Overall Impression Dinner at Bartolomeo was good. After a day of rain, multiple failed attempts at beach lounging and room service (the other restaurant at the hotel was holding a private function) we were ready for a treat and Bartolomeo made it possible. It was convenient to walk from our room on the opposite end of the Hotel Guanahani to Bartolomeo, named after Columbus ’ brother. When we walked by earlier that day on our way to the beach, the bright orange sign with an adjacent menu and plain entrance gave no indication of the gourmet promises it held.

Once inside, we appreciated the relaxed ambiance with muted international background music. The dining room had an open air design with an adjacent landscaped area, which lent it a tropical feel. It also minimized the cigarette and cigar smoke from neighboring tables. Though we didn’t mind dressing up to meet the smart causal attire requirement, our shoes and feet got wet walking along the puddle strewn path. By the time we arrived at the restaurant we were sweating profusely. We enjoyed dinner in spite of the intermittent rain and sweltering heat (the few rotating fans barely made a dent).

Subtle and well combined flavors made a worthwhile sampling of St. Barths French gourmet cuisine. The dishes were appetizing and beautifully presented on attractive dinnerware. Because it was so hot and muggy, we were unwilling to linger for after dinner drinks or, perish the thought, hot beverages. We look forward to a future dining experience in Bartolomeo on our next visit to St. Barth and hope for mild breezes upon our return.

About The Executive Chef Nice, France native Philippe Masseglia, the director of food service at the Guanahani Hotel and Spa since 1995, was also the executive chef at Bartlomeo when we visited the restaurant. Chef Masseglia began his career in France at the Chateaux St. Martin de Vence. Following a brief stint at Mas d’Artigny in St. Paul de Vence he work with the Roux brothers in London. Then, he relocated to Los Angeles where he worked at the l’Orangerie restaurant in Beverly Hills from 1986 to 1989.

In 1989, he was named chef at the Hôtel Guanahani, where he spent two years. In 1991, Masseglia traveled to Polynesia where he worked at the Kia Ora in Rangiroa. He later returned to France where he worked for two years at the Golf Plaza in Ste. Maxime near St. Tropez before once again working at Le Guanahani. Chef Masseglia has worked with many world class chefs including Jacques Cagna, Marc Meneau and the Pourcel brothers.

Chef De Cuisine Sylvain Fernandez, who had worked at Guanahani for five years when we visited the property

Handicapped Access It seemed reasonably accessible

Head Sommelier Franck Toupin a 10-year Bartolomeo veteran

Location On the Hotel Guanahani grounds

Manager And Executive Chef Philippe Masseglia

Opened-Renovated In 1986 and renovated in 2004

Owned Hotel Guanahani & Spa

Size There was seating for 70

Type Of Restaurant French

DÉCor-Ambiance The restaurant’s contemporary island decor was updated by Elisa Bally; the artwork was purchased from a French gallery owned by Raymond Solombre.

Cellars Wine And Alcoholic Beverage Selection Bartolomeo had an ample selection of French wines. In addition to those, there were some international wine selections from Argentina, Australia, Chile, Italy, Spain and U.S.A. There also a full service bar adjacent to the dining area.

Special Menus There were two fixed price options: a two course meal (a selection of two options from the appetizer, main course, and dessert options) for 55 euros and a three course meal (appetizer, main course and dessert) for 80 euros.

Meal First we were served a lovely though spicy chicken and vegetable salad amouse bouche. For our appetizers we selected the Foie Gras Poélé fruits caramelizes au Xéres et jus de fruits de la passion (liver with a caramelized fruit in Xeres and passion fruit juice) which was melt-in-your mouth good and a light Qeues de Gambas en Tempura fenouil et papaya verte (shrimp tails and tuna fried in tempura batter with a fennel and green papaya salad). Our main courses were a Rascasse a La Bouillabaisse pomme de terre au saffron, rouille, parmesan (Scorpion fish “ á la Bouillabaisse” with potatoes, saffron, cripy mini-toasts and grated parmesan) and a flavorful Grosses Gambas Flambées au Whisky (whisky flambé shrimp with a light spicy tomato sauce and fragrant mint infused rice) dish. Three types of bread were available, plain French, with tomatoes or with olives. We accompanied our diner with half a bottle of Ruinart rose champagne.

We had to sample the desserts. We chose a Banana Island which was made of coconut and vanilla ice cream, liquor infused banana and banana mouse sitting on a pastry with a smattering of chocolate sauce and a passion fruit. We also had Mint Cake with Bellini Sherbert (peach ice cream floating in champagne). We sampled a tasty post dessert treat of raspberries, blueberries and blackberries in a chilled passion fruit juice.

Other Le Bartolomeo received the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences 5 Star Diamond for the restaurant and for the chef. In 1997, the Hôtel Guanahani launched its first Festival Gastronomique which featured a number of internationally-renowned chefs such as Marc Meneau from L’Espérance in Burgundy, Sylvain Humbert from the Hostellerie Le Baou in Ramatuelle, and Arnaud Viel from La Renaissance in Normandy. Chefs from New York ’s Le Cirque and Cipriani restaurants participated.

Date Of ReviewMay 2005

Reviewers Article by Elena del Valle

Photos by Gary Cox

Service Although the service staff were eager, attentive, accommodating and polite, the service was disappointing the night we were there. For example, they took our drink order after they brought us our first course. That meant our champagne was warmish until the end of our main course. One of us had no fork when our main course was served so we both had to wait for someone to come to our area of the dining room to request one and that took several precious minutes during which our hot entrée cooled.

Would You Dine There Again-Recommend It? Yes

Overall Impression We had barely entered the arrivals area at the modern Gustave III airport, hot and tired after a long day of travel, when we encountered Xavier, the Guanahani representative who was waiting for us. He collected our luggage and walked us over to his waiting van, where he provided us Evian bottles and Hermes refresher towelletes. These small touches meant a world to us and were the promise of things to come. At the hotel , he waited while we went through a five minute check-in, and then drove us to our room.

The next afternoon found us on our porch listening to the sounds of the surf and lunching on delicious and hot room service Thai prawns and a French style turkey club thinking what a wonderful time we were having in spite of the overcast and rainy weather. The most striking thought we had was that if we had unlimited funds, this is how we would want to live (at least part of the time): at a property like the Guanahani .

Salient features of the 16-acre Guanahani , named for the first island Columbus discovered in what is now The Bahamas on his maiden voyage, were its ideal situation on a protected cove with beachside and hillside room options, quiet ambiance, high standards, Internet connectivity, sleek modern look combined with bright Caribbean theme, outstanding view of the bay from our room, extraordinary service, good food, and manicured grounds. Next time, we would consider a room or suite slightly closer to the beach and restaurants though we would be hard pressed to surrender our remarkable ocean/island view. Although we were disappointed with the weather, we found lazing in our room – where we could order room service, watch DVDs, listen to CDs, get online (weak signal) or just read – was a fun and relaxing way to spend our vacation. That afternoon we made a toast to the precious details that made the Guanahani a wonderful property for an island getaway and contemplated a prompt return.

Class Of Accommodation four stars

Concierge Yanne

Connectivity Complimentary wired and WiFi connectivity was a pleasant surprise. Although the connectivity signal was weak and intermittent and the speed slow, we were able to connect and make extended use of our connection, with a wireless setup from our room. In addition, there were three computers with flat screens and a dedicated library area for guest use in the hotel lobby. There were notebook computers available for rent for 40 euros a day (1,200 euro deposit required).

General Manager : Marc Thézé

Handicapped Access very limited due to hilly landscapes, steep inclines and uneven ground, challenging even for someone with a cane or walking disability

Length Of Stay three nights

Location on the Grand Cul de Sac on the northeast end of the French island of Saint Barthélemy

Owned Colony Capital ( U.S. company based in Los Angeles )

Pets no pets allowed

Size 69 rooms including 30 suites, 38 double rooms and 1 three bedroom villa in a 16 acre property

Year Opened-Renovated 1986 and renovated in 2004

Lobby And Common Areas bright blues, oranges and pinks peppered the lobby. Fresh flowers and beautiful accents were sprinkled liberally throughout the property. From the gecko designs, to the pastel colors, comfortable and cushy sofas in the library/lobby area, spotless bathrooms in the common areas. There were not many places to spend time during inclement weather, we discovered shortly after our arrival in the midst of several days of rainy weather.

Bathroom We liked the wooden “wall” design behind the bed which led to an open (no door) bathroom area the width of the room. This area included a pleasant door-less shower, his and her sinks with a towel rack underneath. Across from these there was a large vanity to store cosmetics and toiletries and a full length mirror. Our bathroom area was spacious with subdued lighting, clean and appealing.

Room Our 40 square meter (431 square foot) Ocean Bay View room (#65) with a high ceiling had a splendid view of Marigot Bay from almost anywhere in the room. The stylishly decorated room featured white walls with original artwork (oil painting of Christopher Columbus the three ships by Louis Scuipel), dark wood floors, a king bed with a white cotton bedspread, a wood headboard and glass covered matching wood night tables on either side of the bed. One night table had a phone and the other a small clock. There was a fan over the bed though we preferred to run the efficient European style air conditioner round the clock to minimize the clammy humidity. There were lamps on the wall above each of the night tables, one on the desk and another on an armoire/minibar. There were 14-foot wide sliding glass doors framed by white curtains leading to a covered porch with a wood table and two wood chairs with white cushions and two canvas chairs.

Our only disappointment in the room was that there were no comfortable lounge chairs were we could laze when we preferred to stay in (because of the rainy weather we ended spending much more time in our room than we had expected). The lawn chairs were not comfortable for more than a few minutes and the wood chairs were okay for a meal though not to read or lay in. As a result, we ended up lying in bed when in the room for extended time periods.

Inside the room there was a wall facing glass covered wood desk and matching armless chair with green fabric cushions. Next to it there was a small wood table and two arm chairs with the same green fabric cushions as the ones on the desk chair. On the opposite side of the room there was an armoire with a flat screen Sharp satellite remote controlled TV with 14 channels (including CNN, HBO, CNBC and the Lifetime) and a multi-zone DVD player. Inside there was a refrigerated minibar and next to it a shelf full of minibar snacks; the bottom was made up of three drawers where we placed our folded clothes during our stay. We found a closet in the back of the room with space to hang clothes on one side, shelves for folded clothes and an electronic safe on the other.

Food And Restaurants there were two restaurants: L’Indigo, a beachside restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner and Le Bartolomeo, a gourmet restaurant open nightly. It was possible to order room service from both. We ordered lunch from room service (from L’Indigo). It arrived very quickly and was served with a tablecloth on the porch. Though the French fries were only lukewarm, the Stir Fried Prawns with Lemongrass Green Curry, Chinese noodles and crunchy vegetables were hot (in temperature and spice); the turkey club was rich with lots of mayonnaise and an egg salad like flavor. We also tried the cheeseburger and it was warm when it arrived and well prepared with American cheese and a fresh burger bun. The condiments came in individual miniature sizes. Dinner at Le Bartolomeo was delicious.

Amenities we found light and cool to the touch cotton bath robes and matching slippers with the Guanahani logo in our room. There were also Hermes toiletries including soap, shampoo, body lotion, and conditioner . For sun protection there was a toiletry size bottle of St. Barths brand sun block. There were also shower caps, manicure sets (nail file and orange stick), make up remover pads, mosquito repellent and coils (to burn) and cotton swabs. There was 24-hour room service and twice daily room service.

Beach an inviting (1/8 mile) white sand beach peppered with several layers of lounge chairs and thatch roof protection welcomed beach oriented guests. The water was very calm and clear and the sand soft on the feet. The beach looked inviting in spite of the extensive layer of sea weed just beyond where the waves broke against the sand. Oversize wood benches and chairs beckoned groups to gather and converse next to the beachside bar. Hungry guests could order drinks from the comfort of their lounge chairs and find a restaurant and restroom steps away.

A water sports center offered complimentary snorkeling and windsurfing equipment, pedal boats, canoes and instructions on their use. For a fee guests could rent motor boats or jet-skis with an escort, go water-skiing or scuba diving (through an outside vendor).

Facilities lobby with library and three computers for guests, two floodlit tennis courts (and a tennis pro), two swimming pools, Jacuzzi, pool bar, two restaurants Indigo and Bartolomeo, 8-room spa, jewelry shop, water sports and fitness centers and boutique.

Fitness Center And Spa an air conditioned fitness center with large glass windows on one side was open 7 am to 7 pm was near the beach. It had three treadmills, an elliptical machine, cross-training, stationary bicycles, leg extension, lat machine, chest press, adjustable and flat benches and set dumbbells. There was an eight room Clarins spa and Leonor Greyl beauty salon.

Pool a 17 x 5 meter (approximately 51 x 15 feet) swimming pool with a large Jacuzzi in the middle was adjacent to Indigo restaurant and the beach. Another pool with access limited to those 16 and older was housed in the spa building. Both pools looked clean and welcoming.

Conference Facilities there was a meeting room large enough for 25 with overhead and slide projectors, phone, and separate restrooms. Other audiovisual equipment could be rented from outside vendors.

Other Complimentary breakfast, airport transfers, parking and flight confirmation were included. Beachside child care (for 2-6 year olds) was available daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Guanahani was a member of the Leading Small Hotels of the World,

Check-In-Check-Out Process Ease excellent

Cleanliness excellent

Date Of Review May 2005

Reviewers Article by Elena del Valle

Photos by Gary Cox and Elena del Valle

Service We found some of the most helpful, courteous, efficient and pleasant service staff we have encountered on any island in the Caribbean and beyond. What a pleasure! Nothing we asked for was a chore, requests and questions were responded to with alacrity, room service staff were jet fast responding to calls and delivering food and requested items.

Would You Stay There Again? Yes

Overall Impression It was a rainy and overcast St. Barth’s day when my husband and I drove across the island to visit the Spa at Hotel Saint Barth Isle de France. After a delightful lunch at a nearby beachside restaurant recommended by Fiona, the spa manager, it was time for a relaxing treatment. We found the busy hotel and spa tucked away in a quiet corner of Flamands Bay . Right away, I liked the look and style of the small spa which boasted of its “customer centered holistic approach.” After leaving our car in a diminutive parking lot, we walked to the spa entrance. Inside, I was greeted warmly and given a short questionnaire to complete. Soon after, a lively British therapist with a bright smile walked me over to the Garden Pavilion for the fully clothed Thai massage. I applied a liberal second dose (we had sprayed ourselves before leaving) of mosquito repellant, lay on the floor mat and she began. An hour and a half later, found me sitting in a cushy chair at the spa reception eating fruit sorbet and feeling “noodly” though awake.

Since the weather had been unkind I decided to return the following morning to sample other spa treatments. A young and quiet French therapist administered the Equabalance Facial and Shiatswe massage, a signature massage of the Spa. In the treatment room, the crisp and warm sheets felt kind on my skin. The subtle scent of essential oils in the air and the serene quiet helped me unwind. The facial was soothing and felt good on my sun exposed skin. The massage, immediately after the facial and in the same treatment room, was gentle and relaxing. I nearly fell asleep at the end. This time, the therapist brought a tray with water, small slices of fruit and a sweet fruit sorbet, which I consumed while propped up on the heated treatment bed.

Because I was able to schedule appointments on short notice I half expected the spa to be vacant. Instead, a steady flow of customers from the hotel and beyond walked in or called for treatments in the brief time I spent in the reception area. Apparently, 40 percent of the spa’s customers are island residents and guests from other facilities. Not surprising, I thought in the wake of my treatments.

I appreciated the peaceful yet sophisticated ambiance, friendly and guest centered attitude of the staff, spotlessly clean rooms, well administered treatments and cozy feel of The Spa at Hotel Saint Barth Isle de France. It was worthy of repeat visits.

General Manager Fionna Hoey

Handicapped Access Entering and getting around the spa and its facilities required guests to have a minimum of mobility due to steps in entryways and stairs leading downstairs.

Location on the garden grounds of the Hotel Saint Barth Isle de France

Number Of Staff Six therapists and a spa manager

Owned Charlie Ver Nicoll

Size F our treatment rooms in about 1,500 square feet of air conditioned space

Staff Therapists were European, British, French, and Irish and able trained in most of the treatments which provided good scheduling options to guests at the time of booking. The therapist who performed the Thai massage was trained in Thailand and goes back every year to refresh her skills and study more.

Treatments Available Facials for men and women; eucalyptus, gingerlily, yuan zhi (a Chinese her oil) or grapeseed body wraps; nail grooming for hands and feet; leg, hand or foot therapies. Massages included Thai, Reiki, warming eucalyptus, crystal , European or Shiatswe. New treatments planned for Fall 2005 included a Four Hand Massage (two therapists), Men’s Facial, deep tissue and pregnancy massages. The spa was also considering spa packages.

Year Opened-Renovated 2002

Common Areas Spa guests were invited to enjoy the hotel swimming pools, beach and common areas. The spa itself was small and had limited space to linger though there were plans for expansion in the works.

Food And Restaurants Spa guests could sup at the hotel restaurant. After each treatment we were presented with a small platter with a glass of water, fruit slices and a fruit sorbet.

Facilities Spa guests were invited to take advantage of a fitness room with a treadmill, elliptical machine, stationary bicycle, universal machine, free weights, the hotel ’s beach and two swimming pools areas, a searil (aromatherapy steam room large enough for couples) and an outdoor Garden Pavilion.

Pool there were two hotel swimming pools , one beach side and another quieter one garden side

Lockers And Bathrooms The small bathroom I visited upstairs consisted of a sink and separate W.C. It was attractively appointed.

Other The spa was open seven days a week and holidays. They offered in-home treatments for visitors staying in rental properties (as we were). The summer rates, 30 percent off the high season rates, were noteworthy. The spa housed the largest collection of Molton Brown products I had seen anywhere.

Cleanliness Excellent

Date Of Review May 2005

Number Of Treatments Three

Reviewers Article and Photos by Elena del Valle

Treatments Experienced The Thai massage, held outdoors in the attractive Garden Pavilion, focused on unblocking energy points by pressing down on them (with light, medium or deep pressure), pushing and pulling limbs in different directions. The therapist used arms, feet, limbs and her body in general to accomplish the ample variety of stretches and stimulate flexibility. Although it was relaxing immediately after the hour and a half long treatment, I felt slightly sore the next day.

I liked the 55-minute Equabalance facial with Egyptian jasmine’s reliance on skin massage and lotions for cleansing. It was just what my face needed, to be treated with care. First the therapist applied fruit and flower extracts, then an olive and citrus enzyme polish and finally a clay mask. A gentle neck and scalp massage was just what the doctor ordered.

My mild mannered and unassuming therapist gave an impressive Shiatswe body massage with grapeseed. The 55-minute treatment was a combination of Swedish, reiki, reflexology and shiatsu techniques. At first it felt as though she was hardly pressing at all, slowly I began to feel more relaxed and enjoyed it thoroughly.

Pluses that added to the pampered feel included large clean smelling plush towels, a heated blanket to lie on, aromatherapy scents, and a delicate floating flower decoration.

Would You Return? Yes

Overall Impression On the eve of our departure from St. Barth, we discovered this lovely Caribbean gem on a hill overlooking Anse Toiny. The romantic and elegant Le Gaiac was named after the guaiacum tree which has the heaviest tropical wood with many medicinal purposes and is found in the area where the restaurant is located. Part of Le Gaiac’s appeal was due to its blue and white décor and setting next to the Hotel Le Toiny’s night lit swimming pool. The open air dining room facing Toiny cove was inviting, comfortable, breezy and mosquito free. We greatly enjoyed the relaxed ambiance, live music (performed by Alan Landry) excellent service and innovative cuisine.

Chef Maxime Deschamps passion for culinary innovation and insistence on high quality ingredients in spite of the challenges of cooking in an island restaurant were apparent in his style and dishes. His and Le Toiny’s determination to develop Le Gaiac into a top tier gourmet restaurant paid off. Tucked away in a secluded area of the island, it took us just minutes to arrive from our Marigot Bay accommodations and yet we were transported to a world of reverence to fine food. From the restaurant manager, to the serving staff and chef, it was obvious Le Gaiac revels in the making of French fare and providing its guests exceptional gourmet dining in a romantic locale.

About The Executive Chef Chef Deschamps, a native of Limoges, France, had been at Le Gaiac for 11 years when we visited the restaurant. He attended CAP Cuisine Classique A and the Ecole Hoteliere de Souillac. Prior to joining Le Toiny, he worked as chef de cuisine at the Hotel Ste Foy in Aveyron. Before that he was chef de partie and then sous chef at the restaurant L’Escale in Carry Le Rouet .

Executive Chef Maxime Deschamps

General Manager David Henderson

Handicapped Access Other than a couple of steps at the entrance, the ground was level. The restaurant indicated the area was fully accessible.

Location In the lobby of the Hotel Le Toiny

Opened-Renovated 1992

Owned E.S . Development with Michael Shen president

Pastry Chef Fabien Marie

Restaurant Manager Mohamed Zouikri

Size Seated 70

Type Of Restaurant French “inventive with an exotic touch”

DÉCor-Ambiance Le Gaiac was set on an open air terrace with a 180 degree view of the Hotel’s swimming pool and the bay beyond. The restaurant had a contemporary look with leather interior chairs and teak exteriors in bright blue for a self described “ Caribbean contrast with a touch of contemporary style.” At night, the mild cooling breeze was a blessing and the lit pool in the background reminded diners of the tropical island setting.

Cellars Wine And Alcoholic Beverage Selection More than 250 wine options and regular bar selections including aperitifs and after dinner drinks

Special Menus a tasting menu was available for 120 euros

Meal We had a tasting menu starting with a delightful cream of lemongrass soup with a dash of coconut milk, accompanied with an excellent Thai lobster spring roll; poached eggs with a bacon mousse, accompanied with brioche and black truffle; sliced scallops and black truffle with a cauliflower mousse, accompanied with a distinctive mushroom and licorice soup. We especially liked the steamed foie gras with balsamic vinegar and passion fruit juice on a bed of lentils.

Next we tried a crispy shrimp with nougatine garlic and an orange sauce; crayfish with a wafer of seasoned pasta, draped with a crustacean sauce and a point of Beluga Caviar; fricassee of Maine lobster served in its bouillon with garden peas and morels; and lacquered yellowtail snapper stuffed with banana plantain and braised with sweet and sour sauce and sautéed potatoes. We cleansed our palates with a litchi ginger and champagne granité before our sliced roast pigeon with mango and celery ravioli, ginger vegetables and hazelnut juice; for our final salt course we had pan grilled lamb chops served with tomato and dried fruit concassée with a mojette bean mousse.

Dessert was a refreshing and tasty lemon sorbet with strawberries marinated in olive oil and balsamic vinegar and a julienne of celery and warm chocolate cake filled with coconut and whisky ice cream. We accompanied our meal with Emotion de Terroirs , Chardonnay 2002, Vincent Girardin and champagne Billecart Salmon Rose.

Other Le Toiny was a member of Relais & Chateaux

Date Of Review May 2005

Reviewers Article by Elena del Valle

Photos by Gary Cox

Service The service was outstanding. Staff were attentive, polite, helpful and well trained.

Would You Dine There Again-Recommend It? yes

Overall Impression Visiting this tiny (eight square miles) French Caribbean island was like a ray of sunshine during a storm. We enjoyed some of the best of island life with few of the common inconveniences. Favorite characteristics that would draw us back in a heartbeat included stunning panoramic views, a polite sophisticated attitude, English is spoken by many of the locals and Anglophones are welcome, a laid back ambiance, almost no crime, fine French and international dining (there are 70 restaurants!), an outstanding infrastructure with cell phone and high speed Internet connectivity, wonderful options for accommodations, inviting spa facilities and beautiful white sand beaches.

Because the miniscule Gustave III airport is limited to planes of 20 passengers or less, it took us almost an entire day to reach St. Barth. In spite of St. Barth’s size, car rentals are mandatory to discover the island. At the same time, local drivers test the limits of their car’s speed endurance as if training for an automobile race. Since the island lacks any natural fresh water sources, water is precious and expensive. This intrudes in subtle ways on visitors’ stay and pervades the residents’ outlook regarding water. Jackhammers and banging noises of all sorts from neighboring construction projects peppered throughout the northeast of the island marred our peaceful solitude.

In spite of significant growth and the challenges it brings, St. Barth’s residents and those in the tourism industry we interacted with were polite, helpful, convivial and gracious hosts. Although St. Barth prices are not for the faint of heart, the value for money, considering everything including much of the labor has to be imported, is top notch. Budgetary issues aside, enchanting St. Barth ranks at the top of our list for a relaxing island getaway with all the comforts of home.

Cost Of Visiting High

Currency As part of France , the currency is the euro

Electrical Current 220 AC 60 cycles

How To Get There We, as is the case with many visitors to St. Barth, arrived by air after connecting in nearby St. Martaan . Most international flights connect to small commuter flights on the Dutch side of that neighboring island. After an all day trip (we departed our house at 7:30 a.m. and arrived at the hotel at 5 p.m. ), a change of planes, what seemed an interminable wait in the hot and muggy airport in St. Martin, we discovered to our dismay rainy weather in St. Barts .

There is boat service and ferries from nearby Anguilla and St. Martin to St. Barth. During the season, we were told; hundreds of yachts of all kinds can be found in Gustavia harbor.

Location St. Barth is in the northern Caribbean, 20 miles south of St. Martin

Measures The metric system

Money Issues Money exchange was readily available at tourist places and we found two automatic teller machines (ATMs) from which we were able to withdraw funds in euros. Credit cards were readily accepted almost everywhere we went.

Technology All modern conveniences were available including television, regular and cell phones, and high speed Internet connectivity.

Time Islanders keep time on a 24 hour cycle. They are one hour ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard time, except during daylight savings time when both areas keep identical time.

Transportation Taxis apparently exist though they seem to be rare. The best way we found to get around was to rent a small car. This was a practical approach to the narrow roads and crowded parking areas we observed on the island. Two gas stations served the island, one near the airport and the other in Lorient .

Facilities St. Barth had most everything we required during our stay. Although there was no movie theater, there were plenty of watering holes and restaurants to pass the time. There was a doctor on call and several specialists (dentist, ophthalmologist), several high end shopping arcades and boutiques, gourmet shops, grocery stores, a post office, and yacht supplies.

Shopping And Souvenirs Known for its tax free shopping, St. Barth boutiques sell many luxury goods. There were local arts and crafts, gourmet and wine shops, jewelers, souvenir shops, high fashion boutiques, perfumes, and cigars.

Tourism Highlights To get a feel for the island, a former Swedish territory, and its history Gustavia is a must . Beach lovers and the hip crowd spend time around St. Jean , the island’s most famous beach which is perpendicular to the airport and home to many tourist properties. Hiking enthusiasts, we were told though we never ventured, enjoy Colombier . Flamands on Anse de Flamands is a typical island village while Corossol is known as a fishing village and the last remnant of the old days of straw works. Cul de Sac and Marigot , were we spent time, are residential and subdued. Salines is reputedly the location for the best beach on the island.

Favorites For a memorable lobster meal (during lobster season) and tasty home made vanilla flavored rum we loved La Langouste (27.63.61) in Anse des Flamands . When we felt like having wine or champagne we went to a great wine little wine shop on Rue du Roi Oscar II in Gustavia, Le Gout du Vin (27.88.02). For shameless window shopping we loved Hermes. For an earthy lunch French Creole style with toes in the sand and the beach a step away, we liked Le Rivage (28.82.42).

Other In earlier times, due to St. Barth’s lack of water, it never housed any plantations or slaves. Even today rain water is collected in cisterns and supplied via a desalinization plant. This, we think, played a role in the gentle attitude of its current inhabitants and the high value placed on water by all who live there.

Newly established nature reserve areas in the northeast, northwest and the nearby islands of Frégate , Ile Toc Vers , Les Gros Ilets , Le Pain de Sucre, and Ile Fourchue protected the environment.

A word about weather: Although they say it is always sunny in the tropical maritime Caribbean , we discovered the hard way that this is not always so. It rained on and off for more than half of our week long stay . At times the rain was so persistent we chose to order room service.

A word about mosquitoes: They ate us a live. Although we heard from locals, the mosquito infestation was due to the heavy rains, it mattered not the least to us when they were zooming around, biting and tormenting us while we slept. In the end, we sprayed profusely, burned anti-mosquito coils and turned on the fans or escaped into the air conditioning whenever possible.

Date Of Latest Visit May 2005

Would You Visit This Destination Again? Yes

Overall Impression Turning off the main road onto a non-descript private street that would have made a mountain goat feel at home, we arrived at Villa Bel’Ombre. We were pleasantly surprised to find it was more comfortable and prettier than the photos we had seen online and the postcard view was even more stunning than we could have imagined. The $3 million villa was spacious, open and full of thoughtful features we liked such as a shaded deck area facing the bay, comfortable lounge chairs in the sun and shade, indoor and outdoor dining areas, a partially open kitchen facing the bay, and a Jacuzzi by the master bedroom. Marble landscape skies with a moon, pink and purple sunrises, the sound of birdsong and the surf, the impeccable swimming pool where we could linger while enjoying the view from the infinity edge and a welcome sense of privacy were some of the extras we discovered onsite.

Just down and across the hill from our villa there were several homes under construction. This meant hammering and banging through most of the day. We could also hear the constant flow of traffic through the main road. As darkness fell on the island, these unwelcome intrusions retreated, and the sounds of birds and the ocean surf below created an entirely different music.

We felt at home at Villa Bel’Ombre. Its hillside location provided an enviable view of Marigot Bay , Turtle Island , the nearby Mont Jean residential neighborhood and the Hotel Guanahani . We enjoyed our time there it so much we had to tear ourselves away to explore the island and go out shopping and for meals. We could imagine more luxurious villas and accommodations on the island; we couldn’t think of any place we would rather stay.

We fell in love with the Villa’s mixture of elegance, every day and high tech conveniences, privacy, comfort, and open design with emphasis on a mesmerizing Marigot Bay view. We look forward with anticipation to a return stay in Villa Bel’Ombre whenever we can.

Class Of Accommodation Private luxury villa

Connectivity High speed Internet connectivity was excellent and for those times we had to stay in touch by phone, there was inexpensive VoIP (voice over IP) direct dial calling.

Handicapped Access There was a ramp for luggage or a wheel chair and other than that no stairs in a the single story house.

Length Of Stay five nights

Location On the Grand Cul de Sac on the northeast end of the French island of Saint Barthélemy

Owned-Managed Philippe & Nicole Enault

Pets Allowed Yes

Size Three bedrooms, three bathrooms on 270 square meters (170 square meters under the roof and a 100 square meter pool area) in about one eighth of an acre

Year Opened 2002

Common Areas The entrance to the house was an Eastern influenced garden with a water feature and a statue. Bamboo clusters and pebbles in the garden were softly lit at night for a romantic, evanescent effect. Beyond the stone entrance path and the open sliding glass doors we found the living area to the right and the kitchen to the left. The living area included a beige leather couch, a white fabric love seat, two matching fabric chairs, a wood corner table with vase and a wood cocktail table, and a small selection of books and DVDs. There was regular and recessed lighting. We preferred the latter because it seemed to attract fewer mosquitoes. There was also a 36” Sharp satellite TV, DVD and an AIWA multimedia sound system. Four original artworks with varying blue hues hung in the living room.

A rattan floor mat divided the living room and kitchen, where we found a six seat glass dining room table and rattan chairs and overhead track lights. The large kitchen faced the bay. It had a double door Samsung stainless steel new looking refrigerator with ice and water dispenser and an easy access door, a dishwasher, brown and black granite countertop, microwave and conventional ovens and the usual appliances. A fax machine/phone and VoIP sat on a small table. There was an electronic safe in the corner under the ovens.

Just beyond the living room where another set of sliding doors would be there was a second living area with a white fabric love seat, two white rattan armchairs and a black metal glass top table. Behind that area there was a small dining table for four in a cubby hole. The master bedroom, although connected by the roof overhang, was a stand alone structure.

Just in front of the kitchen and to the other side of the second living area, there was a dining table for six identical to the one in the kitchen. To the other side of the table, there was a large porch area with four lounge chairs which could be positioned in the shade or sun according to our mood and the sun’s position in the sky. Next to the pool, a shaded wood deck with two lounge chairs faced the bay and a small landscaped area from which we could see the neighborhood road.

DÉCor Contemporary with comfortable, practical furniture and decorative elements including original art work from Ya Nen Hsu and two local artists, Stan Defize and Michele Geiss.

Bathroom The master bathroom was large. It had an open shower stall, wood and silver color his and her sinks and a separate W.C. A door led from the W.C. to the terrace, a welcome convenience when making use of the facilities or returning to the room after taking a swim. The other two bathrooms were inside the two bedrooms. Though slightly smaller, they were similar in design and style including a shower and double sinks.

Rooms All the bedrooms had air conditioning, separate entrances and en suite bathrooms.

Master bedroom: this room was separate from the main building and adjacent to the pool. It occupied the portion of land abutting the furthest north from the house with a lovely view of Marigot Bay through sliding glass double doors. White walls and dark wood provided a clean, cool look framed by navy blue and white curtains and a matching bedspread. A four poster queen bed sat in the center of the room facing a mirror half the height of the wall. A small TV (which showed the same programs broadcast on the main TV in the living area) hung on the wall in the back corner of the room. Next to the entrance, there was a walk-in closet.

First main house bedroom: decorated in white, it was between the kitchen and the second guest bedroom. A queen size bed with a white bedspread faced the ocean which could be seen through the double glass doors beyond the large porch and deck area. Wood night tables with lamps (including light switches that could be reached while in bed) sat on either side of the bed. A VoIP phone was on one of the night tables. Three large yellow and white orchid photos decorated the eastern wall which faced the ample closet. A small wood table and chair were next to the entrance. We left the glass doors open day and night to enjoy the view and hear the sounds of the surf in the distance. Past the closet there was an en suite bathroom.

Second main house bedroom: it was the furthest from the common area and was similar in design and furniture to the first main house bedroom with a blue and white bedspread and white walls. A queen bed faced the screened sliding glass doors. There was a blue chair and small table to one side. Past the closet there was an en suite bathroom.

Amenities We found terry cotton bath robes There were small Palmolive and non-branded bathroom soaps as well as Sephora brand shower gel. A set of two medium size beach towels was available per room.

Pool And Jacuzzi The pool was one of our favorite places to spend time. Whether swimming, dunking our feet or just sitting by it we longed to be in or next to it and looking out beyond. The 10 x 4.4 meter infinity pool covered with ocean blue tile was the center point of the house. It was 1.5 meters deep and from it the view to the nearby bay and ocean was magnificent. It was spotlessly clean thanks to a sophisticated three filter system and water feeds from municipal and cistern sources. It had night lights, a jet current and safety device. There was a terrace adjacent to the main bath room shower area where an outdoor Jacuzzi was located. The Jacuzzi temperature was set permanently at 97 F.

Other Recent rains had resulted in a mosquito overpopulation. These pesky insects were more than happy to spend time in our idyllic surrounds. This meant we had to cover ourselves with mosquito spray from head to toe several times a day and use liberal doses of aerosol spray and anti-mosquito coils.

Due to water restrictions, the laundry room was only available to the cleaning lady. Guests were invited to avail themselves of a Laundromat.

Although there were houses all around us, the landscaping and house design provided privacy and a sense of seclusion. Being close to our neighbors also meant we had to be aware of the level of noise and the volume of the music, especially at times when our names might be asleep.

Long distance calls using Voice Over Internet Protocol ( VoIP ) made it possible to stay in touch with work and family by phone. The rate in effect during our stay was 0.036 U.S. cents per minute. Guests were only required to pay if they exceeded 20 euros per week.

Cleanliness Very good. Although the cleaning lady was on bereavement leave when we visited, maid service was usually included in the rental fee.

Date Of Review May 2005

ReviewersArticle by Elena del Valle

Photos by Gary Cox

Welcome Owners Philippe and Nicole collected us at our nearby hotel and showed us around the villa.

Would You Stay There Again? Yes