St. Barts Travel & News Blog

Last Minute Availability - St. Barts & Caribbean!

2011-12-01T16:20:13Z

Last minute and holiday villa specials are available from WIMCO - more here.

WIMCO Villas Summer Specials

2011-06-07T08:50:36Z

St. Barts has become more affordable this summer thanks to the Caribbean's premier luxury villa rental company, Wimco Villas. New this summer and fall are a range of promotional programs for Wimco's collection of villas, including 96-hour "Villa of the Week" private flash sales offering up to 50 percent off a week's rental, and their "Summer of Savings" program offering free nights, complimentary rental cars, and savings at some of St. Barts finest restaurants with Wimco's "Friend of the Island" card. These exclusive programs make St. Barts this season's most affordable luxury destination, promises Stiles Bennet, Wimco Villas president. "We've assembled an extensive list of private sales, special offers and value added programs," says Bennet, underscoring that to get full access to these programs people need to contact Wimco at info@wimco.com Examples of a few of the villas participating in these programs include Villa WV ACE, a spacious one bedroom retreat within walking distance of St Jean beach, two bedroom Villa WV CLV in fabled Point Milou, an area renowned for its sunset views, and three bedroom Villa WV ANC, a spectacular villa with a huge infinity pool, overlooking Gouverneur beach.

Brummell - time for a holiday in paradise

2011-06-07T08:39:25Z

From Financial News:

16 May 2011, Angela Henshall- For those looking for the chicest of Caribbean paradises, La Banane hotel on the island of St Barthelemy would be Brummell's pick. The idyllic island of St Barts was discovered twice: first by explorer Christopher Columbus, who never set foot on it, and second by David Rockefeller who first visited at the end of the 1950s. Following in the tycoon's footsteps, others came to sample the island's delights. These included one of the world's most famous cabaret owners, Frenchman Jean-Marie Rivière. Rivière constructed an archipelago of nine bungalows to accommodate his many visitors around his own house. Nestled in the heart of a coconut grove, in a lavish tropical garden with hibiscus, frangipani and jasmine, it is the biggest homestead on the island. Today it is La Banane Hotel, which has retained the plush 1950s feel. Its nine rooms are split into two categories: Banane Extra, with a private terrace over the tropical garden, and Banane Deluxe, a larger room with a private terrace looking over the pool or facing the tropical garden. A melting pot of different periods and inspirations, the interior decoration of the hotel has been inspired by classical design icons of modernism. In order to create the feel of a real collector's home, the current owner has put together a unique and rare collection of furniture. Between the tropical surroundings and his passion for modernist lines, the art lover has incorporated references to architect Pierre Jeanneret's work created for the Punjab in India. Each of the hotel's bungalows pays homage to modernist artists, such as architects Le Corbusier and Charlotte Perriand, and other contemporaries from the 1950s such as lighting designer Serge Mouille. For more details, visit www.labanane.com

St. Barts Hotel Specials

2011-05-26T10:28:34Z

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Windstar Cruises Unveils New 2012 Collection of Luxury Sailings

2011-05-19T10:41:44Z

Nine New Itineraries and the Lowest Introductory Pricing in Years From the Digital Journal: SEATTLE, May 11, 2011, PR Newswire Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts that explore hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world's most treasured destinations, unveils its new 2012 collection of luxury sailing voyages in the Caribbean, Costa Rica, Baltic, Italy, Mediterranean, Greek Isles and Transatlantic Crossing. Windstar's new 2012 collection of luxury sailing voyages visit enchanting destinations and provide unforgettable experiences at exceptional values. In addition to receiving the lowest introductory pricing in years, guests who book by June 30, 2011, receive a $200 shipboard credit per cabin. Windstar's Foremast Members receive an additional 5% discount on all itineraries. Flavors of the Caribbean Features a unique collection of islands highlighting diverse countries, styles, landscapes and cultures of the Caribbean. Seven-day sailings on Wind Surf from Philipsburg, St. Maarten to Philipsburg, St. Maarten visit Le Marin, Martinique; Pigeon Island, St. Lucia; Roseau, Dominica; Falmouth Harbour, Antigua; and Gustavia, St. Barts. Departures: December 31, 2011; January 14, 28; February 11, 25; and March 10, 24, 2012. Cruise fares starting from $2,299 per person, double occupancy.

Top 10 nude beaches for summer 2011

2011-05-19T10:31:05Z

From the Toronto Sun:

Thursday, May 19, 2011 With great reviews of St. Bart's on TripAdvisor, the recurring theme seems to be: Stellar beaches, amazing water and full-sun. While there are many beaches in the area, Grand Saline Beach is naturist friendly and, according to one review, idyllic: "This beach is what the Caribbean must have been like thousands of years ago."

The worlds best beaches

2011-05-10T08:11:15Z

From Travel News: May 3, 2011 The listing as published by the National Geographic book - The 10 Best of Everything: 8. ST. BART'S One of many islands in the Caribbean Sea, St. Bart's stands out with its blend of French chic and island relaxation. With beautiful secluded beaches, fine French cuisine, and gracious hotels, this tropical playground is popular with the Jet Set. The 8-mile-long (13-kilometer-long) island is edged by 20 beaches and small coves for swimmers and sunbathers, with sparkling water and white sand.

Avant-garde Photographer Previews New Work

2011-05-10T07:58:43Z

From Palm Desert Patch: April 19, 2011 Los Angeles-based photographer Peter Eaton Gurnz presents a sneak preview of his recent collaboration with supermodel Masha Rudenko. The dramatic collection of images is part of a show which opens on St. Barts in August at Valentine de Badereau Gallery, Tom Beach Hotel.

Seaworthy savings

2011-05-10T07:40:31Z

From The Calgary Herald:

Herald News Services April 13, 2011 SeaDream Yacht Club is offering savings of up to 62 per cent on select 2011 sailings in the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Northern Europe. For example, pay from $2,599 per person double (plus $392 port charges and service fee) for a seven-night Caribbean cruise aboard the SeaDream II departing Nov. 12 and sailing round trip from St. Thomas. By comparison, the brochure rate is $6,900, plus taxes and fees. The cruise visits St. John, Saba, St. Barts (overnight stay), Virgin Gorda, Norman Island and Jost Van Dyke. Info:www.seadream.com

St Barths Bucket Regatta 2011

2011-01-31T10:49:40Z

The annual St. Barths Bucket Regatta is scheduled for March 24 through March 27 this year. Visit their website for more information. Photo courtesy of and copyright of the owner/photographer.

Wimco's Top 5 New Villas on St. Bart's for 2011

2011-01-20T09:40:56Z

NEWPORT, R.I., Jan. 12, 2011 -- Planning that perfectly chic St. Bart's vacation has never been easier with Wimco Villa's new vertically integrated agency on the island, WimcoSBH, providing above-and-beyond personalized concierge services. WimcoSBH, headed up by island expert Fabienne Le Gall, has uniquely positioned itself as the most knowledgeable and well-connected villa rental and real estate sales agency on St. Bart's. Wimco's thoroughly vetted selection of premier villas on St. Bart's includes several newly constructed villas, filled with the latest features and amenities. Here are the Top 5 New Villas from Wimco for 2011 vacation season in St Bart's.]]> Villa WV VLP, a stunning five-bedroom villa right on Lorient Beach, with a private bathroom, LCD-TV, and terrace for each bedroom. The spacious center courtyard features a Jacuzzi, and outdoor cocktail lounge with views of the beach and water. The property also includes a gourmet kitchen. Rates range from $60,000 per week to $77,500 per week. Villa WV KHA on Pointe Milou is a completely renovated dream home, ideal for family and friends vacationing together. Three equal-sized bedrooms, a pool, full kitchen, large indoor and outdoor dining areas, and unbelievable views over the surrounding islands add to the contemporary design of the home. Rates range from $13,300 per week to $19,950 per week. Couples can look no further than Villa WV ACE, a beautiful new one-bedroom villa convenient to the shops and restaurants of St. Jean, with a romantic lap pool, spacious terrace and relaxing decor. The villa looks out on St. Jean Beach and the mountains beyond, and a covered terrace to enjoy the view outside. There is also a private sunbathing garden just off the kitchen and living area. Rates range from $3,250 per week to $4,900 per week. Villa WV NKI's gorgeous infinity pool looks out onto a panoramic view of St. Jean Beach and Eden Rock. The contemporary new property offers three bedrooms, all with incredible landscape views. The sleekly exotic wood architecture offers a relaxing and chic environment. Rates range from $11,000 per week to $15,000 per week depending on number of bedrooms rented. For those that love to entertain in style, Villa WV ETY is the perfect combination of sea views, close proximity to the beach, and five large bedrooms. The large deck area features a surround sound Bose stereo system, a Jacuzzi, and two heated pools, including one with a swim-up bar. The spacious living area has a giant plasma TV, and well-equipped kitchen nearby. Rates range from $15,000 per week to $35,000 per week depending on number of bedrooms rented. Vacationers booking their villa vacation through Wimco have access to a concierge line to arrange for dinner reservations, in-villa massages, boat charters, party planners, and private chefs. The WimcoSBH office in St Jean is manned by a cheerful concierge staff who are also available to address any maintenance concerns or issues with a villa.

Hurricane Earl Update

2010-09-17T06:55:05Z

Hurricane Earl, at category 3, hit St Barth on August 29 and 30 with strong winds and rough seas. The strongest wind gusts were measured at 105m/h. The south side of the island was hit the worse (Gustavia, Corossol, Public, Colombier). Five planes that had been left at the airport were damaged, two almost completely. All of the commercial planes had been flown to Guadeloupe, Martinique or Curaçao. The airport was operational again by 9:00 am Tuesday morning, August 31. The electricity was restored for the most part by the end of Monday, with the remaining outages repaired by Wednesday. The project of putting the electrical lines underground certainly paid off for many residents and visitors. Hopefully, that will be completed island-wide before too long. Desalinated water from Gustavia was cut off Sunday afternoon but available again by Wednesday. Most of the damage was to trees and beaches. The sand on most of the beaches on that side of the island has been replaced with large boulders and rocks. Three months after hurricane Omar hit St Barth, the sand had returned to Colombier, so there is hope. The Collectivity had just completed adding sand to the beach at Corossol before Earl arrived and was preparing to start a project to add sand to Shell Beach. I guess the lesson learned is that nature is more powerful than man, and we should just let it take its natural course. Hopefully, the sand will find its way back to Colombier, Corossol, Shell Beach and Public with a little time. At right is a photo of the beach at Colombier after Earl. Still beautiful, just different.

Villa Arc En Ciel

2010-08-13T15:18:07Z

Villa Arc En Ciel is a four-bedroom, four-bath villa set high on the hillside with spectacular views and total privacy. This property offers a unique Mexican theme with gorgeous tile work throughout. Equal king bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms offer each couple separation. There is a new heated infinity edge pool with overflow Jacuzzi attached surrounded by a spacious deck. The large kitchen is designed for the gourmet cook and overlooks the fabulous sunken living room with ample glass to enjoy the view from all angles. A raised dining terrace is also available and offers breathtaking views. The fourth bedroom was added in 2003 and is separated from the main house for ultimate privacy to its occupants. Non-smokers please.

Lionfish Spotted Around St. Maarten

2010-08-13T15:11:28Z

The lionfish, native to the Pacific Ocean, is a voracious predator with few natural enemies. It is also one of the venomous fish in the ocean with long, pointy spines. Although its venom is not fatal, a person being struck will have extreme pain and possibly headaches, vomiting and breathing difficulties. Recently, two young lionfish were found in the waters around St. Maarten. Thus far, none have been seen in St. Barth waters. Because the lionfish has few, if any, natural predators, it can decimate populations of other fish. In addition, it reproduces very quickly. The Nature Foundation in St. Maarten is trying to collect every lionfish that is found to try to halt this invasive species from taking over the Caribbean waters.

On the Horizon

2010-06-16T09:01:38Z

June 26, 2010 Gustavia fête la Musique -- Hosted by St Barth Harmony and the Tourism Committee, this music festival will present musicians, singers and artists of St Barth. July 17, 2010 Fête de l'Anse des Cayes -- First of the beach festivals: games, competitions, food, drink, music, dancing July 24-25, 2010 Fête des Quartiers du Nord -- Beach festival of Flamands: regatta, games, food, drink, music, fireworks August 7-8, 2010 Fête des Quartiers du Vent - Beach festival of Lorient: regatta, competitions, food, drink music, fireworks.