IT WAS A CLOUDLESS morning at Eden Rock-St. Barths (doubles from $1,800), the glamorous resort known for its celebrity guests. After sweeping through its see-and-be-seen Sand Restaurant, I sauntered down the palm-tree-shaded front steps to find my taxi.
I was not looking for just any cab driver, though. Seated behind the wheel of a gray Hyundai H-1 van was Hélène Bernier, who is the vice president of St. Bart's, a former French commune that is officially an overseas collectivity of France. Bernier also happens to be the owner of Easy Time, a tour company that offers illuminating drives around the island. Her tours are filled with local lore, A-list name-dropping, personal stories, and tales of real estate conflicts between longtime residents and the super-rich.
Dressed in a coral-pink jumpsuit from Poupette St. Barth, a homegrown label, she greeted me with a warm handshake. After I hopped in shotgun, she chirped, "On y va!" ("Let's go!"), then floored it down one of the main roads. In a fluster of Franglais, Bernier, 49, launched into an animated rundown of her life: Born and raised in St. Bart's, she has French ancestry on the island that dates back to 1648, which may explain her drive to protect its cultural heritage and environment.
In 2009, she founded a conservation group called St. Barth Essentiel and, later, was elected to the Territorial Council, the island's 19-member parliament, where she distinguished herself as a vocal critic of over development.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der March 2024-Ausgabe von Travel+Leisure US.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der March 2024-Ausgabe von Travel+Leisure US.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
TOTALLY TANGIER
With the debut of an impeccable seaside villa turned hotel, Morocco's bohemian enclave is suddenly back on the map.
OF SEA & STONE
In a quiet corner of mainland Greece, a glamorous new resort offers access to extraordinary treasures, both natural and archaeological.
Changing Nature
A mountain town in Japan has become a showcase for forward-thinking design.
Waking Up Waco
A reality-TV couple did more than open a hotel in the middle of Texas. They gave the city a public makeover.
To the Manor Born
In Mallorca, Spain, new resorts carved from old estates offer a break from the crowds.
HIGH - MIGHTY
On the fringes of a lesserknown Kenyan park, a new lodge brings you face-to-face with some of Africa's most majestic animals. Paul Brady goes in search of the biggest beast of them all.
GLOBAL VISION AWARDS
THE 26 PEOPLE, COMPANIES, AND NONPROFITS | CHANGING THE WAY WE TRAVEL FOR THE BETTER
High Tea
In Sri Lanka, a new walking trail weaves through mist-shrouded forests and centuries-old estates. Erin Vivid Riley makes the pilgrimage.
Devils' Advocates
Tasmania’s most famous species is under threat—but all hope is not lost. Elizabeth Warkentin heads down under to see the conservation effort up close.
Out of the Blue
Honduras beckons scuba divers, waterfall rappellers, and other thrill seekers. Nora Walsh takes the plunge.