Page 21 - AAA Every Day – AAA Hudson Valley – January/February 2019

© BVI Tourist Authority
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 I 21
St. Barths:
more than a glimmer of French chic.
St. Barth’s tiny population of just 3,000 residents —
Casual, Yet Chic
plus or minus a few — represents an interesting blend of French and Swedish cultures. Though the island
is now under France’s domain, it once belonged to Sweden (1784-1878).
Little St. Barthelemy, nicknamed St. Barths, has a
big reputation for glamorous visitors — Mick Jagger, Queen Beatrix and Jackie Onassis being among them. But despite its popularity with celebrities, the island has remained relatively quiet and has retained a strong sense of self, with a laid-back attitude, casual ambiance, and
In Gustavia, St. Barths largest town, street signs are in both French and Swedish. Wrapped around
a picturesque harbor where sailboats, fishing boats and luxury yachts glisten in the sun, Gustavia is a favorite spot for soaking up the scenic beauty of the island. Its quaint streets are filled with small shops, cafes and markets.
Merely eight square miles, St. Barths does not take long to explore, but the terrain of the island is hilly and rugged — best seen by open-air Jeep-style vehicles. Roads are narrow and steep, but well marked. And the views are spectacular.
While nightlife is virtually nonexistent in St. Barths, the island is known for its sumptuous cuisine. Evenings are most often spent lazily sipping champagne and dining on local seafood or French specialties, or just strolling along one of the many disparate beaches and gazing at the stars.
Istock, dwheatley
The British Virgin Islands:
form a favorite swimming spot known as the Baths. And at Virgin Peak National Park, hikers can climb to the platform of an observation tower and enjoy a sweeping 360-degree view of this picturesque island.
Beautiful and Relaxing
Tortola, the hub of the BVI, is equally beautiful, with jagged mountain peaks, white sandy beaches, turquoise bays and coves, groves of bananas and mangoes, and clusters of stately palm trees. Sailing and fishing are
the popular pastimes here. Tournament fisherman from around the world are drawn to these waters, which team with bluefish sharks and wahoos.
In comparison to the U.S. Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands have remained relatively undeveloped. Though the island chain is comprised of approximately 50 islands, islets and cays, many are uninhabited
There are no direct flights to the BVI from the U.S. mainland, so many visitors get to the most populated islands — Tortola, Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke — on their own sailing vessels or by way of ferry. Ferries make regularly scheduled crossings between St. Thomas and St. John to Tortola.
Tournament fisherman from around the world are drawn to these waters, which team with bluefish sharks and wahoos.
If you’re looking for shopping and nightlife, you certainly won’t find much of it in the BVI. But if you enjoy boating, diving, snorkeling and beachcombing, these islands are tropical havens. There are numerous bays for snorkeling, and divers enjoy exploring undisturbed reefs and the wreck of the Rhone, which sunk in the waters off Salt Island in 1876.
Virgin Gorda is a favorite spot for sailing. In fact, the island’s north shore is accessible only by boat. On the southwestern coast, massive boulders and grottoes