Saint-Barthélemy with Caribbean flavors

Apr. 29 2013

by Marc Dedonder

Arriving by gay friendly cruise on the island of Saint-Barthélemy, its discovery begins after renting a Mini Cooper. At the top of a steep cliff, the caress of the wind and the sun will make you want to stop time.

With a population of about 8500 souls, Saint-Barthélemy offers its visitors a choice of a dozen white sand beaches. Saint-Barth, for those who know the place well, is typically European and part of the French West Indies. Politically, it is a department of France and therefore has the euro as its official currency. Of course, the American dollar is very present.

In recent years, Saint-Barthélemy has welcomed several celebrities and rich men who have settled in luxurious houses. For example, Mylène Farmer came to rest here a few days after the launch of her album Bleu Noir. It is sometimes said that visitors who stay in Saint-Barthélemy are all considered VIPs.

Saint-Barthélemy has everything to appeal to gay tourists. White sandy beaches, luxury shopping, fine dining and upscale accommodations. The weather is ideal year round and the seductive Caribbean will literally make you fall in love. in Saint-Barthélemy you will be greeted with an authentic welcome and a smile.

The high season in St. Barts begins in the winter, especially at Christmas. It is sometimes necessary to book early if you want to spend the holidays in the sun of Saint-Barthélemy, as many stars take several hotel rooms. While Americans come in the winter to bask in the sun, the spring and summer seasons continue to receive a flood of tourists. This time, it is mostly Europeans eager for heat, sun and sand who fly to the French West Indies.

One does not go to Saint-Barthélemy for its nightlife, bars and clubs. Most of the gay-friendly events are held directly in the villas in a "private party" formula. The local slogan that says "you never know how the day will end" is very real. You can be quiet on a beach early in the morning and be invited by a cute guy who will be headlining in his villa with several other people. The spirit of conviviality is at its peak.

Tourists heading to Saint-Barthélemy
While the local population is almost entirely French, Americans are often the most numerous on the island. But this is gradually changing with the newly rich from Russia and Brazil. St. Barts is increasingly attracting people from outside the northern Americas and Europe. Direct flights to Gustave III airport are becoming more and more frequent.

Because of this strong American presence, tipping has become the norm. This is far from pleasing European tourists who are not used to this type of exchange. The additional tip rate is usually 15% of the total bill. However, the decorum and formal dress code is enforced in many places on the island... in the European way.

St. Barts welcomes the Caribbean
St. Barts can be reached by air or by ferry services from St. Martin. There are several departures available do planes. You can wait between 45 and 75 minutes for your next flight to St. Barts if you are in St. Martin. However, if you are taking the boat, booking early may be a good option to "not miss the boat".

Discover the island's regions
St. Barts is divided into eleven regions. Gustavia is its main port and the island's largest shopping center. With its many upscale boutiques clustered along the waterfront and adjacent streets, it has become a real moneymaker over the years.

St. John's comes in a close second in terms of shopping on the island. However, many stores are closed between noon and 2 pm. There is Nikki Beach, which could be a good way to start your day or to pass the time waiting for the stores to reopen. When you come to St. Barts in the low season, between May and July, you will find the sales period. All the shop windows are showing incredible sales to prepare their new inventory for the next season. If you're looking for a high-end collection of local clothing, Sabina Zest is probably one of the most interesting "made in Saint-Barth".

Accommodation in Saint Barts
When it comes to accommodation, Le Sereno, located on the Grand Cul-de-Sac, represents the quintessence of what the island promises. A beautiful waterfront, impeccable service and a view of the turquoise water, an ideal for many people. Designed by the famous Parisian Christian Liaigre, he knew how to make this hotel a modern and refined place.

Located in St. John, just steps away from St. John Bay beach, the Eden Rock Hotel offers its visitors eclectic suites with a handful of themed accommodations such as the Greta Garbo Suite with its small theater. With four suites named after iconic musicians (Freddie Mercury, John Lennon, Bob Marley and Bob Dylan), the hotel is arguably the most rock n' roll in all of St. Barts.

The Hotel Guanahani & Spa is more focused. It offers several sea sports for the more athletic among you and softer activities for the less courageous.

Gastronomy and cuisine of Saint Barth
The island's culinary specialties are spicy curries with meat and chicken. Fish is not to be overlooked during your meals. Don't expect the standard Caribbean fare when it comes to eating in St. Barts, except for alcohol.

The Maya is a very beautiful restaurant to discover. It is undoubtedly one of the most animated of the island. Located along one of the beaches adjacent to Gustavia, Maya has an evolving menu and offers international cuisine based on seasonal ingredients.

Located south of Toiny, Le Gaïac restaurant is the ideal brunch destination of choice. Your morning with local flavors will make you want to take the time to eat well.

Just like the rest of the Caribbean, there are few gay places. So we go to St. Barts to rest and relax. The spas and the beach are the best friends to recharge your batteries in a European way.