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St. Barts in the French West Indies
By Mel and Ronnie Greenberg

The sun-splashed San Tropez of the Caribbean, St. Barts distinctly French and fashionable, is a feast for the eyes. Vaguely V-shaped and only eight square miles, it's a close neighbor to the French-Dutch island of St. Martin/St. Maarten to the northwest, and to the south, St. Eustatius and St. Kitts. Along the scalloped coastline are graceful meadows surrounded by low stone fences, spectacular beaches and island flora of seagrapes, coconut trees, tamarins, pear and palm trees. The small volcanic mountains and the quaint Creole-style villages are just several of the alluring aspects of the tranquil island. Activities here are beach focused with a definite French beat. Bae de St. Jean is the most popular of the beaches rimed with small cafes, while Shell Beach, covered with seashells, has beautiful rocks surrounding its gently rippled waters. Most of the island's beaches are protected from the ocean by a coral barrier reef.

Christopher Columbus discovered the island during his second voyage and named it after his brother Bartholomew. The island bounced back and forth from French to British to Swedish rule and finally reverted to the French. Reflecting its heritage, descendants of settlers from Brittany and Normandy operate its tiny inns, shops and restaurants. This charming slow-paced island attracts tourists from the United States, France and Europe seeking to enjoy less action, more relaxation and a less populated part of the Caribbean islands.

Gustavia, the capital, lines the three sides of the Harbor that's a popular haven for yachts and the sailboats tied to its berths. Named in honor of the Swedish King Carl Gustav XVI during the Swedish period, St. Bart's is the only Caribbean Island that has Sweden as part of its heritage .In the center of town, with streets bearing both Swedish and French names, small boutiques and restaurants occupy quaint antique building that are a mixture of French creole and Swedish colonial architectural styles.

Dining is a ritual in town or a café stop in French Riviera style at one of the seaside places or in town. Le Repaire is typical of the upscale cafes with scrumptious entrees that include lobster tagliatelles pasta, shrimp rigotto with smoked lobster sauce, grilled steak with Bernaise sauce, duck breast with honey and spices, local grilled lobster, yellow tail fish in lobster broth and olive oil and foie gras. For dessert Profiteroles au chocolate, g lace rhum raisin, sorbet Francoise Chantilly. Le Select is the place for hanging with the locals for a cold Caribe beer or a Rum punch. Do Brasil, among other favorites is known for its Gaspacho with basil. The Carl Gustaf Lounge has live music to add a festive mood to their extensive cocktails. Enjoy their popular Hurricanes, Mojitos, martinis, cognacs, Champagne and Eaux-de-vie (fruit brandies).

Where to stay

For an elegant experience unpack your bags at one of the many Wimco Villas that dot the hillsides and shores of St. Barts. The villas range from 1 to 4 plush bedrooms, most are near the beaches, and some have sensational hillside views. Some examples are: Villa Melissa in Flamands Beach a spacious 3 bedroom villa with enclosed gardens and a wooden deck complete with a delightful gazebo and a small pool. You can stroll to restaurants and a bakery to pick up fresh croissants each morning. Villa Bayugita is a beautiful contemporary villa located in Pointe Milou, with spectacular views of the sparkling ocean and outlying deserted islands. The villa has all day sunshine and at sundown the skies are ablaze with hues or oranges and pinks as the sun sinks behind the hills in the west. Villa Colombier, with views of Gustavia Harbor is a charming island style villa set high in Colombier. Dine on the terrace with the soft evening breezes and a dramatic view. A pool with steps completes this villa.

Wimco's complete vacation planning service handles flights, car rentals, and transfers, reservations and more. For all inquiries and reservations contact WIMCO at 1-866-683-6135 or visit www.wimco.com

How to get around

For a day of touring the island rent a car. Cars are small which makes good sense on the narrow mountainous roads .For the more adventurous, water-bikes, mopeds and scooters are available for rent, but caution the more experienced to negate the narrow mountain roads. Island excursions and adventures can be handled at the Ferry Dock in Gustavia Harbor.

Currency is based on France, so the Euro is the coin and US dollars are widely accepted.

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