Just returned from a week in St Barths! I have been to the majority of islands and stayed at a lot of nice resorts here and there (Caneel Bay, Little Dix, Ritz St Thomas, Ritz San Juan, El Conquistador PR) and loved this island. We flew into St Maarten and took WinAir over to St Barths. The new airport at St Maarten was working great, and our connection was very easy, in fact we were a little early so they just put us on the next flight out. As predicted, our luggage didn't make it to St Barths with us, but we anticipated that and had our bathing suits with us! We stayed at Isle de France in a garder bungalow. It was very spacious and beautiful. In true Euro fashion there are no doors or curtains on the shower though (why is that?). We had several spa treatments which were fantastic as well. It seemed the north side of the island in which we stayed had rougher waters and was a tad bit windy. We did go to the south and it was much calmer. Snorkling was just ok but I am not into that too much anyways. We had great dinners and lunches. We ate at Eden Rock one night and it was outstanding, Pacri the other night and it was even better! We rented a car for 3 days which was a great call to explore the island, be careful though, tight roads with BIG cliffs! My favorite night was our last night we ate in Gustava at a sushi resturant. They had a live band from NYC and it was very fun sitting at the bar drinking (have the Mojito!) listening to great music. All in all it was one of the nicest, friendliest places I've been, but beware, it was VERY expensinve (lunch for around $100, dinner $200). I would highly recommend though@

Thanks for the great information! We are headed there in June and are staying at Emeraude Plage. I have not been to St. Barths. We are going to St. Kitts and Nevis and then on to Barths.
Where is Pacri located on the island?

Thanks!

thanks for the report. aren't mojitos wonderful! curious to know what all you did and saw on island besides beach time. i love to rent a car where ever i go for exploring.

In my opinion, St. Barths is the best place in the Caribbean (if not the world). As for things to see and do, one basically goes to St. Barths to take it easy. Almost all the activities on the island concern water sports. One of the most popular activities is to take a sail boat to Ile Forchue and Colobier Beach (which is inaccessible by car). I do believe there's horseback riding on the island, but I haven't seen it. In terms of history, there's the museum at the far end of the harbor that's worth a visit. There's the shell museum in Corosol. (Corosol is the most authentic St. Barths community and is worth a look.) Of course, shopping is the main sport on the island. Still, I have to say that if you spend all your time there simply investigating the beaches and the restaurants, it will be time well-spent.

donke71.....When did your luggage arrive?

ttt

Really the oly thing we did was beach and shop. We did do a little hiking but not much. Our hotel had tennis courts but we weren't really into it. Shopping there would be a 2 day event for sure as they have very nice stores especially in Gustavia. My luggage was on the next flight I think because by the time I got back to my room it was in there for us! Pacri was in the interior south east side of the island, VERY GOOD Italian food. There were nightclubs as well Nikki Beach etc but having 2 kids under 3 at home, we wanted to take full advantage of sleep and relaxation.

Glad you had a nice trip---St. Barts is "Caribbean" only by geography--much closer to the S. of France. We always carry-on since it's quicker through the connections and you really don't require much in a warm place. Colombier beach is acessible only by hike or boat, we agree the boat to other nearby islands provide even better snorkeling. The only issue with beach hotels such as ISD and Emeraude Plage is that as the summer happens there is less breeze and it can be a little hotter down low--we alwasy opt for a hillside villa for the views and privacy, but it's more comfortable in the summer as well.

PaCri (for Pascual and Cristina, the owners) is on the road to Saline. We were also impressed. "Eat Italian on a French island, you kidding me?", we thought. It was outstanding. Their dishes are all Italian and their home made limoncello is wonderful.

Is St. Barths recommended for a day trip or overnight trip for a female solo traveler? Is St. Barths recommended for a stay or day trip on a Sunday? I'll be island hopping from St. Maarten to Anguilla and Saba as well. I'd like to spend a couple of nights on Anguilla. Again, I'm a female solo traveler.

Thanks,
Houtravelchick

Sounds like a vacation in paradise. Would you say this was the ultimate in vacation spots?

Yep. Nothing else out there holds a candle to it.

Is impossible to have an affordable vacation in St. Barths? Any suggestions? I love the look of the island but is it's pricey reputation well-earned? (In comparison to the rest of the Carribean of course)

It can be done.

Low cost accomodation can be found at.
Sunset Hotel
The Presqu'ile (think backpacker)
Les Islets Fleuris
Les Mouettes
Le Ti Morne.

There are a host of reasonably priced restaurants..

Le Bouchon
La Creperie
Le Select (I can recommend the chicken)
Le Ti Zouk K'Fé
Le Glacier
La Rotisserie (several locations)
La Petite Colomber (Several locations)
L'Entracte
Jojo Burger
Le Ti Bouffe Café

There is a ton of them. Low season you can pick up a car for around $50 a day.

Thanks waring. I did some research and looks like there are some real gems on your list.

Go for it Kath!

I live here, and adore it when I end up on the table next to a celebrity gazzilionaire.

Same restaurant, same beach, same sea, same sky....Can't top it.