St. Bart's - Le Manoir de Marie

$203 - Imagine what it would be like to step back into 17th-century France. Now imagine someone transporting that entire scene from France down to St. Barts, by boat, some two decades ago. Why? One can only dream.

Perhaps the owner of Le Manoir de Marie wanted to bring a part of France to his island paradise. But whatever the reason, this beautiful resort, set amid fragrant lush gardens of mango, banana, papaya, and bougainvillea, is a must see.

There are two rooms in the main "Manor House", and eight additional brown-and-white-striped cottages, unique in their own way, with canopied beds, oil paintings and antiques.

You won't find a formal restaurant on the property, but no worry; simply take a custom-catered picnic (lobster, champagne) to the poolside deck, complete with natural stone waterfall. Or, perhaps a romantic picnic on the beach would please you more. Lorient Beach is within walking distance of Le Manoir de Marie.

It's luxury with minimum hassle - and at an award-winning price. You'll find little this nice, this inexpensive on this island. It's the most sophisticated island in the Caribbean, catering to the chic, rich, and oh-so Parisian.

Don't come for watersports. You come to St. Barthelemy (Bart's for short) for relaxing, the French cuisine, yes the white-sands beaches and wonderful comfort at Le Manoirs. If you've been before, perhaps you'll call the island, "St. Barths" - whatever your choice, (San Bar-te-le-mee), named by Christopher Columbus who in 1493 discovered it.

Most descendants here are French and Swedish. Many are of Breton and Norman fisherman stock - and occasionally you'll see St. Bartians dressed in the provincial costumes of Normandy. At times women wear the traditional starched white bonnets. There is a pride here not found elsewhere.

For many years the island was a hideaway for millionaires such as David Rockerfeller, Edmond de Rothschild and others. Today, St. Barts is a favorite to celebrities Tom Cruise, Harrison Ford and Mikhail Baryshnikov. Come join them.

Rte. de Salines, Lorient - 590.590 or 277.927
www.lemanoirsbarth.com

Best bargains wouldn't be complete without mention of St. Kitts, and that's just what we do at our next entry. >>