 If You Go : HOW TO GET THERE
 If you've lent your private jet to less fortunate
friends for the weekend and can't get it back, the most direct
passage from New York is on a nonstop flight to either Quito,
Santiago or Rio de Janeiro.
American Airlines has an extensive service throughout Latin
America. OR you can choose to take one of the local airlines, LAN
Chile to Chile, Aerolineas to Buenos Aires, etc. both to save time and
to experience the thrill of one of the dramatic approaches to what
appears to be the only flat strip on the island.  On
Continental, a round-trip fare from Newark late this month all the way
through to St. Barts, with a change on St. Maarten, was as low as
$598, and American had flights from $685 from Kennedy Airport.Once on
the ground, you want to rent a car at the airport from one of the
usual international suspects or from the friendly locals at Soleil
Caraïbe, (590-590) 27.67.18. But unless you're comfortable
with hill starts, be sure to ask for an automatic transmission, and
remember that smaller is better on the steep and winding roads.
WHERE TO STAY
 Rates are for winter, early January into April;
around the holidays, they are higher. For less-expensive options than
these, take a look at http://www.st-barths.com/,
a reliable and up-to-the-minute site run by a pair of longtime locals
that covers virtually everything Bartian.
Hôtel St.-Barth Isle de France,
Baie des Flamands, (590-590) 27.61.81, http://www.isle-de-france.com/.
Rates start at 680 euros ($823 at $1.21 to the euro) a night.
Le Sereno, Grand Cul de Sac,
(590-590) 29.83.00, http://www.lesereno.com/.
Rooms start at 600 euros a night.
Hotel Guanahani & Spa, Grand
Cul de Sac, (590-590) 27.66.60, http://www.leguanahani.com/. Rooms start at 526 euros a
night.
WHERE TO EAT
 Le Bête à Z'ailes, Gustavia
Harbor, (590-590) 29.74.09. Plan to spend 40 to 60 euros for two.
La Petite Colombe, Lorient,
(590-590) 29.74.30.
Nikki Beach, St.-Jean Beach,
(590-590) 27.64.64. Entrees run 25 to 30 euros.
Maya's, Public Beach, (590-590)
27.75.73. Expect to pay 60 to 80 euros a person.
Maya's to Go, across from the
airport, (590-590) 29.83.70.
WHERE TO DRINK
 Le Sereno, see above.
Eden Rock, St.-Jean, (590-590)
29.79.99.
Zanibarth, St.-Jean, (590-590)
27.53.00.
Do Brasil, Shell Beach, (590-590)
29.06.66.
Le Yacht Club, Rue Jeanne d'Arc,
Gustavia, (590-590) 49.25.33.
WHERE TO SHOP
The House, Rue Général de Gaulle,
Gustavia, (590-590) 27.88.04.
Maryvonne & Gérard, Rue de la
République, (590-590) 52.37.68.
Sabina Zest, Villa Créole,
St.-Jean, (590-590) 27.82.82.
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