The intimate and alluring island of St Barths (St Barthelemy or St Barts) is located in the French Caribbean near St Martin and Anguilla. This relatively unspoiled tropical island has only 8,000 residents, with an abundance of beautiful beaches, breathtaking vistas, a quaint capital city wrapped around a picturesque harbor, and the Caribbeans best restaurants and cafes. There are no casinos, no mega-resorts and no cruise ships to clutter up the view. St Barths climate is ideal, with temperatures ranging from 76 to 82 degrees, and warm crystal clear Caribbean waters that are perfect for swimming year round.

It is widely believed that St. Barths was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493, and he named it in honor of his brother Bartolomeo. In the mid-1600s, the French arrived, took control from the indigenous indians, and built small settlements.

In 1784 it was sold (traded) to Sweden, and even though the French bought it back in 1878, some Swedish influences remain, including the name of the its capital, Gustavia.

The island is part of the French overseas department of Guadeloupe, and the French influence and style are everywhere.

It is considered by many to be the Caribbean's most beautiful island, with dozens of white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and a green, hilly landscape punctuated by numerous lagoons.

St. Barths is definitely upscale, and a favorite of the rich and famous. The island is chic and simply stunning. Gustavia, a duty-free port, is a picturesque place of red-roofed buildings, boutiques, a yacht-filled harbor, and a very relaxed lifestyle.