cu de Sac - 40 EUR, at nights and on weekends the fares are increased by 50%. For lack of an alternative, tourists often ask taxi drivers to act as guides: the cost of a sightseeing trip around the area with the driver's comments is 45 EUR for 45 minutes, 60 EUR for 90 minutes. If there are more than 4 passengers in the group, you will have to pay an additional 8 EUR for each.

With land transport on Saint-Barth it is a little tough, but with water, things are a little better. Speedboats leave for the neighboring island of Saint-Martin several times a day (transfer - from 64 EUR, schedule and tickets - on the official website of one of the carriers (in English)). If you wish, you can rent a yacht: the cost is from 1300 EUR per week, the pleasure of contemplating the picturesque landscapes from the deck of your own snow-white beauty is priceless, ask any of the local millionaires.

Rent a Car

Renting a car on Saint Barthélemy is not an optional luxury, but a vital necessity: endless taxi rides will ruin even the wealthiest tourist, and you cannot go around the whole island on foot. Distributors' offices are concentrated at the airport; you can book a car at the hotel as well: it will be easily driven right to the entrance. Both local (Maurice, Gumbs) and international (Budget, Hertz, Avis, Europcar) offices operate on Saint Barth. The rental price depends on the season: in summer, a compact car will cost 23-35 EUR, a convertible - from 60, an SUV - 35-65 EUR per day, in winter prices can almost double. There are only two gas stations on the island: near the airport and in the area of \u200b\u200bLorian beach, both are closed on Sundays.

An alternative to a car is a scooter: the rental price is from 30 EUR per day, depending on the season.

Driving on Saint Barth is an interesting experience: the roads are narrow, winding, with sudden sharp turns. The maximum permissible speed is 50 km / h. Traffic in the vicinity of the airport and Gustavia can be heavy, but it doesn't get into serious traffic jams. Parking is free everywhere, you can leave your car in almost any convenient place, with the exception of the central capital harbor: it is allowed to stand there no more than 2 hours in a row.

Connectivity and Wi-Fi

The quality of mobile communications on Saint Barthelemy is excellent, but the providers are quite expensive and the connection takes time. The largest operators are Orange, Dauphine Telecom and Digicel. The first step is to install a special chip with a local number, which will be available within 24 hours: the France Telecom office in Saint-Jean or cell phone shops at a gas station near the airport and in Gustavia will help you to understand the intricacies.

For international calls, you need a SIM card from one of the operators. For example, Dauphin Telecom has tariffs that can be connected without a contract: the cost is 25.90 EUR, calls within the overseas communities of France - 0.30 EUR per minute, to other countries - from 0.70 EUR.

There are coin and card payphones on Saint Barth. It is more convenient to call abroad from the second: cards of various denominations are sold in post offices, tobacco and newsstands, and at gas stations. Free Wi-Fi is available only in hotels and some restaurants in Saint-Jean and Gustavia. The operator Dauphine Telecom offers internet cards with prepaid traffic (200-4000 MB) at a cost of 5 EUR.

Saint Barthélemy Hotels

Hotels on Saint-Barth are more than comfortable, with impeccable service and a wide range of additional services. Accommodation for the most demanding taste can be found in Gustavia and in all other parts of the island. Most of the hotels (there are about 30 of them here) are small and cozy, aimed at wealthy tourists. Villas and bungalows with private gardens and pools, set at the foot of picturesque hills or right on the beaches, are very popular. Almost all of them are rented for at least a week (in the high season - for two).

Mains voltage - 220 V, sockets - French (type E), not requiring an adapter.

Rest on the luxurious Saint-Barthes requires serious capital investments: they have never heard of hostels and campgrounds here. The cheapest accommodation is offered by hotels without "stars" in Gustavia: from 310 EUR per day for a double room with a sea view. Rates in luxury "five" 360-650 EUR per night (breakfast included). An alternative to hotels is apartments (from 480 EUR per day) or private villas (from 610 EUR per day). In the high season, housing becomes more expensive (although, it would seem, how much too much): rooms in "starless" hotels - from 350 EUR, in 5 * - from 650 EUR per day.

Money

The country's monetary unit is Euro (EUR), in 1 euro 100 euro cents. Current rate: 1 EUR \u003d 69.88 RUB.

Since 2002, the official currency of Saint Barthélemy has been the euro, but US dollars are also accepted almost everywhere. Banks work from 8:30 to 15: 00-16: 00 from Monday to Friday, Saturday - until noon, Sunday - closed. Currency exchange offices are open all week from 9:00 to 18:00, some exchangers near banks are open around the clock. Hotels offer the least favorable rate, so it is better to look for a bank branch nearby.

Visa, Cirrus and MasterCard credit cards are in use almost everywhere, but there are still establishments where you can pay only in cash. There are many ATMs on the island, cash is issued only in euros. It is profitable to use tourist checks in dollars and euros on Saint-Barth: in some stores their owners are given a 20% discount. Tipping (10%) in most restaurants is included in the bill automatically, in other cases the staff relies on the generosity of customers. In a taxi, you can take your change without a twinge of conscience: the prices are enough for tea.

How to avoid problems

Saint Barthélemy is the safest place in the Caribbean with a consistently low crime rate. Of course, there are always those who are not averse to profiting from wealthy tourists: pickpockets from time to time hunt at the airport, at the Gustavia pier and nearby attractions, so you should stay vigilant and keep your wallet, documents and valuables under supervision. Moreover, safes are not equipped in all hotels: you have to rely only on yourself. But almost no one locks the cars here: it is almost impossible to steal them from the island.

Poisonous Mancinella trees grow at the resort: touching their leaves or fruits, you can get a serious burn. For the peace of mind of tourists, locals mark them with red paint.

You do not need to be vaccinated before traveling to Saint Barth. Centipedes and mosquitoes that carry dengue fever pose some health risks. Most villas and hotels use the services of specialized companies that treat the area from insects, but it is better to play it safe and take repellents with you. You can't do without a protective cream at all: jokes are bad with the scorching tropical sun. Caution will not hurt in the water: at depths there are fire corals of yellow-red color, leaving severe burns when in contact with the skin. Jellyfish are rare guests off the coast of Saint-Barth, but if an unpleasant meeting does happen, it is enough to rub the affected area with fine sand.

The beaches of Saint Barthélemy

Saint Barthélemy is ideal for a beach holiday: the waters of the Caribbean Sea delight with cleanliness, the landscapes are photogenic, and the coast is well-groomed. The shores are predominantly rocky, surrounded by small islands and coral reefs, but there are also sandy areas, to varying degrees, occupied by pampered holidaymakers. All recreation areas are municipal, free, but the entertainment infrastructure is far from being established everywhere.

The most beautiful beach in the south is Salin with white sand and turquoise sea. The way here is already a pleasure: you will have to get to the picturesque path winding among the rocks. There are practically no amenities, umbrellas and sun loungers - too: nothing interferes with the unity with the magnificent nature. After soaking up the sun, you can “catch” a wave (they are sometimes quite impressive here) or dine in one of the nearby restaurants.

The coast of Shell Beach is covered not with sand, but with small shells.

The most popular beaches are concentrated in Gustavia and Saint-Jean, with hotels, restaurants, facilities and sports equipment rentals. For families with kids, the capital's Shell Beach is good with a gentle, which means absolutely safe entry into the water. During the day you can hide from the burning sun under a canopy or palm tree, in the evening you can admire the incredible sunset. By the way, Shell Beach is the most democratic and chaste beach on the island: nudists who feel at home on Saint Barthe are the least likely to come here.

Swimming is prohibited in the Gran-Fond bay: underwater boulders and corals can seriously injure. Beginner windsurfers flock to Grand Cue de Sac: it's easy to learn to stand on a board in a coral-sheltered bay. Professionals are better off going to Flaman: only masters conquer the local waves. For fans of solitude, we recommend Gouverner Beach: here you can not only sunbathe in silence, but also look for legendary pirate treasures.

Diving

The main entertainment on Saint Barthélemy is associated with the sea: diving in the Caribbean waters (as well as fishing, catching a wave, cutting on catamarans, and just swimming) is a sheer pleasure. The beach of Marigot is perfect for diving - a cozy bay with amazingly beautiful underwater landscapes. Novice divers prefer Grand Cue de Sac: it is shallow, there are almost no waves, but there is also a minus - the water is not as clear as in other parts of the island. Flocks of tropical fish are found near Gouverner Beach, turtles, stingrays and moonfish can be found on Petit-Cu-de-Sac, and even crawfish and sharks at night. Pelicans have also chosen this quiet lagoon: they fish, teach their little ones to fly and are not in the least afraid of curious tourists.

There are several diving clubs in the capital and on the Grand Cue de Sac, offering diving with an instructor for 70-80 EUR.

The main audience for Colombier Beach is scuba divers scaring stingrays and sea turtles. And the most breathtaking views open up in the waters of the marine reserve, marked with white buoys: exotic fish, reef sharks, lobsters and other inhabitants put on a whole show surrounded by colorful corals.

Shopping

The guests of Saint Barth are experienced shopaholics: the sellers know this and create all the conditions for a comfortable throwing of money. In Gustavia and Saint-Jean, there are luxury boutiques of famous designers: it is quite possible to dress up for dinner in a luxury restaurant. The center of universal attraction is the capital's embankment of the Republic with jewelry stores and fashionable salons of the level of Louis Vuitton and Cartier. The creations of Chanel, Hermes, Gucci and Prada are most profitable to purchase in the multi-brand Laurent Effel, which is in no way inferior to the Milan and Parisian stores. There are also duty-free points in Saint Barthélemy with a decent assortment of cigars, perfumes, clothes and elite alcohol. By the way, about alcohol: it's better to taste and buy it in Absolutely Wine, opened by a famous sommelier.

Prices in Saint-Jean are slightly lower than in Gustavia.

The most popular souvenirs from Saint Barth are wickerwork (especially straw hats, beach bags and fans), paintings of idyllic landscapes and jewelry made from seashells. They are sold in colorful shops scattered around the island, as well as in the market in Gustavia. The shops are open on weekdays - 9: 00-18: 00 (from 12:00 to 14: 00-15: 00 everything is closed for lunch), on Saturdays - 9: 00-13: 00, Sunday is a day off. Duty-free points are open longer: until 19: 00-20: 00.

Cuisine and restaurants of Saint Barthélemy

The cuisine of Saint Barthélemy resembles French, only with Creole and African notes and island flavor. Fish and seafood are actively used here, but meat is not forgotten either. The main delicacies of it are the wild goat "gut-colombo" fried in hot spices, ragout of rabbit with vegetables, and for the most daring - blood sausage "boudin". Poultry is also held in high esteem: tender turkey or chicken with rice and exotic roast pigeons are a must.

Seafood is a different story: they are cooked deliciously at the resort. Gourmets should pamper themselves with stuffed otarne crab, boiled shatru octopus, crab meat in matutu de coabes white wine, Creole fish stew, lobster brioches and spicy clam broth. The most outlandish treats are sea urchins, red snapper and turtle soup. The best tropical dessert is, of course, fruits: salads and fresh papaya, guava, passionfruit, pineapple and tangerine.

Alcohol is not produced on Saint-Barth, but this is more than compensated for by a variety of elite wines from around the world.

The choice of luxury restaurants is huge, with talented chefs working tirelessly to serve local, French, Mexican, Indian and Chinese cuisines. The most popular establishments are concentrated on the seaside, but delicious food can be found anywhere on the island. A light breakfast costs from 10 EUR, lunch - from 20 EUR, dinner with alcohol - from 50 EUR per person. In some eateries - for example, on the capital's Shell Beach - the average bill reaches 200 EUR for two. Most restaurants are open until 22: 00-23: 00, then the respectable audience moves to the trendy nightclubs.

Entertainment and attractions

The main historical sights of Saint Barthélemy are located in Gustavia. The most impressive are the Swedish defensive complexes: guardhouses, ammunition depots and other structures have been preserved in the ancient forts of Gustav and Karl. Architecturally of interest are the Governor's House and the presbytery dating back to the 18-19th centuries. The center of local religious life is the Anglican Episcopal Church: a neat structure with a wooden bell tower surrounded by lush tropical greenery.

A walk to the snow-white lighthouse with a red top that looks like a life buoy will be a special pleasure.

There are also museums on Saint Barthélemy: in the capital - Municipal with an original collection of paintings and historical documents and "Eden" with works of contemporary artists. In the village of Corossol, the Ingénu-Magras gallery is open with shells, corals, stars and other exhibits raised from the depths of the sea. Outside Gustavia, the village of Lorian is worth visiting, where French settlers first settled: the neat streets and the old Catholic church seem to return to the distant past. Authentic settlements have been partially preserved in Corossola. And on the Morne du Vite mountain there is an observation deck with the most impressive panorama on the island.

Holidays and events of Saint Barthélemy

The festive atmosphere reigns in Saint-Barth all year round, but there are, of course, events celebrated on a special scale. Top on their list are Catholic Christmas and New Years, with wealthy people from all over the world coming to Caribbean Saint-Tropez to go out in grand style. May 27 celebrate the Day of the abolition of slavery, July 14 - Bastille Day.

But the most advanced audience occupies Saint Barthélemy during the festivals for which the island is famous. The main musical event is the January jazz and classical music festival lasting two weeks. World-class stars do not perform in concert halls that are sore and not even in open areas: the ancient churches of Gustavia and Lorian become the stage for them.

In August, a three-day celebration of Caribbean music is held: famous and emerging performers from Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique and other parts of the region fill the air of Saint Barth with the sounds of reggae, salsa and folk Creole motives. And April is marked by cinema: the most famous directors show their films and hold master classes as part of the 1996 Caribbean Film Festival.

The island of Saint Barthélemy is a French overseas possession in the Caribbean. The total area of \u200b\u200bthe island is only 25 sq. km, about 9 thousand people live here. Saint Barthélemy lies near the island of Saint Martin and 200 kilometers from Guadeloupe. The capital, the city of Gustavia, was founded by immigrants from Sweden in the 18th century. Most of the population is made up of Europeans, besides them there are mestizos, blacks and mulattos.

Saint Barthélemy on world map

This small island is of volcanic origin and is surrounded by small reefs and small islands. The shores of the island are rocky, but there are sections with good beaches. There is no water on the island, rivers and streams are absent.
Saint Barthélemy lies in a tropical climate zone with hot and sunny weather almost all year round. The climate is arid; most of the island's territory is deserted, overgrown with cactus lands. The island became famous only for its wonderful beaches.

The island is completely focused on tourism; oligarchs and celebrities from all over the world come here. All conditions for recreation and sports of the highest class are created here. This is a very expensive resort.
The main advantage of the island is its white beaches, picturesque bays and excellent conditions for diving, golf, fishing and yachting. A wonderful beach holiday can be combined with horseback riding around the island and a comfortable stay in luxury hotels and villas.

Map of Saint Barthélemy in Russian

There are about 30 hotels on the island with excellent restaurants offering expensive gourmet Italian, French and Asian cuisine for all tastes. This is a favorite vacation spot for millionaires and Hollywood stars, entertainment and cultural life on the island continues all year round.
From twenty-two beautiful beaches, you can choose any to your liking, in the coastal waters all conditions for diving, surfing, snorkeling and active sea recreation. Helicopter tours are available. You can visit the picturesque village of Colombier, visit the grotto of Montbar, where, according to legend, pirate treasures are hidden.
The Ingenu-Magras Museum houses a unique collection of shells, the Art Gallery will delight you with its exhibits. Many visit the old estate of La Manor and climb the picturesque Morne Vitier Mountain. Bright and colorful events, carnivals and festivals, shows with fireworks and concerts with famous singers and musicians are held here all year round.

I never carefully prepare for trips. I don’t want to form any stereotypical expectations, so that later we don’t want to compare reality with them, but simply absorb.

This time I was especially glad that I was flying completely unprepared. How do you like this phrase from a neighbor on the plane: "Do you know that St. Barts airport is the most dangerous in the world?" And when she saw my rounded eyes, she added: "What, really did not watch the video on YouTube?"

Already at the hotel, I looked. And you take a look.

But at that moment I was not ready for such impressions.

A twenty-seat plane with pilots sitting almost next to you, after several turns, sharply gains altitude absolutely vertically in front of the mountain itself, bends around it and also vertically begins to fall down. Precisely a fall, because it smoothly sits on a short strip, resting right on the white beach and the ocean, is impossible. It was necessary to close my eyes, but natural curiosity did not give it. It was the most exotic landing of my life. Then I found out that every day hundreds of holidaymakers come to this beach to watch the show of the landing of a regular flight. I also came.

The first to arrive at St Barts by plane was the Dutch smuggler Remy de Jaenen, the future mayor of the island's capital, Gustavia. It was he who invited the first VIP-guests - David Rockefeller, Greta Garbo and Rudolf Nureyev. They became the first of a series of world celebrities to fall in love with St. Barts.

Breakfast at the port of the capital of the island of Gustavia in the circle of the local elite - the governor, ministers. Yes, they have fun there in full with the government. All the attributes of elitism are also evident: a motorcade, which is unrealistic to deploy on three 200-meter streets, a state yacht, a state dacha and much more.

By the way, about the yachts. You can watch for hours as a team of tanned young sailors, millimeter by millimeter, polish all four decks of multimillion-dollar ocean beauties. At this moment you realize that it is better to have a friend with a yacht than a yacht. A great option, for example, to have Roma Abramovich as friends.

He and his Russian gang of oligarchs took a liking to St. Barts, bought a land plot and, according to rumors, and even from bright notes in a local Russian-language glamorous magazine, periodically throws noisy parties on his yacht or in his villa. They say that it is not at all difficult to get on them. You just need to refer to the name of a common nodding acquaintance. And the doors to the Great Gatsby Party are open.

Why is everyone in white pajamas? No, well, not exactly pajamas, but the dress code is very specific - thin, translucent cotton or linen tunics barely covering the very beginning of the legs of ladies, mostly of model appearance, and loose trousers or Bermuda shorts with shirts, respectively, also snow-white for men of Hollywood type. Probably, they do not want to spoil the harmony of colors with other colors.

Turquoise ocean, ivory of sand, emerald green, red roofs of villas and hotels, boiling white clothes. But if the color does not allow the designers' creativity to play out, then the finishing completely compensates for this: lace, embossing, pearl threads. In general, everything that can reflect the individuality of the owner in this "unpretentious village" for billionaires. Tags with big names of designers “accidentally” displayed are also welcome.

I decided to immerse myself in the life of the island. The choice between an open jeep and a retro bike with a picnic basket in front is difficult, but having learned the distance between attractions (from 500 meters to three kilometers), I decided on a two-wheeled friend.

As you know, a woman cannot be put before a choice. And I had it at every step. For example, which of the 22 luxury beaches to go to? I decided to conquer a few that will meet along the way and attract attention. I was not the only one who did this. On the third beach, I saw one couple who also wandered in search of their favorite place on the ocean shore. Having recognized each other on the third beach, we could not resist meeting. A couple, about 40, French and Parisians in such a knee, that I think their great-grandmother watched Napoleon's deeds. He is a shoe designer, she is a pool architect. She was just given an order to design a pool at one of the villas in St. Barts and the guys decided to combine work with vacation. In my opinion, many people do this here.

The third day on the island, and they are already talking about how to sell something from the Parisian real estate and settle on this "cute island". Well, work remotely or fly to clients. Many people do this here too. Many of those who have visited and can afford it.

The island's administration is very critical of the origin, status and financial condition of the new settlers. They make sure that there is only cream. Those who have moved to the island are not messing around. Someone opens a restaurant. As a result, there are more than a hundred of them on such a tiny island.

Someone makes handmade shell jewelry from 100 euros for a bracelet.

Walking in the evening, at 10 o'clock, along one of the central streets, I looked into the slightly opened blinds of one of the boutiques. There, a tanned man of a very aristocratic appearance was sewing suede loafers. In the window they were displayed even without a price. I am sure that moccasins, sewn on St. Barts by the hands of an aristocrat in the tenth knee, are simply priceless ... Such diligence is not always seen everywhere.

On the fourth beach, I stopped near the famous Eden Rock hotel. The Rock Stars Villa, owned by this hotel and equipped with a full-fledged recording studio, was the birthplace of The Beetles hits.

I stopped not because of Beatlemania, but for a great restaurant on the cliff. You know, this is when you look at some kind and already realize that years will pass, but the picture will be alive in your memory. The kitchen did not disappoint either. True, at first I was surprised that I was alone in the restaurant. But, the smiling waiter explained to me that closer to eight in the evening there would be no empty seats.

And in general - the nightlife on the island is active. In one of the nightclubs, 80-year-old Americans, again in white pajamas, danced fervently on the tables, often kissing the neck of five-liter bottles of champagne. Models flew in flocks through the dance floor, and fireworks exploded in the street. It was even difficult to imagine that this island was half asleep and uncrowded during the day.

In general, I found my formula for an ideal village: clean ocean, perfect weather, magical beaches, unobtrusive hotels and the same service, open people who clearly understand the word "tact". Oh yes. I almost forgot about white pajamas made of the finest linen.

Island in the Caribbean, French Overseas Territory: Saint Barth Island

Saint Barth or completely Saint Barthelemy | Saint Barthelemy - who makes fun of French: Saint Barthelemy
Saint Barth Island in the Caribbean.

Beaches on Saint Barth.
Photos of Saint Barth.
Review of Saint Barthes isolated from the topic

Small island 28 km south of the island Saint Martin (Saint Martin), which is the gateway to this paradise island as a small airport Gustavia (the capital of Saint-Barth) accepts only light propeller-driven aircraft.
Another way to get to Saint Barth is by ferry from Marigot, the capital of the French part of the island of Saint-Martin. The capital of the French part of Saint-Martin is Marigot.
The visiting card of the city: the fountain "stuck birds"

This is a view of Marigot from the embankment.
Downstairs there is a shopping center, everything is very beautiful in style.

Tickets to Saint Barth

A round-trip ticket from Saint-Martin to Saint-Barth costs $ 80 if booked in advance by phone with Voyager: http://www.voy12.com
Travel time is 1 hour 15 minutes.
Ferry: brand new catamaran with two air-conditioned saloons and two open decks (upper and lower).
The ferry makes several flights a day. The schedule is on the website

In the morning, the first flight from Saint Martin at 9:15
In the evening last from the island of Saint Barth at 17:00 From Philipsburg ferries also run, but smaller in size, older in age and not catamarans.
In the sea, it will swing harder.

There is another carrier company from Marigot: West indian co, but the steamer is old and will be chatting at sea - I'm sure.
Getting to Saint Barth is easy:
- we booked two tickets the day before the trip by phone.
- In the morning we arrived in Marigot and left the car in the free parking in the Marina Fort Louis area - there are several of them and there are always places.
- Bought tickets: I paid $ 80 for a round trip ticket (all taxes are included)
- After that we went through passport control (the same French overseas visa is valid on Saint Barthe as on Saint Martin) and boarded the catamaran.

The ferry departs from the coast and goes around the entire western part of the island, then goes in a straight line for 28 km and here we are - in the marina of the capital of Saint Barth, the city Gustavia... Small and pretty town.
It is very similar to any town on the French Riviera or the northern lakes of Italy: straight streets going uphill and three avenues parallel to the marina (a place for mooring and parking expensive yachts).
I turned down about Gustavia: the island itself is miniature, like everyone else here.

Gustavia is the capital of Saint Barth

The first thing that catches your eye: the abundance of shops and boutiques of expensive brands. Electric cars and buggies, Mini convertibles and good looking people.
There are very few blacks.
The bulk of the inhabitants are Americans, Europeans, and they say Russians.
After Roman Abramovich built an orphanage here on a plot of several hectares in the area of \u200b\u200bGouverner Beach (about it below) and restored the football stadium, small oligarchs of all stripes flocked here.
They say that the percentage of American and Russian land lords is 80 to 20. We are here.

Let's go a little lost, because there is no information about this island other than the idiotic essays of travel agencies and some ladies in search of glamor.
We walk along the road along the marina where beautiful and expensive yachts are standing and we come across Rent Car.

Rent a car in Saint Barts

Finding it is not difficult:
leaving the ferry and turning right, walk along Rue de la Republique and continue along Rue de General de Gaulle.
Past good shops with expensive watches, costumes, jewelry ...
After crossing the rue de Lafayette you will see ATVs and buggies standing.

The Rent Car sign is invisible, but you won't miss the office.
What can be rented: ATV or our ATV. I even see bugs, like in my dacha in the garage, only blue. You can take a scooter. Or a car. Since it is raining, we decide to take the car. A small Hyundai on the machine for a day costs 48 euros. To rent you need a driver's license and a bank card. A deposit of 1000 euros freezes on it, which is immediately returned to the account when the car is returned. We are on wheels.
We have a map of the island and markings made by the owner of the office: what to see on Saint-Barth.

Saint Barth airport

The first point we have is the airport: the top point from which it is visible at a glance and you can watch how the planes take off and land is on the first roundabout after leaving the city to the north, towards the village of Flamands
We stop and I take several shots: below us is a green valley with a crossed out gray line of the landing strip abutting the yellow spot of the beach, and further ... further the blue of the sea merging with the blue sky at that distant point, which is called the horizon ...
Very beautiful.
I recommend to visit.

Hotel on Saint Barth

Then we go down, past the tiny airport, the road turns to the right and there will be a parking lot on the right where you can park your car and then walk along the fence that encloses the runway to the beach. But we drive on and park in the parking lot at the hotel-restaurant Eden rock
Well, just a very nice restaurant and hotel.
While I'm digging, opening the door of a car with things that I need to take with me to the beach, a guy comes up:

• Have you come to eat?
• No, just look
• Then please do not close the car and leave the keys in the ignition

We leave along the path made of deck flooring to the beach: beauty. White sand, shallow azure sea and sections of villas facing the sea. The sections are not limited by anything, just rattan chairs of different colors.
People are resting.
Little.
Europeans.
Immediately striking: well-groomed, fit, not old-fashioned homosexual.

We pass along the beach towards the runway of the airfield. It is limited symbolically: buoys on the water, so that kiters do not wind their kites on the propeller of the aircraft and a sign on the shore.
After the section of the runway on the beach, its wild part begins, where you can roll on a towel.

The place is nice and beautiful: there are two islands opposite. The sea is clean, but the northern part was windy that day, so there was a little grass on the shore. Small waves. I recommend to visit.
Aircraft fly propeller driven.

Take off somewhere in 300 meters from the beach. This is not in Saint Martin, but there is also some kind of thrill here: there is not that number of tourists running around with cameras behind every plane, everything is smooth and lazy. As in the village.
I was the only one running around with a camera.

Beaches on Saint Barth

Didn't mention that the first beach is called Baie de St Jean... The beach is good.
Long, but somehow cozy at home.

You hardly understand that this is the center of the island - the airport, the football field, which Abramovich restored (his house is nearby) ...
By the way, the second point of our stay on the island of Saint Bart is exactly the same football field: the Frenchman who rented a car in Gustavia spoke a lot about Roman Abramovich.
At the end he offered to come and visit him and knock on the gate ...
We didn't find the house, but the football field is here:

I will once again mention the hotel I liked very much, Edem Rock - very beautiful. The staff is well trained.
There are not many hotels on the island of Saint Barth. Mainly there are summer cottages, villas and long-term rentals.
The property is beautiful and adapted to the mountainous terrain. During a trip around the island, I did not leave the feeling that I was in the area of \u200b\u200bLake Como in Italy - the style of the roads and the relief, as well as the estate, was very similar

We drive further east along the roads of the island.
Good quality roads. The movement is energetic, as are the people inhabiting this island. We didn’t meet negril on wrecks, as on Saint Martin, who like to stand in the middle of the road and pobazarit from the window with homies. There is no public transport or minibuses. Everyone drives smoothly and quickly. Small sedans, convertible minis, small jeeps, ATVs and buggies.

The quality of the roads is excellent, the absence of speed bumps is very pleasing - a stupid invention, which is abundantly presented on the neighboring Saint Martin.

The next beach along the way Anse de Grand Cul de Sac I did not like. Although recommended by a Frenchman. It is possible that the surf was to blame, as today the north wind was blowing and a lot of grass washed up to the shore, so that the water took on a brown tint.

But the restaurant on the beach was not bad, as was the maha maha tartare. Strange, I thought it was a Tahitian fennec, or exported from other French territories or in the Caribbean, it is found, but the fish was not frozen. Freshak.

The top of my favorite beaches begins. After a trip to Saint Barth, the beach in San Blas (Panama) has faded. But first, we arrive at a place that is incomprehensible at first glance by name Anse de grande saline... Saline - this is how estuaries are called in French Provence. There are a couple of salt lakes in this place. Close to parking. I don't understand humor and I want to turn around and leave.

But.
Path and signpost "to be afraid". We walk along the path, we climb up the stones and thoughts are in the ear: what if there are homosexuals and naked ones like on Saint Martin?
What to do, let's go back ...

A piece of a picture with a turquoise sea is shown. People. There are people on the beach.

• Look, are there any nude ones?
• Hooray! On the beach, ordinary sunbathers

The beach is good.
He is wild: everyone brings something to their liking: umbrellas, chairs ...
But the bulk is lying on the towels. The beach is wide and everyone has enough space to enjoy the sea and the sun

The sand is clean. Water ... Water is so ... Something special. It envelops your body. She caresses. It is so soft that it is just pleasant to lie in it. The water is clear and turquoise. Rare and solid waves.

I call the waves solid when they do not flicker and do not hit your mug when you breaststroke from the shore. They allow you to climb up and slide down. They lull and rock so that you can just fall asleep in their arms

It reminds me of early in Thailand, until I wrote about it and this information was published in Lonely Planet and after that a massive invasion of the Chinese began and, accordingly, all the hippar-savage charm of this place disappeared ...
A very nice place. I highly recommend visiting.
Beach number 2 in my rating

Following clockwise in the direction of travel around the Isle of Saint Barth, gouverneur beach
This is a special beach. Small, homely, surrounded by mountains on all sides. There are about 10 villas on the mountain slopes, including Abramovich's estate, and that's all.

The water is so clean that I can safely compare it to pool water. Entry into the water is pleasant, immediately deep. The bottom is visible with the naked eye: the water is so clear that when you swim you see fish below, about 7 meters below you. There are almost no waves.

People rest on towels or sun loungers brought with them. Very calm and quiet. There are no screaming kids with moms, no crowds taking pictures. Very similar to Ko Lipe earlier, again. People read, sunbathe, bathe

The beach is clean. Perhaps the reason for this is the appeal when entering the beaches of the southern part of the island of Saint Barth not to shit at home. Empty soda cans hang on the tablet below the call. They are used as ashtrays on the beach, and when they leave, they are hung in place. This is the first time I see it and I really like it. People here understand that they have been resting here for more than one year, as well as their children and grandchildren, so everything is in order here with cleanliness.

The result of seven hours spent on Saint Barth: during this time it is really possible to explore the island and find your places on this beautiful and calm piece of land, which seems to be nothing special: bushes and cacti on the mountain slopes.
To do this, you will need a means of transportation, because you can't catch anything on foot, although a taxi is possible, but I'm used to steering myself:

The rental is located at the end of the marina, on the second street from it. Nearby car disassembly, you can't go wrong. The island is small, everything is close by and very compact. For the trip, 5 liters of gasoline were consumed, which was calculated at 1 euro. The total cost of the trip was 53 euros. I consider it a normal payment for the pleasure of exploring new lands and beaches.

I'm starting to think that it isn't such a bad option for independent travelers to explore new lands.