Gustavia

Gustavia, the small and elegant capital of Saint Barthélemy, is one of the prettiest harbour towns in the Caribbean, a picture-perfect port that wraps around a deep, sheltered bay filled with gleaming yachts. Unusually for the region, it bears a Swedish legacy from the island's time under Swedish rule, seen in its name and a few old fortifications, blended seamlessly with French chic and Caribbean charm. Red-roofed white houses climb the hillsides, and the waterfront is lined with stylish boutiques, chic cafés and restaurants. Small forts and a lighthouse offer fine views over the harbour and sea. Refined, beautiful and effortlessly glamorous, Gustavia captures the exclusive yet relaxed spirit of St Barths.

History

France first claimed Saint Barthélemy in 1648 and gave it to Sweden in 1784 in exchange for trade rights in Gothenburg, and the harbour, first called Le Carénage, took the name Gustavia, after Gustav III, between 28 December 1786 and 9 February 1787. Three forts guarded it, the Catholic church dates from 1829 and the Anglican St Bartholomew's from 1855, and the island was sold back to France in 1878 (Wikipedia, Gustavia).

What you'll find

• The yacht harbour - the deep bay filled with gleaming yachts.
• The red-roofed town - the white houses climbing the hills.
• The Swedish heritage - the old forts and the town's name.
• The boutiques and cafés - the chic waterfront shops and dining.

When to go

December to April, the dry season, brings the sunniest, most pleasant weather and is the island's glamorous high season, though also the busiest and priciest; the shoulder months are quieter and still lovely. The tropical climate is warm year-round.

Practical notes

St Barths is famously exclusive and expensive, so Gustavia's chic boutiques, restaurants and yachts reflect a luxury destination, and the high season is busy and costly.

Nearby

The beaches of St Jean, Gouverneur and Saline lie around the island.

Key facts