St. Barts: Party Over Here! Caribbean Travel

It is hard for me to actually relax while traveling, without turning much needed down time into a location scout, or writing assignment. (Hence, this writing assignment!) In my search for a new relaxing vacation destination I called a friend who suggested an amazing little island in the Caribbean called St. Barts. I knew he would know where to go, and it sounded like the perfect little island, with beautiful white sand beaches, and crystal blue swimming pool waters.

Party clothes? Here I was discussing how much I needed the time to relax, and yet, I was considering this place where sunsets gave way to evenings filled with decadent parties on yachts, at villas, and in restaurants on the beach? "Trust me, its paradise" he said, "Be careful... I know you, you'll fall in love". While we spoke about St. Barts, my friend made another suggestion. Bring my party clothes. Party clothes? Here I was discussing how much I needed the time to relax, and yet, I was considering this place where sunsets gave way to evenings filled with decadent parties on yachts, at villas, and in restaurants on the beach? "Trust me, its paradise" he said, "Be careful... I know you, you'll fall in love". He abruptly said his good-bye, and I was left with intrigue. I took his advice and I booked my ticket to paradise.

Eight Square Miles

St. Barts was discovered by Christopher Columbus and named after his brother, Bartolomeo. You might not have heard of it, or heard very little about it, because it has been one of the world's best-kept secrets. When I say little, I mean tiny. The island is only eight square miles in size. St. Barts across from St. Martin, and it is very French. Most everyone speaks French who live there. There aren't any cruise ships allowed in the waters around St. Barts, and there is little to no tourism promotion. You almost have had to find out about St. Barts via a recommendation, or just by accident.

I was to arrive in St. Barts on a twelve-passenger prop plane. I am not one to be fearful of props. I think it's more fun being tossed around a bit and sitting with the pilots! I was forewarned of the harried landing. St. Barts has one of the shortest runways in the world, and the end of the runway sits St. Jean Beach. My fellow passengers, who had been to St. Barts before, were swapping missed runway stories. One story had the plane coming in too fast with little runway to spare. A quick thinking pilot pulled back up, and missed the beach. The landing gear had skimmed the water, picking up an unwilling passenger who was windsurfing. The windsurfer abandoned his gear on impact, but the board and sail took flight with the plane! I thought to myself... adventure and excitement... this is cool!