Salty Mr. Splendid was invited to sail in a regatta, Les Voiles de Saint Barth…so my little one and I decided to tag along.
While he’s been circling around the exterior beauty of this 12 mile long rock,
we’ve been bombing along the narrow winding roads, in our golden~olive colored open air jeep, exploring the beaches and beauty within this French West Indies island.
There is a beach for everyone here. Contributing to the charm of each of the beautiful beaches are the handpainted tile signs that identify them. Gouverneur is a lovely natural, pristine beach, free of any restaurants or bars.
The soft white sands and the water here is even more glorious than this painting promises. Here, it is not unusual to spot wildlife, like these local wild goat kids we saw running along the rocky outcrops just above where we were sitting.
In an effort to keep them clean, these tin can ashtrays are at the entrances of the beaches. They seem to be quite effective, because the beaches are very clean.
At the other end of the spectrum is the popular and protected bay of St. Jean, which is lined with lively beach clubs and cottages.
On the “lay day” for the sailors they had a party here,
at the delightfully debaucherous Nikki beach Club
where Magnums {equivalent to 2 bottles} and Jeroboams {equivalent to 4 bottles} of wine and champagne are a common sight.
These Titanics of sushi roll out of the kitchen as quickly as they can make them. The “hull” of the boat is filled with ice to keep the sushi chilled by lifting the metal “deck”.
Fish, lobsters and caviar are displayed in these gorgeous cork bowls.
Somewhere in the middle of these two is the quieter Anse de Flamands beach. My daughter and I loved having this beach nearly to ourselves one day.
We watched our racers under the shelter of our umbrella…
with a few other creature comforts from the Taiwana resort…
I don't know how much more jealous I can get, Emily!
Thank you for sharing the beauty.
Teresa
xoxo
Gosh, my girlfriends and I were just there at LaGuanahani, certainly a brilliant place to holiday, isn't it. Too bad for us we didn't get to sail.
LOVELY post. xx's
This looks like heaven. All my clients love saint Barts which i am yet to visit…Enjoy!
I am dying over that water! So beautiful.
Gorgeous!! Love the rose in the sand..wouldn't mind being on the beach right about now, feeling that warm sun, glass of wine in hand..total bliss!
I am just dreaming of this trip, but got a little relaxation just looking at your gorgeous images!!
Emily, My brother married a girl whose parents were both born and raised on St Barts.
We were all there nearly 15 years ago for their beautiful wedding! She and I were just talking about the "wild goats" as I did not remember seeing them. She said that initially the owner puts their goats in pens. If/when they get out… they are "wild". 🙂
Crazy, casual island life!
Warning: the day you stand on the tarmac to board that tiny plane you will promise to come back soon. I cried – and have yet to return – nutz!
Don't forget to bring back rum "Rhum Cle'ment" (with the raffia net packaging.
And St Barts lotion – my favorite is the vanilla!
Cheers!
Emily,
You are in one of my all time favorite places!!!! Oh, the memories I have of Nikki Beach, Eden Roc, Isle de France, etc…..
Savor every delicious glass of rose!!!!
xoxo Elizabeth
Teresa – thank you for continuing to travel with me!
Oh Elizabeth, we have so much to talk about!
Linda, sadly this is publishing post trip, I guess I will just have to go back to to find the lotion and the rhum… {what is that, exactly??} It truly is a special blend of rustic and refined..
Tina, thanks for the encouragement, I am back in Seattle now and craving that warm sun on my shoulders, the sand, sea and rosé.
Emily and Francine, I hope you make it there, it is a special place.
Splenderosa, what/where is LaGuanahani? I don't think I saw that/ went there.
Stay cozy everyone! xo ebh
Maybe we need to have a bloggers conference down there! xo ebh
Oui oui!!!!
…..swoon! I loved Nikki Beach and the whole vibe on St. Barths-what a gorgeous trip! A little rose on the beach…what a life 😉
xx, Heather