Just over 24 km² in area, Saint Barthelemy was formed between the Cretaceous (secondary) period and the Eocene (tertiary) period and thus has the distinction of being one of the oldest islands of the Caribbean. It is located 230 km northwest of Guadeloupe, and 25 km southeast of Saint Martin.

The island consists of small mountains and valleys in the interior and of beautiful beaches on the coast.

A little history …

The island was discovered by Christopher Columbus who named it in honour of his brotherBartolomé during his second voyage in 1493.

It was in 1648 that the first occupation by the French took place, as a result of a decision by Commandeur Lonvilliers de Poincy. From 1651 to 1656, the island was ruled by the Knights of the Order of Malta. It was then abandoned until 1659, when it became a French colony.

In 1957, David Rockefeller purchased a property there and the island began its transformation to a high-end tourist destination.