St. Bart’s: Tiny Caribbean jewel for food, fashion

Practically next door is the famous chain-brand Nikki Beach, whose trademark is a Euro rock lifestyle, where white outfits rule the day and the evening.

St. Bart’s also is a great place to practice your French. Most people speak English as well, but prefer French and are delighted to help visitors struggle through their explanations en francais. Spanish also is spoken, but this really is a place for Francophiles in every sense of the word. Ethnic restaurants, whether Italian or Asian, have the distinctly French flair. You’ll also find butcher shops with French cuts of meat, vegetable markets, pastry shops and grocery store shelves stocked with canned goods from France.

If you can tear yourself away from the beaches, the restaurants and the boutiques, take a stroll up some of the mountainous side streets. You’ll see a goat here and there and hear roosters crowing throughout much of the day. A chartreuse parrot also might approach you for a chat. Just say, “Bonjour! Ca va?”

What you won’t see is a sprawling golf course. Not one. There is, however, an equestrian center, and there are excursions you can take by boat.

Hotels offer packages that often include a car. With driving on the right and roads generally in good shape, tooling around St. Bart’s is an uncomplicated diversion when you’re shopped out and seeking new adventures. Grand hotels such as Le Toiny and Isle de France may be off the beaten path but are worth visiting.

By the time you arrive, you’ll want to cool off in the hotel pools, have a snack and a graciously served cool drink. Just be sure to wear your new St. Bart’s swimsuit with your new St. Bart’s linen coverup.
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If You Go…

ST. BARTHELEMY: www.st-barths.com

GETTING THERE: Regular air service is offered to St. Bart’s from St. Maarten and a few other Caribbean airports. Flights to St. Bart’s are famous for the harrowing landing on an extremely short runway that ends abruptly at the edge of the water. Ferries from St. Maarten are also available. Travel options are described at http://www.st-barths.com/guidepgs/gettingto.html.

THE INSIDERS’ GUIDE TO ST. BARTHELEMY: www.sbhonline.com. This Web site offers details on accommodations, dining, shopping, events and more.

EDEN ROCK HOTEL: www.edenrockhotel.com or 877-563-7105. Rates begin at $1,017 or 685 euros Jan. 4-April 11.

HOTEL VILLAGE ST. JEAN: www.villagestjeanhotel.com or 590-590-276-139. Rates begin at $327 or 220 euros Jan. 9-April 13.