Congrats on your 10th anniversary!

In addition the my lengthly info below, take a look at Mary's post on this board all about the Carl Gustaf as there's tons of good info there too about the island and isle de France.

St. Barths is a very European island. No poverty, no street begging, full employment, no reggae music or steel drums. It's very European. The island is very peaceful and the beaches unspoiled and uncrowded. Yes, it's very expensive, but worth every euro.

The first couple of years we went to St. Barths (16 years ago now!!), we stayed at hotels, but then we switched to renting villas (houses). We prefer the privacy, ambiance and pace. We've rented about 18 times over the years and always rent through WIMCO. They are the largest and the best. We work with Ellie Gabeler egabeler@wimco.com . Make sure you go through the website www.wimco.com, as it provides a very comprehensive overview of the villas with lots of detail and pictures.

Between April 15 and December 15, the rental prices are about 40-50% less than high season. Also, off season you can rent a stunning 2 or 3 bedroom villa with pool and daily maid service, and if you're just one couple, only pay for one bedroom. This gives you the option of renting a more luxurious and larger property but not paying for it in full. For example, last November we rented BOR, but for only a 1 bedroom price. There are villas available on the beach, but these are really to be avoided. The nicest villas are in the hills and all have beautiful views. If you go to the site and choose a few, if you email me I can tell you if I know of the house, and also about the location. Some smaller villas we've also enjoyed have been SHB, CHO and EDB.

If you prefer a hotel, rather than a villa, I'd recommend Isle de France. It is a luxury property. It's well located and on a gorgeous beach called Flamands. They have a very good off season deal which includes all breakfasts, a cocktail every day, a car (which is a necessity) and other goodies. In fact, I just bought a trip on LuxuryLink www.luxurylink.com which is an amazing deal at Isle de France. We'll be going in May. There are lots of hotels, all very small, no high rises. The best (most luxurious) ones (in my opinion) are Isle de France, Eden Rock, Le Toiny. Some people recommend Carl Gustaf (see other post on the Fodors board), but I don't really like the location right in town. Better to go there to watch the sunset and have a cocktail.

St. Barths is both exclusive and expensive. It's exclusive because large jets can't land, there are no golf courses or casinos, no income taxes, no unemployment, crime or poverty and it is hard to get to. However, it's very small (only 8 square miles) and very European. Not your usual Carribean tourist trap.

Don't forget you need to rent a car as there's no other way to get around. The best vehicles are Suzuki jeeps. Isle de France and most other luxury properties include them off season. If you rent a villa then you need to rent a jeep yourself.

If you need more info on restaurants, shopping, getting around, feel free to email. I'd much rather share my love of St. Barths than work!

Mary's right- Isle de France is wonderful and where I stayed, but if you can afford it and you want true "luxury", Le Toiny is the poshest on the island.

I have been going to St.Barths for 10 years and used Wimco for 5. I found Ellie Gabler to be an impatient, bitch - the other agents are not much better. Hence, the reason I no longer use Wimco.

hmmmm Gayle does sound like an advertizing billboard for Wimco