Holidays in St Barths: Far from the Madding Crowd - By: C Matthews

It’s the kind of holiday you want to go on if your objective is getting away from the paparazzi (the privileged few!), the stresses of the boardroom, or just the strain of everyday life. It isn’t just your average island in the Caribbean though – it’s St. Barths. Saint Barthélemy, if you would like to be formal about it, is the site of the stylish, ultra-chic Eden Rock St Barths, the famed boutique resort-hotel that’s a getaway favourite of the rich and famous.

What to do at St Barths

For many who fall into this category, a getaway means lounging around on the beach and sunning their film-ready bodies far from screaming fans and camera flashlights - but what exactly does one do here? Plenty; just ask any of the A-listers who are among the super-secret guest list at the exclusive Eden Rock, St Barths, or the other chic resorts in this hideaway in the French West Indies. Barring that, just read on and we’ll tell you!
Relaxing at the beach

The beach, of course, is de rigeur – and there are many. Baie St. Jean (St. Jean Bay), for instance, is surrounded by pink and white coral sand, with its own live coral reef. It is the perfect, idyllic setting to lounge around and enjoy a luxurious, yet peaceful day in the sun, being massaged on your lounger, cold drink in hand.

Something more active

If you fancy something more active, but still taking advantage of the surrounding paradise, there are other options: walking to the natural pools and enjoying their recuperative waters, kayaking, paddle boarding, and even surfing, should the waves permit. You can also swim with dolphins and come nose to nose with sea turtles should you wish to do so. As well, you can take the opportunity to scuba dive from any one of 17 departure points straight from the beach. For those lucky enough to be a guest at Eden Rock St Barths, making arrangements are easier, as private instructors and trainers are available to initiate you into the joys of some of these activities.

Sailing is another option; after all, what’s more relaxing than spending a sunny day out on the blue ocean, wind whipping at your hair? Private yacht hires are available for a sunset sail or a leisurely cruise around the island, and, if you’re up to it, the local yacht club organises regattas all year round.
Shopping

For many, nothing is quite as relaxing as retail therapy. The region has options for shopping (with the added bonus of being a duty-free port), from simple souvenirs, crafts and beachwear, to luxury brands from shops in a setting that has been said to compare with Rue du Faubourg St. Honoré in Paris.
Culture

Should you wish to indulge in a touch of culture, particularly fine art, Eden Rock St Barths even has an art gallery, with regular exhibitions to suit the taste of even the most discerning culture vulture.

About the Author

Cheryl Matthews works for the Essential Hotel Collection, offering a handpicked portfolio of privately owned hotels, such as Eden Rock, St Barths. We have an intimate knowledge of every property and Eden Rock St Barths is the perfect place to make your island dreams a reality.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/C-Matthews-/210356

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