St.Barts A TRAVEL GUIDE TO

St. Barts is an overseas collective of France, and is one of the few islands in the Caribbean region to still have direct ties to a European country While the official language is French, most of the sub-10,000 population are trilingual, speaking French, English, and Spanish The island is so small that there are scant street names and no public transportation Visitors typically rent a car, bike, or scooter to get around on their own

This hidden gem is an isle of luxury enticing visitors as diverse as Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, international pop star Dua Lipa, the celebrity family, the Kardashians, and boxing legend Mike Tyson It has one of the best high-end shopping scenes in the Caribbean, featuring stores from Hermès, Louis Vuitton, and Prada

St. Barts might be a small package, but it packs one-of-akind experiences you won’t find anywhere else in the region

Beaches

fitness center and soon, a spa and casino

In addition to this major opening, several hotels are in the midst of or have recently completed significant enhancements

The Ritz Carlton, Aruba began 2023 with the debut of new, islandinspired designs for all guestrooms, suites, and corridors

At the end of 2022, Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort completed renovations of all one-bedroom suites on the property In December of 2022, Raddison Blu Aruba welcomed the award-winning Senses Fine Dining restaurant to the property, which offers a renowned chef’s table experience, as well as an a la carte option Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort is also undergoing major renovations including updates to all studios and suites by April 2023

For visitors who choose to stay at an Airbnb property, Airbnb experiences now offer a variety of ebike tours courtesy of Stezo Tours Lasting about 90 minutes, tours such as the Full Moon E-Bike Experience allows guests to take in some of the One Happy Islands best views with pedal-powered assistance

Wellness offerings in Aruba have also been recently enhanced by two new businesses – The Now Skin Health & Wellness Studio and Essential Wellness Retreats

Complimenting these hotel developments and new activities are new resources that aim to make travel to and from the island even more convenient

In December 2022, the Aruba Airport Authority and Customs and Border Patrol unveiled a remote Global Entry Enrollment Center for US citizens, allowing US visitors to conveniently apply for this timereducing certification and enhance their departure experience from Aruba

Additionally, Aruba will soon unveil the Aruba Happy One Pass, which will allow travelers to optimize the airport check-in process and health requirements as part of their arrival on island

A stay anywhere in the Caribbean will leave you spoiled on beach picks – soft, white sandy shores and picture-perfect blue waters are the norm St Barts has its share, but for a beach like no other, there’s Shell Beach The mega tourist spot answers a question you probably never asked, what if all the sand on a beach was replaced by colorful sea shells? It’s an incredible experience in person with enough soft spots for you to have a typical beach adventure complete with nearby restaurant offerings

Hiking Trails

The lack of public transportation is more than made up of incredible hiking trails You can hike to beaches, to restaurants, or the unique natural pools located around the island It’s recommended that you hire a guide, if not to navigate the paths, then to make sure the pools are safe to enter, as during certain weather conditions the tide gets rough In ideal conditions, the pools are well worth the trek The pool at the simplest dishes Their menu is made up of decadent pasta such as their “Local Lobster Ravioli” served with a carrot and ginger puree, fresh seafood dishes like their stuffed squid with paella spices, and a variety of carpaccios Amis also has vegetarian and gluten-free options on offer

Orega is the “break-the-bank” option Reservations need to be made weeks in advance, but if you score a table you’ll be treated to an incredible experience This Franco-Japanese fusion restaurant serves up dishes as beautiful as they are delicious, seamlessly combining the two cuisines to create something wholly unique

Accommodations

Le Barthélemy is an escape from the crowds of tourists who navigate the island It’s luxury, but the highlights of the property are the private villas that are available for rent Each of the six-bedroom luxury cottages has access to all the expected amenities Each villa has access to its own private infinity pool Located on the beachfront, and designed by acclaimed French interior designer, Sybille de Margerie, Le Barthélemy offers a touch of Parisian modernism amidst rustic island charm

St Barts is one of the safest islands to travel to in the Caribbean, boasting virtually no crime It’s said that locals even leave their cars and houses unlocked However, traveling to the island might be an obstacle There are no direct flights from the United States to St Barts, with many of the visitors arriving via private jets, yachts, a stop on a cruise, or indirect flights

Grand Fond is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The water is so clear, yet in beautiful shades of blue, that you can see to the bottom The pool is enclosed by bright orange rock creating a striking contrast that feels ethereal

Cuisine

When it comes to cuisine on the island, you can do no wrong The natural bounty of the land and sea that makes up all Caribbean cuisine is augmented with classic French culinary techniques. The result? Fine dining can hold its own with some of the best restaurants in the world

Amis is a French-Mediterranean restaurant that prides itself on using fresh, natural ingredients to elevate even the