by Maya Offenbach, Villa Product Manager
After arriving in St. Martin on a comfortable Jet Blue flight from New York, it was easy to stop by the WinAir desk just before Customs and get right back into the flight terminal to catch our small plane for the very short flight to St. Barts (also known by it’s French name of St. Barth or St. Barthelemy). Unlike the major airports back home, we boarded our plane and were taxiing and taking off within minutes of our scheduled departure, and within 15 minutes of takeoff we were landing in beautiful St Barts. In my mind, the flight certainly beats a 45-minute standard ferry ride from the neighboring isle of St. Martin. The ferry is always an affordable alternative for those who prefer sea over air.
Upon arrival we picked up our rental car, a 4-wheel drive Daihatsu Terios, and followed our villa escort caravan style to Villa Arte, a brand-new hillside 4-bedroom villa in the conveniently located Flamands area. (Side note: Small 4-wheel drive vehicles are highly recommended for the hilly terrain and winding roads of the isle.) After settling into our villa for the night, we ventured out to Gustavia for a casual dinner. Gustavia is the major port town on the island and certainly tailor-made for the tourist trade. After strolling the harbor-front streets of Quai de la République and Rue de Bord de Mer, we ended up right back where we started at the welcoming Le Repaire restaurant. Continue reading
