poloref

My daughter and I are spending one day in November on St Barts. This will be our last vacation together before she gets married next summer! As we are on a Crystal ship we will take advantage of one short shore excursion, but would like to shop in St Barts. I understand that it is VERY expensive, so maybe it will be window shopping! We need suggestions as to where to shop/window shop and have a nice lunch!

xkenx

Just walk up and down the main drag in Gustavia to see everything in the way of shpooing, restaurants. The harbor area there is very pretty.

bosoco

You don't need to take a tour. As xkenx says, you can shop and walk about Gustavia. You can even walk to Shell Beach from Gustavia (it's about a 15-minute stroll). Le Route des Buccaneers is a reasonable spot for lunch. Le Select is also very popular (a bit overrated but very casual). Both of these spots are a 10 minute walk from the pier. You don't need to pay money to sit and soak up the lovely vibes!

poloref

thanks for the info. I should have added that the one- hour shore excursion is a trip on a type of glass bottom boat around the harbor, I hope we see things that I have never seen before, coral reefs, sea turtles etc. Anyway, somethintg different and reasonable. What's some items to look for in the shops. Don't need anymore jewelry, have enough and have to think about wedding expenses!

bosoco

Clothes are a good buy in St. Bart's. Believe it or not, there are actually great sales. There is a store just across the road from Le Select on the corner (can't remember the name) that has great sales. You should also buy some Vanilla Rum. It is the best.

poloref

Thank you!This is the kind of reply I was hoping for! This is my first time in any kind of chat room, and I am really enjoying it! Any tips on sightseeing or shopping are most welcome! Any suggestions for Tortola/roadtown or Curacao, we are stopping there too!

poloref

shopping hints for tortola/road town and Curacao,willemstad? I'd really appreciate and suggestions! Let me know please? thanks, Jane

Gayle

Skip the glass bottom boat tour. SBH isn't known for it's great diving anyway.

Great shopping to be had in Gustavia (main town) where the tender will drop you. Be sure to visit Laurent Effel's four stores. One is ladies handbags, casual shoes, belts and small leather goods, all Italian made and high quality. One is all exotic skins accessories (snake, ostrich, crocodile, lizard etc) in every colour of the rainbow. One is a ladies shoe store that carries the entire Beverly Feldman line of shoes and the last is a men's store with an excellent selection of linen (great for gifts). Other great shops include Kokon for ladies clothing where the selection is excellent, all European lines. For authentic French don't miss Petit Bateau for terrific inexpensive tshirts, or the Lacoste store or Blanc Bleu or Regina Reubens. Stop by Black Swan for touristy tshirts and an excellent bathing suit selction. For lovely French lingerie check out Libertine. Want duty free perfume? Go upstairs at Goldfinger for a huge selection and lovely staff. Take home some Ligne St Barth skincare products and all natural line made on the island. Wonderful quality, terrific scents. Available all over but good selection just unside the doors of the Manuel Canovas shop. If you like Longchamp it too is available in Gustavia. For fun, unique casual clothes and fun accessories visit Mia Zia.

In November there will not be any sales. The sales (les soldes) are only held in May. November is the beginning of high season and the shops will be filled with all the new merchandise and you'll see the best selection.

Have fun.

poloref

Gayle! What a nice responce! Will copy this and add it to my "folder" of things to do. I just wish someone like you would "clue" me in on things about Road Town and Willemstad.I really want to find a "back street store" for Delft.My husband was Dutch, and an international water polo referee and alsays brought home Delft from his european trips with the team, however, Loma Prieta took almost everything, just 6 months after I lost him. I would really like to replace some of the more beautiful pieces without spending a fortune! Do you have any suggestions for Roadtown and Willenstad? Thanks again for your most thoughtful response! I will be thinking of you as we tour! Jane

Gayle

Hi Jane,
It's my pleasure. I am sorry I am unable to assist with your queries about Road Town and Willemstad. SBH has been our island of choice for 21 years. Try doing a Google search on Delft, Curacao or Delft, Caribbean and see what pops up. Enjoy your trip.