Condé Nast Recommends Premium IV

Condé Nast Traveler’s web site, www.concierge.com, provides information and recommendations for hundreds of destinations around the world. Now, Premium IV, a destination management company on St Barth, has earned a recommendation from them. As quoted from their web site:

"If you want to plan your trip with a fraction of the hassle, consider using the concierge service Premium IV, who can organize absolutely anything from speeding a VIP transit process through the airport at St. Maarten, to organizing plane and boat charters, weddings, and other event catering, to booking villa and hotel accommodation. They'll also handle the little things like restaurant reservations for no extra charge."

Premium IV's offices are located in the little shopping center just down from the airport: Galeries du Commerce, St. Jean. To view the site’s Fact Sheet on St Barth and for a link to Premium IV’s web site, visit www.concierge.com/destination/stbarths/logistics.

Hotel Carl Gustaf Offers Special $US Rates

As reported by Michelle Higgins in The New York Times on February 3, the Hôtel Carl Gustaf in Gustavia is guaranteeing rates in US dollars. The hotel’s listed rates begin at 1100 €, which is $1672 at an exchange rate of $1.52 to the euro. However, now through April 19, the hotel is offering rates beginning at $1300 with a minimum stay of three nights. The Hôtel Carl Gustaf is a 14-room, 4-star luxury hotel overlooking the harbor of Gustavia. Room amenities include a plunge pool, sun deck, air-conditioning, satellite TV, DVD player, in-room safe, a computer and printer with Internet connection plus a mini-bar and kitchenette. If you book a room, remember to ask for the special US-dollar rate.

The Rapid Explorer Is Back in Operation

The Rapid Explorer, a high-speed catamaran with airline-type seats and air-conditioning, resumed service between St Maarten and St Barth on February 11 after a hiatus of 18 months. It will depart from and arrive at Captain Oliver’s Marina at Oyster Pond, which is about 25 minutes from the airport. The marina is home to Captain Oliver’s restaurant as well as a bar and grill, which makes waiting for departure a relaxing experience and a chance to grab a bite. Tickets are for sale at the travel agency Saint Barth Tours and Travel in Gustavia. Visit their web site at http://www.rapidexplorer.com for information on their schedule and rates and to make reservations.

Carnaval 2008!

Although this year’s Carnaval was a bit calmer than those of previous years, the streets were still filled with people eagerly awaiting to see what surprises would be revealed. The first group to arrive were the horses and riders from the Ranch of Flamands. This year, 11 groups paraded through the streets of Gustavia, including Rhum et Gingembre, Les Cassiopées presenting champagne, Saint Barth Allegria, Portugal, Disco Party, Perd Pas Le Nord, Funstown, SBJAM “La Pointe en Mouvement” and The Hideaway, performing as The Gipsy Kings and belting out a strong performance of Volare with full participation by the crowd. Pre-Carnaval festivities have taken place every Sunday evening for the past month, culminating in Children’s Carnaval on Friday, February 1, as groups of children paraded through Gustavia accompanied by a marching tambour band and “floats” playing music. The official end of Carnaval came on Wednesday night, February 6, as the funeral procession carrying Vaval throughout Gustavia made its way to Shell Beach, where the burning of Vaval marks the end of Carnaval.

Le Repaire

Le Repaire, directly across the street from the harbor in Gustavia, serves French and Creole cuisine. An open-air restaurant with ceiling fans and tropical plants, Le Repaire is a delightful place to have a relaxing meal and watch the activity on the street. A pool table is available in a room adjoining the dining area. The restaurant is pen daily from 7:00 am to 10:30 pm. Major credit cards accepted. To view a sampling of their menu, go to http://www.caribbean-on-line.com/st-barts/2006/05/la-repaire-restaurant-st-barths.html#more. You can call them at 590 590 27 72 48.

Preliminary Census Results Are In

According to the INSEE (the French Institute for Economic Statistics), the population of St Barth as of January 1, 2007 was 8450 residents. This figure represents a 23.28% increase, or 1596 new residents, since the last census of 1999. This is an average increase of 2.7% per year. The official results of the census, which was taken in January and February, will be released by the end of the year. With the new Collectivity status of the island in effect, the census will now be taken every five years; thus, the next census will take place in 2012.

Carnival 2008

Tuesday, February 5, is Carnival and you can be sure that the participating groups are working on final adjustments to their costumes and their choreography. All the fun starts at 3:00 pm, with the groups departing from Public. Below is this year’s schedule of appearance.

Le Ranch
SBJAM “La Pointe in Mouvement
Funstown
ASCO / ASP “Cho Douvant”
The Hideaway (Chez Andy)
Rhum et Gingembre
Portugal
Saint Barth Allegria
Disco Party
Cassiopees
Perd Pas Le Nord