
ST BARTS VACATION
Top Notch All the Way: Your St. Barthelemy Vacation
By Caitlin Moore
Certain people like to go for the name brand. They like to look good,
feel great, and treat themselves like superstars. Sometimes they even
travel to places that celebrities frequent, not just to catch a glimpse of
mega wattage but to pamper themselves to the utmost degree in a
place that would make anyone feel famous, special and lucky to be
alive. You don’t have to have movie credits to visit St. Barthelemy, but
don’t be surprised if you end up seeing the world as a shinier, happier
place after a few days on this luxurious island in the Caribbean.
St. Barts, as it’s often called, was one of the islands Columbus
happily stumbled upon and to this day it retains an exotic European
flair. White sandy beaches with dramatic views, remote regions that
require off road treks to reach, and an occasional lack of concern for
remaining fully clothed are a few characteristics of the coastline here,
so be forewarned that these beaches aren’t typical. If you’ve made it
this far, you most likely think that’s a good thing, so forge ahead, you
fashionable adventurer.
Citizens of St. Barthelemy admit that their island isn’t as physically
gorgeous as some of their Caribbean neighbors, but this doesn’t stop
visitors from being blown away by the leisurely atmosphere, fine
dining, shopping and cultural events that give these eight square
miles an abundance of flavor. Overworked travelers in desperate need
of a break from reality tend not to be too nitpicky anyway, and the
scenery of St. Barts is unlikely to disappoint.
Become acquainted with the island by going for a hike from Petit Anse
to the Bay of Colombier. Ascend to Mount Vitet for a stunning view of
the surroundings, or sign up for a horseback ride at the Ranch de
Flamands for a wilder experience certainly different from an average
day at the office. Visit any one of the 14 beaches to take a load off, get
active or a little of both. Scuba diving, fishing, snorkeling, sailing and
windsurfing are a few prime diversions that will whet any appetite for
ocean exploration.
Tennis is another activity that’ll get your heart pumping, but the truly
dominant game of St. Barts is volleyball. Tournaments are frequently
held that showcase the talents of nationally recognized stars in the
sport, and dozens of officially licensed players call this their home.
From beach games to hard-court championship matches, volleyball is
everywhere you turn and provides and outlet for amusement and
serious competition alike. Feel free to join in a casual session of
bumping, setting and spiking or arrange to witness a hard-core match
up; either way it’s always fun to feel the volleyball vibe.
Yearly music and film festivals as well as a handful of local artists
further enhance the scene, as does an array of shops, boutiques,
bars and restaurants. French food is definitely available, as is great
seafood, Asian fusion, Creole, barbeque, and Mediterranean. Grocery
stores stock a wide variety of interesting produce and fresh goods as
well, so cooking up a fabulous meal in the kitchen of your rented villa
could be the makings of a wonderfully low-key yet high-class evening
of your own design.
This duty-free port gives plenty of opportunities for bargains and
souvenir shopping. Stop by Gustavia and St-Jean for the biggest
selection of stores, but keep your eyes open for roadside tables filled
with one-of-a-kind wares, too. French and Italian designer clothing can
be found at incredible prices, a plethora of wines, jewelry and
perfumes, cigars and all the typical t-shirt and sweets can be found
interspersed throughout the island, so bring an empty suitcase just in
case and be ready to pick up some great stuff.
From the casually dressed, notably relaxed travelers to the locals
speaking their own brand of French, everyone here is pretty happy with
the sights and sounds of St. Barthelemy. Even if you don’t come
across any celebrities, you and your companions will be satisfied with
the experiences this island offers and the way it makes you feel
removed from the boring old patterns of everyday life.
Take this thought and run with it by booking a vacation rental that will
push your trip just a little bit farther into the realm of magnificence.
Picture a seaside villa artfully decorated with hand-crafted furnishings
and blessed with incredible views, a private pool and all the basic
amenities of home. It’s not like home though, thank goodness, in that
you can lounge and loll all you want, reach the beach in a few short
steps, and generally live like royalty without the responsibilities of real
life.
St. Barthelemy Vacation Rentals are simply the best way to take
advantage of all that the island has to offer. Embrace the spirit of luxury
and lavishness for your next trip, and discover the superstar within you
by rewarding yourself in the way you know you deserve.
Visit www.HomeAway.com for all your vacation rental needs.
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