IT WAS A CLOUDLESS morning at Eden Rock-St. Barths (doubles from $1,800), the glamorous resort known for its celebrity guests. After sweeping through its see-and-be-seen Sand Restaurant, I sauntered down the palm-tree-shaded front steps to find my taxi.
I was not looking for just any cab driver, though. Seated behind the wheel of a gray Hyundai H-1 van was Hélène Bernier, who is the vice president of St. Bart's, a former French commune that is officially an overseas collectivity of France. Bernier also happens to be the owner of Easy Time, a tour company that offers illuminating drives around the island. Her tours are filled with local lore, A-list name-dropping, personal stories, and tales of real estate conflicts between longtime residents and the super-rich.
Dressed in a coral-pink jumpsuit from Poupette St. Barth, a homegrown label, she greeted me with a warm handshake. After I hopped in shotgun, she chirped, "On y va!" ("Let's go!"), then floored it down one of the main roads. In a fluster of Franglais, Bernier, 49, launched into an animated rundown of her life: Born and raised in St. Bart's, she has French ancestry on the island that dates back to 1648, which may explain her drive to protect its cultural heritage and environment.
In 2009, she founded a conservation group called St. Barth Essentiel and, later, was elected to the Territorial Council, the island's 19-member parliament, where she distinguished herself as a vocal critic of over development.
Denne historien er fra March 2024-utgaven av Travel+Leisure US.
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Denne historien er fra March 2024-utgaven av Travel+Leisure US.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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EARTHLY DELIGHTS
Come fall, the Italian region of Umbria is a lush, fertile inland oasis. Peter Terzian reaps a bounty of culinary and cultural pleasures.
RUNNER'S HIGH
Some travelers like to move at a faster clip. Alexandra Kleeman crosses the peaks and pastures of Ireland with a group of women who take life in stride.
THE WILDEST ISLE
Compared with its neighbors, the island of Hawaii is bigger, more untamed-and, at times, unpredictable. With her family in tow, Flora Stubbs finds the perfect balance between relaxation and rugged adventure.
A ticket to the top of the world
On a luxurious train tour of Peru, Lake Titicaca and Machu Picchu are the headline acts. But, as Monisha Rajesh discovers, witnessing everyday life from the rails can be every bit as memorable.
Bonjour la France
When an American writer retires in Brittany, she learns how to belong again.
Chills and Thrills
On an Alaskan wilderness adventure, Sarah Manguso and her son learn the elements of survival.
Wheels on Fire
With its blazing fall colors and picturesque villages, the Japanese island of Kyushu was made for cycling.
Down to Earth
Pottery runs deep in Santa Fe, from hallowed Pueblo collections to clay-throwing pubs.
Steel City Shining
A tech boom; a thriving cultural scene; destination dining. Can this be... Pittsburgh?
HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL
This cute Pennsylvania town is brimming with artistic and cultural energy.
