Magazine Onboard #5

G u s t a v i a

S a i n t J e a n

C o r o s s o l

G r a n d C u l d e S a c

Th e B e a c h e s

SAINT

BARTHÉLEMY

This gradual introduction to an old Caribbean town is probably ideal to appreciate all the old-world charm

of its Franco-Swedish heritage. On shore the contrast is striking. The first impression is deceptive because,

far from being just a picturesque little tropical port, Gustavia offers all the most prestigious luxury brands

on the planet, Louis Vuitton, Chopard, Cartier and Bvlgari, just to mention a few. It is quite astonishing to

see how many of them are gathered here, on this tiny pebble lost in the middle of the vast expanse of

the Atlantic Ocean. However, there is no denying that the capital of St Barth is an amazing place.

During the high season it is adorned by some of the most beautiful jewels in the world, the mega-yachts.

Moored along the docks, these giants of the leisure classes add to the prestige of the town.

In spite of this apparent extravagance, like most of the villages on St Barth, Gustavia has managed

to retain a lot of its authentic traditions. That is really what makes this place so remarkable.

Just in case any visitors to Gustavia should want to visit some of the historical monuments that survive here

or embark on some serious hiking to explore further inland, the Tourist Office and the Marine Reserve have

their headquarters on the docks, right beside the Harbor Master’s office. You will be warmly welcomed

and of course you will find all the information you need to make the most of your stay. However, as you

will soon realize, Gustavia is a mecca of brand name shopping. Some approach the town as a place of

pilgrimage, progressing from store to store as if on a religious quest and spending as if there were no

tomorrow. Under the tropical sun that can prove to be quite exhausting! You will find all the major high-end

names, especially in the realm of haute couture, fashion accessories, luggage, jewelry, luxury watches

and cosmetics. As just one example, the first stop on the list of any fashionista worthy of the name is the

ultra-chic boutique Stéphane et Bernard. The masculine equivalent is most probably the boutique

Edgar, run by Christian, who is also a talented young painter. As for haute jewelry and watches,

four highly specialized boutiques have pride of place, Diamond Genesis, Goldfinger, Carat and Time.

The best way to approach Gustavia is from

the sea. As you come into the long bay of

Gustavia, the boat will slow down and glide

gently over the water. Slowly the town will

become better defined. The lighthouse,

the church steeple, city hall, the old stone

buildings and the colorful traditional houses

will come into view one after the other.

O n b o a r d # 5