Experience St. Barths in 2013: Where the Possibilities are Endless

St. Barth is one of the most varied and upscale islands in the Caribbean; with villas, hotels, spas, some of the best restaurants in the Caribbean, a wide choice of leisure activities and nautical sports, prestigious sailing regattas, a full calendar of cultural events, and the irresistible allure of great shopping.

In the past two decades, St. Barth has emerged as one of the world's most elegant and fashionable destinations. Frequented primarily by an upscale clientele, this French Caribbean island attracts discriminating travelers who favor an exclusive vacation spot.

Carnival celebrations in St. Barth begin the first Sunday in January after Epiphany, with small parades in the streets of Gustavia every Sunday afternoon. Various Carnival groups rehearse as they gear up for the big Mardi Gras event. This year, Mardi Gras falls on Tuesday, February 12, 2013, but the festivities begin as of February 8, with a parade for school children to get the party started.

Spring is Regatta season on St. Barth, starting on March 28-31, with the St. Barth Bucket Regatta - 3 days of regattas around St. Barth for a fleet of the largest, most prestigious sailing yachts. The Port of Gustavia hosts some of the most spectacular sailboats in the world. Every year since 1995, the St. Barth Bucket has taken place in the charming port of "the pearl of the Caribbean." A magnificent weekend of sailing promises to transform the crystal-clear waters of St. Barth into a battlefield for passionate sailors, while spectators on shore will enjoy the sight of these fabulous boats, their sails unfurled to the wind. The Les Voiles de St. Barth regatta on April 8-13 is unique in its festive tropical charm, and its wide international appeal. Les Voiles de St. Barth is a top notch sporting event with an applaudable organization that offers many pleasures both to locals as well as the visitors who have already confirmed their delight. The West Indies Regatta is a three day event held annually over the Mayday weekend (May 3-6) in St. Barth celebrating traditional West Indian sails. More of a wooden boat festival than a competitive regatta, the purpose of the event is to promote & encourage traditional boatbuilding in the Caribbean

In hotel news…..

An idyllic island hideaway on the Grand Cul de Sac, Le Sereno debuts Family Suites for 2013 – a combination of two adjacent one-bedroom suites to create a magnificently expansive “home away from home” ideal for families and groups. Understated, chic and spacious accommodations, rates for a two-bedroom Family Suite start at 960€/night (approximately $1,240/night) in low season and 1275€/night (approximately $1,650/night) in high season. Family Suites come complete with a kid-sized dining area on the beach and special island-themed surprises to delight the youngest of guests. Guests will also enjoy a new pool bar at Le Sereno’s infinity-edge pool overlooking the turquoise waters of the Grand Cul de Sac. Signature beverages and cocktails include Rosé; the Sereno Mojito made of Grey Goose vodka, mint leaves, lime and freshly crushed strawberries; and the Yellow Basil, a refreshing mix of Ketel One vodka, pineapple and lemon juices, and a hint of fresh basil. A destination where everyone is a VIP, new amenities at Le Sereno include beverages in the in-room bar. Le Sereno reveals a tech upgrade in all 37 suites and the three Villas with new electronics, including flat-screen televisions and Bluetooth music players, and in-room technology that elevates the guest stay to an unsurpassed level of experiential luxury. Hard and soft goods renovations include new outdoor furniture throughout the Hotel & Villas and bathrooms remodeled with teak in the Grand Suite Plage and black granite in the Suite Terrasse.

The Hotel Carl Gustaf, the 14-suite luxury property located on a hill overlooking Gustavia Harbor in St Barths, has recently renovated all of their guest rooms and announced the "Beach Hopping" package, which includes:

- 4 nights in a Superior 1-bedroom
- one gourmet dinner for two at Victoria's
- one signature beach bag
- a 150 euro credit PER PERSON at the Boutique Spa
- car rental

Cost for 4-night package is 4,652 euros (or 7,571 euros for 7-nights), available through March 25, 2013.

As the first Relais & Chateaux property in the Caribbean to receive a Grand Chef distinction, Hotel Le Toiny is the ideal retreat for a Bon Vivant break. The boutique property features 15 Villa Suites, each with private terrace and heated swimming pool, and is home to the renowned and recently-renovated Restaurant Le Gaiac, widely considered the best dining venue on the island.

The Bon Vivant package includes four-night stay in a One Bedroom Villa Suite, as well as the following:

• A total of three (3) 3-course dinners* at:
o Restaurant Le Gaïac
o Bonito, a unique local French-Latin restaurant and ceviche bar
o L’Isola, the popular sister restaurant to the famous Restaurant Via Veneto in Santa Monica, featuring authentic Italian cuisine
• One (1) two-course lunch at St. Barths barefoot chic La Gloriette restaurant
• One (1) 90-minute Oenology course at Absolutely Wine, a local wine bar and school offering champagnes, Grand Cru, organic wines, ciders and global fortified varietals
• Two (2) 60-minute spa treatments provided at Hotel Le Toiny’s Serenity Spa Cottage or en suite
• Convertible Smart rental car
• Round-trip airport transfers
• Daily American breakfast

Eden Rock has announced the expansion of Eden Rock Villa Rental (ERVR) which now handles a portfolio of about 30 of the island’s ultraluxe and sought after villas. ERVR possesses a Unique Selling Point – it being the only island villa rental agency directly linked with the resources and guest facilities of one of St Barths’ ultraluxe hotels. So to stay in a villa with its attendant privacy, is also to enjoy welcomed VIP Guest access to Eden Rock – St Barths’ butlers, chauffeurs, gym and guest care. Plus lots of other world class services all very much in line with the high quality standards and attention to detail constantly being attempted at Eden Rock – St. Barth.

Fashionistas will find a truly memorable shopping experience at the Cour Vendome, which houses all of the high-end designer brands on the island under one roof: Louis Vuitton, Edgar, Bvlgari, 100% Capri, Renato Nucci, De Grisogono, You and Me , Vibrequin and Excellence des Sens. The latest in haute couture is available at the chicest boutique on the island, Stephane and Bernard. This season, they are showcasing the following designers:

- MISSONI
- VALENTINO
- JITROIS
- HERVE LEGER
- VERSACE
- GOTTEX (swimwear line for Women)
- EDEN PARK (for Men)

No matter what you desire on your 2013 vacation, St. Barth has something to offer every visitor. For more information, visit www.saintbarth-tourisme.com.