CARIBAVIA 2025 Jetting or yachting to paradise - St Barth has it all By Cdr. Bud Slabbaert.

Where does one find a pleasant and peaceful environment of pristine and abundant natural beauty? Connoisseurs immediately recognize that the island St. Barth in the Caribbean is just that - and with gracious thanks to St. Barth Tourism, our recent 7th CARIBAVIA edition was held in Saint Barthelemy, as it is officially known.

The island, originally known as Ouanalao, inhabitated by the indigenous Arawak and Carib Indians way back in the 12th / 13th centuries, before its land was claimed by France in 1648. It was then traded to Sweden in 1784, becoming a free port under Swedish rule - where it took the name Gustavia, in honour of King Gustav III. France took back the Island in 1878, but the Swedish influence lives on with the architecture, street names - and of course the capital’s. French language is foremost, St Barth being an overseas collectivitie of France and the celebrated jewel of the French West Indies.

Tropical nonchalance with a laid-back vibe.

St Barth’s is tropical nonchalance, with its laid-back vibe, combined with exotic grace which results in a unique Caribbean elegance and chic. The Saint-Barthélemois call it “L'art d'être une île”, the art of being an island. Its ‘rich and famous’ clientele will make several trips per year to this oasis. International investment and the wealth generated by its guests testify to the high standard of living on the island, where a stay in its most exclusive villas can commend Euros 500,000 a week. Want to come to St Barth’s for Christmas? It’s the most in demand time for the ‘seasonaires,’ who head for St Tropez from April. Many of the villas around the Island are rented out of season. One could also rent a house within Eden Rock, one of the most prestigious (and expensive) Island hotels, with its own, private beach.

Some 80% of the air traffic coming into St Barth Airport (SBH-TFFJ) is from St Maarten, the closest main airport to St Barth. Scheduled and charter flights are limited to the 19 seat DHC-6 Twin Otter. Mainstay arrivals are the Cessna Caravan, Pilatus PC-12, Britten-Norman Islander, now being phased out by the (new) Tecnam Traveller at St Barth Executive. Our media group flew from San Juan (Tradewinds on the PC-12), just under an hour’s flight and from St Maarten (just under 10 minutes).

The highest traffic peak is on the first days of January, varying from 200 up to 300 movements per day, or one every 90 seconds. The airport features one of the most difficult approaches in the world and not something for the faint-hearted. Commercial pilots coming in, require special and regular training to land on this challenging steep approach. The short runway ends directly at a beach. If you miscalculate you are ‘heading for the swim!

Watching the aircraft land from the top of the hill between the twin peaks, where four roads join via a roundabout is almost as exciting as being a passenger on the aircraft itself. One for the ‘Gram for sure. The aircraft arrive nose down, giving the impression of diving directly at whatever drives or whoever walks there. It can clear it by about 3 m/10 ft before the steep descend down the hill to make the landing. Either way, the landing is iconic.

St.Barth Executive's Tecnam makes the steep approach into St. Barth's airport.

St. Barth is surrounded by turquoise coastal waters. Its centre is also a fun place to drive around. Umberto Vallini was in charge of the media party’s small Fiat vehicle. Just as well it was a small car. The streets are very narrow with twists and turns and unexpected steep inclines. At times we felt like we were in the film – The Italian Job - take the wrong road and we faced a dead end.

Mass tourism is taboo, which is good. St. Barth is neither interested in extending its airport nor in accommodating big cruise ships.

During the fall and early winter months, the mega-yachts sail from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean long before their owners and passengers arrive by aircraft. Some will have a helicopter on the deck. Retreating around the New Year reveille is a fixed annual agenda event that’s part of the lifestyle of stars and luminaries. St. Barth is renowned for is celebrations and parties on the island, as well as on board the many mega yachts anchored in front of its port Gustavia.

On the days around New Year’s Eve, the local yacht registry of St. Barth’s harbour records about 130 vessels on average. Fifteen to twenty of them may be in the mega-yacht category 60 m/200 ft or longer. Too big for the harbour, they are anchored in the azure waters of the bay in front of the rustic port Gustavia. Local fishing boats sit happily next to them. Being a haven for yachting, many sailing events are being held here each year including the St. Barth’s Bucket Regatta, Saint Barth's Cup, and Les Voiles de St. Barth.

St. Barth’s Harbour.

St. Barthélemy has about twenty-five boutique hotels, most with fifteen rooms or less; the largest has fifty-eight rooms. The most expensive hotel on the island has only twelve rooms. Private luxury villas, of which there are some 400 available to rent on the island, command upwards of US$8,000 per night.

The island offers 70 gourmet and other restaurants serving dishes of multi cuisines - from French gourmet style to traditional best West-Indian and Creole Caribbean food. The island hosts gastronomic events throughout the year.

Gustavia is known for being the most stylish and fashionable town in the region, with more than 50 designer boutiques and luxury shops. It has retained its free-port status and true to its past it doesn’t add punitive taxes to items. Lavish goods are tax-free and also about 20% cheaper than in the US or Europe.

St. Barthélemy is an overseas territory of the European Union. Islanders are French citizens holding EU passports. France is also responsible for defending the island, with an elected president. A 19-member governing territorial council is elected for its administration, which provides the island with a certain degree of autonomy. A senator also represents the island in the French Senate in Paris. St. Barth is self-sufficient and has one of the highest GDP per capita in the region. Sustainability is a high priority, together with its focus on quality of service and high safety standards.

St. Barth may be the safest of all Caribbean islands. The island had its own local police force of six officers, as well as a representation of 13 French gendarmes posted on a two-year term, who patrol the island for security and law enforcement.

The volcanic island encircled by shallow reefs, covering an area of 25 sq km/10 sq mi. It is home to approximately 10,000 residents. French is the official language, but English is everyone’s second language. Euro is the legal currency, but US Dollars are widely accepted. The island has a small hospital (just 20 beds) with an adjacent diagnostic laboratory. There are clinics of specialist medical professionals and many pharmacies.

Whether one is looking for tranquility and serenity or for a lot of social activity, for a picturesque spot or a pure natural area, St. Barth is ideall. The average day temperature is around 31°C (90°F). Sunshine is prominent for nearly the entire year at is near 22 public beaches. Elegant but relaxing lifestyle. High living standards. World-class cuisine. What more does one want? Embrace the charm and the “c’est la vie” of Saint Barthélemy.

Additional reporting by Alison Chambers.

BlueSky Business Aviation News | 7th August 2025 | Issue #807