We are going with friends to the Sandcaste on Joust Van Dyke for 5 days. They want to start the trip at St. Barts (they are going for 7 days prior to staying at the Sandcastle). Is there an alternative for us to stay on another island - it just seems too expensive for my taste (both food/lodging)- and they don't want to rent a villa on St. Barts. Barbados looks like my cup of tea - but too far away. I like nightlife and activities. Any help you could provide would be welcomed.

St. Martin, which has plenty of nightlife, is just a ferry trip away from St. Bart's. Anguilla is also pretty close.

St.Martin

there is really no alternative to St. Barts, becasue it's really not the Caribbean, instead much more the S. of France with a touch of Sweeden. It's certainly not expensive compared to one of the resorts to stay on St. Barts and it's not expensive once (although it can be) once you get there. There is plenty of nightlife too, but not a casiono, large resorts, or tackiness. Beautiful pristine beaches, and it's sexy, chic, and more sophisticated than any other Island.

You might want to check out Village St. Jean on St. Barts -- very, very reasonable; walking distance to phenomenal beach. There are PLENTY of places to get a reasonable meal!

Ok...so check out St. Martin and alternative lodging to the place my friends are staying on St. Barts - Tom Beach. That sounds like a plan...I appreciate the input.

I just checked out the Village St. Jean website...much more reasonable $$$.....Thanks so much once again...this has been a tremendous help!!!!

Like another poster said, there is no alternative to St Barth's.

to Barrow: what is the village st. Jean website? Would like to check it iut too. Thanks.

Another nice value option on St. Barths is Le P'tit Morne.

http://www.st-barths.com/ptit-morne/index.html

I second Travel Gal...St. Bart's is the only place for me!