Lifestyle on Saint Barthelemy : Discover

Discover: Lifestyle on Saint Barthelemy

Way of life

“What you have only dreamt of, Saint Barth has actually done”, could be an adequate motto for this tiny strip of land nested in the heart of the Caribbean. On arrival to its airport, you will quickly realize that you have left civilisation and become a part of the dream itself. Calm, luxury, serenity, and as many positive characteristics as you can think of describe Saint Barth, where even the most acute critic would probably not find a bad word to say…. Here all is perfect, or at least as can be. Saint Barth is a must for the more well-off, in search of a small piece of paradise.

As mass tourism is practically inexistent, a certain liberty overhangs the island. Each can live at his own rhythm, far from the business of daily life, in a pleasant state of suspended animation. In the midst of this tourist paradise, however, locals have still managed to preserve their own traditions and specificities.

Ethically speaking, Saint Barth’s mentality is similar to that of rural American populations of the 1920s. Discreet and modest people live here, who prefer to keep their opinions to themselves. Given word is still sacred, and a transaction can be sealed with as little as a handshake, with both parties on the lookout to protect their own interest.

People are in general of a responsible nature, capable of managing the problems life may wheel in their way, without depending too much on the government, the church or an organism of the like. They take advantage of opportunities, but do not expect to be taken in charge of by administration. A certain class distinction does exist among them, but this remains purely economic and not social, and is thus eligible to change at any moment. Family life is the basis of their society and the history of their own family line is a heritage to be preserved.

In the course of the last twenty years, Saint Barth’s resident population has more than doubled. Fewer natives tend to leave the island, and an increasing number of Metropolitans choose it as their home each year.

Foreigners have always found this island a perfect place of refuge, with its intimate and detached way of living, and its cultural multiplicity which guarantee a friendly welcome to everyone. These eccentric inhabitants have always preferred simplicity to the comfort of the outside world. Two local hotels, Eden Rock and les Castelets were constructed by persons of this traditional style, which is unfortunately on the verge of extinction today.

Today’s new arrivals come with the objective of trying their luck, attracted by the stereotypes the press has to offer of this tropical land where no taxes are to be paid, and where rich holidaymakers distribute their money to anybody they meet on the street. They are usually terribly disappointed.

Life on Saint Barth is easy from a number of aspects, but making a living is not, especially for foreigners. Finding adequate accommodation is extremely difficult, and rents soar to high heavens. Even though the demand for manual labour is high these days, jobs with a certain stability or level are rather hard to find.