Just three hours away from New York or with easy access from most of Europe’s finest – Paris, Amsterdam, London there is small piece of exclusive land, a heaven, so worth  of visiting – St. Barthelemy island or St. Barths.

Even though, I didn’t like most of the Caribbean islands, I have visited, St. Barths was different. With a multicultural background, St. Barths belongs to France nowadays. The official currency is Euro, but US dollars are widely accepted. It is also bilingual, which made it even more favorable then France ( in terms of talking to people).

So chic with  unique scenery, gorgeous beaches, hidden bays, beautiful and fresh cuisine, designer boutiques, interesting villages, top hotels and restaurants and so, so friendly and beautiful inhabitants. I couldn’t help a lot, but to make sure, I was ashore, every time my ship was calling the port of Gustavia, which is the main city and port of the islands. It is a home of impressive yacht port as well. I red somewhere that there is law not allowing to build a cruise terminal, where a cruise ship could dock and honestly I hope they keep the rule.

Arriving in charming Gustavia by tender boat was an experience on its own, watching the super yachts, made me sometimes wonder what are those people doing for a living, but then the architecture of Gustavia and especially the contrast of nature and the colours of the roofs took over my toughs. Gustavia is actually considered as quieter then the resort of St. Jean for example but it has everything you might wish-cute art galleries, beautiful spas, designer stores, high class restaurants or such ones with menu and prices for everyone, pristine beach and more.  Since I adore the beach, I often made a visit at the Do Brazil or Shell beach, just about 15 minutes walk from the drop off point of the tender. The name Shell beach completely matches the surface of the beach, but the shells are so small, so it was fine to either walk or sit on the beach. Better idea though would be to call and book your sun-chair or table at the Do Brazil Beach Bar, especially if you are visiting the St. Barths during the high season from November to March/April. Don’t miss out the cocktails, wine or sea food at Do Brazil while here. I never failed of getting a bottle of French wine, french macaroons or Chanel item on the way back to the ship.

During the next visit of St. Barths, I visited the Nikki Beach, located just on the opposite site of Gustavia. It was about 10 minutes drive by car. If a reservation for the Shell beach is recommended, a booked table at Nikki beach is a must. The name sails itself and you might actually happen to see a celebrity enjoying time off here. Judging by the many photographs and their long lengths,  me and my friends though that someone famouse was about to make a visit at Nikki beach or was already inside. Apart of the bar/restaurant the stores just outside were amazing.

The luxury property of Eden Rock was overlooking de Plage de Saint Jean and herewith was overlooking at us while at Nikki Beach. Opened in the 50’s last century, the Eden Rock was preferred place to stay for the glamorous such as Rothschild or Rockefeller.

One of the next times, we were about to visit Gustavia, there was an idea that we have lunch in either Taiwana hotel, Eden Rock or Chaval Blanc – all exclusive places, we often made reservation for our guests, but now we decided to experience on our own. We picked the restaurant at Taiwana hotel, because of its menu – fresh sea food served while enjoying the amazing ocean views.

Add this place to the list and for the other reason, that it was kind of intimidating comparing to Nikki Beach for example and it does have the best and widest beach I have at least visited while at St. Barths. Famouse Cheval Blanc Isle de France is located next to Taiwana hotel, so you could cover both within short time.

A true pearl at the Caribbean, St. Barths ranks among the most expensive gateways on the planet. With a reason, but it could be enjoyed by everyone with several simple rules – do your research before visiting the island, do the necessary bookings of the restaurants or clubs you wish to dine/party, be truly nice to the locals ( this is not difficult) and bring a lot of  income…

Bon voyage,