See full version: How to Spend New Year s Eve in St Barts
Be sure to get the Captain of your yacht charter to call ahead to Le Yacht Club as this white draped, harbor-view location is a private members club. Equally, why not hop on board one of the many shuttle buses that come ashore from the impressive superyachts at anchor to pick up party-goers and bring them on board for more champagne and a chance to mingle with stars. [links]
There must be a reason why a plethora of A-listers make St Barts their exclusive haunt for the holiday season and why you should too - and we think we have the answer.
it’s not the nightlife or celebrities that draw people to St. Barts at New Year's, it’s the luxury of privacy and relaxationmore
It is well-known that if you know a friend of a friend of a friend this is an acceptable way to get an invite to the most impressive parties on the island. With celebrations and huge firework displays happening across the island in ultra-luxe hotels, water-front beach bars and onboard superyachts, you’ll be spoilt for choice on where to see into the New Year. Nikki Beach, La Plage and Le Yacht Club are some of the most esteemed after-midnight venues and where you’ll find unforgettable entertainment and the evening's most fervent partiers. here
Discovered by the Rockefeller and Rothschild families centuries ago when the land was once inexpensive, the island became the ideal spot to build multi-million dollar estates, after which it soon acquired the title as the ‘St. Moritz of the Caribbean.' Being a small island free of security worries with extremely friendly locals who respect the anonymity of the island's inhabitants, this Caribbean gem has rightfully become the chosen New Year’s Eve party location. Lacking bustling nosey tourists and paparazzi, the A-list can truly relax and unwind to the chilled St Barts vibe.
For something with a little more buzz why not try Do Brazil by the water’s edge for exquisite fresh fish washed down the perfect sunset drinks. Eden Rocks Sand Bar at St Jean does not only offer an elegant and creative menu with a spectacular setting, but after dinner, the restaurant transforms into one of the evening's most exclusive party venues, so just enjoy and wait for the party to come to you. here
The streets around Gustavia are lined with luxury boutiques and colorful shops with facades of brightly painted clapboard or traditional cedar shakes offset by white shutters. Duty-free prices add to the allure of haute couture and jewelry. Brands such as Hermes, Ralph Lauren, Bulgari, Cartier, and Louis Vuitton have their own stores, while other boutiques blend the clothes, shoes, handbags, and jewelry of various international designers. Cuban cigars and duty-free liquor add to the mix, making Gustavia a good place for shopping and yacht provisioning. here
Les Voiles de St Barth 2013. Photo: Rosemond Gréaux here
As sailors have discovered for hundreds of years, there is something magical about St. Barth, a little island between the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, where the simplicity of the West Indies blends with the sophistication of France, and life is just about as good as it gets. [links]
Saint Barth is one of the most sophisticated islands in the Caribbean, which makes it a pleasure to stock up on groceries. Just steps from the port, AMC’s Libre Service is a small yet well-stocked supermarket, while around the corner is American Gourmet, with a high-end range of products. At the far end of the port is Route des Boucaniers, a restaurant with a take-out service, while in St Jean, gourmet delis such as Kiki è Mo and Maya To Go provide picnics with everything from filet of beef to grilled shrimp, sandwiches, and yummy desserts.
ST. BARTH REGATTA CALENDAR:
With an irresistibly cosmopolitan menu, visitors can enjoy a range of signature dishes from around the world, soaking up some seriously sophisticated surroundings as they do so.
Exceedingly good for seafood lovers, the house specialty is lobster, freshly plucked straight from the tank the dish is served up with three special sauces.
Preparing the superyacht set for some fine Caribbean dining throughout winter and summer, we take a look at the best places to eat in St. Barts in 2021.
Sourcing ingredients from the local market and wines from Italy, the outdoor terrace is an especially comfortable environment in which to eat.
Indeed, whilst enjoying selections from the varied à la carte menu, guests can enjoy looking out across the bay and soaking up the splendor of its picturesque surroundings.
Indeed, by applying all of the gastronomic skills he acquired back in his native Bordeaux, as well as adding a pan-Asian twist, the chef has produced an altogether fresh dining experience for the elite traveler to enjoy. [links]
What I found to be the most interesting part of the evening though was the established definition of “fiscal residence.” It is now much easier to obtain as you must only live on the island for 5 years, not 5 continuous years. This is good for those who commute to St Barts on a regular basis.
The island’s territorial council met on November 13th and voted 19-1 in favor of a new financial code, amidst 100 or so people that came to hear the discussion. So, what happened? Well, new indirect taxes were approved for starters, some surprising, others not so much.
Here on St Barts island, we have nex taxes to look forward to in 2008; Happy New Year to us!
A new tourist tax was put in place, which was expected and probably the least surprising event of the evening. If you’re coming to stay for a visit, expect to pay 5% per night in tourist tax. Even though the hotel owners have suggested the tax for several years now, the St Barts Tourism Office is complaining that they have to collect the tax from their guests or face a fine for not doing so. You can read an article (in French) about it here.
Import taxes were raised from 4% to 5% – the first increase in 25 years. Another new tax that will affect business owners is the annual fixed tax. Set at 300 euros for small businesses and increased by 100 euros per employee, capped at 5000 euros. I’m not sure what qualifies as a “small business” though.
A capital gains tax on real estate was set at 25% of the profit realized and donations of property between family members will not be taxed, on the condition that they hold on to the property for 10 years or more. If they don’t keep it for 10 years, they will pay the 25% tax on the value of the gift. Donations outside of the family carry a hefty tax of 40%. [links]