St. Barts is certainly a gem of the Caribbean, located around 30 km from Saint Martin, and its area is only 25 Km square. However, being fully acclimatized to VIP tourism, it offers several most attractive bays and ample conditions for yachting lovers, as well as splendid beaches. This little Caribbean island discovered by Columbus in 1493 has been a holiday destination for many Hollywood celebrities. On this island, you will find 20 idyllic beaches and about 60 restaurants whose cuisines are equated with the masterpieces of French and New York culinary specialists. For cozy accommodations, around 30 hotels are available on the island, among which lavish villas are paramount.
French To Swedes
The French settled in St. Barts in 1648 and formed the first colony. However, they left the island soon after and didn’t return until 1763. Afterward, Swedes came to the island and purchased St. Bart from the French in 1784. They began to use the island as a business and collection center during the 18th-century colonial battles. However, the Swede’s control did not last long as the French repurchased St. Barts back and gave it under the administrative control of Guadeloupe. In 2003, a native of St. Barts voted to give administration power to the French and ended its ties with Guadeloupe. As of today, St. Barts is more like an extension of France, but with a relaxed atmosphere.
Rémy de Haenen
It wasn’t until Dutch aviator and entrepreneur came to this island with his plane that St. Barts became a well-known holiday destination. He landed his plane, where the airport is now. For most, St. Barts was just an unknown island, though inhabited, thanks to Remy de Haenen, who saw the potential of St. Barts. As a native of the island were quite happy about their home, they had no means to invite foreigners to the islands. Remy de Haenen took it as an opportunity to buy Eden Roc Hotel and invite his famous pals over, including Howard Hughes. When de Haenen was elected as mayor of St. Barts, the tourism industry took off during his administration.
The volcanic eruption formed the island of St. Barts
Just like many other Caribbean Islands, St. Barts also appeared after a volcanic eruption. While the island no longer has active volcanoes, you can still find several mountains that make St. Barths, one of the most breathtaking islands in the world. Immense beauty is packed on this small island, and though it lacks in size, it gives shelter to several sea and land creatures. From the earliest records of inhabitants, it’s quite clear that the island has been housing people since 1000 B.C, and the first settlers were Ciboney people, originating from Cuba. During colonial rule, St. Barts became a large trading post, whereas its arid landscapes are the reason that kept it from becoming a sugar economy.
You’re giving back by traveling to St. Barts.
Many tourists who come here are unaware of the fact that a slice of their spending goes into supporting coral reef restorations. St. Barts is attempting to sustain its land space, oceans, and wildlife, thus, becoming an eco-community. Locals here passionately work towards building healthy relationships between the economy and mother nature. Hence, with the income generated from tourism, they are boosting their economy and helping their natural causes. Coral reefs are in danger around many tourism-centered beaches, where divers and water sport enthusiasts lead to the destruction of coral reefs.
There is no public transport in Saint Barthélemy.
There is no public transport in the country, and people mostly rely on taxis. Parking lots are easy to find at the airport, and it’s also a conveitnet to book a taxi on your phone. In case of high prices of a tourist guide, some taxi drivers act as guides and charge depending upon the passengers in the car. Nevertheless, when it comes to transport in water, speed boats are available that operate between the neighboring island of Saint Martin several times a day.