Bartoloméo has seen many changes since the “notorious” Christopher Columbus landed there in 1493 and named it after his brother, despite its occupation by Taino people. But notwithstanding its history and the statehood eventually conferred by France in 1946, it was David Rockerfeller who brought fame and recognition to St. Barthelemy, now fondly known as St. Barths, when he bought a property there in 1957. The 9 mile island located in the French Caribbean, has not looked back since it catapulted to a haven of sophistication and became a getaway for royalty and the world’s most renowned affluent families, past and present.
Some of the aristocrats owning and having owned property there are David and Jane Matthews (in-laws of the recently married Pippa Middleton), Billionaire Philip Falcone, British aristocrat Lord Glenconner, Aristotle Onassis and David Bowie, to name a few. There are around 80 houses on St. Barth that can run upwards of US$75,000 a week for rental and transportation is primarily by electric golf buggies. Most of the homes are floored by the world’s most termite resistant wood “Greenheart,” imported from South America and the official currency is the euro.
In 1991 Cheval Blanc St Barth Isle de France opened its doors to a fabulous alternative. Designer Bee Osborn of Britain spared nothing in upgrading the hotel’s unique design and par excellence international allure during her 3 year renovation. With a Caribbean flavored theme, spacious rooms that are individually decorated with French vintage influence and bungalows of 4500 sq. ft., French yet subtly blended island culture and beautiful beaches, this has opened up the choices for the savvy tourists who are mindful of sampling the quaintness, diversified, and laid back way of life that a vacation such as this affords. These features along with the fab amenities lend a welcoming charm and warmth to their tourist offering.
Go with the understanding that your stay will be almost as French as France with the hottest name brand designer boutiques to boot, and do expect to see topless beaches and experience discos that start jamming by noon. And while wandering around Gustavia, the main harbor, keep an eye out for the arrival of the super yachts with the who’s who of fame and celebrity.
But not to be outdone, Cheval Blanc St Barth Isle de France, which has been awarded the No. 11 spot among the Top 100 Readers’ Travel Awards for 2016, has now introduced The Mini Moke ride. The Mini Moke is a sophisticated contemporary of the golf buggies, which has now become the signature transportation for their hotel guests. This is the quintessential St. Barth ride, created in the brand’s trademark taupe, and is specifically for guests to cruise around the island in fine style – a negligible yet significant addition for an unforgettable vacation experience.
