We will be in SB the 1st wk of Dec, same as last year. You need to decide if you want a hotel or private villa. I prefer th eprivacy and space of a villa and I think they offer superior value. All retaurnts should be re-open, most startup in Oct or Sep. Checkout cieux.com for a good SB infor board. Also ck the visitors guide at st-barths.com, and for villa and hotel info go to stbarth.com and wimco.com. Good luck.

A lovely small hotel Isle de France is right on beautiful Flammands beach...Some of the pricey hotels such as the Gustaf and Le Toiney are a little stuffy although le Toiney (a must for dinner) not as much. Many of the hotels are in the hills as opposed to right on the beach. If you prefer the hills you can also get a villa thru Wimco. Eden rock has great restaurants and there is also a little jewel called La Bannane (sp?). You are not right on the beach, steps away but, it is very chic. Depends on what you are looking for, it won't be crowded so you have your pick. Most restaurants should be back open, usually by oct's end.