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Welcome to the Saint Barthélemy travel & news blog. On this site you'll find an extensive and up to date guide to the island (links on the left), as well as news from and about St. Barts from Candee Duensing of "St. Barth News Bytes". You can read the articles and leave comments, and you can also ask and answer questions on our St. Bart's forum. Saint Barthélemy is a serene and special island that will remind visitors more of the south of France than the Caribbean. This tiny island has 22 beautiful beaches, as well as some of the finest accommodations (hotels and private villas) and dining in the region. The island is known for the famous faces it attracts every winter as celebrities from around the world flee the cold on this magical tropical paradise.
Le Bête à Z'ailes (BAZ), a bar and restaurant on the harbor in Gustavia, is now open for lunch from 11:00 to 3:00 pm.
Word is that the restaurant Le Diamant in St Jean will reopen as a pizza place.
Outlet Lounacie has recently opened on Rue du Général De Gaulle in Gustavia, next to M'Bolo. The boutique sells clothing, accessories and shoes.
You Tube, St Barth Style. Check out www.videobarth.com for videos on events in St Barth. You can view videos on Hurricane Omar, sports, cultural events such as the summer beach festivals and the SB Jam Music Festival, regattas, the Gourmet Festival at the Guanahani and much more.
The Hôtel Christopher is open until May 31, 2009, at which time it will close for one year for renovations.
Jet Blue will increase its flights from JFK to St Maarten from one daily flight to two daily flights beginning January 2009. And, hey, they still have unlimited free snacks!
Rumors are that a Delano Hotel, designed by Dutch designer Piet Boon, will open in St Barth in 2009. Speculation abounds on where the hotel will be located. Perhaps it will occupy the grounds of the previous François Plantation in the hills of Colombier or The Tropical Hotel in St Jean. The first Delano Hotel, an upscale resort, is in Miami Beach, and another one is under construction in Las Vegas. More to follow as news becomes available.
Every Tuesday at 6:30 pm, the Hôtel St Barth Isle de France in Flamands holds a fashion show at their restaurant on the beach.
During the third week of January, the Classic Yacht Regatta will take place in St Maarten. This regatta will include tall ships. So, if you're visiting St Barth during this time, plan a day trip to St Maarten to see these regal ships.
Take a one-hour, underwater guided tour of shipwrecks, schools of fish, coral reefs and sea turtles. The Yellow Submarine leaves from the quay in Gustavia at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm. For more information, call Sarah at 05 90 52 40 51.
As approved by the Airport Security Committee on February 25, 2008, an x-ray machine has been in operation at the airport since November 1. Because the airport is small and the departure lounge with the x-ray machine is close to the ticketing counters, forbidden articles can usually be easily put in the passenger's suitcase and re-checked. If that is not possible, they will be put into an inviolable garbage can and destroyed in the presence of a gendarme.
Forbidden:
Firearms, knives, dangerous substances, imitations of weapons, liquids, aerosols, and gels. This includes water, perfume, drinks, lotions, creams, shower gel, shampoos, mascara, syrups, toothpaste, liquid soaps and deodorants. One can assume that everything that is not allowed in the passenger cabin on U.S. flights will not be allowed in the passenger cabins of planes departing St Barth. But, mascara? If in doubt, put it in your suitcase or be prepared to have it tossed!
Exceptions:
Liquids: You are allowed bottles containing three ounces or less of liquids. These must be in a one-quart plastic bag. A roll of these bags can be purchased at the airport bar in case you don't have one.
Liquid drugs: You can bring liquid drugs, such as insulin or syrups, as long as you have a prescription for the medication.
Food for babies: There is no restriction on these products as long as the quantity is appropriate for the duration of the trip. Everything should be in closed containers, and you may be asked to taste the food.
The Lions Club is organizing a fishing competition to kick off Swedish Week on Sunday, November 16. Also on Sunday, at the quay in front of The Wall House on La Pointe in Gustavia, games, shows, the departure of a regatta of traditional boats, a chess tournament and Tae Kwon Do demonstrations will begin at 9:30 am. BBQ and beverages will be available starting at 12:30 pm. The fishing boats will return at 1:00 pm, and prizes will be awarded to the winners of the Gustavialoppet marathon at 6:00 pm.
La Poste and the Collectivity are issuing two stamped envelopes to honor St Barth's long association with Sweden. One envelope celebrates the 130th anniversary of the retrocession of St Barth to Sweden on March 16, 1878. The second envelope celebrates the 30th anniversary of the twinning of St Barth with Pitea, Sweden. Two thousand of each envelope will be available for purchase the first day of Swedish Week, November 16, at a booth manned by La Poste in Gustavia. After Sunday, the envelopes will be available at the post office. The price is 8.40 euros for ten envelopes.
The inauguration of the First Edition of the Swedish Film and Documentary Festival will be held on Monday, November 17, with an exhibition dedicated to the evolution of St Barth from the 18th to 20th century at Porta 34 in Gustavia and will continue throughout the week. A documentary and three Ingmar Bergman films will be shown in the room at the Capitainerie on four evenings and an afternoon during the week.
On Tuesday, November 18, beginning at 8:00 pm, six members of the Royal Ballet of Stockholm will perform on the quay in Gustavia. They will be accompanied by the very popular Swedish string quartet June Quintet, who will play traditional and Swedish folk music. The quintet also plans some surprise performances around the island: in the streets of Gustavia, on the beaches and in offices or shops. The June Quintet will also play at the dance planned for Wednesday, November 19, on the quay in front of The Wall House beginning at 9:30 pm and will close the week with a performance at the Anglican Church on Sunday, November 23 at 6:00 pm along with the Chorale des bons Coeurs.
Buddha Bar vs Barrio Latino - On Friday, November 28 and Sunday, November 30, The Yacht Club in Gustavia and the Manapany Hotel in Anse des Cayes, respectively, will present two famous DJs: David Visan and Carlos Campos. Visan has recorded for the Buddha Bar music series, which is a compilation of various types of music released by George V records. After studying music at the Los Angeles Music Institute, he returned to Paris and worked with the DJ Claude Challe, the pioneer of the Buddha Bar concept. He is currently a DJ at the Buddha Bar in Paris. Carlos Campos, who was born in Santiago, Chile, has a background of Latin-American, Hispanic and French origins. He went to Paris at age 16 and later became a dancer and choreographer. He has since channeled his energy into music and was the first resident DJ at the Barrio Latino club in Paris. He also has worked with Claude Challe. These are sure to be two interesting and exciting nights of music!
Come out to Caviar Island in Gustavia on November 24 to hear funk, jazz and blues with Days of Wild from New York City. Many of you frequent visitors to St Barth might just recognize that guy in the middle with the pink bandana as Papaguyo, a long-time percussionist on the island who always attracts a crowd. Days of Wild started out with a guitar player, a bass player, a drummer and a singer who originally got together to play the music of Prince. The band has since grown to include a full horn section and a keyboard player and has become one of the most popular funk bands in NYC. This one's a no-brainer!
11th Annual Gourmet Festival at the Guanahani Hôtel & Spa
Once again, the Bar'tô restaurant at the Guanahani Hôtel & Spa in Grand Cul de Sac is hosting its Gourmet Festival from December 1 to December 21. This year's guest chef is Sylvain Humbert, who has overseen the restaurant La Palmeraie at the Château de Valmer on the Côte d'Azur for the last three years. He and Philippe Masseglia, director of the Bar'tô, have created a menu of Mediterranean flavors inspired by specialties that are served at La Palmeraie during the summer. Perhaps a risotto with aged Parmesan and tiny octopus? Or a dish with turbot or lobster, ratatouille, fresh sardines, truffles, poached pears? Whatever you order from this special menu created and executed by two superb chefs is sure to be a gastronomic treat!
November 3-22, 2008
Cary Potts & Keith Robinson Duo at Le Bête à Z'ailes in Gustavia (BAZ)
November 16-23, 2008
Swedish Week
November 21-23, 2008
Saint-Barth Cata Cup, organized by Saint-Barth Multihulls. A regatta for catamarans.
November 24-December 13
Adam Falcon Trio at Le Bête à Z'ailes in Gustavia (BAZ)
November 28-30, 2008
5th Edition of the Course de l'Alliance. Departs St Martin for arrival in St Barth on November 28. On Saturday, they will sail to Anguilla and return to St Martin on Sunday.
December 14-18, 2008
Transact Classique Lagassé
January 8-22, 2009
25th Edition of the Music Festival
Villa Bamboo is a picturesque one-bedroom, one-bath, lovely villa that overlooks the multi-color lagoon of Grand Cul de Sac. The king bedroom and comfortable living area open onto the covered deck, which leads to the inviting pool and the open sun deck on two levels. The beautiful bathroom has a glass door from which guests can take a shower and then jump into the pool! Enjoy the view while preparing breakfast in the perfectly placed open-air kitchen. WIFI is also available. In addition, Villa Bamboo is equipped with SPA services from Ligne St Barth. Guests may enjoy treatments without ever leaving the villa. For more information, see the St Barths Properties website.
Getting to St Barth can always be a little challenging. But, that's part of what makes it such a special island. The destination is well worth the journey, and with the euro now ranging between 1.25€ and 1.29€ to $1.00, the time is right! The following services may make it a little easier for some of you.
Leeward Islands Helicopters re-launched its helicopter service August 2008 with a brand new Robinson R44 helicopter aircraft. Beginning October 2008, they began operating charters to St Barth from their base at the Princess Port de Plaisance resort in St Maarten. For more details on the new helicopter services visit: http://www.airsxm.eu/page.php?page=58.
JetBlue Airways announced that they will provide nonstop year-round service between Boston and St. Maarten beginning on February 14, 2009. (What better Valentine's present than a surprise trip to St Barth?!) This route will have one flight each Saturday, departing Logan Airport at 7:50 am and arriving in St Maarten at 1:04 pm. The return flight will depart St Maarten at 2:00 pm and arrive in Boston at 5:57 pm.
Tradewind Aviation will again be offering scheduled flights out of San Juan to St Barth this season. The two daily flights will leave San Juan at 8:00 am and 3:00 pm and will depart from St Barth at 11:00 am and 5:00 pm.
Well-heeled travelers have long considered St. Barts their winter playground, with a popular getaway being the 14-room Carl Gustaf Hotel (590-590-29-79-00; www.hotelcarlgustaf.com), where a seven-room villa can go for as much as 48,000 euros a night. This December, this swank hotel is opening a new restaurant, Victoria's, headed up by Emmanuel Motte, who plans to infuse his traditional French cuisine with Caribbean and lighter Asian fare. The hotel has also completely refurbished its popular Carl Gustaf Lounge and added a new Boutique Spa by Carita, created by the sisters behind the deluxe Carita spa in Paris.
Get out your running shoes! The 18th edition of the Gustavialoppet marathon takes place November 15-16. This year the marathon coincides with the 30th anniversary of Pitea Day, which is a celebration of the twinning of St Barth with Pitea, Sweden. The races begin with the children on Saturday, November 15 at 4:00 pm. They will make one (400 m) to five (2000 m) laps in the stadium at St Jean. For the first time, the adult racers will depart from the beach in Public rather than from the stadium. The "Walk of the Heart," a 8K course, will begin at 4:00 pm on Sunday, November 16 from the commercial port in Public. The "Races of the Aces," a 10K race, will begin at 4:30 pm on November 16, also from the commercial port in Public. As always, a pasta party will be held at the school cafeteria in Gustavia on November 15 at 7:00 pm. Registration begins on November 3 at the municipal pool in St Jean or at the offices of the Collectivity in Gustavia. Another first for this year is the introduction of electric timing devices. Each competitor will wear a small device around the ankle that will precisely measure the time when they cross the finish line.
Le Sapotiller, in Gustavia, is scheduled to reopen on October 31 under new management.
Maya's, on the waterfront in Public, reopened on October 30.
Le Gaïac, at the hotel Le Toiny in Grand Fond, will be reopening for lunch and dinner on November 1.
The Rapid Explorer, the high-speed catamaran that travels between St Barth and St Maarten, is out of service until November 15. They are awaiting a part from Sweden.
Beginning on October 25, TopLoc is offering a day sail every Saturday to Pinel Island and Tintamarre, off of St Maarten. The catamaran Wayayai departs Gustavia at 9:00 am and returns at 6:00 pm. The cost is 85 euros per person, drinks included. To make reservations, call 05 90 29 02 02 or visit their web site at www.top-loc.com.
Every year Condé Nast holds a survey in which their readers choose their favorite islands and resorts. This year St Barth came in third place as favorite Caribbean island. The island cleaned up on top Caribbean hotels: The Hôtel St Barth Ile de France, Eden Roc and Le Toiny won first, second and third places, with the Carl Gustaf coming in at sixth place. The Hôtel Guanahani & Spa took fourth place in favorite Caribbean resorts. And, for the third consecutive year, Peg Walsh, President of St Barth Properties, was recognized as one of the world's top villa agents. Kudos to all!
Our thanks to the following organizations: The Office Municipal du Tourisme de Saint Barthélemy for supplying some of the information in these pages, and The Association des Hoteliers de Saint Barthélemy for the St. Barts maps which are used with their permission.
Welcome to the Saint Barthélemy travel & news blog. On this site you'll find an extensive and up to date guide to the island (links on the left), as well as 
Take a one-hour, underwater guided tour of shipwrecks, schools of fish, coral reefs and sea turtles. The Yellow Submarine leaves from the quay in Gustavia at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm. For more information, call Sarah at 05 90 52 40 51.
As approved by the Airport Security Committee on February 25, 2008, an x-ray machine has been in operation at the airport since November 1. Because the airport is small and the departure lounge with the x-ray machine is close to the ticketing counters, forbidden articles can usually be easily put in the passenger's suitcase and re-checked. If that is not possible, they will be put into an inviolable garbage can and destroyed in the presence of a gendarme.
Come out to Caviar Island in Gustavia on November 24 to hear funk, jazz and blues with Days of Wild from New York City. Many of you frequent visitors to St Barth might just recognize that guy in the middle with the pink bandana as Papaguyo, a long-time percussionist on the island who always attracts a crowd. Days of Wild started out with a guitar player, a bass player, a drummer and a singer who originally got together to play the music of Prince. The band has since grown to include a full horn section and a keyboard player and has become one of the most popular funk bands in NYC. This one's a no-brainer!
Once again, the Bar'tô restaurant at the Guanahani Hôtel & Spa in Grand Cul de Sac is hosting its Gourmet Festival from December 1 to December 21. This year's guest chef is Sylvain Humbert, who has overseen the restaurant La Palmeraie at the Château de Valmer on the Côte d'Azur for the last three years. He and Philippe Masseglia, director of the Bar'tô, have created a menu of Mediterranean flavors inspired by specialties that are served at La Palmeraie during the summer. Perhaps a risotto with aged Parmesan and tiny octopus? Or a dish with turbot or lobster, ratatouille, fresh sardines, truffles, poached pears? Whatever you order from this special menu created and executed by two superb chefs is sure to be a gastronomic treat! 
Villa Bamboo is a picturesque one-bedroom, one-bath, lovely villa that overlooks the multi-color lagoon of Grand Cul de Sac. The king bedroom and comfortable living area open onto the covered deck, which leads to the inviting pool and the open sun deck on two levels. The beautiful bathroom has a glass door from which guests can take a shower and then jump into the pool! Enjoy the view while preparing breakfast in the perfectly placed open-air kitchen. WIFI is also available. In addition, Villa Bamboo is equipped with SPA services from Ligne St Barth. Guests may enjoy treatments without ever leaving the villa. For more information, see the 
Get out your running shoes! The 18th edition of the Gustavialoppet marathon takes place November 15-16. This year the marathon coincides with the 30th anniversary of Pitea Day, which is a celebration of the twinning of St Barth with Pitea, Sweden. The races begin with the children on Saturday, November 15 at 4:00 pm. They will make one (400 m) to five (2000 m) laps in the stadium at St Jean. For the first time, the adult racers will depart from the beach in Public rather than from the stadium. The "Walk of the Heart," a 8K course, will begin at 4:00 pm on Sunday, November 16 from the commercial port in Public. The "Races of the Aces," a 10K race, will begin at 4:30 pm on November 16, also from the commercial port in Public. As always, a pasta party will be held at the school cafeteria in Gustavia on November 15 at 7:00 pm. Registration begins on November 3 at the municipal pool in St Jean or at the offices of the Collectivity in Gustavia. Another first for this year is the introduction of electric timing devices. Each competitor will wear a small device around the ankle that will precisely measure the time when they cross the finish line.
