At the Princess Juliana Airport in St. Maaten I’m so close yet so far from the French paradise of Saint-Barthélemy. Luckily Winair services the 15 minute jaunt across the sea for those who don’t happen to have a yacht at their disposal this season. With a flight every hour or so, Winair has been making the islands like St. Barth’s even more accessible for over 50 years as one of the first airlines around. Be sure to carry a camera on your person as this trip is more of a scenic tour than a connecting flight with spectacular views at 1,000 feet. I soar over countless yachts and sailboats docked offshore and cruise over the lush green hillside before touching down at St. Barth’s boutique airport. Stepping off the plane the first thing in sight is the bright blue sea just beyond the runway – I’ve made it!
Jean-Phillipe, assistant manager of Hotel Le Village, greets me outside at the airport and takes me on a quick tour before arriving at the hotel. Centrally located in the heart of St. Jean, Le Village is a hidden paradise spilling over the hillside with spectacular ocean views. Under the shade of countless trees and tropical fauna we travel up the quaint cobblestone road to a central courtyard that welcomes me to this village.
