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The art gallery Bagdad Porta 34 in Gustavia is holding an exhibition of the work of Neil d'Ourson from February 1 to February 7. D'Ourson is a sculptor and "plastics technician" and is known for his work with metal on all natural materials. He was the winner of the 12th contest of Contemporary Art. This year he is featuring the most symbolic tree of the Caribbean: the flamboyant.
You can charter a catamaran starting at 61 € per person for a sunset cruise or a day at Tintamarre or Pinel Island off of St Maarten with TopLoc Rentals. Ask at the Activities Desk of your hotel or call 05 90 29 02 02.
Kazz n' Blues, which now occupies the space of the previous Cocoloba, has just announced the grand opening on February 2 of their Private Club K n' B, an after-dinner spot with live music from 9:00 pm until 1:00 am serving wine, champagne and cocktails with live music by the sea.
A "garage" sale or flea market will be held in the parking lot of A.D.E. (across from the gas station) in Lorient on Saturday, February 2, and Sunday, February 3. The sale is featuring women's clothing, accessories, shoes, purses and jewelry priced between 5 € and 40 €.
Today was Children's Carnival where the children dressed up in costumes and paraded through the streets at Gustavia. Tuesday, February 5, is Carnival and you can be sure that the participating groups are working on final adjustments to their costumes and their choreography. All the fun starts at 3:00 pm, with the groups departing from Public. Below is this year's schedule of appearance.
Le Ranch
SBJAM "La Pointe in Mouvement
Funstown
ASCO / ASP "Cho Douvant"
The Hideaway (Chez Andy)
Rhum et Gingembre
Portugal
Saint Barth Allegria
Disco Party
Cassiopees
Perd Pas Le Nord
Can't tell if this is really an article or some sophisticated advertorial:
WHICH is the Caribbean's most bijou island? The crème de la crème destination for a piece of paradise is St Bart's, officially Saint Barthélémy. It's a favourite with the jet set and as popular for its lively “scene” as for its idyllic scenery. Jagged hills create an impressive backdrop to sweeping coves and dramatic headlands. The sheltered port, Gustavia, is dotted with Sunseekers and giant motor yachts in the evening.
The St Bart's season is wintertime, starting with a bang at Christmas and New Year as half of Hollywood celebrates in style. The whole island is drenched in glamour, but the action revolves around a few key spots. There are five hotels with serious kudos - Eden Rock, Guanahani, Le Sereno, Taiwana, and the most charming of them all, Isle de France, with its residence club. It is hidden away at one end of a long curve of white sand, Baie des Flamands. The focal point of this ten-acre private resort is the terrace restaurant overlooking the beach and pool, behind which the villas fan inland. The resort is a mere five minutes' drive from the airport, and ten minutes' drive from the harbour.
More here, including some tips on what to do and where go out.
The Hôtel Le Village St Jean, which sits high on a hill overlooking the beautiful bay and beach of St Jean, has added a new gym and massage room next to the pool. Visit their web site at http://www.villagestjeanhotel.com for more information and to make reservations.
La Normandie hotel in Lorient is being completely renovated to transform it into a boutique hotel. The hotel is a mere two-minute walk to the beach and the restaurants Le Wok and La Portugal. A two-minute drive takes you to two other restaurants: K'fe Massai and Le Bouchon. In addition, Lorient is home to three grocery stores and a wonderful bakery. The hotel sits in a tranquil garden setting and offers a pool, complimentary Continental breakfast and afternoon wine, and WiFi. Rates are 90-160 € except for December 15-January 5, when they are 200-250 €. The web site http://www.normandiehotelstbarts.com will likely have more information when the hotel opens.
Another Documentary in the Making by Pierre Brouwers
Pierre Brouwers and his son Nicolas recently completed filming a 52-minute documentary on the history of aviation on St Barth and its impact on the island. He and his son are again on the island, filming a new documentary on the aspects of everyday life on St Barth. They joined the crew of the yacht Altair to film the annual December 31 regatta around the island. Others subjects in their latest documentary will include fishing, jet skis, night clubs and cultural activities. The film is scheduled for release in April.
Today is the last day of The 24th annual St Barth Music Festival, which began on January 11. Tickets are available at the home of Lydie Berry on Rue du Général de Gaulle in Gustavia from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and also at the door the evening of the concert. Tonight's event, John Ellis Quintet of New Orleans (Jazz), is scheduled for 7:00 pm and 9:30 pm at the Catholic Church in Gustavia.
On January 1, 2008, the new French smoking laws went into effect on St Barth. It is now forbidden to smoke in any public enclosed place such as restaurants, cafés, hotels, the airport, and nightclubs. If the restaurant has an open-air area (not covered by some type of roof), smoking is allowed. Although I have not seen official documentation to this effect, I have heard that restaurants in violation of the smoking laws will be fined 10,000 €.
Carnival activities have begun! Every Sunday evening up until February 5, the actual day of Carnival, La Pointe en Mouvement marches through the streets of Gustavia dressed in costumes of a different theme each week. They dance, sing and play tambours and other local percussive instruments. The mini-parade starts at La Pointe in Gustavia at 6:00 pm and finishes in front of the restaurant La Cantina on the harbor (around the corner from Le Select), arriving there around 7:00 pm.
As you can see from the photo, one Sunday's theme was "Newspaper." Themes for the remaining Sundays preceding Carnival are: January 27, "Black and Gold" and February 3, "Black and Red".
On the Monday before Carnival, February 4, there will be the traditional parade in pajamas, and the burning of Vaval, which signifies the official end of Carnival, will take place on Wednesday, February 6 on Shell Beach.
The Hôtel Manapany in Anse des Cayes is offering a “20-20-20” Special consisting of a choice of two of the following 20-minute European mini-facial, a 20-minute massage or a 20-minute foot and ankle massage plus a 20-minute Aroma stone massage for 129 €.
The Hôtel St Barth Isle de France is offering a “Day of Relaxation” with a fruit cocktail served on the chaise lounges, a massage or facial, lunch à la carte and a 10% discount at the boutique for 150 €.
WinAir Now Offers Direct Flights to Antigua
Since December 3, WinAir has offered direct flights to Antigua twice a day. These flights are scheduled according to the arrivals and departures of British Airways and Virgin Atlantic on Antigua.
New Shoe Repair Shop
La Godasse has recently opened in Gustavia next to M'bolo (around the corner – to the left – of Le Select). The shop is open Monday-Saturday from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Form Fitness
This gym in Lurin, just before the Santa Fe restaurant, has now opened a boutique that sells fitness wear, sports wear and accessories.
"Passport to the Internet", produced by Rony Lainé and Production des Iles, will be a televised mini-series designed for those who would like to learn how to use the Internet. The mini-series will be a combination of fact and fiction. It starts with a story about a grandfather and his granddaughter in the French Antilles who want to get news about family members who live far away. An expert on the Internet will then explain and demonstrate how to use the Internet to do this. The filming for the fictional portion of the mini-series took place December 21-28 at the Météo France weather station in Gustavia. The factual portion was filmed there January 4-8, 2008. St Barth does not play a major role in the mini-series but was chosen for its location and availability of amateur actors who represent the French West Indies. The ten 13-minute episodes are scheduled to air in early 2008 on public and private TV stations in the four overseas departments of Guadeloupe, Guyana, Martinique and Réunion.
UNESCO's International Book Day was first celebrated on St Barth in 2006. Due to its great success, the organizers are hoping to turn this annual event into a major cultural activity. For 2008, the idea is to schedule a five-day event from April 16 to April 20 that will combine the International Book Day with poetry readings from a few invited poets, a writing workshop, a conference led by a well-known author and a book exchange with readings and book signings. The collection of books began on January 5. More to come regarding where you can drop off your donations.
Boat Rental St Barth has new Hydra-Sports boats ranging from 25' to 33' and is offering services for bareboat rentals with or without a skipper. They are also offering deep-sea fishing with a skipper to take you to the best fishing spots. Their staff speaks French, English and Spanish. For more information and to make a reservation, visit their web site at www.boatrentalstbarth.com, send them an email at info@boatrentalstbarth.com, or call them at 06 90 30 58 73.
Pure Rental, which is located on Rue du Roi Oscar II in Gustavia, is offering exclusive rentals of Mini Cooper convertibles with free delivery to the airport, your villa, hotel or boat. Visit their web site at http://www.st-barths.com/pure-rental/index.html, email them at contact@purerental.com, or call them at 590 590 27 64 76 or 590 690 45 75 55. You can expect to pay around 120 euros per day, depending on the season.
Travel + Leisure Magazine Votes St Barth in Top 10
In their December issue, Travel + Leisure magazine voted St Barth among the top ten Caribbean islands on which to unwind. Don't we know it! St Barth was voted as "Best for the Scene."
Other top-ten islands included:
Saba, "Best for Adventure"
Nevis, "Best for Authentic Caribbean Adventure"
Anguilla, "Best for Beaches"
Grenadines, "Best for Sailing"
St John, "Best for Unspoiled Nature"
Bermuda, "Best for Golf."
The 24th annual St Barth Music Festival will take place from January 11 to January 23, 2008. Tickets are available at the home of Lydie Berry on Rue du Général de Gaulle in Gustavia from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and also at the door the evening of the concert. Many thanks for the hard work of those who organized this popular event. In addition to scheduling the events, they must find housing for the musicians. Not an easy feat at this time of year!
Festival Schedule:
When
Event
Location
Price
Friday, January 11, 8:00 pm
Miro Quartet -- Chamber music: Debussy, Takemitsu, Beethoven
Catholic Church, Gustavia
25 €
Saturday, January 12, 7:00 pm
School of Suzuki Saint-Barth Harmony – Student Recital; NYCO – Rock concert with guitarist Makana (Hawaiian and Tango)
Zion Gardens, Salines
Free
Tuesday, January 15, 8:00 pm
"Les Bois" Quintet de Nielsen and the Octet de Mendelssohn -- Chamber music
Catholic Church, Gustavia
25 €
Wednesday, January 16, 8:00 pm
Puccini's "La Fanciulla del West" with Maestro Steven Mercurio – Opera
Catholic Church, Lorient
35 €
Thursday, January 17, 8:00 pm
Bach and Mozart concerts for woodwinds and piano and the "Petite Symphonie" of Gounod
Catholic Church, Gustavia
25 €
Friday, January 18, 8:00 pm
Evening of orchestra with the works of MacLean, Glinka, Brahams and Audy-Rowland with conductor Alex Klein
Catholic Church, Lorient
35 €
Sunday, January 20, 7:00 pm
Welcome Dinner for the musicians
Eddy's Restaurant, Gustavia
80 €
Monday, January 21, 8:00 pm
Evening of songs with the festival's singers followed by La Chorale de Bons Choeurs
Anglican Church, Gustavia
25 €
Tuesday, January 22, 8:00 pm
Piano recital – Music of Beethoven, Schumann, Messiaen and Liszt
Fishermen Block Port of Gustavia to Protest High Gas Prices
Starting at 5:00 am on Monday, December 17, about thirty fishermen blocked entry to the port of Gustavia with their boats to protest the high price of gas. The blockade prevented cargo ships, cruise ships and the ferry between St Barth and St Martin from entering or leaving the port. The airport was also shut down for a few hours in the afternoon. President Bruno Magras visited the port at 8:00 am and told the fishermen that he would discuss the issue after they opened the port. After an unsuccessful attempt at negotiation at the port, some of the fisherman went to the airport around 10:30 am and blocked the entrance to the departure lounge and the check-in counters. At 1:30 pm, President Magras agreed to organize a meeting with the Executive Council, which took place at 3:00 pm. The port was reopened a little after 5:00 pm, at the conclusion of the meeting, results of which are not yet known.
Many fishermen purchase their gas at St Martin because it is much cheaper. However, it is illegal and dangerous to transport it to St Barth. The fishermen are requesting that the Collectivity sell them gas at the same price that it is sold to professional fishermen in Guadeloupe: 0.82 euros per liter. They are asking why they should be the only French fishermen who pay the tax on gasoline. The fishermen also claim that they were told that when the fuel pump reopened at the port, their gas would be tax-free. However, the new pumps opened on December 4, with no reduction in the price of gas. If the Collectivity agrees to reduce the price of gas for the professional fishermen, they will pay 1.07 euros per liter as compared to the 1.26 euros per liter that they currently pay. That cost is what the Collectivity pays when they buy the gas: 1.1542 euros per liter minus a tax of 0.08 euros per liter. President Magras was quite displeased with the wildcat strike, wishing instead that the fishermen had talked to him first. He also mentioned that they do not pay income taxes here and that the Collectivity provides them a fish market in Gustavia free of charge.
St. Barth was once under Swedish rule, and that history is still present in many forms, such as architecture, street names and celebrations such as Pitea Day. Now, that presence is represented in the Swedish Design Centre, which recently opened in St. Jean. The boutique showcases a unique collection of contemporary and classic objects of Swedish design, heritage and origin designed by established and up-and-coming designers. You'll find jewelry, glassware, furniture, home accessories and other items. The boutique is located in the Les Amandiers mall on the Route de Saline, across from Le Glacier. They are open Monday-Saturday from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm. If you visit their web site at http://www.swedishdesigncentre.com, you can view a list of their guest designers along with short bios and subscribe to their newsletter.
Le Toiny's restaurant, Le Gaiac, if offering a Fish Market for lunch every Wednesday. Make your choice from an array of freshly caught local fish presented on shaved ice. The chef will then fillet and grill your fish to your taste. The price is 40 euros and includes an appetizer, fresh fish and dessert.
On Sundays, Le Gaiac offers a fantastic brunch buffet from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm for 43 euros.
Don't forget to bring your bathing suit and towel to enjoy their lovely pool right next to the restaurant.
The Hôtel Le Village St Jean, which sits high on a hill overlooking the beautiful bay and beach of St Jean, has added a new gym and massage room next to the pool. Visit their web site at 
Today is the last day of The 24th annual St Barth Music Festival, which began on January 11. Tickets are available at the home of Lydie Berry on Rue du Général de Gaulle in Gustavia from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and also at the door the evening of the concert. Tonight's event, John Ellis Quintet of New Orleans (Jazz), is scheduled for 7:00 pm and 9:30 pm at the Catholic Church in Gustavia.
Carnival activities have begun! Every Sunday evening up until February 5, the actual day of Carnival, La Pointe en Mouvement marches through the streets of Gustavia dressed in costumes of a different theme each week. They dance, sing and play tambours and other local percussive instruments. The mini-parade starts at La Pointe in Gustavia at 6:00 pm and finishes in front of the restaurant La Cantina on the harbor (around the corner from Le Select), arriving there around 7:00 pm. 
Pure Rental, which is located on Rue du Roi Oscar II in Gustavia, is offering exclusive rentals of Mini Cooper convertibles with free delivery to the airport, your villa, hotel or boat. Visit their web site at 
In their December issue, Travel + Leisure magazine voted St Barth among the top ten Caribbean islands on which to unwind. Don't we know it! St Barth was voted as "Best for the Scene." 
