If only the weather was like this also this weekend as we're finalizing our week long film project, instead tropical storm Rafael has brought thunder storms, rain and heavy grey skies to our region and there's nothing else to do than sit inside, listening to the aggressive rain drops hammering on deck, drinking tea, eating tartelettes au citron and organizing the material that we have on hand. Hoping for the sun to reappear shortly but seems as we will need to wait at least 48 hours for that wish to come true. Our stay here in St Barts got a bit prolonged which has been very pleasant, and we shall be sailing Southwards later this upcoming week. If all goes as planned, we will be celebrating our three year anniversary as well as our two year anniversary for this World Tour on the beautiful private island of Mustique in the end of the month.

We've been on a villa hunt lately, we have a photo shoot and a video commission in the works and it seems as we might have found a couple suitable ones. This particular place is good too, don't we just love lunch restaurants with an oval swimming pool in between dining tables?

It has been so calm here lately. Good for us as this anchorage, despite it's beauty, is usually incredibly uncomfortable and rolly due to the notorious swell that is common outside of Gustavia harbour. We're enjoying one more night here before we'll move over to another spot. After almost a month in a marina and three inside of the lagoon of sxm, we are relieved to be out in the open nature again. Nothing beats the ability to sit on deck during sunset with a cup of tea or a glass of wine, watching the sun disappear in the horizon, with the sound of crickets playing from the mountains in the background. 

We packed the bags with lunch picnic, fishing rod and camera equipment and went for a hike to one of the beaches on the other side of the island. This is the harbour of Gustavia seen from the hill close to Hotel Carl Gustaf. Yea, you might remember that St Barts was Swedish back in the days, thereof the Swedish names on everything from streets to hotels and even the architechture and the way the roads are built are reminiscent of typical Swedish style. Our boat is at the far top right in this photo btw, anchorage called Corrosol. 

Almost up at the top of this mountainous island. View is breathtaking. St Maarten in the background, our Duende is the one in the middle of the three sailboats.

If we look at the other direction, we can see Baie de St Jean with its beautiful beach and reef.

And the legendary and exquisite Eden Rock Hotel to the far left.

Finally up at the top and soon down on the other side.. 

Marvelous vistas.. 

Gouverneur Beach was our final destination of the day. 

Kids on the island have created these smart ashtrays made of soda cans which people can borrow during their time on the beach, so not to litter the area with their cigarette butts.

Alex fishing.

Most beaches are very quiet right now during low season, great if privacy is what you're looking for.

What we love about St Barts/St Barth is that everything is so clean, fresh, civilized and well organized. It might take you two three hours to hike to the other side of the island if you don't have a car (we hitchhiked back btw), but the beauty and serenity of the island makes it well worth it. Mostly inhabited by French (as it nowadays is an overseas collectivity of France), it oozes of the typical culture and flair that is found in Southern France. St Barts is also one of the safest islands in the world and if you are accustomed to European manners and traditions, you will feel very much at home right here. Will show you more photos from the village a bit later.

Around the corner of where we are anchored here in St Barts, lies one of the most gorgeous bays in the Caribbean. Colombier offers the most serene, quiet beach and glorious crystal clear water perfect for snorkeling, almost feels like you're swimming in a pool. You also have a stunning view over St Maarten from this bay, it seems so close and is, yet is a complete different world.

I know this place, been here many times before. St Barts makes for such a convenient (cocktail) stop on the way between St Martin and Antigua. This is as close to our beloved French riviera as you can come in the Caribbean. Thankful for every moment we spend on this island.

Just a few snapshots from these past few days with Alex's lovely little sister Julie - from Guadeloupe to Antigua to St Barts and St Martin...