Destination Guide: Travel to St. Barthelemy

St. Barthelemy is quickly becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of the Caribbean. The place offers all of the best in beach life, night life, fine dining, and it has an emphasis on resort life. St. Bart's is not for everyone though. If your idea of a vacation is to spend a little bit of money to enjoy a week or two of luxury, then it is your spot. If you are afraid to open up the wallet, you might be better suited to head elsewhere. On this great gem of an island, everything is extravagant.

Discovered by Columbus in 1493, this island is one of the oldest in the entire Caribbean. The influences of Cristopher are long gone, though. The people of St. Bart's are a little bit different. They do not look or act like your normal Caribbean folks. Instead, they are mostly of western European ancestry. With their blue eyes and blonde hair, many of these people look like they would be better suited walking the streets of Sweden or France. They are islanders, though, and their country is a great place for American travelers.

Many Americans love to head to St. Bart's because of the star power that it attracts. In the past, many of the richest people in the world made their hideaway on the island. Such powerful men as Rockefeller held vacation property on the isle. Now, it still attracts some very powerful and rich folks. Tom Cruise and Harrison Ford each have retreats where they frequent to get away from it all. After all, the lifestyle of a movie star is extremely strenuous.

Of the fourteen beautiful white sand beaches, the most popular is known as St-Jean Beach. On this island, one will find great night spots, some good restaurants, water sports, and even the occasional resort hotel. Unlike on American beaches, topless sunbathing is extremely popular in St. Bart's and folks are not shy to show what they have got. Flamands Beach and Marigot Beach are also very popular beaches to visit if you want to take in the rays. Luckily for travelers, these beaches never seem to be crowded, even in peak season.

As one of the most exclusive beaches in all of the Caribbean, St. Barthelemy is a haven and playground for the world's richest folks. With more resorts and hotels popping up, you can go there, too. The beaches are great and the people are authentic, even if they do look like Europeans. Have a great time on this island!