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"Affordable" and "St. Barts" are not two words that you say in one sentence too often - but the NY Times has some ideas:
St. Barts on the cheap? Easy. Just attach yourself to Jay-Z's entourage, score an invitation aboard a megayacht, and sip Champagne all night in the V.V.I.P. section at Nikki Beach. If that fails, a seven-room villa at the celebrity-filled Carl Gustaf Hotel goes for 48,000 euros a night during the peak season. Luckily, for those who would rather splurge on a lobster dinner, this chic Caribbean Riviera still has a smattering of affordable options — relatively speaking, of course.
The article is full of good tips, and lots of links to check out.
MARIGOT--A leading epidemiologist on Friday described the rate of suspected or confirmed dengue infections on the French side as “just below the threshold for an epidemic,” as a gradual increase of suspected cases has been recorded during the past three weeks.
A total of 42 suspected cases were registered for the third week of October and 20 of these were confirmed as dengue. The epidemic threshold is around 25 confirmed cases per week, it was noted. Figures for St. Barths were significantly higher in October.
A reader of this site is looking for a house sitting situation or apartment swap:
Interested in winter swap (my Manhattan apt.) or house sitting at the beach in St Barth this winter on or after 12/31/07 for 7 to 12 weeks. Clean bright studio apartment in Chelsea neighborhood, 2 short floors up. West 19th Street near 7th Ave. (Google the zip
code 10011) Neighbors include Janet Jackson, Ethan Hawke and Anderson Cooper! Apt. fits 2 nicely - not more than 4. Fully furnished... High speed internet DSL/Cable/TV/Telephone, microwave, 2 huge windows, light wood floors, etc. The area has a starbucks on every corner, plenty of dining, Chelsea Piers, yacht club, the Village, Lincoln Center, Ballet and opera. Bergdorf Goodman, Apple store open 24/7, Saks, Bloomingdales, Macys, Carnegie Hall, Subways on every other corner, NBC Ctudios, CNN Tours, St Pats, Grand Central Shops, Ice skating in Rock or Bryant Park. Buses to Atlantic city, Foxwoods, Mohegan Sun, bus to skiing in Vermiont, Montreal. Please contact Greg at gregcurcio76@hotmail.com if you have a place on the beach you would like to swap or need house sitting. I have a small dog, trained 6 yrs old pure bred.
Over on chowhound.com there is a great restaurant report from user ddavis. Here is his/her take on lunches - there is more, including dinner reviews:
"Sandbar (at Eden Rock Hotel) -- over the top as always. Proved once again that "the best dinner in St. Barth is lunch at Sandbar." Notable starters were local fish tartare and tiger shrimp tempura. Chicken breast salad with parmesan and bacon was great. Seared Ahi tuna also excellent. Sleeper dish was Chicken Fricassee. Order an extra plate and split it for plenty of food for two. Service was as expected -- perfect.
Restaurant de Pecheurs (at Le Sereno Hotel) -- We had not been to this one before, but will definitely be back. Tuna tartare was beautiful and tasted of the sea. A special "country" salad was very similar to what I would call a Cobb salad but was topped with a poached egg. Service was as good as Sandbar. Very, very friendly and welcoming staff. A beautiful location on the beach at Grand Cul de Sac.
Nikki Beach -- Don't be put off by the "vibe" and the European techno music. This place has serious food and the service was friendly and not the least bit pretentious. Sushi was fresh and good. Crab spring rolls was another good app. Scallop and prawn salad and a special whole fish they called a sea bass but that looked suspiciously like sea bream were both excellent main courses.
Saladerie -- on the harbor in Gustavia. This was the third lunch venue that was new to us. While not up to the unbelieveable quality of the first three, we had good pizza, cheeseburgers and frites. Good, if somewhat aloof, service. Post-prandial framboise-flavored rhum was delightful. Also about half the cost of the first three.
Le Repaire -- hard to beat this place for good, solid, affordable fare. Cod fritters were tender and fluffy. Excellent tuna tartare. I had a good club sandwich with frites and one of our group praised the cheeseburger. Very friendly and efficient service."
Air France to Fly From Miami to St Maarten
Starting in November, Air France will start service between Miami to St Maarten, via Pointe- à-Pitre, Guadeloupe. Although this is a bit of a roundabout way to get to St Maarten (and, finally, to St Barth),
it's always helpful to have a Plan B or C. For details, visit the Air France web site.
Tradewind Aviation Rates Until November 1
Tradewind Aviation offers daily direct flights from San Juan, Puerto Rico to St Barth with the comfort and convenience of a private charter. The current discounted fare for tickets for the 2007/2008 season is $350. However, beginning November 1, the price will increase to $495. See their website for flight information.
Caribbean Sun Airlines to Resume Flights
Caribbean Sun went out of business a while ago, but is planning on resuming flights between San Juan and St Maarten. This time, the airline will be flying 737 aircraft instead of the little puddle jumpers it used before. They are expected to resume business before the coming high season. See current details here.
On November 16, 1776, with a copy of the Declaration of Independence on board, the brig Andrew Doria approached St. Eustatius (Statia), deployed the red-and-white striped Continental Colors, and fired a 13-gun salute. Governor, Johannes de Graaff, the commander of the fort, ordered that they reply with an 11-gun salute. Statia was the first foreign power to recognize the independence of the United States. To commemorate these events, starting two years ago, the Golden Rock Regatta has been held annually to focus attention on this forgotten outpost of a bygone age.
For the third year, the Golden Rock Regatta fleet will gather in Great Bay, St. Maarten on November 11 after taking possession of their boats in Oyster Pond and attending a welcoming party at Captain Oliver's Yacht Club on November 10. For the first time, the first destination is St. Barth on November 12. From St. Barth the fleet will depart for Statia. From there, the regatta will go to St. Kitts the next day, where a typical West Indian Jump-Up complete with a jazz band will entertain the sailors. From St. Kitts the fleet will return to Statia for the traditional awarding of a prize at historic Fort Orange. After that, the fleet will return to St Maarten.
The Golden Rock Regatta consists of five races going from island to island. Participants from the surrounding islands are invited to join in at any point of the regatta. Each day has it's trophy to race for and entries are accepted on a day-by-day basis at a fee of $50 per race. See www.goldenrockregatta.com for more details.
Race 1
November 12, 2007 The St Barth Pursuit Race
Great Bay, St Maarten to Gustavia, St Barth; free night on the town
Race 2
November 13, 2007 The St Barth to Statia Race
Gustavia, St Barth to Oranjestad, Statia; prize giving at Blue Bead;
street party in Lower Town
Race 3
November 14, 2007 The St Kitts Pursuit Race
Fort Oranje, Statia to Basseterre, St Kitts; prize giving and party on
the beach at Frigate Bay
Race 4
November 15, 2007 The St Kiits to Statia Race
Basseterre, St Kitts to Oranjestad, Statia; Fort Oranje prize-giving
party; Fort Oranjestraat Festival
Race 5
November 16, 2007 The Statia Day Pursuite Race
Yachts return to Oyster Pond, St Maarten; prize giving at Captain
Oliver's Restaurant.
The Hôpital de Bruyn in Gustavia was built in 1933 and has been long overdue for renovations to bring it up to the standards of a modern hospital befitting the island. Work began on Monday, September 24, with the total cost estimated at 3.5 million euros, and is expected to take 18 months. A new section measuring 500 m2 and consisting of two stories will house an area for local procedures and a pharmacy on the first floor. The second floor will have ten beds for medical patients and seven beds for caring for people on a longer term basis. The original part of the hospital will have space for various activities, such as preparation for childbirth, along with rooms for the personal items of the staff, the administrative offices and a room for get-togethers. The section currently used for emergencies and consultations will remain unchanged.
St Barth Properties Featured Property of the Month
Villa Le Manoir de Lurin is now under new ownership, and this amazing estate is now available to rent for the first time! This five-bedroom seven-and-a-half bath luxury estate is perfect for guests seeking total privacy. The main plantation house is comprised of a huge upstairs Master Suite with king bed and lovely view, a sitting area as well as his and her baths. Downstairs features a sprawling living room with billiard table, a huge gourmet kitchen, an outdoor dining area on the large covered deck and a fantastic media room. Three independent cottages are located along the perimeter. The Alexia Bungalow which lies on the front of the property features a king bedroom, a separate sitting room that could be used by a child, two bathrooms a kitchenette and a lovely view. A fitness room is located underneath. The Philippe Bungalow which is located in the middle, boasts two queen four poster beds a bath ensuite and full kitchen. The Helen Bungalow, which is located near the entrance of the property, features a king bedroom and bath, kitchen and a small second bedroom with bath ensuite and that would be suitable for a young child or Nanny. The large yard is very unusual for St. Barth, offers a gazebo, and is a perfect place for children to play. The large natural heated swimming pool which lies on the front of the property, offers music, a wet bar and a guest bath. Guests really enjoy the sensational views from here. US Satellite TV and Wi-Fi can be found throughout the residence. Le Manoir is a child-friendly estate which offers Wii and other games to delight the children.
At the beginning of August, the new Collectivity of St Barth made available its web site, www.comstbarth.fr. The site contains a wealth of administrative information and has already had 5000 visitors. Future plans include adding pages dedicated to the associations on the island so that their activities can be better known and understood.
The Caribbean radio station, Radio Transat, features mainly French and English language pop music. On St Barts tune into 95.5 FM - 100.3 FM, (and 106.1 FM on St. Martin). For their streaming live radio over the internet, go to the Radio Transat website and click on the "Winamp" link. It's not your traditional island music, but it will certainly get you in the French mood...Bonne écoute!
Le Sereno, located on the beautiful beach of Grand Cul de Sac, is offering a special package for 8 days / 7 nights until November 19, 2007. The Grande Suite room on the beach is 5593 € and the Suite Terrasse is 3493 €. In addition to the many extras listed below, this package also includes a two-day cooking class on the hotel restaurant's famous bouillabaisse. Le Restaurant des Pêcheurs at Le Sereno is one of only a few places outside of France that serves the authentic bouillabaisse, strictly following the guidelines established in the Charte de la Bouillabaisse. The restaurant receives fresh fish flown from France every Thursday and serves the bouillabaisse every Friday.
Included in the package are:
· VIP reception at the St Maarten airport to facilitate luggage clearance, immigration, customs and ticketing to St Barth
· Daily continental breakfast for two served in your room or at the hotel restaurant
· One bottle of champagne
· A rental car for the week
· Dinner for two at the hotel restaurant, Le Restaurant des Pêcheurs
· Two lunches at Le Restaurant des Pêcheurs or a deluxe picnic with a bottle of champagne
· One Bouillabaisse cooking class, working with the restaurant's chef in the kitchen
· One Bouillabaisse dinner
· A facial or a back treatment offered by Ligne St Barth in your room
· One water activity of your choice
· Sunset cruise around the island aboard an authentic Vietnamese junk with hors d'oeuvres and champagne or a scuba diving lesson for beginners or a guided scuba trip for certified divers
· Complimentary use of snorkeling equipment, kayaks or pedal boats
· Complimentary use of tennis courts
· Complimentary airport pickup and transfer on departure day
October 4-14, 2007
Tennis tournament at the Hotel Guanahani & Spa, Grand Cul de Sac; registration through October 3. For more information, call 05 90 27 66 60 or 06 90 49 86 94.
April 20, 2008
9th Edition of the Transat Ag2r transatlantic sailing race departs from Concarneau, France. After traveling for 3710 miles, it will arrive in St Barth approximately three weeks later.
As always, when the last of the beach festivals has occurred, when the start of school is just around the corner and when the month of September arrives, St Barth tends to close down for a month. It's the time to work on the roads, restaurants, hotels, and shops to prepare for the high season when the tourists return. It's a sleepy time on the island. This year even some of the local restaurants are closing until mid-October, such as The Wishing Well (Chez Rolande) in Flamands. Ti Zouk K'fé on La Pointe in Gustavia is not only remaining open, but is introducing a new menu: For lunch, the plat du jour or fish of the day with one drink is 10 euros. They're also hosting Happy Hour from 6:00 – 7:00 with a new tapas menu. They'll be open every day, and their evening menu offers creole specialties in addition to their regular menu and pizzas. Or, if you just feel like staying in one evening, Sushi Mania will deliver sushi every day. You can call them at 06 90 65 12 55 or email them .
To commemorate the new Collectivity of St Barth, La Poste designed a pre-stamped envelope with a photo of the Hôtel de la Collectivité and the date of July 15, 2007, which was when St Barth's new political status became a reality. These commemorative envelopes were presented on August 24, the day of the festival of the patron saint of St Barth. Ten thousand of the pre-stamped envelopes are available for sale at La Poste for 0.90 each. As the first philatelic product of the Collectivity of St Barth, the pre-stamped envelopes could become a collector's item.
The bronze statue of the Arawak was erected on August 20 at La Tourmente, the circle at the top of the hill in St Jean that leads to Gustavia, Colombier or Flamands. In 2004, St Barth invited all residents to submit ideas for some type of artwork to grace this spot. In June, 2005, the winner was selected from among 53 submissions. And the winner was a 1.7-meter bronze sculpture of an Arawak Indian, the original inhabitants of St Barth. At the base of the sculpture are an iguana and a pelican – two symbols of the island. The Arawak holds a spear in his right hand and is blowing a conch shell with his left hand. A popular St Barth forum is having a "Name the Arawak" contest, and one suggestion is an Arawak word: "kas-se-qua" meaning "Chief of the Hill or Tribe." What could be more perfect?
St Barth Properties: September's Featured Property
The property of the month at St Barth Properties is Villa Princess X. This new and very contemporary 2-bedroom, 3-bathroom villa is beautifully decorated using a sleek design and offers a lovely view. The two king bedrooms with baths ensuite look out to the view and are located on either side of the Great Room, which features the living room, dining area and beautiful gourmet kitchen. An office lies next to one of the bedrooms. A wooden deck overlooks the large pool, which is perfect for staying in shape while swimming laps. The guest bath is located by the rear deck. A private path winds through the garden to the gazebo that features a barbecue area and continues on, directly to Petit Cul de Sac beach.
Interested in winter swap (my Manhattan apt.) or house sitting at the beach in St Barth this winter on or after 12/31/07 for 7 to 12 weeks. Clean bright studio apartment in Chelsea neighborhood, 2 short floors up. West 19th Street near 7th Ave. (Google the zip
code 10011) Neighbors include Janet Jackson, Ethan Hawke and Anderson Cooper! Apt. fits 2 nicely - not more than 4. Fully furnished... High speed internet DSL/Cable/TV/Telephone, microwave, 2 huge windows, light wood floors, etc. The area has a starbucks on every corner, plenty of dining, Chelsea Piers, yacht club, the Village, Lincoln Center, Ballet and opera. Bergdorf Goodman, Apple store open 24/7, Saks, Bloomingdales, Macys, Carnegie Hall, Subways on every other corner, NBC Ctudios, CNN Tours, St Pats, Grand Central Shops, Ice skating in Rock or Bryant Park. Buses to Atlantic city, Foxwoods, Mohegan Sun, bus to skiing in Vermiont, Montreal. Please contact Greg at 
On November 16, 1776, with a copy of the Declaration of Independence on board, the brig Andrew Doria approached St. Eustatius (Statia), deployed the red-and-white striped Continental Colors, and fired a 13-gun salute. Governor, Johannes de Graaff, the commander of the fort, ordered that they reply with an 11-gun salute. Statia was the first foreign power to recognize the independence of the United States. To commemorate these events, starting two years ago, the Golden Rock Regatta has been held annually to focus attention on this forgotten outpost of a bygone age.
The property of the month at St Barth Properties is 
