A state of normalcy is returning to St. Barts ahead of the winter charter season, although some shops and restaurants will not be open until after the New Year. Find out if your favourite haunts will be up and running ahead of your arrival, what to include in your itinerary and a surprising benefit of the hurricanes on the local area. All information is provided courtesy of Mango Mango Yacht & Villa Services. 

St Barths. Mango Mango Yacht & Villa Services

Since the end of October electricity and water has been reestablished across the island, telecommunications is back up to 75% and local telephone companies are working hard to complete the task. 

St Barts. Photo credit Mango Mango Yacht & Villa Services

Local services are all back up and running and this includes transport links such as the airport, the commercial port and the marina at Port Gustavia. The number of restaurants, cafes and boutiques opening up is steadily increasing with an aim of receiving visitors shoppers in time for Christmas and New Year, although many will also be open for Thanksgiving.  

St Barths beach. Photo credit Mango Mango Yacht & Villa Services

Some of the most popular and famous restaurants already confirmed to be open over Christmas and the rest of the winter charter season are: La Guerite, Black Ginger, Bagatelle, Baz Bar, Orega, L’isola, L’isoletta, Quarter, Eddy’s, La Langouste, La Plage/ Tom Beach, Le Ti, Le Toiny Beach Club, Mayas, Mayas to Go and Shellona. However, the majority of 5-star restaurants connected to hotels will not reopen until summer 2018 and Nikki Beach is endeavouring to be open before February 2018. If there is a particular restaurant you were hoping to book, please contact them by telephone or email ahead of time to avoid disappointment. 

Port Gustavia – St Barths. Photo credit Mango Mango Yacht & Villa Services

The nearby islands of St Kitts & Nevis emerged unscathed from the passing hurricanes and make an excellent alternative location and the new marina at Christophe Harbour is able to to berth yachts up to 76m/250ft and provides refuelling services and has a Customs and Immigration Office on-site. 

Repairs progressing ahead of winter season. Photo credit Mango Mango Yacht & Villa Services

Although the British Virgin Islands were in the path of the hurricanes and there has been a mixed blessing as a consequence: The majority of the smaller 12m-18m/40ft-60ft boats are out of commission and will therefore be absent from the shallow bays and coves where the unblemished dive sites are located. These areas of natural beauty will not have seen so little traffic in more than 40 years, making this an excellent opportunity for a holiday with a more personal experience while also helping the local economy bounce back. 

St Barths roads. Mango Mango Yacht & Villa Services

Mango Mango Yacht & Villa Services are able to assist in a number of situations, including booking shore-based reservations and on board live entertainment, arranging guest transportation and courier services, providing guided hikes, offering exclusive concierge services and organising live fashion and art shows where guests can purchase from exclusive and high-quality local boutiques. 

Add St. Barths as a destination to your winter itinerary and don’t miss out on the classic and modern high-performance sailing yachts in the St. Barths Bucket in March 2018.