Saint Barthélemy is a French overseas collectivity in the Caribbean, known for its luxury tourism and exclusivity. Crime rates are extremely low, making it one of the safest islands in the Caribbean. The island lies within the hurricane belt, and the season runs from June to November; Hurricane Irma caused significant damage in 2017, though the island has been fully rebuilt. The small Hôpital de Bruyn provides basic medical care, but serious conditions require transfer to Guadeloupe or Martinique. Travellers should be aware that the Gustaf III Airport has a notoriously short runway, and flights may be subject to cancellation in poor weather conditions.