North America
A chic French harbour town ringed by small, perfect beaches.
Saint Barthélemy is a tiny, hilly French island in the northern Caribbean, known for its glossy harbour at Gustavia, where yachts line up beside boutiques and red-roofed buildings. The capital's name recalls nearly a century of Swedish rule. Beaches are small and beautiful: Saline and Gouverneur are undeveloped, Shell Beach is right in town and Colombier is reached only on foot or by boat.
Expect French bistros, fresh baguettes, rosé and prices to match the reputation. Arrival is part of the story, by ferry from St Martin or by small plane onto a famously short runway. Roads are steep and narrow, so a small hire car suits. December to April is dry and busiest; September and October carry the main hurricane risk, and many businesses close then.
January, February, March, April, December.