St Barts has become the "number one island" (as the local council likes to call it), favoured by rich Americans and the European jet set.

St Barts is more or less bilingual and US clients are much desired. That has naturally had its effect on prices, to the point that even the rich clientele has begun to find the place very expensive. Happily, for a while now the increasing numbers of shops and restaurants has meant lively competition and hence at least some places where prices are reasonable.

Gustavia

The capital of St-Barthelemy has been a free port since the 18th century and has a rich history of adventuring and smuggling. Around its rectangular harbour there's a chessboard pattern of streets full of small, red-roofed houses. The whole is colourful and well-maintained, marrying different Creole architectural styles, although here and there are older buildings in a more severe Nordic style. For tourists, above all for Americans, Gustavia is very much France’s shop window with lots of shops selling the most famous French brand names that are, best of all, duty free. On the narrow area round the quays you’ll be spoiled for choice over bars, restaurants and menus. The Select, founded by Marius Stakelborough whose ancestors were Swedish, is the bar favoured by yachtsmen. Of the three forts which once defended the harbour, only Fort Gustave and Fort Oscar still stand on the edges of the town.

To visit the island :