St. Barts - the best Caribbean vacation!....if you can afford it.

photo by gailf548	via PhotoRee

St Barts official name is St. Barthelemy and more acurately called St. Barths.  Disvcovered by some guy named Christopher Columbus in 1493.  It was setteled by the French in the 1700's and remains under French control.  French of course is the official language although English is spoken.

St Barts is a tiny island, only 8 miles long and similar in topography to the Virgin Islands in that it is very hilly.  Gustavia is the largest city and sets on a cove facing the western side of the island.  The entire island population is only a little more than 8,000 year round residents. Interestingly, St. Barths majority population is caucasians which makes it one of the few if only Caribbean islands that can say that.  The Euro is the official curreny.

The climate on St. Barts is typical Caribbean tropical.  Very little flucuation between winter and summer with high temperatures in the 80's year-round.  December through April is the dry season.  One particular drawback is that St. Barts is frequently hammered by hurricanes.

Investment has made St. Barts a picture perfect island and is responsible for the high standard of living.  St. Barts is considered a playground of the rich and famous.  Most of the hotels are quite small and rent private villas.  As can be expected hotel rates are about the most expensive of any Caribbean island.

photo by Chalky Lives	via PhotoRee

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The best beaches of St. Barths are as beautiful as an other island in the Caribbean.  In fact, the entire island is surrounded by coral reefs, which make it a snorkeling and diving paradise.  Saline beach is a favorite of topless sunbathers, Toiny beach is popular with surfers.

All in all if money is no object and you like hanging around really wealthy people, or maybe you are one yourself, this might be the best Caribbean vacation for you. Check out Book It to find the best deals there.