St. Barts, The Caribbean

If you enjoy the glittering jet-set scene, private villas, and beautiful beaches, St. Barts should be at the top of your list. Because of the regular inflow of visiting movie stars and mega-moguls, accommodation and food are more expensive here than in other places, especially during peak season.

In exchange, you'll get stunning blond beaches bordered by green hills, world-class shopping and restaurants, and a cultural sophistication lacking in many other tropical resorts. Low season, as everywhere else, provides fantastic savings. Furthermore, while all of the beaches are public, you can hide away in a private villa or boutique hotel and live such as the rich and famous at a fraction of the price. Other popular activities in St. Barts include snorkeling, diving, kitesurfing, kayaking, fishing, surfing, and sailing, in addition to sunbathing on the beaches, shopping, and eating on delectable continental fare. Saline Beach, Gouverneur Beach, and Lorient are the best beaches, while Gustavia, the red-roofed capital, is one of the most beautiful cities in the Caribbean.