St. Barthelemy

The rich and famous, as well as mega yacht owners, have considered St. Barthélemy their exclusive playground for many years because of its distinctive French flavor, beautiful beaches, gourmet dining, and shops that offer trendy French fashions. St. Barthélemy, or St. Barths as the locals call it, may be a small island totaling a meager eight square miles, but it offers the upscale visitor a distinctive French experience in the Caribbean. Gustavia, the capital, is surrounded by a picture-postcard harbor and is the center for shopping, restaurants, and quaint bistros. One venue that should not be missed is Le Select in Gustavia. This eclectic bar/restaurant is world famous as the location where the singer and songwriter Jimmy Buffett got the inspiration for his song "Cheeseburger in Paradise," and yes one can order a delicious cheeseburger made just like the song says.

Note: Most retail shops are closed between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm and many restaurants close after regular lunch hours. St. Barths is an anchorage port, guests transfer to shore via ship's tender.