WHEN YOU GO:   St. Barthélemy

Getting There:

American Airlines, (800) 433-7300, flies to St. Martin/St. Maarteen (SXM) via Dallas. Several local St. Martin airlines such as Air Caraibes, (590)27.99.41, fly from St. Martin to St. Barth several times daily. See the references below for other airlines, auto rentals, etc.

Staying There:

Villages St. Jean, (590)27.61.39 (Fax: 27.77.96) offers a variety of bay view accommodations, pool, and restaurant, all within 200 yards of Baie de St. Jean. It is a good value for the island. We felt very comfortable in a one-room cottage with attached terrace and kitchenette. See the references below for photos and information on this establishment as well as approximately 40 other lodging alternatives. The organization French Caribbean International at (800)322-2223 also provides reservations for select hotels and villas on St. Barth and other locations in the French West Indies. The most popular guide book is Frommer's Caribbean. This comprehensive Caribbean guide devotes a chapter to St. Barth. Other travel books on the Caribbean can be accessed at the Travel Bookstore.

Fast Facts:

Eight sq. miles; maximum elevation: 900 ft.; 14 major beaches; year round temperature range: 72°-86° F. Population: approximately 7,000 plus tourist lodging for approximately 3,000. Lodging: approx. 40 hotels and cottage groupings, as well as an assortment of private villas. Restaurants: approximately 50 establishments range from fine French cuisine to pizza parlors. Sports: surfing, windsurfing, sailing, fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, tennis, horse back riding, hiking.

WWW sites:

St. Barth's Online: A complete listing of hotels, restaurants, and practical travel planning info.
French Caribbean International: The leading resource for select hotels and villas in the French West Indies.