Gustavia, St. Barts Guide

Small, pristine and deliberately uncrowded, St. Barts—officially St. Saint Barthelemy—is as European as it gets in the Caribbean. Known as the “Cannes” of the islands for its chic, trendy attitude, deluxe accommodations and the scores of celebrities who frequent her, St. Barths is a place for people with as much leisure money as time.

A tiny island of only eight square miles, St. Barts’ terrain consists of dramatic hills and valleys encircled by stark white sand. With little to brag about beyond her spectacular natural beauty, St. Barts centered her focus around her harbor and the island’s only town, Gustavia, emerged at her edge. Although discovered by Christopher Columbus (who named the island after his brother Bartholomew), the island today strives to remain undiscovered by the masses. If you’re a day tripper or cruise shipper, don’t look for the welcome mat to be rolled out for you. St. Barts is determined to maintain its largely affluent, upper crust clientele however that’s not to dissuade you from investigating her lovely charms. And there are many.

The island’s amenities include terrific diving, snorkeling and sun bathing on beaches that are the Caribbean’s finest (and cleanest). The French flair is apparent in the rich, authentic cuisine that you’ll enjoy at any number of posh restaurants overlooking fishing villages with harbors full of yachts and sailboats. A favorite pastime is undoubtedly shopping - but not for the thrift shoppers. Don’t look for bargains here - look for the best in fashion designs from Milan to New York.

Since the word leaked in the late 1980’s of St. Barts’ charms, the island has become more accessible than ever to tourists. An island that decidedly will never become a tourism Mecca, St. Barts offers both tranquility and luxury to all who pursue her.

St. Barts, also known as Saint Barthélemy, is a small island located in the Caribbean Sea. It is part of the French West Indies and is often considered a luxurious vacation destination for its beautiful beaches, upscale resorts, and high-end shopping. However, the history of St. Barts is much more than just a luxury destination.

The island was originally inhabited by the Arawak people, who migrated from South America around 1000 BC. They lived in harmony with the island’s natural resources, fishing and hunting for their sustenance. In the late 15th century, the island was discovered by Christopher Columbus during his second voyage to the New World. He named it after his brother, Bartolomeo, and claimed it for Spain.

For the next couple of centuries, St. Barts changed hands between the Spanish, French, and Dutch as they all sought to establish control over the Caribbean islands. Eventually, in 1648, the island was settled by French colonists from nearby Saint Kitts, who established a small agricultural community.

St. Barts remained under French control until the late 18th century when it was sold to Sweden in exchange for trading rights in the Swedish port of Gothenburg. The Swedish government saw the island as a potential trading hub in the Caribbean and invested in its development. They built a fort, churches, and a hospital, and introduced sugar cane plantations, which became the main source of income for the island.

In 1784, St. Barts became a free port, attracting merchants from around the world to trade goods such as cotton, spices, and rum. The island flourished economically, and its population grew significantly with people from different cultures and nationalities settling on the island.

In the mid-19th century, the decline of the sugar industry led to a decline in St. Barts’ economy. In 1878, the island was sold back to France, and it once again became a French overseas territory. However, the island struggled to recover from its economic downturn and remained a quiet and relatively unknown destination until the mid-20th century.

In the 1950s, St. Barts started to gain attention from wealthy travelers, including celebrities and business tycoons, who were drawn to the island’s natural beauty and exclusivity. The island’s tourism industry began to develop, and luxurious resorts and villas were built, making it a top destination for the rich and famous.

Today, St. Barts remains a popular vacation spot, known for its stunning beaches, chic boutiques, and French-Caribbean culture. It has managed to maintain its small island charm while also catering to the high-end tourism market. The history of St. Barts is a testament to its resilience and adaptability, from its humble beginnings as a small fishing village to its current status as a luxurious paradise.