Know Before You Go...®

Even as one of the smallest islands in the Caribbean, St. Barts has managed to make a big name for itself. With bragging rights to some of the best and cleanest beaches, the finest restaurants, and the trendiest shops, this is an island worth visiting. If you’ve decided to rent a villa or book a hotel room in St. Barts, use the information on this page to help you plan an unforgettable vacation.

Why Flamands, St. Barts?

  • St. Barts is the smallest island in the Leeward Islands.
  • The capital of St. Barts is Gustavia.
  • The island has a population of just over 9000 people.
  • The official language of St. Barts is French.
  • St. Barts is renowned for its chic boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and celebrity visitors.

Flamands, St. Barts Weather/Climate

Average Temperatures

January
82.9° F
° F
February
72.8° F
° F
March
83.2° F
° F
April
84.3° F
° F
May
85.4° F
° F
June
86.4° F
° F
July
86.6° F
° F
August
87.1° F
° F
September
87.6° F
° F
October
87.2° F
° F
November
85.8° F
° F
December
83.7° F
° F

Average Rainfall

January
2.28 inches
February
1.83 inches
March
1.99 inches
April
2.29 inches
May
3.60 inches
June
2.15 inches
July
3.13 inches
August
4.00 inches
September
4.38 inches
October
4.95 inches
November
4.26 inches
December
3.87 inches

Overview

Small, pristine and deliberately uncrowded, St. Barts—officially St. Saint Barthelemy—is as European as it gets in the Caribbean. Known as the “Cannes” of the islands for its chic, trendy attitude, deluxe accommodations and the scores of celebrities who frequent her, St. Barths is a place for people with as much leisure money as time.

A tiny island of only eight square miles, St. Barts’ terrain consists of dramatic hills and valleys encircled by stark white sand. With little to brag about beyond her spectacular natural beauty, St. Barts centered her focus around her harbor and the island’s only town, Gustavia, emerged at her edge. Although discovered by Christopher Columbus (who named the island after his brother Bartholomew), the island today strives to remain undiscovered by the masses. If you’re a day tripper or cruise shipper, don’t look for the welcome mat to be rolled out for you. St. Barts is determined to maintain its largely affluent, upper crust clientele however that’s not to dissuade you from investigating her lovely charms. And there are many.

The island’s amenities include terrific diving, snorkeling and sun bathing on beaches that are the Caribbean’s finest (and cleanest). The French flair is apparent in the rich, authentic cuisine that you’ll enjoy at any number of posh restaurants overlooking fishing villages with harbors full of yachts and sailboats. A favorite pastime is undoubtedly shopping - but not for the thrift shoppers. Don’t look for bargains here - look for the best in fashion designs from Milan to New York.

Since the word leaked in the late 1980’s of St. Barts’ charms, the island has become more accessible than ever to tourists. An island that decidedly will never become a tourism Mecca, St. Barts offers both tranquility and luxury to all who pursue her.

History

St. Barts, also known as Saint Barthélemy, is a small island located in the Caribbean Sea. It is part of the French West Indies and is often considered a luxurious vacation destination for its beautiful beaches, upscale resorts, and high-end shopping. However, the history of St. Barts is much more than just a luxury destination.

The island was originally inhabited by the Arawak people, who migrated from South America around 1000 BC. They lived in harmony with the island’s natural resources, fishing and hunting for their sustenance. In the late 15th century, the island was discovered by Christopher Columbus during his second voyage to the New World. He named it after his brother, Bartolomeo, and claimed it for Spain.

For the next couple of centuries, St. Barts changed hands between the Spanish, French, and Dutch as they all sought to establish control over the Caribbean islands. Eventually, in 1648, the island was settled by French colonists from nearby Saint Kitts, who established a small agricultural community.

St. Barts remained under French control until the late 18th century when it was sold to Sweden in exchange for trading rights in the Swedish port of Gothenburg. The Swedish government saw the island as a potential trading hub in the Caribbean and invested in its development. They built a fort, churches, and a hospital, and introduced sugar cane plantations, which became the main source of income for the island.

In 1784, St. Barts became a free port, attracting merchants from around the world to trade goods such as cotton, spices, and rum. The island flourished economically, and its population grew significantly with people from different cultures and nationalities settling on the island.

In the mid-19th century, the decline of the sugar industry led to a decline in St. Barts’ economy. In 1878, the island was sold back to France, and it once again became a French overseas territory. However, the island struggled to recover from its economic downturn and remained a quiet and relatively unknown destination until the mid-20th century.

In the 1950s, St. Barts started to gain attention from wealthy travelers, including celebrities and business tycoons, who were drawn to the island’s natural beauty and exclusivity. The island’s tourism industry began to develop, and luxurious resorts and villas were built, making it a top destination for the rich and famous.

Today, St. Barts remains a popular vacation spot, known for its stunning beaches, chic boutiques, and French-Caribbean culture. It has managed to maintain its small island charm while also catering to the high-end tourism market. The history of St. Barts is a testament to its resilience and adaptability, from its humble beginnings as a small fishing village to its current status as a luxurious paradise.

St. Jean Beach

Crystal Blue Waters at St. Jean Beach

St. Barts' 14 stunning beaches draw thousands of travels to this tiny island every year, but St. Jean is where we soak up the sun. This cove is actually 2 beaches split by Eden Rock where you'll find restaurants, hotels, bars, shops and water sports. This northern bay feels like the French Riviera. Relax and enjoy the crystal blue water. It's never very crowded, even during the winter months. Take a stroll down the coast to the airport runway. It's fun to watch, and photograph, take-offs and landings. Nudism is prohibited, but topless sun-bathing is okay.

Jicky Marine Service

Discover St. Barth's by Motor Boat

Jicky's has a nice variety of vessels to choose from to spend your day out on the water. From the 47' catamaran to the 55' high-tech Vandutch there is something for everyone!

Nikki Beach

Mix and Mingle with the Most Glamorous People Across the Globe at Nikki Beach

Locals, celebrities, and yacht-hopping billionaires flock to Nikki Beach - the hottest beach club on St. Barts. Jetsetters enjoy non-stop, round-the-clock hip hop while lounging on bamboo beds or in one of Nikki's trademark teepees. This exotic hot spot serves delicious entrees at lunch and dinner, the most refreshing cocktails and it's really the best people watching anywhere. Plage de St. Jean FW1 97133 St. Barths

Transportation on Flamands, St. Barts

Getting to Flamands, St. Barts and getting around. Our transportation tips will help make your trip smoother. More good sand advice.

Entry Documents

  • Passport: Valid for the duration of your stay.
  • Visa: Not required for UK citizens and most other nationalities for stays of up to 90 days.
  • Return or Onward Ticket: Proof of departure from St. Barts is required.
  • Travel Authorization: No special pre-arrival authorization is required for most visitors, but travelers may need to complete a health declaration or entry form, depending on the current regulations.

Airlines Flying Here

  • St. Barts airport can only accommodate smaller planes, with flights connecting from St. Maarten, San Juan or St. Thomas.
  • Commercial jets require a longer runway and cannot land on St. Barts.

Airport

Gustavia III Airport.

Departure Tax

There is no departure tax on St. Barts.

Driving

  • License: Visitors can drive with a valid foreign driver’s license for up to 3 months.
  • Permit: A temporary driving permit is required, obtainable at the airport or local police stations.
  • Driving Side: Right-hand side of the road.
  • Road Conditions: Generally good, with well-maintained roads, though some areas may be narrow and winding.
  • Speed Limits: Typically 25-35 mph (40-56 km/h) in urban areas and higher on highways.
  • Traffic Rules: Be mindful of local traffic regulations, pedestrians, and other road users. Always exercise caution when driving on narrow, hilly roads, especially in more remote areas.

Local Transportation

1. Golf Cart Rentals: One of the most popular options for getting around St. Barts is renting a golf cart. These small, low-speed vehicles are perfect for navigating the island’s narrow and winding roads.

2. Scooter Rentals: Scooters are another popular choice for getting around St. Barts. They are easy to maneuver and can handle the island’s hilly terrain. Plus, they are more affordable than renting a car.

3. Car Rentals: If you prefer a more traditional mode of transportation, there are several car rental companies on the island. Keep in mind that driving can be challenging due to the narrow roads and steep hills.

4. Taxis: Taxis are readily available on the island and can be found at the airport, ferry terminal, and major hotels. They are a convenient option for short trips or for getting to and from the airport.

5. Water Taxis: Since St. Barts is a small island, water taxis are a popular and efficient mode of transportation. They can take you to different beaches, restaurants, and other points of interest.

6. Public Buses: St. Barts has a limited public bus system, but it is a cost-effective option for getting around the island. The buses run on a fixed schedule and cover most of the popular destinations.

7. Walking: St. Barts is a small and picturesque island, making it perfect for exploring on foot. Most of the major towns and attractions are within walking distance, and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.

Know Before You Go...® - Flamands, St. Barts Travel Tips

Before making their way to Flamands, St. Barts , vacationers like to know a little bit of helpful information to make them feel more at home during their stay. Take a look at our travel tips to make your time in villas in Flamands, St. Barts even more relaxing.

Capital: Gustavia
Population: 10,000 (estimated)
Size: 9.7 square miles
Electric Current: 220
Time: zone:-4 (GMT/UTC )
Official Language: French is the official language of St. Barts, though English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Currency:
  • The official currency is the Euro (EUR), although the US Dollar (USD) is also widely accepted in many tourist establishments.
  • ATMs: Available in Gustavia and other tourist areas.
  • Credit and Debit Cards: Major cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) are accepted in most establishments.
  • Contactless Payments: Increasingly common in shops, restaurants, and hotels.
Tipping and Taxes:
  • Tipping: Tipping is customary but not mandatory. It is common to leave 10-15% in restaurants, and small tips are appreciated by taxi drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides.
  • VAT (Value Added Tax): 5% is included in most goods and services across St. Barts.
Dress Code: St. Barts has a chic and casual dress code. Lightweight, breathable clothing is ideal for daytime activities, and swimwear is appropriate at the beach but should be covered when away from the shore. Smart casual or stylish attire is recommended for dining at upscale restaurants and events.
Topography: St. Barts is a small but stunning island, known for its rugged terrain, dramatic cliffs, and pristine beaches. The island is ideal for those seeking privacy, luxury, and natural beauty, with a variety of upscale villas, boutiques, and gourmet restaurants.
Telephone: * Country Code: +590 * Area Code: 590 * Mobile Networks: Widely available throughout the island. * Wi-Fi: Accessible in most hotels, resorts, and public spaces.

Flamands, St. Barts Weddings and Honeymoons

Vacationers don’t just stay in Flamands, St. Barts villas - they come to paradise to get married and celebrate their honeymoons! In St. Barts, the process of getting married is straightforward. Couples must apply for a marriage license at the local town hall (Mairie de Gustavia). Required documents include:

  • Valid passports for both parties.
  • Birth certificates for both parties.
  • Proof of marital status: If divorced, a final divorce decree; if widowed, a death certificate of the spouse.
  • Proof of residence in St. Barts (if applicable).
  • Affidavit of no impediment to marriage (a statement affirming both parties are legally eligible to marry).

The marriage license costs approximately €100. For weddings outside of the registry office, additional fees for the officiant apply, ranging from €200 to €500 depending on the ceremony. It is recommended to apply for the license at least 3 business days before the intended wedding date.

See our favorite St. Barts villas for honeymoons.