Saint Barthélemy island is an overseas collectivity of France. Often abbreviated to Saint-Barth in French, or St. Barts in English, the collectivity is one of the four territories among the Leeward Islands in the northeastern Caribbean that comprise the French West Indies, along with Guadeloupe, Martinique and Saint Martin. A St Barts vacation does not include towering casino hotels or mega tourism resorts. Its allure comes from the islands intimacy, ideal climate, crystal clear Caribbean water, friendly people and Caribbean charm.

Photo: titou.net

St. Barts has an area of 21 km² and a population of 8,398. Its capital is Gustavia, which is also its main harbor. It is the only Caribbean island to have historically been a Swedish colony for any significant length of time. Symbolism from the Swedish national arms, the three crowns, still appears in the island’s coat of arms. The language, cuisine and culture are distinctly French.

St. Barts Sailing Adventure

St. Barts has the allure of a small island. The interior of St. Barts is the prettiest of the Renaissance Islands. We will rent jeeps and explore the country side. The roads are often cut into the sides of the mountains. Highlands include the wonderfully rugged southeast coast along Grand Fond, winding along the tiny mountain roads in Vitet, scrambling around the rocks at the end of the Columbier Road and buying intricate straw work from barefooted women in traditional dress in Corrossol. Anse de Grande Saline and Anse du Gouverneur are two fabulous secluded beaches surrounded by scenic cliffs and makes a great stop for a walk and a swim with a good little roadside creperie nearby.

The end of the beach at Anse des Cayes is most excellent for body surfing. There is a tiny trail leading to Anse des Flamandes from Anse de Columbier – an adventurous half hour walk over hills with panoramic views of majestic rocks and offshore islands. Sweet smelling lilies and cactus grow along parts of the path. Past hollowed out cliffs is a most amazing beach with butterflies and birds. We will take time for a short walk over to Anse du Grand Galet otherwise known as “Shell Beach” and pick shells to our hearts content and then meet in the evening at Le Select, an informal bar with plenty of life.

Photo: michele_p

Yachting Activity

The second edition of the Voiles de Saint Barth will take place between April 4-9, 2011. François Tolède and Luc Poupon, representing St. Barts Yacht Club, which organises the event, have just confirmed the dates after talks with competitors and the event’s partners. Following on from a magnificent first edition last April, this major date on the Caribbean racing calendar is now well established, and the aim is to make it even bigger. The praise that was heaped on the event by sailors, skippers and owners at the end of the first edition boosted the confidence of the organisers in their format and led them to come up with these new dates. The invitation has been issued for all those, who enjoy fine yacht races.

Sources: saint-barths.com,  usac.com

Check out all the family holidays to suitable destinations by clicking here.