A dependency of France, this neat, 9.6-square-mile island has a population of around 9,000, mostly of Breton descent. The terrain is hilly, but dazzling white beaches skirt the perimeter. The island’s capital, Gustavia, is generally considered to be the prettiest town in the entire Caribbean. Owing to the large number of American visitors, St. Barths has a more cosmopolitan atmosphere than other French islands such as Martinique and Guadeloupe. Thanks to the enduring French influence, however, its restaurants are excellent and the seafood invariably delicious.

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