Whilst it may be a cliché, St. Barths really does offer the best of both worlds. Here the stylish ambience of the south of France rubs shoulders with the vibrant beauty and friendly atmosphere of the tropics and so successful is the combination that it has become the island of choice for the international jet set.

Indeed, ever since Billy Joel first clapped eyes on Christie Brinkley at one of its chic beachfront hotels, no other Caribbean island has received such free publicity and it is a mark of the place that the reality lives up to the glossy image.

Intimate, boutique-style hotels are its trademark, their flexible dining arrangements making it particularly easy for guests to sample the sixty or more restaurants that cover the island. The hearty lunches, gourmet dinners and fine wines on offer have all the hallmarks of France and whilst it might initially seem strange to be tucking into freshly baked croissants and well-matured French cheeses in the Caribbean, it is a way of life that is ridiculously easy to adapt to.

Slightly more fortitude may be required when it comes to getting around by car, however, the precipitous hills combining with the capital’s baffling one-way system add a dash of adventure to every stay. However, the rewards are well worth it, the designer boutiques and charming harbour of Gustavia enhanced by white sand beaches and
beautiful bays that take the breath away.

THIS EXCLUSIVE LITTLE ISLAND IS REACHED BY A SHARED (OR PRIVATE) CHARTER FLIGHT FROM ANTIGUA. WE OFFER A CHOICE OF BRITISH AIRWAYS FROM GATWICK OR BMI FROM MANCHESTER - ALL FLIGHTS NON-STOP AND TAKING ABOUT 8 HOURS 40 MINUTES. WHY NOT SPEND A FEW DAYS IN
ANTIGUA ON YOUR WAY THERE?