Embark on a breathtaking hike to experience the beauty of St. Barths
Leave behind the allure of beach parties and set your sights on an alternative way to experience the beauty of St. Barths. Because there’s no better way to do it than start a breathtaking hike that will unveil the island's mesmerizing natural wonders, transcending the enchantment of its refreshing brunches and glamorous nightlife. It’s time to traverse the coastal trails and let them guide you to hidden treasures waiting to be discovered - and if you’re wondering why, here are the reasons!
At first glance, the trail appears deceptively easy, resembling a leisurely Sunday stroll rather than a challenging hike. The main obstacle encountered along the way is the continuous procession of turtles, steadfastly traversing the gravel path without a care for the passing hikers. Don’t be fooled, as the journey progresses, the path undergoes a transformation, growing steeper and rockier, tightly clinging to the edge of a cliff. It becomes a precarious route that demands careful navigation among the scattered boulders. Below, the deep blue waters churn and roar with boisterous waves, creating a striking contrast to the elevated trail.
After a while, the path opens up once again, revealing a sparsely populated expanse of sandy scrubland, dotted only by a few windblown shrubs that offer minimal shelter. From this vantage point, a brief but precipitous descent leads to a secluded beach of pristine white sand—an ultimate reward for the intrepid hiker. Here, the presence of humanity is scarcely evident, save for a grand mansion, now seemingly unoccupied. Nonetheless, the stretch of sand remains accessible to all, not reserved solely for the mansion's privileged occupants. It invites anyone to wade into the shallow waters, providing a perfect opportunity to cleanse oneself of perspiration accumulated during the hike and to leisurely snorkel amidst schools of fish.
This is no secluded, hidden island tucked away in an obscure corner of the region. Instead, it is Colombier Beach, situated on the northwestern tip of St. Barthélemy, famously known as St. Barts. This island's allure extends far beyond its exclusive boutiques, lavish bottle service, and indulgent seven-hour brunches. It also embodies a fragment of Mediterranean glamour transplanted from the South of France and nestled just 150 miles away from the U.S. Virgin Islands. If you name a celebrity from any era, whether it be Beyoncé or Paul McCartney, chances are they have been spotted at one of St. Barts' esteemed restaurants, marinas, or hotels. The island attracts passionate shoppers and avid sailors in equal measure, with its allure heightened by the absence of sales tax on luxury purchases and a calendar brimming with thrilling regattas. Its coastline is adorned with secluded coves accessible only by charter. It's no surprise that the presence of nature and the emphasis on outdoor living among the locals often go unnoticed by casual visitors.
St. Barthélemy's history has always been intertwined with an outdoor, off-grid lifestyle. Due to its infertile soil, the island never became dominated by plantations like many other Caribbean islands. The Swedes easily relinquished control to the French in the late 18th century, considering it an insignificant trade-off. Hence, the capital was named Gustavia, paying homage to the Nordic king. Throughout colonial times, this rocky island remained overlooked compared to coveted gems like Jamaica and Barbados, and it remained largely undeveloped until a daring French pilot named Rémy de Haenen touched down here in 1945.
St. Barts is painted by a sum of hiking trails that cater to different skill levels, each offering amazing views. Among them, Le Colombier stands out as a remarkable choice. Instead of descending to the beach, consider venturing a bit further uphill to reach a rocky platform where you can sit and contemplate the waters stretching in both the east and west directions. Since the beach is only accessible via this route, if you prefer not to retrace your steps, you can arrange for your hotel or villa to send a speedboat to pick you up after spending a few hours in the water.
For those seeking a more leisurely stroll, Grand Fond presents an easy option. This two-mile trail, adorned with colorful flowers, runs along the island's northeastern coast, offering splendid views of surfers riding the waves in the turbulent sea. Afterward, cool off in the natural pools before heading back. On the island's protected southern side, the three-mile trek to Gouverneur Beach and back requires a bit more energy. So, expect to walk through some dense vegetation as you make your way down to the sandy shores.
For those seeking a more challenging adventure, the most demanding option is to embark on the nearly four-mile hike around the headland of Le Toiny via Petit Cul de Sac. Begin at the beach and ascend, weaving through lush greenery until you encounter a set of stone steps leading to the peak. From there, the path to Le Petit Cul de Sac involves steep ascents and descents, but the reward is well worth the effort—especially when the weather cooperates and keeps the waves at bay. Along the way, you'll encounter natural pools that further enhance the experience.
