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.

What you actually see

• 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.

Honest expectations

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. As a picture-perfect harbour town blending Swedish heritage, French chic and Caribbean beauty around a yacht-filled bay, though, Gustavia is genuinely elegant and delightful to explore.

Nearby

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