Saint-Barthélemy, more commonly known as St Barths, is an island paradise rich in history, art, culture and architecture, and is framed by captivating scenery and wildlife. The 24-square-kilometre land mass is the result of an explosive volcanic eruption, allowing stunning white beaches and landscapes to form. They are juxtaposed by valleys and peaks, the tallest of which, Morne du Vitet, is 286 metres high. Today, St Barths is renowned for being one of the oldest volcanic islands in the Lesser Antilles chain, as well as the northernmost island.
The rich nutrients produced as a result of its volcanic past makes St Barths an ideal home for a wide variety of exotic flora and fauna. Turtles, whales and dolphins are just some of the marine animals found within the surrounding deep blue waters, and 183 species of fish can be discovered in and around the island. The rich tropical climate plays a large part in supporting this ecosystem. Unlike temperate locations, this region is only exposed to two seasons. The first season, known by locals as “the lent”, sees fresh breezes and mild temperatures averaging 27 degrees Celsius from 1 December to 30 May. The second is known as “the wintering” which, contrary to its name, is the hotter of the two seasons, with an average temperature of 30 degrees Celsius from 1 June to 30 November.