The Caribbean’s wealthiest island, St. Barth is a slice of tres chic France. For many years it has been a jet set haunt serving champagne by the bucket and foie gras by the loaf. Gustavia, St. Barth’s primary village, has a Provence-style atmosphere with haute couture boutiques and waterfront restaurants where two hour lunches are de rigeur. With a feel that’s more Mediterranean than Caribbean, everything seems to sparkle on this French West Indies isle.

The crime rate is low and night life hip and happening. Get past the celebrities and you’ll notice the colorful locals, women in traditional Normandy headdresses and ruddy fishermen from Brittany. The entire island is only eight square miles and the ultra dry climate makes temperatures feel moderate year round. “The season,” from December through April is crowded with yachts and glitterati perfect for people-watching. At other times the white sand beaches and azure waters prove this a worthy getaway in any month.

For more information go to: www.st-barths.com or www.saint-barths.com.