The jewel of the Leeward Islands, St. Bart, has been a consistent favorite for caribbean yacht charter guests for many years. Within the last ten years, however, it has also been a favorite watering hole for "the beautiful people" who come here for the small elegant hotels, the beaches and, of course, the friendly locals. In brief an ideal location to really escape reality (or perhaps this is reality) and slow down your life.

The island of St. Barthelemy has only 8000 residents, no casinos or mega resorts, no golf or all-inclusives. What SBH 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.

The island was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493 and was allegedly named after his brother Bartoloméo. French Protestant Huguenot colonists settled the island in the 18th century. The first plane did not land on the island until the 1940's when a Dutch pilot, Rémy de Haenen, made a daring landing on the pasture in St. Jean where the airport sits today. The runway was eventually paved but people continued to wait for flights under a tree until a terminal was constructed in the 1980's.

Although the island has certainly seen development since de Haenen landed on the grass "runway", it has retained its character and charm. What's all the hoop-la about..??

Why this outpouring of affection for and devotion to St. Barths?

To us, it arises from the happy balance of all of the ingredients necessary for a perfect Caribbean vacation (or life for that matter!) that the island possesses. The people are sophisticated yet very friendly and down-to-earth. The shops and hotels run the gamut from simple to world class, but the cleanliness and quality of service are uniformly excellent.The food, whether consumed in restaurants of all price levels or purchased from numerous shops scattered throughout the island, is the equivalent of and frequently far superior to the very best food available in the best restaurants in the largest cites in the United States.The climate is ideal with daily air temperatures varying only between 82 and 85 degrees throughout the year (evenings are in the 70's), and water temperatures ranging from 79 to 82 degrees.

The physical appearance of St. Barths is breathtaking, comprised of a number of volcanic peaks which guaranty fabulous vistas both day and night and ringed by Caribbean waters of an almost unbelievable azure and a dazzling variety of beaches (sand, shell and stone) which are almost all undeveloped.

Of course, the most gorgeous mountains and Caribbean beaches and the best restaurants in the world would mean nothing were it not for the residents of St. Barths who are unfailingly polite and pleasant to be around. To quote Julia Robert's description of George Clooney, they are “charm monsters” not only because of their very good looks but also because they embody both the very best of French culture together with the mellow, laid back style of “the Little Latitudes.” Most of the people we have met on St. Barths have moved to the Caribbean from someplace else and are there not only because of the beauty of the place (and safety-- there is virtually no crime) but also because they want to live by a different set of rules. It is no easy task to provide service and meals at the most exacting standards while at the same time not taking oneself or life too seriously, but the people of St. Barths manage this feat. If only we Americans could learn how to follow their example.

What does St. Barths lack? It lacks casinos, nightclubs to speak of, resorts, golf courses and cruise ships. Do not go to St. Barths unless you like the person or people you are traveling with very much as it is an intimate and romantic place with very little in the form of distractions. It brings couples together, it does not give them avenues of escape from one another. It pretty much shuts down at 9:00 p.m. leaving visitors with the rest of the evening to spend together. Pretty powerful stuff, and thus the passion.

Charter your private luxury yacht from us, explore St. Barth, and enjoy the laid-back luxury of this Caribbean experience. Pick your yacht up in St. Maarten and sail to St. Barth and spend a few days in one of the greatest getaways on the planet.