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St. Barthelemy (St. Barts) Facts

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St. Barthelemy (St. Barts)

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Colorful inlet on St. Barts

St. Barthelemy (St. Barts)

A great place for honeymooners to celebrate their marriage in style . . . from its postcard harbor to its twenty spectacular beaches, many travelers consider this beautiful little island to be the closest thing to heaven on earth. Rolling hills, picturesque villages and broad valleys are surrounded by coral reefs, gin-clear waters and blue-green lagoons. A favorite retreat for the rich and famous, St. Bart’s is renowned for its natural beauty, delicious cuisine, chic boutiques and relaxed ambiance.

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Highlights
The island offers the best that money can buy in the way of peace and quiet, scenery, nice people, French food and wines along with idyllic sun, sand and sea. There are small green mountains, meadows marked with low stone fences, pristine beaches and sandy coves. Gustavia, the capital, is an impeccable picture-postcard town and looks like the setting for an operetta. Its harbor, busy with yachts, boats and schooners, is one of the safest in the Caribbean.
Geography/Environment
St. Barts is located in the northeastern corner of the Caribbean Sea, 125 miles east from Puerto Rico, and 15 miles southeast from St. Maarten. It is not much more than eight square miles, with steep hills that divide the island into several valleys, usually open on one side to the sea. The shoreline includes fourteen white sand beaches of various sizes, many of which are protected from the ocean by a fringing reef. By law, all beaches are public and free.
Activities

Diving and snorkeling is very popular in St. Barts. Although its most popular sport is volleyball and it hosts many tournaments. Many bays (Lorient and Anse des Cayes) are known for their suitable waves and you will often find bronzed, slender enthusiasts either surfing or windsurfing.

Also popular are the numerous hiking trails that can be traversed on foot or hoof! Horseback riding is abundant. And don't forget to book a sailing trip!

Climate and Weather

Most of the year puffy white clouds parade through a clear blue sky, and warm balmy breezes gently ruffle hair and sway palm fronds. It's a t-shirt, shorts and sandals kind of weather, interrupted now and then by a brief tropical shower.

The climate is arid tropical maritime, which means that it rarely rains, and that year round temperatures range from 72 to 86º Fahrenheit.

Other Important Information
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Destination Wedding Information
St. Barts has become an increasingly popular destination for weddings. Although it is possible (albeit a bit demanding) to have a legal French civil ceremony here, most couples of American and other nationalities elect to have their civil marriage in their country of residence and come here for their church blessing or "personal" ceremony. St. Bartholomew's Church, located on the harbor in Gustavia is a charming old structure surrounded by palm trees. As an Anglican church, all services are in English, making it a perfect choice for English speaking couples. Services are conducted by visiting priests, most of whom come from the United States. Other couples have chosen to be married on the beach, in a beautiful villa, in one of the island restaurants or on a chartered yacht. The services of excellent photographers, florists, musicians, caterers are available on the island.