Mike

Can someone give me a bit of info about the island of St.Barths? Me and my wife have heard some good things about the place but would like to hear from someone who has been there. Is it clean, safe etc..

Statia

Yes, it's clean, safe, very expensive and very chic. It's a small, beautiful island with no nightlife, high rises, all-inclusive resorts, or casinos.

What type of specific info are you looking for? I can tell you that Decmeber is THE most expensive month to go there, but I'm not sure what other info you might be needing.

Anon

Mike, go to this website (The Civilized Explorer). There's a message forum which will provide you with loads of info on St. Bart's. Here's the url:

http://www.cieux.com/cgi-bin/php/phorum/list.php?f=1

Rich

I disagree strongly with the poster who said that December is the most expensive month to go to St. Barths. Most of the hotels start their high season rates on December 15 or 16, so if you can go during the first two weeks of December, you will find that the rates are low (or at least as low as they get on St. Barths). In addition, all the restaurants will already have opened for the season, but reservations are easy to get and the beaches are relatively empty, because the big crowds are a week or two away. It's a great time to visit if you can get away.

jen

No Nightlife? I seem to remember my husband and I out until 2:30 in the morning dancing at Le Petit Club. As well as observed many people dancing on the tables at Le Ti until 3:00 in the morning. Aside from drinking and dancing the are a few cabaret shows or live music places you can find. However, I love the fact that the chic nightlife is there if you want it but since dinner reservations are later than in the US - having a 2-3 hour dinner in an amazing restaurant is the perfect nightlife.
The island is very friendly and very hip - the styles, food, etc....
It's so peaceful as well - Sometimes you find you are the only ones on the beach - It has the best of everything-
Have fun!

Statia

Just to be a little more specific regarding my previous post:

When Mike said he wanted to go in December, I assumed he meant over the holidays, since that is when most people visit St. Barth's. My mistake for assuming. I can assure you, however, that holiday time in St. Barth's IS the most expensive time of year to go. At least that's been my experience in the past and I live one island over.

As far as there being no nightlife, that was also taken out of context. By nightlife, I meant huge, noisy discos, rowdy bars, and casinos. St. Barth's is obviously not like SXM in having tons of packed bars full of rowdy people.

In his asking about St. Barth's, I took Mike's post to mean that he's looking to get away from the typical touristy destination to find a more peaceful place to go. I think that anyone looking for this type of atmosphere will certainly enjoy St. Barth's and all it has to offer.

SXFAN

statia- is statia nice?
is it worth going to for a day

Statia

SXM Fan:

Statia is very different from most of the other local islands, as is Saba. Statia is very small and historical with very friendly people. There is good snorkeling and diving here, as well as hiking on the Quill.

I tend to tell people that Statia isn't a vacation destination for everyone because it's very relaxed without a lot of touristy things to do, but I would say that it makes a wonderful day trip for those who can appreciate it.

Here's a link that might give you more info on the island:

http://www.turq.com/statia/

If you like meandering thru historical sights, taking it easy chatting with the locals, diving or snorkeling, then I'd say go come on over. It's worth checking out if you go to SXM frequently. Saba is also a very nice day trip.

Let me know if you want more info, and I'd be glad to help.