There is a story that Jimmy Buffet wrote the song "Cheeseburger in Paradise" about eating a cheeseburger at Le Select in Gustavia. When he wrote the song in the late 70s, he was sailing around the Caribbean, but there are some claims that the famous burger was actually in Road Town in Tortola. So, which is true? Only Mr. Buffet knows for sure and maybe it's both islands. Maybe it's another island altogether. The important thing to remember is that in the title, the 'paradise' speaks to the island, not the cheeseburger. So when you step up to the counter at Le Select, know that this "cheeseburger in paradise" is as basic as it comes—think of a work cafeteria cheeseburger. It's not bad,...
As I mentioned in my basics post about St. Barth, this island is like the offspring of the best of France and the Caribbean. As such, it's only natural to expect a great wine selection. Yes, the majority of the wines are French, but it's safe to say that the French know what they are doing when it comes to wine. You will find other offerings from around the world, but since you are here, why not get some of the best that France has to offer and, bonus, try some wines that might not get exported to your home country. To do just that, head over to Goût du Vin in Gustavia. One of the last shops on the hill as you...
You didn't really think that I was going to miss out on a massage, did you? Nope! And neither should you! There are many spas here and they are all good, but what you should know about are the well-being services that are found beyond the hotel and resort spa locations. If you want a great massage, a mani-pedi after all that time at the beach, or you need a little waxing, stop over to Spa Oasis in Lorient. It's a small, but nicely appointed space. Sandra and Manon, the owners/therapists, do a wonderful job. At about 30-50% less than the hotel spas, you get the same or better service, just without the beach view or massive changing room. It's still relaxing and easier on...
Set your clocks, phones, and watches to military time and be done with it. A maitre d' might confirm your reservation for "8 o'clock this evening" if they know that you are North American. However, on his calendar it will say 20h00.
From time to time you might get someone saying 18h00 and you brain-knee-jerk drop the "1" and think 8 p.m. as opposed to 6 p.m. so it's just better to reference everything according to the 24 hour clock as shop hours (horaires), flights, etc. are made according to this schedule.
And, there's no Daylight Savings Time so the time is the time all year. What time is that? Atlantic Standard Time (AST) or 4 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Simply, it's an island in the Caribbean, but it's so much more than than. I describe St. Barth as the child of the best of France and the Caribbean. The cuisine, wines, shopping, nature, and so on are wonderful here. And since there is so much to enjoy about this island, during the coming weeks I will give you a little bit of info about all of these and more. First, the basics. Size: 24 square kilometers (eight square miles for those of us on the imperial system) Location: 17°55 North 62°50 West within the Lesser Antilles and French West Indies People: Fewer than 10,000 year round folks Government: A territory that is governed by France. The Collectivity, as it is known, holds a seat in the...
