Have you ever dreamed of living on an Island surrounded by crystal blue waters such as St Barth? Life is full of surprises and it does not matter if they are pleasant or bad. They are life lessons and experiences. I’ve always been fascinated by the stories of people who dared to sell their homes and quit jobs to travel to exotic countries to live. I envied their courage and dreamed that one day I will do the same. And this day has come. I’ve received an offer to pack my goodies into 30 kg and move to St Barth Island in the Caribbean.
First was confusion
However, those who have moved to another country at some point in their lives know that it is not an easy option. It took me a year and a half to make friends in United Kingdom, discover new favorite places, to get used to a completely different work and humor culture. One thing is to work somewhere for a summer vacation while you are a student and another thing when you are moving to another country without a ticket back. I needed to make a decision again and it made chaos in my heart and brain – WHAT TO DO?
What is the most important thing in my life?
I didn’t want to discuss this matter with my loved ones, because I knew I had to decide it myself. Later, tired of the confusion in my mind, I’ve asked for advice from the most important people to me. The most common question was: what about your career? Not about the opportunities, new experiences, living life while you are young, but about the MONEY. Their point was you can only travel once you have a substantial amount of money in your account. Really? The truth is that money making often ends up buying a new car, an appartment or other things. I didn’t want that. I wanted to enjoy my life and explore the beauty of the world.
Decision
My decision was mainly influenced by one of Paul Coelho‘s books that fell into my hands at the right time. I’ve always knew that books and movies are born from the lives of people who exist in real life. I liked the stories of people who make strange decisions in their lives and find themselves in this way. Changing status on a Facebook: “married,” “engaged,” “new baby,” is really confusing and sometimes makes me feel weird. But the book reminded me that I should not compare people’s lives with mine. So after many deliberations, I found the courage to say YES.
From big city to the tiny St Barth Island
I am a shopoholic, always in eternal stress. No one understands why I have so many things on my mind. Living on a small St Barth Island, without big malls, huge city bustle, and most importantly – on a yacht only with solar energy, without a hot shower, but with 30 degrees and sunshine every day will be the biggest challenge in my life…
About St Barth
St Barth is a small 25 km2 Island in the Caribbean and it belongs to France. Saint Barthélemy or St Barth is known as a paradise for celebrities and wealthy people. The Island is often visited by cruise ships and yachts. There are no direct flights to St Barth Island. Landing at the nearby St Martin Island, you will have to fly another 15 minutes by small plane. Landing on St Barth is one of the shortest in the world, so if you’re afraid of a sudden landing, a ferry would be a better option.
How much does it cost to live in St Barth’s Island?
St Barth is a very small Island, so there is not much living space here. The choice of rental places is limited. You can choose from Le Toiny St. Barth, Eden Rock, Le Sereno, Cheval Blanc, Le Guanahani or just find a villa on Airbnb.com or Booking.com. Rental prices start from 160 Eu per night. Some people just buy a yacht and live in it. I am one of those lucky people who don’t need to pay the rent or buy a yacht to live there.
Food prices are higher than anywhere else I know. St Barth’s soil is not suitable for agriculture. Food is imported from the surrounding areas. Stores are full of ECO and BIO products as most of the locals choose a healthier lifestyle. I like this.
You won’t find fast fashion clothing stores on St Barth Island. Dolce Gabanna, Prada and other fashion houses are located here. Asos and Amazon will not ship here, either. You can always find elegant things in private hotel clothing stores. For me it is pricy, but people living on an island don’t mind that.
Real estate in St Barth
If you want to buy real estate on St Barth, you must have a considerable amount ready. The simplest 61 square foot apartment costs 1,800,00 €. A tiny two-bedroom villa with three acres of land and a small pool costs 4,500,000 €.
Island living
St Barth is home to about 9,000 people. Everyone knows each other here as they meet each other at least hundred of times at the largest grocery store. Remember to kiss in French – men and women greet each other by kissing on both cheeks.
You probably won’t meet ordinary tourists here. St Barth Island is one of the most luxurious and expensive Islands in the Caribbean. Photo shoots of Victoria’s Secret Angels are often held on the beaches. You can see movie or music stars walking down the street. Hollywood stars choose St Barth because no one comes to take pictures or talk, so they feel like ordinary people here.
My life is different now. And not just because of the turquoise Caribbean sea. I live on a yacht. Find out about sea disease and yacht living adventures here.
