St Barthélemy; St Barths; St Barts

St Barthélemy blends relaxed Caribbean ambiance with the essence of France. The rolling green hills and sheltered inlets of the tiny island are fringed with white-sand beaches, clear waters and coral reefs. This sophisticated island has an exclusive air and is a favorite retreat for the rich and famous and their accompanying paparazzi. St Barths is renowned for its fine French cuisine and chic boutiques. The island has little in the way of historic sites and relaxing prevails over strenuous physical activity.

Named for Columbus's brother by the explorer in 1493,St Barthélemy is mostly known as St Barths or St Barts. Although leased to Sweden in 1785 for 93 years, St Barths has been predominantly French. A few Swedish legacies