SBHonline - The Insiders' Guide to St. Barths
St. Barthelemy, St Barts, St Barth is part of the French West Indies and, at only eight miles long, is one of the smallest islands
in the entire Caribbean. We - the Insiders' Guide to St Barts - derive our website address, sbhonline.com,
from the island's airport code - SBH.
Kudos to the "Friends of St. Barths" and all the SBHonline.com contributors
for their efforts assisting the St. Barth Fire and Rescue Service--
Learn more
The Medical Clinic is raising money for critically needed equipment -
Learn more
"The ultimate resource when traveling to St. Barts"
The St. Barts Insiders' Guide"
The island of St. Barthelemy has only 8000 residents,
no casinos or mega resorts, no golf or all-inclusives. What SBH does have
in abundance are beautiful beaches, breathtaking vistas and a fantastic
array of wonderful restaurants. The climate is ideal, with temperatures
generally ranging from 76 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit and the crystal blue
waters have a average temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit making them perfect
for swimming year round.
The island was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493 and was allegedly
named after his brother Bartoloméo. The first plane did not land
on the island until the 1940's when a Dutch pilot, Rémy de Haenen,
made a daring landing on the pasture in St. Jean where the airport sits
today. The runway was eventually paved but people continued to wait for
flights under a tree until a terminal was constructed in the 1980's.
Although the island has certainly seen development since de Haenen landed
on the grass "runway", it has retained its character and charm.
How to use this site
If you've never been to St Barts before start by reading an insider view of a first trip to the island.
We've also pulled to together lots of information to help you plan the perfect vacation in St Barts -- just use the links below and explore
our active St Barts forums - full of people who are passionate about all things St Barts.
SBH Essentials -
Here you will find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about SBH including how to get to the island, whether to
take the plane or the ferry, passport requirements, voltage issues, calling to and from SBH, getting on the internet on the island and more.
Accommodations on SBH -
Accommodations on SBH -There are a wide array of choices when deciding where to stay on SBH: Private villa or hotel? Beachfront or hillside?
East or West end? Read suggestions to help you make your decision and ask the island's
villa rental agencies for recommendations.
Special Offers -
The place to find all the special offers available exclusively to readers of The Insiders' Guide to St. Barths - SBHOnline.com.
Discounts on villa rentals, car rentals, featured
villas and more. Be sure to check back often for new offers.
Restaurants -
Dining in SBH is one life's great pleasures and the island is considered by many to be the culinary capital of the Caribbean.
We've included a comprehensive list of the restaurant offerings as well as reviews from recent visitors. If you've dined on SBH
recently, we have a forum where you can share your culinary experiences.
Shopping -
SBH is a shopping paradise with everything from high end stores from Paris to local shops selling island crafted merchandise.
The two main shopping hubs are Gustavia and St. Jean. Learn more and visit our featured stores.
Discussion Forums -
The source for everything SBH. Villa and hotel advice, the latest restaurant experiences, where to buy the best cheese and wine,
best beaches for picnics, where to see the sunset and more. The forums are extremely active and full of great information to help plan
your trip or just experience a little SBH at home.
Photo Gallery -
There are hundreds of photos of this beautiful spot in the Photo Gallery.
You can also upload your SBH photos, and participate in our photo contests. You might win a free meal!
Trip reports and more -
Trip reports, top ten lists, the inside scoop on the best places to snorkel
and scuba dive, where to buy French wine and Cuban cigars, watches and
fine jewelry on SBH.
Enjoy your virtual vacation to St. Barths!
Latest & Greatest
Tradewind Aviation
San Juan Direct to St. Barths
Daily charter directly from San Juan into St. Barths - lets you avoid
St. Maarten airport
TOP LOC Sailing
Now offering airport transfers on the power boat Contender -- 10% discount if you mention SBHonline.com
New Arrival And Departure Service
Premium IV announces its exclusive new Arrival and Departure service on
St Maarten and St Barts.
Value in Paradise - Affordable luxury
You don't have to spend a fortune for a room in St Barts. Selection of villas for less than $200 a night per room.
Cordon Bleu Private Chefs
Christine and Jean-Jacques have 30 years of culinary experience and offer
private chef services on St. Barths -- new menu for 2008
St. Barth Chef Service
Private Chef Bernard Javelle reveals his new wine list for the season.
Yellow Submarine
Introducing -- the Yellow Submarine. Probably one of the best Caribbean’s
semi-sub tour.
Antoine Heckly Art
Antoine Heckly, a well known and highly respected St. Barths artist, captures
the essence of the island in his colorful paintings. Now available online
with free shipping.
L'Avion Designs -
Celebrate St. Barths and the famous plane landing with L'Avion designs
- t-shirts, hats, totes and more
TOP LOC Car Rental -
At the airport -
10% discount for online reservations
Cote Mer -
Offering the spacious and confortable LAGOON 47 catamaran for half day sails, full day sails, spectacular sunset charters
Still River Cafe
St Barts inspired cuisine in CT, created by sbhonline founders Kara & Bob Brooks