Martinique
June 18, 2025
Often referred to simply as “St. Barth,” this petite, hilly island spans just 21 km² yet radiates outsized glamour. Designer boutiques, cliff top villas, and secluded coves attract A listers, yachters, and food lovers seeking European sophistication in a laid back tropical setting.
St. Barth is volcanic, ringed by shallow lagoons, fringing reefs, and marine reserves. The highest point, Morne du Vitet (286 m), offers panoramic views, while beaches like Saline, Gouverneur, and Shell Beach showcase powder fine sands and sapphire seas.
High end tourism dominates, bolstered by luxury yachting services, duty free retail, fine dining, and a booming real estate market. The territory relies heavily on desalination for fresh water and imports most goods, but local fisheries and artisanal producers contribute to niche markets.
French is official, yet Swedish heritage lingers in Gustavia’s street names and the island flag’s Nordic cross. Annual fêtes blend French joie de vivre with Caribbean rhythm, and islanders value environmental stewardship—single use plastics were banned in 2022.
St. Barth is the epitome of barefoot luxury—combining Riviera chic, Caribbean sunshine, and a fiercely protected environment.
