A worthy opponent to Anguilla, St Barth's is considered one of
the most fashionable places in the West Indies and has
international jet setters and passionate foodies flocking here in
droves.
The island's heritage dates back to
Napoleonic times so you'll find coffee and croissants and the odd
snail or two in one of sixty restaurants.
There are plenty of designer boutiques
too, with thrill seekers able to explore the island's steep hills
and hairpin bends by Jeep.
Flying time: 8hrs 30 minutes to Antigua, then
onward flight of 40 minutes.
Time difference: GMT -4hrs.
Getting there: Direct services operate
to Antigua with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, with
onward flights to St.Barths on Liat or on shared or private
charters.
Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar, which is
tied to the US Dollar.
Vaccinations: Precautions for tetanus, typhoid,
diphtheria and hepatitis A are recommended - please contact your
doctor for up-to-date information.
Visas: British passport holders do not require
a visa. All other nationals please check visa requirements with the
embassy.
Best time time to visit: Hot and tropical
climate tempered by trade winds throughout most of the year. The
driest period is from January to April and there is increased
rainfall in summer and towards the end of the year. Like the other
Leeward Islands, Antigua can be affected by hurricanes, which are
most likely to develop between June and November.