Saint Barthelemy, also known as Saint Barths, is a small island in the Caribbean that is part of the French West Indies. It has a rich history, having been settled by the Arawaks and Caribs before being colonized by the French and later traded to Sweden. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, particularly among the wealthy, with beautiful beaches and a relaxed nightlife. However, due to its status as a French overseas community, it can be pricey and getting accommodation may require planning ahead. Flights arrive daily from nearby Saint Maarten, and yachts and private planes also frequent the island.
Saint Barthelemy is a small island in the Caribbean. The island covers 8 square miles (21 sq km) and has a population of just over 7000. The island is located in the Leeward Islands and, together with Saint Martin, Guadeloupe and Martinique, makes up the French West Indies, a region of overseas controlled by France. Saint Barthelemy is often called Saint Barths, Saint Barts or even Saint Bart’s.
Saint Barthelemy was originally settled by the Arawaks, and later moved by the Caribs in the 13th century. Columbus landed in Saint Barthelemy in 13, naming it after his brother. However, the Spanish did not colonize the island and it remained under Caribbean control for nearly two more centuries.
In the mid-17th century, a number of settlers arrived from Saint Kitts to establish a permanent settlement on the island. The Caribs strongly resisted this settlement and killed or drove out almost all of the settlers. A few managed to survive, however, and a second attempt at settlement was successful two decades later. The French officially absorbed the island in 17, placing it under the administration of neighboring Guadeloupe.
A century later, at the end of the 18th century, King Louis XVI traded Saint Barthelemy to Sweden, receiving in return a warehouse in the port of Gothenburg. Sweden immediately declared the island free of duties and taxes, and an influx of Swedish settlers arrived. For the next several decades the island prospered as a desirable port for traffic bound for and from America. With the advent of steam power, however, visitors dwindled and Saint Barthelemy entered an economic crisis.
At the end of the 19th century Sweden finally decided to cede Saint Barthelemy, selling it back to France. Sweden has included a provision, however, that Saint Barthelemy remains free of duties and taxes in perpetuity.
After World War II, Saint Barthelemy was attached to Guadeloupe as a department. In 2003, the island allegedly broke with Guadeloupe following a referendum, officially becoming an overseas community. Tourism began to grow on the island in the 1960s, with a small airstrip installed and a number of notables making St Barthelemy their primary vacation spot.
In recent years Saint Barthelemy’s popularity among the wealthy in America has only widened and his name has become synonymous with tropical paradise. Due to its status, the island can be a little pricey compared to other Caribbean islands, but the level of service available at Saint Barthelemy’s is unrivalled.
Much of the Saint Barthelemy property is privately owned, and authorities have intentionally prevented the development from growing too large, so getting a room on the island can be difficult, or at least require some planning ahead. Once there, the beaches are the star attraction, with a myriad of perfectly manicured stretches of sand awaiting you. Snorkeling, diving, fishing, yachting and just about any water toy you can imagine are also close at hand. Nightlife in Saint Barthelemy is surprisingly relaxed for a place so popular with the Rock Star and Royalty crowd, with a handful of small clubs and restaurants.
Flights arrive into nearby Saint Maarten daily from a number of major international hubs, and a ferry or smaller plane can take you from there to Saint Barts itself. Yachts and private planes also arrive fairly regularly, and for the adventurous hitchhiking on a yacht from a nearby island in the Caribbean can be an affordable and exciting option.
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