The dry tropical climate and rough hilly terrain of this tropical island caused it to be unsuited for agricultural purposes. Other islands of the French West Indies experienced early growth and plantation development, while this one remained poor and unspoiled. Since about 1970 its turn has come to shine. It has become a popular destination for wealthy tourists and homeowners who appreciate the beauty, quiet, and privacy the St Barts villas offer.
In 1746 Christopher Columbus named it after his brother Barthelemay. It is of the Leeward Islands in the Northeast Caribbean, approximately 160 mi. East of Puerto Rico. Neighboring islands include St. Kitts, St. Martin and Antigua.
This volcanic island contains 8 sq. Mi. (21 sq km) of territory and is surrounded by pristine beaches and shallow coral reefs. The highest point is 938 ft. (286 m.). Temperatures stay at an even 72 to 86 degrees (22 to 30 C). December through May is the dry season with more humidity experienced from June through November.
Native peoples colonized the island a couple times but had difficulty sustaining themselves agriculturally. It became a French colony in 1648. It experienced prosperity after it was transferred to Sweden in 1784 and became a duty free port. The Swedes were responsible for much of the original development and gave the capital Gustavia its name. In 1852 much of that development was destroyed by earthquake, and later fire. In 1878 the island was sold back to France.
The official language is French but English is increasingly spoken, especially in the restaurants and hotels. The population of 8,800 is predominantly European descendants of early settlers, and new residents from North America.
More than 200,000 visitors come each year. About 70,000 make their stay at one of the 25 small hotels and more than 400 villas for rent. The rest visit as passengers on luxury boats. Many yachts are constantly seen at Gustavia's natural harbor and around the island's shores. Scuba diving, surfing, and wind surfing are popular activities. Many enjoy the shopping experience at the local duty free luxury stores.
Some seventy restaurants locate here prepare and serve Creole, West Indian, Italian, and Asian fare. Music of several Caribbean varieties is enjoyed. Poolside massages can be arranged at the rental villas, as well as yoga or private tours. Twenty-two public beaches await with warm coastal waters in a constant 68 to 74 degrees (20-23 C) temperature.
The heaviest tourism season is during the winter holiday season. Deep discounts of up to 50% can be obtained between April 16th and December 14th. A tourism tax of 5% is charged, so make sure it is included in the price and not added on later. There are only two gas stations, so expect your visit to be pollution and traffic free. The port here is not deep enough for large cruise ships so you will not see large crowds of tourists. Crime is pretty much nonexistent.
More than 400 St Barts villas of all styles and sizes can be rented for that quiet family tropical vacation or romantic getaway. These lodgings are located both directly on the beach and in the hills above where they provide spectacular vistas. If you enjoy your experience as much as most people you will want to return again and again, perhaps even purchase a home here.
In 1746 Christopher Columbus named it after his brother Barthelemay. It is of the Leeward Islands in the Northeast Caribbean, approximately 160 mi. East of Puerto Rico. Neighboring islands include St. Kitts, St. Martin and Antigua.
This volcanic island contains 8 sq. Mi. (21 sq km) of territory and is surrounded by pristine beaches and shallow coral reefs. The highest point is 938 ft. (286 m.). Temperatures stay at an even 72 to 86 degrees (22 to 30 C). December through May is the dry season with more humidity experienced from June through November.
Native peoples colonized the island a couple times but had difficulty sustaining themselves agriculturally. It became a French colony in 1648. It experienced prosperity after it was transferred to Sweden in 1784 and became a duty free port. The Swedes were responsible for much of the original development and gave the capital Gustavia its name. In 1852 much of that development was destroyed by earthquake, and later fire. In 1878 the island was sold back to France.
The official language is French but English is increasingly spoken, especially in the restaurants and hotels. The population of 8,800 is predominantly European descendants of early settlers, and new residents from North America.
More than 200,000 visitors come each year. About 70,000 make their stay at one of the 25 small hotels and more than 400 villas for rent. The rest visit as passengers on luxury boats. Many yachts are constantly seen at Gustavia's natural harbor and around the island's shores. Scuba diving, surfing, and wind surfing are popular activities. Many enjoy the shopping experience at the local duty free luxury stores.
Some seventy restaurants locate here prepare and serve Creole, West Indian, Italian, and Asian fare. Music of several Caribbean varieties is enjoyed. Poolside massages can be arranged at the rental villas, as well as yoga or private tours. Twenty-two public beaches await with warm coastal waters in a constant 68 to 74 degrees (20-23 C) temperature.
The heaviest tourism season is during the winter holiday season. Deep discounts of up to 50% can be obtained between April 16th and December 14th. A tourism tax of 5% is charged, so make sure it is included in the price and not added on later. There are only two gas stations, so expect your visit to be pollution and traffic free. The port here is not deep enough for large cruise ships so you will not see large crowds of tourists. Crime is pretty much nonexistent.
More than 400 St Barts villas of all styles and sizes can be rented for that quiet family tropical vacation or romantic getaway. These lodgings are located both directly on the beach and in the hills above where they provide spectacular vistas. If you enjoy your experience as much as most people you will want to return again and again, perhaps even purchase a home here.
About the Author:
For exciting holiday choices, a traveler has the option to live at the beautiful Barbados villas. The best vacation hot spots can be enjoyed when you are living luxuriously at the St Martin villas.
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