PeterLynn
Senior Insider
Y'all sayin' we Texans talk funny?
Gypsea upcharge and....sorry tipping!
- Thread starter Nohero
- Start date
debd
Senior Insider
I observed a significant variation in visitor profiles this year. As long time visitors, we couldn't help but notice that close to 20 long term repeaters were not here this year. I'm sure there are various reasons, but expense was one of them, although it did not appear that was necessarily based on affordability. Health access limitations was another.
That is beyond egregious, you should have taken a photo of this waiter and posted it online. He probably assumed he wasn't getting a 20% tip which he clearly didn't deserve. I would have just said screw you and left without leaving anything extra.
Absolutely true that the visitor profile is changing. My impression is that numerous visitors of past years are not coming as they are feeling priced-out of the market . . . particularly in terms of the costs of dining and villas. Airline fares are growing, as well. "Aging-out" also is a factor . . . though I sense that a new, younger (& highly affluent) group of visitors is arriving. As a frequent visitor of 47 years and a property owner and business owner in this time, I can very clearly attest to the growing cost of visiting SBH & changing demographic of tourism.
It's unfortunate that this trend is emerging because "the old St. Barths" is still there . . . one can find reasonably priced accommodations and restaurants -- not to mention the value achieved by "dining in." Glam and glitz, however, have changed perception of the island . . . while the new dynamic attracts a new constituency.
le_reve
Senior Insider
Well said. Things are always changing, it is part of life, unfortunately.
JEK
Senior Insider
As an aging visitor I can attest to the lack of allure in our family unit. I would love to come back to rekindle longtime relationships - generational relationships. My spouse reading over my shoulder about 1500€ steaks et al is done with her visits. It will take a heavy sales plan to convince her otherwise.
I do believe I would like to be one of those mesdames..I hear that promises of langouste salades washed down with Premier Cru Puligny Montrachet for déjeuner at Sand Bar can be tempting for certain mesdames.
. . . and messieurs.I hear that promises of langouste salades washed down with Premier Cru Puligny Montrachet for déjeuner at Sand Bar can be tempting for certain mesdames.
We have finally aged out after 43 fabulous years. A really hard decision to make. I do feel we have seen the island at it’s best starting in 1981. Many good changes as in shopping for groceries and all the selections available now. With those came the not so good changes ie traffic, prices etc. We will always love our island paradise and will miss our time there. Even more we will miss the many friends we have made over the years. It is a very special place.
andynap
Senior Insider
I’m older than you - I think I’m the oldest here and I share your sentiment’s completely. It’s getting harder and harder for me and my portable oxygen to get there. Add to the mix that my son bought a condo in Ft Lauderdale. My recent trip there is probably my last airplane ride. I would rather drive.
My memories keep coming up in pictures from years past. Friendships that I still keep contact with to this day. We had a great time every time and I’m happy I introduced my son to the island. I still remember his comment at Le Langouste that it was the best lobster he ever had.
I will not give up posting tho.
GO EAGLES
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Dennis
Senior Insider
“The best dinner on St Barth’s is…”I hear that promises of langouste salades washed down with Premier Cru Puligny Montrachet for déjeuner at Sand Bar can be tempting for certain mesdames.
JEK
Senior Insider
That was just the icing on the sad cake of closings, tipping woes, parking conundrums and general over development.
