There's no denying that hotel rooms and villas on St. Barths carry high prices. You're paying primarily for the privilege of staying on the island, and even at $800 a night the bedrooms tend to be small. Still, if you're flexible—in terms of timing and in your choice of lodgings—you can enjoy a holiday in St. Barths and still afford to send the kids to college.
The most expensive season falls during the holidays (mid-December to early January), when hotels are booked far in advance, usually require a 10- or 14-day stay, and can be double the high-season rates. At this writing, some properties are reconsidering minimum stays, and there are some discounts in light of the current "crise" (economic downturn). A 5% government tourism tax on room prices (excluding breakfast) went into effect in 2008.
