Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine APRIL 2019 | Page 500

St. Jean
Life on St. Barths
This is where you will fi nd many of the rich and
famous. The island’s French charm makes it a
popular celebrity destination and spotting one
of them sipping a cocktail or enjoying a latte on
any one day is a usual occurrence. They blend
in, locals understand and respect their silent
request to be allowed to enjoy their time here,
undisturbed, and so a relaxed, paparazzi -free
vacation is the result on every occasion.
St. Barths is petite, with only 9.7 square miles
and 9,269 residents, and you will discover why
its designer boutiques, high-end restaurants,
luxury yachts and stunning beaches makes it an
attractive vacation destination for those whose
budget allows. No fast-food chains, high-rise
buildings, no cruise ships in port, no multitude of
tourists, no casinos and no crime! It is pristine.
If you are thinking of making St. Barths your
home, you will need to have lived on the island
for six months consecutively per year over a fi ve
year period.
For more information, visit the St. Barth’s Tourism
Offi ce, www.saintbarth-tourisme.com
As there are no rivers or fresh water
sources in Saint Barth, rainwater collected
in cisterns comes in very handy during
periods of drought. In addition, the island
has an active facility to desalinate ocean
water, and provide city water to most
homes, but is very expensive. This means
that water remains a precious resource
and should be used intelligently, in
moderation, without thoughtless waste.
©St. Barth Tourism