My last trip was split in to two: half in St. Barth’s, French West Indies; half in Cat Island, The Bahamas. So, I decided to split the traditional ‘Travel Style’ format in to two as well; Where to Shop in St. Barth’s and What to Pack for Cat Island. These two islands couldn’t be more different from each other – it really was the best of both worlds!
St. Barthelemy
St. Barthelemy is the most sought-after vacation destination in the Caribbean for good reason: gorgeous beaches, fabulous cuisine and top rate shopping. Here is my list of the must visit shops on the island….
Where to Shop: Top Shops Women
1. Calypso – Before there was Calypso the empire, there was Calypso the tiny island boutique. Today you can find all your favorite lines: Lucien Pellet-Finet, Alexander Wang, Chloe and Missoni among others. – Le Carre d’Or, Gustavia
2. La Plage - La Plage serves excellent high energy lunches beachside at St. Jean. Go at 1:30pm and catch the afternoon fashion show to chose your next purchase while you dine! – St. Jean
3. Lolita Jaca – Pick up flirty and feminine printed pieces here, arranged by color palette. Eyelet, silk and gauzy cotton are the favored materials. Le Carre d’Or, Gustavia
4. Kiwi – This outlet of the St. Tropez-based resort line is the perfect stop for beach essentials for the whole family. Women’s bikinis and one pieces, men’s trunks and children’s suits all live in matching harmony. I also love the simple yet sophisticated women’s leather flip-flops which come in a variety of colors and textures including classic gold and red. – Villa Creole
5. Human Steps Women – Human Steps has 4 locations on the island (note the men’s locale below) all featuring designer pieces and the best selection of shoes (most notably Christian Louboutin tie-dye print mules!) on the island. RTW lines include Jil Sander, Yves Saint Laurent and Miu Miu. – Rue de la Republic, Gustavia
Where to Shop: Top Shops Men
1. Laurent Effel – The highlight of this boutique is their stock of oh-so-beachy linen shirts in every imaginable color. - Rue Lafayette, Gustavia
2. Chris Shop – Choose from a selection of embellished T’s, trendy jackets and Chrome Hearts accessories while chatting with owner Christophe (pictured above). - Villa Creole
3. Human Steps (Man and Beach) – With an edited selection of designer men’s clothing and shoes, even the most timid shopper is sure to find something here. - Rue de France, Gustavia
4. Le Comptoir du Cigare – Stock up on the Cubans and enjoy them while you are here! Straw fedors round out variety and also make a great gift you can take home. - 6 Rue de General-de-Gaulle, Gustavia
5. 100% Capri - Jackets, shorts and shirts in linen for the purist. – Gustavia
Cat Island, The Bahamas
After the sticker shock of St. Barth’s, give your wallet a break on simple and unspoiled Cat Island. A 40 minute flight from Nassau, this is the quintessential postcard perfect vista: prsitine beaches, clear waters and blue skies (pictured below). Cat Island is best enjoyed with a signifigant other or by renting out one of the small resorts like Sammy T’s for a group weekend.
What to Pack:
The emphasis here is on relaxation and enjoying the island before it is developed. The activities are on the beach – all day, every day. A few swim suits, kaftans, breezy dresses and your favorite flats are all a woman will need here. Accessorize with a straw beach tote, a printed pareo and a golden tan! Men should include their beach standards as well: trunks (we love a guy in Vilebrequin), t-shirts or polos and sandals. Linen shirts and light pants for dinners on warm nights will work. Be sure to pack everything you may need (beauty, toiletries, reading materials, etc.) as the island selction is limited at best. The beauty is in the simplicty…
- Lucia Marcelle Tait
