St. Barts, French West Indies
White-sand beaches, high-end boutiques, and fine French cuisine all come together on St. Barts, where members can relax and unwind at Le Sereno, named the #1 Top Resort in the Caribbean in the 2016 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.
The sprawling Le Sereno Villa includes a private pool, three master suites, and plenty of outdoor living spaces with sweeping ocean views. Couples or solo travelers can choose from three types of rooms and suites with luxury furnishings and full access to Le Sereno Hotel amenities.
Selective and Decidedly Chic
This ultra-exclusive celebrity hangout features the lure of white sand beaches, posh boutiques, and exquisite dining with a distinctive French flair. For all of its glitz and glamour, St. Bart's is still just a tiny island with a warm reception for its visitors. With miles of postcard-worthy shoreline, gourmet French, Creole, and Caribbean-fusion cuisine, it's easy to see why this spot is a favorite for jetsetters. The island's elegance is unsurpassed and islanders speak fluent French and English. Le Sereno was also recently chosen as the #1 Resort in the Caribbean by the Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards 2016.
Quick Facts
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Suggested Airport
Gustaf III Airport (SBH) -
Average Temperature
81° F -
Documents Needed
Passport -
Saint-Barth Fun Cup
February -
St. Barth's Bucket Regatta
March
Fresh Things To Do
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Brunch Out
Le Gaïac, located in the posh Hôtel Le Toiny, serves the best brunch on the island. The all-you-can-eat offerings are an institution on St. Barts, with free-flowing champagne and delectable French, Creole and Caribbean-fusion fare.
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Atop the Sea
Treat yourself to a catamaran sunset champagne trip; surveying the island and its lights from the water is a romantic way to spend the evening. If you'd rather plunge into the water, opt for snorkel gear and head to Gouverneur Beach.
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Spa Day
Let Spa at Isle de France pamper you with a soothing facial featuring Intraceuticals and Natura Bissé products. Another recommended treatment is the Thai massage set in the tropical garden pavilion.
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Catch a Wave
Reefer Surf Club, found at surfing beaches Anse es Cayes, Toiny, Miliou and Lorient, will equip and train you for all ocean sports. For kite surfing, hit the Dive Center on Grand Cul-de-Sac Beach for lessons from champion Enguerrand Espinassou.
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Beyond the Sea
For private sailing charters and power boat rentals, use TOP LOC Rentals. They offer full- and half-day trips with private cabins, lounge chairs and top-deck trampolines. Destinations can be negotiated on board, so the entire sea is yours!
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Classic French Cooking
Nobody does French cuisine better than On the Rocks and Executive Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Dine on spiced chicken samosas, fresh lobster, sea bass and more; pair your entrée with a varietal from Alsace, the famed chef's hometown.
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Featured Activity
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Chic Boutiques, Superior Bounty
In addition to being one of the Caribbean's most exclusive duty-free ports, the island's capital city of Gustavia is home to some of the most exclusive shops and boutiques in the world, making this arguably the top shopping destination in the region. Here are the stops that you shouldn't miss:
Mandarine Bijoux. Although this small jewelry shop may seem unassuming, don't let yourself pass it by. It holds antique treasures from around the world as well as classic island-themed pieces for your collection.
Calypso. Allow yourself to be carried away by the island breeze. Stop in to Calypso and pick up some beautiful silk wraps and mix and match bikinis. They also sell luxury fragrances and candles if you want to bring the scent of the Caribbean back home with you.
Human Steps. St. Barts is to vacation as shoes are to shopping: musts. Head to Human Steps for a luxury shoe shopping experience represented by designers like Prada and Miu Miu. There's also a men's shoe store next door, so everybody wins.
Hermès. Situated along the Rue de la République, this posh storefront offers one of the fashion world's most coveted brands at prices cheaper than you're likely to find throughout the United States. Scoop up an iconic silk scarf or leather accessory, then enjoy a celebratory glass of Bordeaux after your purchase.
Calypso St. Barth. Perhaps no fashion house has better captured the island spirit and look of Caribbean luxury than this swanky shop along Le Carré d'Or. Peruse their elegant line of resort wear as well as their eclectic mix of accessories, fragrances and home décor gems.
For more information about vacationing in this destination, contact your Care team.
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St. Barts Travel Tips
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Je parle le français
Brush up on your French; it's the official language of the island. The French spoken by locals is of Norman dialect. But don't worry, most people also speak English, especially for business transactions.
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Surfing Safari
Surfing can be enjoyed at a number of beaches, including Toiny, Anse des Cayes, Saint-Jean and Lorient, to name a few. Wind surfing enthusiasts will find a similar abundance of opportunities.
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White Sand
Ringing the island are 22 public beaches, 15 of which are suitable for swimming. The shallow reefs that encircle the island help protect these renowned beaches, and also provide excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities.
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History
The island has been under colonial rule by Spain, Sweden, England and France. St. Barts is now a French territory, and nearly all inhabitants trace their ancestry to Europe. Discovered by Columbus in 1493, it was named for his brother Bartolomeo.
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Cute and Quaint
An old law on the island prohibits any building to stand higher than a palm tree, limiting high-rises and massive resorts. Property on the island is in high demand, but short supply, so real estate is prized.
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Get Around
This arid, volcanic rock of just eight square miles may be small, but you may still want an automobile for touring. The good news is that everything is within a 20-minute drive. Rent a 4x4 Jeep and enjoy the scenery.
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Lunch Time
In the tradition of many Latin countries, a number of stores close for lunch from noon to 3 p.m. and stay open later in the evening. St. Barts is a duty-free port; shoppers will be delighted with the variety and number of shops.
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Weather
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Forecasting Your St. Barts Vacation
It's a Caribbean oasis unlike any other; St. Barts offers a luxurious lifestyle that's steeped in almost near-perfect weather. Yes, there is a wet season. Yes, there is a dry season. However, St. Barts is a vacation opportunity that doesn't present itself too often. With Inspirato, it certainly can… and the weather is sure to be perfect no matter if blue skies or clouds are above.
