St. Barts, also known as St. Barths, is perhaps the most sophisticated and chic island in the French Antilles. Its full name is St. Barthelemy; the island has luxury resorts that are replete with French culture, fine French cuisine, and a high regard for excellent wine. St Barts has restricted development of new tourist facilities to no more than 12 rooms each, so the island, though small, keeps its feeling of luxury and intimacy. But don't worry that St Barths is dull - it has the very best upscale shopping in the Caribbean, and some of the most elegant nightspots. We think you will find it easy to choose an elegant luxury resort on St Barts.

One of the nicest upscale resorts on St. Barts is the Francois Plantation in Colombier. The restaurant and its wines are top-notch, and the restaurant itself is just  beautiful beyond belief. The pool sits atop a hill that commands a breathtaking view. The West-Indian style cottages are exquisite.

At Les Residences on St. Barth's, villas have a stunning view of St. Martin and Anguilla to the north, and Statia, St. Kitts and Nevis to the south. You'll find seven swimming pools on the property.

The Hotel Guanahani & Spa is a large, luxurious Caribbean resort  that sits on its own hilly green peninsula, overlooking two beaches. There are 75 colorful little cottages with patios, every one with a lovely view of the sea. There are two tennis courts, plus Hobie cats, jet skis, and professional instructors for all sports. The Guanahani Hotel in St. Barts is nestled cozily in an inlet, east of the airport on the island. Rooms are cottage-style, providing significant privacy, and are decorated in Creole decor. There are family suites, and a kindergarten available each day from 9-5 pm. There are two gourmet restaurants, and a lounge and a pool bar. Your stay can be as active or relaxing as you choose, and activities like tennis, snorkeling and scuba diving are available for guests to participate. An onsite spa utilizes Clarins products and the hotel offers spa packages, to simplify your arrangements.

The Eden Rock was purchases in 1995 by an English couple that intended to turn it into a summer home. At the time, a bar was in operation, and within five years, the hotel became one of the premier facilities in St. Barts. The hotel is a Travel & Leisure and Conde Nast Award Winner. Be sure to mention if you are looking for a cottage with a pool for your trip. There is only one available, so you will want to make sure it is reserved for you.

Another elegant resort on uncrowded St. Barth's is the Hotel St-Barth Isle de France, with its beautiful his-and-her spa garden, and astroturf tennis courts. If you love to be pampered on your Caribbean vacation, this is the place. It's on Anse des Flamands, a gorgeous beach, and the rooms and cottages range from feeling tucked into a private tropical garden, to sitting right on the ocean sands.
St. Barts is part of four territories among the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean that make up the French West Indies, and is the only one to have historically been a Swedish Colony. This factor has a significant bearing on their architecture, cuisine, and culture. Did you know that St. Barths was named by Columbus, after his brother, Bartholomew? That it was owned by Sweden for many decades in the 1800's? St. Barts is a pristine island, whose hotels attract an affluent clientele.  Luxury resorts on St. Barts are pictured in many of these guides to the island of St. Barthelemy. There are lovely photos of St. Barts beach resorts, boating, and resort reviews:

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