Saint – Barthélemy is the Swedish island that has become a paradise for the rich and famous. The island was given in 1784 as a bribe to Sweden by France in exchange for free trade rights in Gothenburg. St. Bart then belonged to Sweden for almost 100 years. Today, the heritage after Sweden is not strong, but the capital Gustavia is named after Gustav III and the nation’s flag also contains three familiar crowns. Today, the island is probably the most elegant and exclusive of the Caribbean islands; St. Barts is the island for those who are looking for peace and quiet, pristine white sandy beaches, calm turquoise waters, tasteful accommodation and gourmet restaurants. With a distinct French touch, St. Barts a haven for celebrities and millionaires. Even though the island is small, rental cars are a must to explore it properly.
Bathing and relaxing days
St Barth is known as a real holiday paradise. You can do lots of activities if you want, but it seems like most people go here to do just anything other than sunbathe, swim, eat good food and just relax. Rent a small car and make small excursions around the island to get to different beaches. Go up to the northwest and spend a day on the secluded Colombier beach or why not the Gouverneur beach along the south coast. This can be one of the harder activities – deciding which beach to visit on this day.
U-boat excursion
On St Barth there is the opportunity to see life below the surface from a submarine that runs in a semi – submerged position. Through large windows you can view tropical fish species around the reef. Green sea turtle and nurse sharks are mixed with Baracudor, Stingrays and Parrotfish. If you want, you can go up on deck and watch pelicans nesting out among the islands in the Marine Park.
Surf and Kite-Surf The
island has good conditions for both wave surfing and Kite surfing. Classic wave surfing takes place best at the Toiny and Lorient beaches. There are opportunities for the waves to rise for some real rip-curls. Kite – surfing for both beginners and experienced is offered at the beach Grand Cul de Sac. During the winter, strong winds blow at 18 knots and the average temperature is around 24 ° C – 26 ° C degrees in the air and water. Leave the wetsuit at home!
Geography
According to countryaah, Saint Barthélemy is located 250 km east of Puerto Rico, 230 km northwest of Guadeloupe and 25 km southeast of Saint Martin. The island has a 32 kilometer long coastline and the highest point is Vitet at 286 meters above sea level.
Climate
The island has a tropical climate. The average temperature during the winter is 26 ° C with temperatures up to 33 ° C. In summer, the average temperature is 28 ° C with temperatures up to 35 ° C. It is not uncommon for storms, up to hurricane strength, in the period between September and November.
Visa
No – there is no visa requirement for Swedish citizens. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from arrival on the island. It must be possible to present a ticket for return or further travel on arrival.
Currency
Euro – EUR
1 EUR = 9.74 SEK
Language
The official language is French.
Vaccinations
Mandatory – The yellow fever vaccination is required if you arrive from certain countries in Africa or South America.
Recommended – Malaria prophylaxis, Children who have not had or previously been vaccinated against measles, mumps or rubella should be vaccinated against these diseases. Contact your vaccination center for personal needs.
Le Sereno
Le Sereno is an intimate beach hotel and spa with just 36 suites and three large four-bedroom villas. Inspired by the island’s magical contradiction of luxury and simplicity, the famous French designer Christian Liaigre has helped Le Sereno earn its reputation as the most elegant and private shrine among a select group of St. Barths hotel.
This luxury resort stretches 180 meters along the beach at Grand Cul de Sac. Almost all of Le Sereno’s suites and villas offer views of the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. With a focus on personal service, an impeccable staff strives around the clock to anticipate and satisfy all guests’ whims, with a range of amenities and services and all with a sense of “relaxed luxury”.
Eden Rock – St Barths
Eden Rock was the first hotel to be built on the island of St Barths, built in 1950 by aviator and adventurer Rémy de Haenen. During her feast days in the fifties and sixties, Greta Garbo, Howard Hughes and many other high-profile guests visited. In September 1995, David and Jane Matthews bought Eden Rock and two decades, transformed over that time by the Matthews family, Eden Rock – St Barths continues to flourish and is regularly ranked among the world’s 100 best hotels. The hotel is located on a cliff and is surrounded by white sandy beaches, clear blue sea and a fantastic coral reef full of colorful marine life. Its convenient location in the heart of the island allows guests to easily walk to the lively shops, boutiques, bars and restaurants of the village of St Jean.
Le Toiny
Hôtel Le Toiny, with its 14 villa suites, was first opened on November 1, 1992. In 2015, the hotel was acquired by the current owners, who began a million-dollar renovation. The accommodation and public spaces have been updated to become “coastal chic”. With landscaping, the addition was highlighted by Le Toiny Beach Club. The restaurant, widely regarded as the best cuisine on St. Barth, has been completely renovated and redesigned. Privacy and exclusivity define Hotel Le Toiny and it is located in an area of the island called “Côte Sauvage”, the villa suites are located on a hillside overlooking the Gulf of Toinya and the azure Caribbean Sea.
