Get to know the island of St. Barts
Where is St. Barts?
Many people have heard of it, read about it in a magazine, but have no real idea where it is located. They know it is an island in the Caribbean. This tiny rock of 9 square miles has few resources other than its charming personality, sunshine, crystal waters, and captivating landscapes.
St. Barts - Tourist Activities
It has grown to be an excellent tourist destination with its upscale villas, hotels, spas, the finest restaurants, a wide choice of leisure activities, and the magical captivating boutique shops. It has developed a lifestyle that blends luxury with nonchalance.
St. Barts - The Landscape
The mountainous landscape designed and developed distinct neighborhoods. Each neighborhood has its own personality. Whether you’re looking for peacefulness or a lot of energy, picturesque or unspoiled, there is always a neighborhood that will suit your mood.
St. Barth Beaches & Weather
Perfect white sandy beaches that frame the warm turquoise waters. The air temperature only varies between 80 - 86 degrees year-round. The official language is French, but English is widely spoken. The Euro has been the official currency since 2002. The US dollar is accepted almost everywhere. What sets it apart is the small number of hotels available, no more than 20 at best, and most have only a dozen rooms. This did not happen by accident. It has always been a deliberate choice of the island to control the number and size of the hotels.
Gourmet Dining in St. Barths
The island offers an endless variety of gourmet dining along with the traditional attitudes of the Caribbean lifestyle. The mixing of expected flavors with the unexpected creates a meal experience that will stimulate any taste buds. It all starts with nothing but fresh food and imagination. The challenge will be which of the 70+ restaurants to explore.
Activities to do in St. Barts
Options of daily activities including sailing, swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, jet ski, kayak, windsurfing, kiteboarding, and sport fishing. Other activities include guided tours, horseback riding, and tennis.
High End, Luxury Shopping in St. Barts
It is the ideal island to go shopping as it offers the most prestigious brands along with the full range of classic to the unusual .
Renting a villa in St. Barts
One of the most enjoyable ways to fully appreciate St. Barts is to stay in a private home. A great solution for families and couples or those who might want to consider making a real estate purchase. Consider taking the island and a property for a “Test Drive” before you buy.
Buying Real Estate in St. Barts
The St Barts real estate market is geared to the top end of the market, with hill-side and beachfront properties. A vast majority of the property owners have placed their properties in the short term rental market place. This allows them to help offset their operating costs. It is important to keep in mind, if your serious about generating rental income the features, amenities, layout, and floor plan must be directed to be “rental friendly” and not necessarily reflect your personal choice and requirements. There is the full range of rental properties from 1 - 9 bedrooms. The sectors with the greatest demand is 2-3 bedrooms. Together they represent over 50% of the rental properties. The average weekly rate during high season is $7,000 to $11,000 for 2 & 3 bedroom respectfully. A top-performing weekly rental property generates about 25 weeks per year, while a good rental property is fortunate to generate 12-16 weeks.
St. Barts has a high Quality of Life
St. Barts continues to be one of the most financially sound Caribbean Islands. There is little, if any crime, fabulous roads, clean, and very high quality of life. Worth considering.