Stunning Saint Barths

The Caribbean paradise of Saint-Barthélemy is one of the most cigar-friendly vacation spots in the world, with top-notch dining, unforgettable beaches and luxury accommodations

- By Larry Olmsted

Christopher Columbus, the first foreigner to visit SaintBarthélemy, “discovered” the island in 1493—and then promptly forgot about it. The speck of dry land had no natural resources and for nearly five centuries was considered worthless. It seems incredible today, but it proved such a financial burden that in the late 1800s one-time owner Sweden happily sold back to France the island it had traded for a century earlier.

No one ever found gold, diamonds or oil on Saint-Barthélemy, better known by its nickname St. Barths (pronounced Barts). But today, the island is a hub of affluence, transformed by the riches of tourism. The country’s first hotel, the Eden Rock, opened in 1953 wowing ahead-of-the-curve celebrities such as Howard Hughes and Greta Garbo, who came for a three-night stay but adored her visit so much she didn’t leave for three weeks. At about the same time David Rockefeller fell in love with the untouched natural beauty of its lush green hills, pristine beaches and perfect sailing conditions. He built a hilltop estate, further fueling public curiosity. The billionaires and stars have been coming ever since.