Ecotourism and St. Barths seem like an unlikely pairing\u2014the island cultivates an image of luxury and the jet set. But that overlooks its other side: a marine nature reserve, beaches deliberately left in their natural state, deserted trails, and local stakeholders who have been working for years to foster a more sustainable form of tourism. Here\u2019s a practical guide to traveling differently on the island.<\/p>\n
The Saint-Barth\u00e9lemy Nature Reserve has protected several marine areas since the 1990s: reefs, seagrass beds, sea turtles, and seabirds. On land, the former Grande Saline saltworks is home to wading birds and migratory birds, while the hills are home to dry vegetation typical of the Lesser Antilles, and hiking trails<\/a> travel through landscapes that have remained untouched. Ecotourism in St. Barths starts here: viewing the island as a living environment, not as a backdrop.<\/p>\n Staying at a socially responsible lodging is the most tangible way to ensure a responsible trip. La Maison Fleur de Lune, in Grande Saline, is the island's premier ecolodge<\/a>, certified by Cl\u00e9 Verte\u2014the first international sustainable tourism certification, with criteria audited annually: water and energy management, waste reduction, and guest education. With its architecture opening onto the garden, natural materials, and outdoor living, the ecolodge proves that ecology and comfort go hand in hand in the tropics.<\/p>\n The inn offers its guests eco-tours and low-impact activities to explore the island\u2019s natural environment, guided by people who know how to bring it to life\u2014the salt flats, the trails, and the seabed. In everyday life, making a difference comes down to small things: conserving water (which is desalinated using a great deal of energy), choosing oxybenzone-free sunscreen, picking up trash on wild beaches, not touching anything underwater, and buying local. Nothing heroic\u2014just a mindful way to vacation.<\/p>\nHousing: The First Important Choice<\/h2>\n
Eco-tours and Everyday Actions<\/h2>\n
The Luxury to Come<\/h2>\n