Staying in St. Barts: St. Barts hotels, resorts and villas
Other Caribbean islands feature large, all-inclusive resorts or hotels. In St. Barth, hotels are nearly non-existant. It is much lower key and geared around small resorts and villas. This is because the island features gorgeous, public beaches and fabulous restaurants. There's little need for all-inclusive resorts.
Getting Around
First, you should rent a small car or jeep (picture to the right, below). The island is pretty mountainous, so a jeep is helpful. Also it's key for getting to all the great beaches. Budget is probably the best place to start: Budget - Email: budgetsaintbarth@wanadoo.fr. Make a reservation in advance and typically the agent will find you with a jeep ready.
Where to Stay
There are several fancy resorts. The Sofitel Christopher Hotel St. Barth is beautiful and expensive. Off-season rates are more affordable.
Wimco is probably the best source for local Villa selection. Wimco is a Rhode Island company that rents villas all over the Caribbean and works with a local villa management company. www.Wimco.com. Wimco can also rent you a car (but it's cheaper to go direct to Budget).
Once you arrive, find your jeep and your villa... make sure you visit one of the small food stores to stock up on essential items. There are several locations by the airport (St. Jean) and a large grocery in Lorient.
Now you're ready to enjoy St. Barts attractions.
Summer deals
Almost every villa and hotel has a summer deal; The off-season offers an excellent opportunity for less-expensive St. Barts accomodations. For example, during the summer of 2005, Wimco has a half-price deal featuring a two-bedroom villa for $1,700 from May 1-Oct. 31 (the seasonal rate is $3,400).
Editor's note... Wimco, StBarthOnline.com and Budget are not advertisers of this site. The author has used the services in the past and will again next time.
Pictured above: Wimco Villa "SIB ABC" in Lorient, which the editor enjoyed in July of 2002.
Learn more about traveling to St. Barthelemy: Getting to St. Barts, staying in St. Barts, attractions (beaches), photos, weather and news.
Feature Hotel/Resort of the Month:
Christopher Hotel St. Barth
The Sofitel Christopher Hotel sits at the water's edge in Pointe Milou, St. Barthelemy GP, Guadeloupe, and is nestled amongst villas carved out of the island's rocky coasts. The 41 guestrooms and are arranged in a semi-circle above the coastline.
Sofitel Christopher features a large oceanfront infinity pool and a fitness center complete with fitness classes and massage services.
Click here to read more about Christopher Hotel.
Search for other hotels around St. Barts.