Celebrate the Holidays in St Barts This Winter

With luxury yachts filling the harbor of Gustavia, the capital of St Barts, legendary parties and events taking place across the isle and warm climes luring travelers to escape thewinter blues, adjectives from romantic to glamorous to simply out-of-this-world can only attempt to describe the allure of this sought-after destination.

The good news is that despite its huge popularity there is still availability at St Barts' outstanding and intimate hotels as well as its numerous world-class villas for those looking for a one-of-its-kind winter getaway.

The following highlights are on the calendar for the St Barts holiday season this year:

For traditional Christmas feel, travelers should visit the Christmas Village (December 19 to 23, 2011), which features a European-style Christmas market and festivities at the harbor in Gustavia.

St Barts is without a doubt the place to be for New Year's and the island entertains its visitors with two lively events for the occasion:

- The annual New Year's Eve Regatta (December 31, 2011) has become a huge draw for yacht owners from around the world that flock to St Barts for a “just-for-fun” sailing event around the island, which is open for visiting and local sailboats alike.

- The “St Sylvester” New Year's Celebration (December 31, 2011) at the Quai du Général de Gaulle in Gustavia is the perfect event for the last day of the year: The spectacle offers live music throughout the evening and fireworks on the docks at midnight, with locals and visitors dancing the night away on the dock and partying in various restaurants.

The cultural calendar continues seamlessly into the New Year with the St Barth Music Festival (January 7 to 19, 2012), which features live music and dance performances of some of the world's most prominent stars in classical music, opera, ballet, and jazz.

St Barts is one of the world's most glamorous destinations and a frequent getaway for both the rich and famous, and well-heeled travelers, offering style and sophistication in a friendly and laid back environment. Discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493 and put on the map for high-end tourism by the Rockefellers in the late 1950s, St Barts remains distinctly French in feel and has charmed countless visitors with its innate beauty, unique character and authentic charm. This casual but chic hideaway offers watersports, wining and dining in the island's superb restaurants, shopping in Gustavia's trendy boutiques, and a variety of fantastic cultural events throughout the year.

For more information, visit www.saintbarth-tourisme.com

Photo credit: St Barts Tourism Committee