Stunning Saint Barths
Cigar Aficionado|March - April 2022
The Caribbean paradise of Saint-Barthélemy is one of the most cigar-friendly vacation spots in the world, with top-notch dining, unforgettable beaches and luxury accommodations
By Larry Olmsted
Stunning Saint Barths

Christopher Columbus, the first foreigner to visit SaintBarthélemy, “discovered” the island in 1493—and then promptly forgot about it. The speck of dry land had no natural resources and for nearly five centuries was considered worthless. It seems incredible today, but it proved such a financial burden that in the late 1800s one-time owner Sweden happily sold back to France the island it had traded for a century earlier.

No one ever found gold, diamonds or oil on Saint-Barthélemy, better known by its nickname St. Barths (pronounced Barts). But today, the island is a hub of affluence, transformed by the riches of tourism. The country’s first hotel, the Eden Rock, opened in 1953 wowing ahead-of-the-curve celebrities such as Howard Hughes and Greta Garbo, who came for a three-night stay but adored her visit so much she didn’t leave for three weeks. At about the same time David Rockefeller fell in love with the untouched natural beauty of its lush green hills, pristine beaches and perfect sailing conditions. He built a hilltop estate, further fueling public curiosity. The billionaires and stars have been coming ever since.

This story is from the March - April 2022 edition of Cigar Aficionado.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the March - April 2022 edition of Cigar Aficionado.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM CIGAR AFICIONADOView All
CIGAR AFICIONADO'S 2023 YEAR IN REVIEW
Cigar Aficionado

CIGAR AFICIONADO'S 2023 YEAR IN REVIEW

AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT A YEAR'S WORTH OF CIGAR RATINGS

time-read
7 mins  |
March/April 2024
A Soprano No More
Cigar Aficionado

A Soprano No More

Michael Imperioli is standing just inside the door of Scarlet, he and his wife's new bar and restaurant on Manhattan's Upper West Side.

time-read
5 mins  |
March/April 2024
Like Father Like Son
Cigar Aficionado

Like Father Like Son

Charlie Woods is growing up. Will he follow Tiger's famous footsteps?

time-read
6 mins  |
March/April 2024
THE SPHERE LIGHTS UP LAS VEGAS
Cigar Aficionado

THE SPHERE LIGHTS UP LAS VEGAS

IN A CITY FILLED WITH BRIGHT SHINY OBJECTS, NOTHING CATCHES THE EYE MORE THAN THIS $2.3 BILLION DOME

time-read
6 mins  |
March/April 2024
Secretariat's Ride to Derby Glory
Cigar Aficionado

Secretariat's Ride to Derby Glory

Even the most hallowed of sports records get eclipsed. Roger Bannister was the first to run a four-minute mile, but that feat has been vanquished again and again.

time-read
1 min  |
March/April 2024
Smoking In (And Around) Louisville
Cigar Aficionado

Smoking In (And Around) Louisville

Louisville, Kentucky, has all the charm and character of a city with deep connections to a pair of American sporting pastimes: horse racing and baseball.

time-read
2 mins  |
March/April 2024
The Drink of the Derby
Cigar Aficionado

The Drink of the Derby

More than 120,000 icy cold Mint Juleps will be served on May 4 at Churchill Downs

time-read
2 mins  |
March/April 2024
The Brown-Forman Way
Cigar Aficionado

The Brown-Forman Way

For more than a century and a half, the Kentucky whiskey giant behind Woodford Reserve, Old Forester and many other spirits brands has prospered by matching tradition with foresight

time-read
9 mins  |
March/April 2024
The Gambler
Cigar Aficionado

The Gambler

Barbara Banke's Stonestreet Farm has gone from a hobby to the top Thoroughbred horse breeding operation in America

time-read
9 mins  |
March/April 2024
Living for the Track
Cigar Aficionado

Living for the Track

FanDuel host Michael Joyce has been in love with horse racing since he was a boy

time-read
5 mins  |
March/April 2024