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St.Barths ..anybody been there?

I plan on going to St.Barths in November with my wife for a vacation. We,ve never been there but have heard some good things about the island. Anybody been there recently? How are the people-beaches-is it clean?-crime situation etc..Thanks

Hi Jack! We just returned from St. Barths and I have one word for you------GO. It is absolutely wonderful. No crime, no poverty. We stayed at the Carl Gustaf, absolutely wonderful property with outstanding service. They have some fantastic beaches and MANY great restaurants. Can't wait to return. This is by far our favorite island!

The best island ever, we went several years ago and long to go back. Have been to most of the islands in the carribean and found it to be most beautiful. We stayed on a hilltop hotel where the pool overlooked the ocen- part of the american express points hotel, but i have forgotten the name of it. we are definately going back in jan 2002 with amex points agin. Food is great. Shopping is very french.

I've always heard good things about this island as well. But is driving around the island a big negative? Is it scary to drive after dark? Are roads lit up...can you fall off a mountain?

Sandra - You probably stayed at Village St. Jean Hotel? It is an excellent hotel for the price. gfw - The driving in St. Barths can be a bit scary at times, but if you're careful, you shouldn't have any problems. That being said, we consider it to be part of the charm because around every turn is an absolutely breathtaking view. Jack - We returned in April from our fifth trip there. It is a wonderful island (the best in our opinion). We have never felt in the least bit unsafe as there isn't any crime to speak of. The beaches are beautiful, the restaurants are wonderful and the island is very clean. Check out St-Barths.com for more information. Also, here is the URL for a very informative St. Barths message forum: http://www.cieux.com/wwwboard/list.php?f=1&t=728&a=1 Hope this helps! Cheri

Take a lot of suntan lotion because there is no shade on the beaches.

Does St. Barth's compare to say, Anguilla, when it comes prices? I've heard it is one of the most expensive islands, along with Anguilla.

St Barts restaurants are wonderful and expensive but Anguillas are MORE expensive (by maybe 10-20%). St Barts is French with caribbean influence. Anguilla is a mix. Both are wonderful. St Barts has more things to do with prettier scenery; Anguilla is flat with many beautiful long beaches. Both are wonderful.

St-Barth can easily be as expensive as Anguilla. There are may factors, such as season, exchange rate, your taste in hotels, dining habits, etc. If you go in high season, it's probably going to be an expensive trip. Driving is often on very hilly, winding, narrow, unlit roads. You don't know what - or who - is coming around the next bend. Population and traffic on the island has increased, and so have accidents (including more involving drunk drivers) Even so, driving there is kind of fun after you get used to it, but you do need to acclimate yourself to it and to stay very alert at all times. Crime - practically none. Hotels - relatively small, often classy, mostly very expensive. Beaches - clean and beautiful Dining: excellent, and expensive. Shopping: very good, and expensive. People - Friendly. Many residents come from France, stay & work for a stretch of years, then head back. The island is mostly a blend of French and American tourists. It is more couples-oriented than family-with-kids oriented. There is limited nightlife. No golf. No casinos. No package tours. No all-inclusives. Relatively less cruise ship activity. French is spoken much more than on St. Martin, but less than on Guadeloupe or Martinique. Finding English speakers is usually not a problem, and you'll only experience minor inconveniences if you don't speak French.

Hello Jack, My wife and I went to St. Barts on our honeymoon cruise back in 1994. We had a great day in St. Barts, the people are very friendly, the was great. If you do go, try this eating place called "CheeseBuger in Paradise", named after Jimmy Buffet. Great food, It is expensive, but for a good reason, keeps out the rift raft. Beaches ae pretty and their is topless sunbathing. So if you do go, hav fun.

Hello: Does anyone have any good suggestions as far as staying in a apartment, cottage or villa on St. Barths? Thanks, Barb

Barb - you can get villa rental info at any of the following: www.wimcovillas.com www.stbarth.com www.frenchcaribbean.com Hope this helps - they're all good outfits.

Barb - 2 years ago we had a great villa near St. Jean. 2 couples, 2 BR. Rented from Wimco.

Hello Dave: Do you remember the name of the Villa? I have the booklet from Wimco and St.Barths properties already. Thanks Barb

I've been going to St.Barths for over 10 years - every year. Safe, beautiful, clean, and the roads are like a roller coaster ride. The only crime I have ever experienced was at a WIMCo Villa Rental - I have rented this same villa 3 times (VID) the maid, actually a mother/daughter team, have managed to "steal" personal clothing items each and every time we have rented. Sadly, it's my word against theirs......

Wow, Corrie, I hate to hear that. I guess you reported it to WIMCO each time. I don't understand why these people wouldn't be fired. I think I'd pick a different villa next time or request that they not service your villa.

COMPARING ANGUILLA TO ST BARTS IS LIKE COMPARING PAMELA ANDERSON TO WILMA FLINTONE.