Colombier: A slice of Caribbean paradise
Perched on the leeward side of Saint Barthelemy, Colombier is a slice of tropical paradise. While the French-speaking Caribbean island was once dotted with sleepy fishing villages, the scene changed in the 1960s when wealthy US families like the Rockefellers and Rothschilds commandeered "Saint Barts" as a winter retreat. Today the island is a stomping ground for the rich and famous, with Colombier vacation rentals luring sunseekers in search of barefoot luxury and a splash of French flavor. Spend your time beach hopping around the island, shopping at designer boutiques and discovering Saint Barthelemy's colorful colonial past.
Beach hopping in Colombier
One of the dreamiest beaches in the Caribbean, Anse de Colombier is a vision of sugar-white sand, aquamarine water and lush hillsides. Pack a good book and you could easily spend hours basking on the sand. If you want to stretch your legs, check out the scenic walking trail, or enjoy colorful snorkeling just offshore. Prefer to soak up the sun on a private deck? Set high in the jungled hillsides, Colombier vacation rentals treat guests to sweeping views of Anse de Colombier. For a change of scene, head to isolated Anse de Grande Saline, where you'll find rolling surf breaking onto a golden arc of sand.
Sun-drenched springs in Colombier
Most visitors arrive in the winter, when Saint Barthelemy enjoys clear skies and highs that creep into the 90s. Crowds soar in "la plus haute saison", which spans across the last 2 weeks of December. If you don't want to hustle for a stretch of sand, Colombier vacation rentals are a great option. With private pools and breezy decks, luxury villas make it easy to enjoy private sunbathing sessions. Saint Barts veterans covet April to June as a sweet spot. You'll beat the winter crowds and skip the rain that goes hand in hand with the arrival of Caribbean hurricane season.
Tropical bouquets in Colombier
For most vacationers, Saint Barthelemy conjures up visions of turquoise bays and gleaming white sand. Colombier delivers with a secluded setting on the leeward side of the island. You'll be just steps from Anse de Colombier, one of the Caribbean's most photogenic beaches. The hilly interior is just as enchanting, with verdant rainforests and fragrant gardens filled with frangipanis, hibiscus and bougainvillea. The island is also surrounded by coral reefs, where you can swim with tropical fish, sea turtles and rays.
Traveling to and around Colombier
The nearest airport is in Gustavia (SBH-Gustaf III), located 2 mi (3.2 km) from the city center. If you're unable to find a flight that fits your schedule, you can also fly into Princess Juliana Intl. Airport (SXM), which is 18.1 mi (29.1 km) away.