Saint Barthélemy is a nine square mile island of rocky and hilly terrain in the northeast Caribbean approximately 10 minutes by air from St. Martin. Each turn in the road brings a beautiful new vista as there is no escape from the sea's intimate presence in our lives. We are surrounded by twenty three beaches, some rated as the best in the world. Water sports abound. Scuba, snorkeling, windsurfing, board surfing, deep sea and surface fishing, and yachting are easily arranged. Group sails are available to our surrounding little islands and beaches.

Saint Barth knows no rainy season. The weather is nearly perfect all year round. If a shower does occur, it is usually brief. Most really heavy rain occurs either at night or in the early hours of the morning. Few days in Saint Barth are spoiled. Temperatures reach the 80's during the day and drop to the mid 70's at night. Water temperature is also in the 70's. The trade winds contribute to the island's comfort. In December strong winds may appear but never will spoil your day in the sun.

We are a French island - so you will find it impossible to have a bad meal. Our restaurants, mostly French, of course, are superb! We also have some Italian, Creole, Thai and Vietnamese establishments. Our hotels are small with no high rise towers, atria, casinos, or golf courses. The ambiance is extremely relaxed, island casual, and laid back. No dressy clothes are ever worn. You will never see a tie or jacket. Daytime wear is shorts or beach cover-ups. A man is well dressed for our best restaurants with chinos or white slacks with a polo type shirt.

Island or hotel brochures can only show a small part of what our island is about. No words or photographs can adequately convey the safety and security of our little island. Crime and stress do not exist, and anybody, tourist or resident, can go anyplace, anytime without looking over their shoulders.

The most unique part of the equation in Saint Barth are the local people. Their ancestors came here in the 17th century from Normandy and Brittany and they remain here to this day, where they own all the land and most commercial establishments. Their fervor in keeping Saint Barth from change has made our island what it is today. Our local people recognize that their success is directly related to the happiness, welcome, and safety of our tourists. Merci de votre visite. Parlez-en à un ami!

(Reprinted with permission of Dr. Richard Weledniger, www.stbarthdental.com)