A mere 8 square mi (21 square km), St. Barths is a hilly island, with many sheltered inlets providing visitors with many opportunities to try out picturesque, quiet beaches. The town of Gustavia wraps itself neatly around a lilliputian harbor lined with impressive yachts and rustic fishing boats. Red-roofed bungalows dot the hillsides. Beaches run the gamut from calm to "surfable," from deserted to packed. The cuisine is tops in the Caribbean, part of the French savoir vivre that prevails throughout the island. To view our complete selection of villas in St. Barts, please click the following link: stbarts.villascaribe.com
SBH, with only 7000 residents, has no large resorts, no casinos, no all-inclusives and no golf courses. What the island does have in abundance are beautiful beaches, breathtaking vistas and a fantastic array of wonderful restaurants. The climate is ideal, with temperatures generally ranging from 76 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit and the crystal blue waters have a average temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit making them perfect for swimming year round. Villas In St. Barts represents only the most luxurious villas at each price point.
Christopher Columbus discovered the island -- called "Ouanalao" by its native Carib Indians -- in 1493; he named it for his brother Bartholomé. The first group of French colonists arrived in 1648, drawn by the ideal location on the West Indian Trade Route, but they were wiped out by the Caribs, who dominated the area. Another small group from Normandy and Brittany arrived in 1694. This time the settlers prospered -- with the help of French buccaneers, who took advantage of the island's strategic location and protected harbor. In 1784 the French traded the island to King Gustav III of Sweden in exchange for port rights in Göteborg. The king dubbed the capital Gustavia, laid out and paved streets, built three forts, and turned the community into a prosperous free port. The island thrived as a shipping and commercial center until the 19th century, when earthquakes, fires, and hurricanes brought financial ruin. Many residents fled for newer lands of opportunity, and Oscar II of Sweden decided to return the island to France. After briefly considering selling it to America, the French took possession of Saint-Barthélemy again on August 10, 1877.
St. Barts Island is a dependency island of Guadeloupe, which in turn is an Overseas Department and Region of France. As such, St. Barts Island participates in French elections. It has its own mayor, who is elected every seven years, a town constable, and a security force consisting of six policemen and 13 gendarmes. The latter are sent from France on tours of duty lasting two years. St. Barts Island and neighboring St. Martin comprise a Sous- Préfecture of Guadeloupe, which is administered by a Sous-Préfect who resides in St. Martin and has a representative on St. Barts. Villas In St. Barts has featured villas for rental in St. Barts for more than 15 years.
The Aéroport de St. Jean is the only St. Barts airport to serve the island. The facilities are composed of a small, recently refurbished landing strip that is in operation during daylight hours only. The options for St. Barts airport are few, as the island is only 8 sq. miles. It is relatively simple to reach the St. Barts airport through many Caribbean air hubs. Travelers coming from international destinations may connect via the Juliana International Airport on St. Martin/St. Maarten. Several large airlines, including American and Continental, fly direct to St. Martin Airport making the flight only one connection. The short flight from St. Martin to the St. Barts airport takes only 15 minutes from tarmac to tarmac; providing amazing views of the beaches and hills of St. Barts and the Terres Basses on St. Martin. Plane service to the St. Barts airport is offered by Windward Island Airways and Air Caraibes
Villas In St Barts looks forward to welcoming you to St. Barts .
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