Lie back on your sun lounger and order another cocktail or float in the warm, blue waters off St. Barts. It won’t take you long to realize why this Caribbean paradise is a vacation destination of choice for the world’s rich and famous. Head into town and browse the designer boutiques then watch a sunset across the harbor from one of the many volcanic peaks.

St. Barthelemy, or St. Bart’s, is a French-owned island within the Caribbean cluster known as the Leeward Islands. The year-round good weather and secluded nature make it one of the world’s premier luxury vacation destinations.

The pristine beaches of St. Barts regularly feature on world’s best beach guides and whatever your preferred beach activity, you’ll find it here. Surf the waves at Toiny or learn to sail or windsurf at the expansive Grand Cul De Sac. Some of the prettiest and least developed beaches, Saline and Gouverneur, are on the south of the island, while the gorgeous sands of Colombier require a long hike or a boat to access.

Head to the main town of Gustavia to enjoy the island’s famous shopping. You can pick up a bargain in the many boutiques and designer stores, as St. Barts is a duty-free port. Learn about the history of the island in the Wall House Museum, which contains costumes, tools and old boats. For more history and great views across the harbor, climb the hill to Fort Gustave.

Rent a four-wheel drive to explore the island’s network of narrow roads. On the opposite side of the island to Gustavia is St. Jean, where more boutique stores and bars line the beach. Afterwards, head to the neighborhood of Corossol where the houses and quiet streets give you a feel of the old St. Barts. Visit the popular Shell Museum while you’re here.

If you are reaching St. Barts by air, you will most likely fly into Juliana Airport on St. Maarten, a nearby island. From there you can catch another flight, or a ferry, to St. Barts.