krumblez3244
New Member
First off, thanks to everyone in the forum community. I've been stalking this site for months gathering info and preparing for my first trip to St Barts. My wife is 6 months due with our first child so this was a “babymoon” of sorts or one last hurrah, if I may. We just got back to NYC and I can honestly say with conviction that this was one of our favorite trips and it's worth noting that we are pretty well traveled. I've also been to a dozen or so places in the Caribbean but St Barts tops the list for its friendly people, georveous views, endless array out outstanding culinary choices, and of course the chic sophistication.
Rather than itemize each of the four days, I will just touch on the highlights:
Flights – Pretty uneventful from NYC to SXM – Jet Blue on the way down, United on the way back. No delays and we actually got in early and St Barth Commuter put us on a flight 2 hours earlier! Amazing! We took Winair on the way back and although I can’t flying to the ferry, the flight is the way to go. It’s fast, convenient, and kind of an adventure as I sat right behind the pilot both times! I felt like I was third in command, although I doubt they’d be happy if I started flipping switches or deploying flaps.
Lodging – Rented an amazing villa high in the hills called Villa Kessai / LED. We used a company called St Barts Blue, who worked locally with SiBarth, and the customer service from both companies was phenomenal. The villa itself was amazing and for $300 a night for a pool, views, and 2 BR’s, we could not ask for more. We were only 5 minutes from St Jean and about 5 from town. The villa overlooked Public Beach and part of Gustavia Harbor. I highly recommends this villa to others and I will definitely be booking it again.
Rental Car – Used Turbe from the airport. Very good communication in advance of my trip and competitive rates. Got a little white Suzuki Jimny that was brand new, 4000K miles, and it was terrific for our needs. Only problem is I could not fill it back up with gas on a Sunday as the machines as the gas station would not take American debit/credit cards, but they just charged me a few bucks more at the airport when I returned it. No biggie.
Restaurants / eateries we hit:
Wall House – Liked it a lot. Originally tried Bonita that night but it was closed. Then called Sante Fe, but they were closing in a few minutes as it was around 9 or 930, we ate late that night. So we settled on the Wall House but it was on my list anyway and we both definitely like it. The dessert trolley is a bit 1987, but other than that, no complaints and the price fix is an awesome value.
Eddys – OMG, even if the food sucked, which it didn’t, I’d still give it a 7 for the ambiance. Very unique as it feels like a little garden. Def worth checking out.
On the Rocks at Eden Rock – One of our nicer dinners, but still only 159 Euro. Really cool hotel, we visited it again in the day a few days later. Awesome specialty drinks and I had a really good piece of beef there. Nice how you’re looking down at the beach and water.
Do Brazil – My favorite lunch spot and one heck of a hamburger although 24 Euro or 32 USD is a bit much, but hey you’re on vacation. Very casual, nice ocean breezes, and right after you just dip in the water. Decent snorkeling off to the left too.
Petit Columbe – Went for breakfast one more. I think there are two locations, this was the one by the villa up in the hills. Great value for breakfast and they have sandwiches to go as well for a picnic or what not. The bread is super fresh.
Marche U – Supermarket obviously, not a restaurant but we hit this place a few times. Wow – talk about well equipped, they have everything! We cooked in one night and didn’t have any trouble finding what we needed there. Great selection of booze too and actually it was the only place I could fine my beloved Kroenenburg 1664 – a French beer. (And it was a 22oz big boy too!) We also hit that other supermarket in Gustavia, but the one in St Jean blows it out the water.
Le Select – How could you not hit Le Select?! We ironically went on that Wed 6/5 and it appeared to be the actual birthday celebration for the well known and local celebrity Marius! We we’re give little bows to pin on our shirt and offered some free food. Balloons and decorations were great. We weren’t hungry but stayed for some drinks. What a cool little spot, I liked it a lot and stopped back again for a few brews a few days later.
Andy’s Hideaway – Awesome for a casual lunch or even dinner. We popped in for lunch on Friday of our trip and both got pizza. Excellent choice. I really loved the free Rhum at the end and they actually give you a lot, 3-4 shots! When you wife is expecting and can’t drink, someone’s gotta kill it! Nice shopping over in that area of St Jean too, my wife got a leather purse and some shoes.
Carl Gustav Hotel – Wow – this place blew me away. Amazing views right over the harbor and we just went for drinks at sunset. I would have gone back every night but the “boss” wouldn’t allow. If I could afford it and I wasn’t in a villa, I would stay here. Highly recommended for a sunset drink or two and the service was friendly and accommodating even though we were not hotel guests.
Tom Beach Hotel – Rented Beach charis and hung out there one day. Chairs were 20 Euro each, but I guess its worth it if you’re there for a few hours. I am a plane / aviation nut so I loved watching the planes take off and land on that beach. I got some really cool video and pics.
Nikki Beach – Trendy, sexy, sophisticated. Cool spot, but a little dead due to the slow season. I saw one bottle of Champagne on the menu that was 12,000 Euro! I had to order a few of them… kidding. I went with a few glasses of Rose. Nice enough spot, we didn’t eat there – just had drinks. I was told they are not open for dinner during this time of the season and that I should visit their other restaurant, the Strand, in town.
Beaches – We visited a ton of Beaches, probably 6 or 7, but my fav’s are below:
Petit Anse – Amazing Snorkeling. Didn’t even know this beach existed until we found this secret (or not so secret) viewing spot high in the hills over looking this beach and the beach where the IDF is. Awesome place for pics, does anyone know what it’s called? I could tell even from that high up that I would have to hit that little beach below (Petit Anse) and that the snorkeling would be ideal. I went back the next day and was not disappointed.
Saline – Private, remote, secluded… There were only 2-3 other couple on the beach when we visited. 5-10 minute hike from the car park. Definitely some naked people strolling around, didn’t bother me at all, but be prepared. It was my wife’s favorite beach.
Columbier – Went by ship, I’ll comment on that below under Jicky Marine. Really nice beach. Great Snorkeling, many ships in the harbor, but not too many people. Would return again for sure. Definetely worth visiting, but a 20-30 minute hike in the summer could be rough.
Shell – Awesome, one of my fav’s and be sure to eat / have drinks at do Brazil. I how close to town it is too, like literally right outside town.
St Jean – Probably my favorite due to the amenities offered by hotels and the planes coming and going. It never gets old seeing them take off and land. Cool to just rent at chair at the Tom Beach Hotel or have lunch and people watch.
Bonus info / Trip Highlight / A Personal Tip:
Jicky Marine – After hitting the beaches for 2-3 days, we said lets change it up and get out on the water. We really didn’t want to spend 500-1000 Euro on a private vessel (although that was ideal) so we opted for a 4 hour cruise on a catamaran with Jicky Marine in Gustavia. It included an open bar, light snacks, and a trip to Columbier beach all for 75 Euro. I thought that was a good value as it would been at least 40-50 on any other Caribbean island. Anyway, we’re rushing around due to my wife’s shopping spree and we drive up to the valet car park at Jicky with about 15 minutes to spare the gentlemen says “Take your time, you’re the only ones on the excursion.” What?! Private vessel for just us for 4 hours for 150 Euro? Sweet! I wouldn’t have even minded other people, but this just got much, much cooler. Samuel the captain was a great guy, very knowledge of the ship and the waters, and provided a tour by pointing things out including sea turtles. Mind you, I saw a flyer on the ship that listed a private weekday 1-4pm charter and the listed price was 690 Euro, so we saved over 500 Euro. My advice to anyone reading – sign up for the Friday 1-4 Columbier cruise during the slow season, you could be the only ones on a really nice ship. (Not guaranteed, of course.)
That’s all folks, thanks for reading and rest assured that I am hooked for life!
Rather than itemize each of the four days, I will just touch on the highlights:
Flights – Pretty uneventful from NYC to SXM – Jet Blue on the way down, United on the way back. No delays and we actually got in early and St Barth Commuter put us on a flight 2 hours earlier! Amazing! We took Winair on the way back and although I can’t flying to the ferry, the flight is the way to go. It’s fast, convenient, and kind of an adventure as I sat right behind the pilot both times! I felt like I was third in command, although I doubt they’d be happy if I started flipping switches or deploying flaps.
Lodging – Rented an amazing villa high in the hills called Villa Kessai / LED. We used a company called St Barts Blue, who worked locally with SiBarth, and the customer service from both companies was phenomenal. The villa itself was amazing and for $300 a night for a pool, views, and 2 BR’s, we could not ask for more. We were only 5 minutes from St Jean and about 5 from town. The villa overlooked Public Beach and part of Gustavia Harbor. I highly recommends this villa to others and I will definitely be booking it again.
Rental Car – Used Turbe from the airport. Very good communication in advance of my trip and competitive rates. Got a little white Suzuki Jimny that was brand new, 4000K miles, and it was terrific for our needs. Only problem is I could not fill it back up with gas on a Sunday as the machines as the gas station would not take American debit/credit cards, but they just charged me a few bucks more at the airport when I returned it. No biggie.
Restaurants / eateries we hit:
Wall House – Liked it a lot. Originally tried Bonita that night but it was closed. Then called Sante Fe, but they were closing in a few minutes as it was around 9 or 930, we ate late that night. So we settled on the Wall House but it was on my list anyway and we both definitely like it. The dessert trolley is a bit 1987, but other than that, no complaints and the price fix is an awesome value.
Eddys – OMG, even if the food sucked, which it didn’t, I’d still give it a 7 for the ambiance. Very unique as it feels like a little garden. Def worth checking out.
On the Rocks at Eden Rock – One of our nicer dinners, but still only 159 Euro. Really cool hotel, we visited it again in the day a few days later. Awesome specialty drinks and I had a really good piece of beef there. Nice how you’re looking down at the beach and water.
Do Brazil – My favorite lunch spot and one heck of a hamburger although 24 Euro or 32 USD is a bit much, but hey you’re on vacation. Very casual, nice ocean breezes, and right after you just dip in the water. Decent snorkeling off to the left too.
Petit Columbe – Went for breakfast one more. I think there are two locations, this was the one by the villa up in the hills. Great value for breakfast and they have sandwiches to go as well for a picnic or what not. The bread is super fresh.
Marche U – Supermarket obviously, not a restaurant but we hit this place a few times. Wow – talk about well equipped, they have everything! We cooked in one night and didn’t have any trouble finding what we needed there. Great selection of booze too and actually it was the only place I could fine my beloved Kroenenburg 1664 – a French beer. (And it was a 22oz big boy too!) We also hit that other supermarket in Gustavia, but the one in St Jean blows it out the water.
Le Select – How could you not hit Le Select?! We ironically went on that Wed 6/5 and it appeared to be the actual birthday celebration for the well known and local celebrity Marius! We we’re give little bows to pin on our shirt and offered some free food. Balloons and decorations were great. We weren’t hungry but stayed for some drinks. What a cool little spot, I liked it a lot and stopped back again for a few brews a few days later.
Andy’s Hideaway – Awesome for a casual lunch or even dinner. We popped in for lunch on Friday of our trip and both got pizza. Excellent choice. I really loved the free Rhum at the end and they actually give you a lot, 3-4 shots! When you wife is expecting and can’t drink, someone’s gotta kill it! Nice shopping over in that area of St Jean too, my wife got a leather purse and some shoes.
Carl Gustav Hotel – Wow – this place blew me away. Amazing views right over the harbor and we just went for drinks at sunset. I would have gone back every night but the “boss” wouldn’t allow. If I could afford it and I wasn’t in a villa, I would stay here. Highly recommended for a sunset drink or two and the service was friendly and accommodating even though we were not hotel guests.
Tom Beach Hotel – Rented Beach charis and hung out there one day. Chairs were 20 Euro each, but I guess its worth it if you’re there for a few hours. I am a plane / aviation nut so I loved watching the planes take off and land on that beach. I got some really cool video and pics.
Nikki Beach – Trendy, sexy, sophisticated. Cool spot, but a little dead due to the slow season. I saw one bottle of Champagne on the menu that was 12,000 Euro! I had to order a few of them… kidding. I went with a few glasses of Rose. Nice enough spot, we didn’t eat there – just had drinks. I was told they are not open for dinner during this time of the season and that I should visit their other restaurant, the Strand, in town.
Beaches – We visited a ton of Beaches, probably 6 or 7, but my fav’s are below:
Petit Anse – Amazing Snorkeling. Didn’t even know this beach existed until we found this secret (or not so secret) viewing spot high in the hills over looking this beach and the beach where the IDF is. Awesome place for pics, does anyone know what it’s called? I could tell even from that high up that I would have to hit that little beach below (Petit Anse) and that the snorkeling would be ideal. I went back the next day and was not disappointed.
Saline – Private, remote, secluded… There were only 2-3 other couple on the beach when we visited. 5-10 minute hike from the car park. Definitely some naked people strolling around, didn’t bother me at all, but be prepared. It was my wife’s favorite beach.
Columbier – Went by ship, I’ll comment on that below under Jicky Marine. Really nice beach. Great Snorkeling, many ships in the harbor, but not too many people. Would return again for sure. Definetely worth visiting, but a 20-30 minute hike in the summer could be rough.
Shell – Awesome, one of my fav’s and be sure to eat / have drinks at do Brazil. I how close to town it is too, like literally right outside town.
St Jean – Probably my favorite due to the amenities offered by hotels and the planes coming and going. It never gets old seeing them take off and land. Cool to just rent at chair at the Tom Beach Hotel or have lunch and people watch.
Bonus info / Trip Highlight / A Personal Tip:
Jicky Marine – After hitting the beaches for 2-3 days, we said lets change it up and get out on the water. We really didn’t want to spend 500-1000 Euro on a private vessel (although that was ideal) so we opted for a 4 hour cruise on a catamaran with Jicky Marine in Gustavia. It included an open bar, light snacks, and a trip to Columbier beach all for 75 Euro. I thought that was a good value as it would been at least 40-50 on any other Caribbean island. Anyway, we’re rushing around due to my wife’s shopping spree and we drive up to the valet car park at Jicky with about 15 minutes to spare the gentlemen says “Take your time, you’re the only ones on the excursion.” What?! Private vessel for just us for 4 hours for 150 Euro? Sweet! I wouldn’t have even minded other people, but this just got much, much cooler. Samuel the captain was a great guy, very knowledge of the ship and the waters, and provided a tour by pointing things out including sea turtles. Mind you, I saw a flyer on the ship that listed a private weekday 1-4pm charter and the listed price was 690 Euro, so we saved over 500 Euro. My advice to anyone reading – sign up for the Friday 1-4 Columbier cruise during the slow season, you could be the only ones on a really nice ship. (Not guaranteed, of course.)
That’s all folks, thanks for reading and rest assured that I am hooked for life!
