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. In our opinion, 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 2 or 3 bedroom villa 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.

Some Fodorites have not had great experiences with WIMCO, though we can't say the same. But if you want other options, I have heard that St. Barths Properties are nice to deal with. They also have a comprehensive website. We did look at a couple of their villas but prefered the ones' we'd rented previously.

Feel free to email me if you have questsions.

We stayed at "Villa Mimosa" in Govereur last summer and we loved it. It has one bedroom and bath, both air-condtioned, and a kitchen/living/dining room with sliding glass doors that open onto the deck and pool. It sits high on the cliff and the views are great.

We rented it through St. Barth's Properties. We're going back this summer and staying in "Villa Diaco" in Vitet.