I can't help you with a villa since we've not stayed in one but I can tell you that wherever you decide to stay won't be too far from a beach. Nice beaches are dotted all over the island. It more depends on if you want to be close to a secluded beach or a more active beach. Personally, I'd rather be close to St. Jean Beach since I like having restaurants and bars at the beach, plus the proximity to Gustavia.

I'm not quite sure I understand what you mean when you say you are looking for someone who isn't trying to sell you something. You ARE looking for a rental, correct? Wimco is a reputable company as is

www.stbarth.com

You should easily be able to find a very nice one-bedroom villa with pool for $5,000 in low season.

Another helpful site with lots of St. Barts information is

www.sbhonline.com

You have to register in order to post but that might be the most active St. Barts forum.

I meant I would like REVIEWS from someone who isn't trying to sell me something. The villa owners and rental agency people are always going to tell me that the villas are great. I would rather hear it from people who have stayed there.

Thank you for the info! I will check out those sites as well!

Hi,
We've stayed in a couple of villas in St. Barts, and for one couple in the off-season, you should be able to stay someplace really nice for WAY less than $5000. Villa Dolce Vita, in Anse des Lezards, was perfect for us. Secluded, but not a long drive to Flamands. Nice decor, open floor plan and lovely private pool. Plus, two resident iguanas in the garden area!

The other place we've rented is in the same general vicinity, Villa Avril. Not quite as private, but lovely all the same. It's built in the traditional island style with separate bedroom "houses".

We rented both of these villas directly from the owners and they couldn't have been nicer to work with. We almost rented Dolce Vita this year for our vacation in April, but couldn't get frequent flier mile award connections so we changed our plans.

Good luck!

We have stayed several times at this place: Flamands Blue (www.stbartsvilla.com), on the hillside overlooking the pretty beach, but a 5 minute walk down.
Views are gorgeous, the place is immaculate, private, spacious and well decorated (some on the island are dark or for older folks) this one is not---bright, crisp, modern and a great value, too. The owner is wonderful to deal with since he is a professional property manager back in the US and his on-island person is wonderful.