Most Sought-After Caribbean Island, St. Barts,

NEWPORT, RI, October 2007 -- Music joins St. Barts' exquisite cuisine and flirty beaches during the St Barts Music Festival 2008 scheduled Jan. 11-23.  A tradition since 1984, the island brings world-class classical, opera, ballet and jazz stars who perform in churches and community halls across the island.

"These performers have the level of artistry that one would normally have to attend Carnegie Hall in New York or the Opera Garnier in Paris to experience," says Stiles Bennet, Director of Marketing for Wimco that represents an extensive villa inventory on St. Barts. "Imagine hearing these artists with the added advantage of island breezes and the fragrance of flowering hibiscus!" He says that the musicians are soloists and principals who perform with internationally acclaimed symphony orchestras, opera and ballet companies.

Bennet also reports that Wimco (www.wimco.com), has added nine new villas to its portfolio of exclusive villa listings on St. Barts. "Most are brand new construction and others recently renovated to highest standards," he says, noting that St. Barts is probably Wimco's most sought-after Caribbean holiday destination.

All of the new villas have on-premise swimming pools, daily maid service (except Sundays and holidays) and on-demand chefs who will preside over gourmet and /or otherwise well-appointed kitchens. And all welcome families with children.

"Folks need to book now as our St. Barts inventory of 260 villas is filling fast for Christmas and New Years," he says. This eight-square-mile island is increasingly popular because of its quaint French culture, family-friendly environment, uncrowded beaches, fine cuisine and world-class shopping.

Following is a sampling of brand-new and newly renovated St. Barts villas:
 
Brand-new Villa SIB CJB on the crest of a hill in Colombier with views of Gustavia Harbor is a four-bedroom contemporary home designed by renowned local architect Olivier Dain whose work embraces the most stunning new island residences. Oriental antiques, sculpture and modern art play against the always compelling views of sea and sky. For those inclined to cook, there's a gourmet kitchen, or ask Wimco about retaining chef and catering services during the stay. All bedrooms open onto private terraces. A media room, large lap pool and two Jacuzzis keep folks entertained. It is wheelchair accessible. The weekly rate year round is $40,000 and from Dec. 14-Jan. 4 $50,000.

Villa SIB PAY is brand new with three bedrooms in a very private area in Vitet. Because everything is under one roof it's an ideal family house. The weekly rate is $3,900 up to Dec. 14 and from Apr. 15-Dec. 14 2008; $7,900 Dec. 15-Jan. 4 and $5,900 Jan. 5-Apr. 14.

Villa SIB KAY is a new contemporary five-bedroom luxury villa on the hillside in Anse des Cayes with breathtaking water views. Beautifully landscaped, private gardens enhance views from a fully equipped gourmet kitchen. The weekly rate is $23,000 up to Dec. 14 and from Apr. 15-Dec. 14 2008; $50,000 Dec. 15-Jan. 4 and $33,000 Jan. 5-Apr. 14 2008.

Newly renovated Villa SIB VNS with three bedrooms (a fourth is located in a detached cottage for an additional charge) is in Petite Saline with views of Lorient Bay and surrounding islands. The gourmet kitchen faces the ocean and opens to an outside dining area that seats six. The weekly rate is $21,000 up to Dec. 14 and from Apr. 15-Dec. 14 2008; $45,000 Dec. 15-Jan. 4 and $28,000 Jan. 5-Apr. 14 2008.

Magnificently situated and recently renovated to highest standards, Villa SIB BOW (Hill House) commands views of St. Jean and beyond to St. Martin from its Camaruche location. It offers three private guest cottages and a luxurious master suite, all with private terraces. At the center of this beautiful property is a vast infinity pool adjacent to the main living area, open gourmet kitchen, master suite and lanai. The lush and exquisite landscaping serve to enhance all the living spaces. The weekly rate year-round is $25,000 and from Jan. 5-Apr. 14 2008 $44,000.

On a hillside in Flamands near the beach, bakery and shops is brand-new Villa SIB AND (La Mamounia) with three bedrooms. The weekly rate is $3,940 up to Dec. 14; $8,400 from Dec. 15-Jan. 4; $6,300 Jan. 5-Apr. 14 2008 and $4,130 Apr. 15-Dec. 14 2008. Guests may also opt to take just two or even one bedrooms for a reduction in price.

Villa SIB BBS (Villa Ella) in St. Jean (think sunsets over Quartier du Roi) is a new two-bedroom villa surrounded by stone walls and turquoise tiles. Designed by the architect/owner, it has grand scale rooms and oversize French doors. For privacy the bedrooms are located at opposite ends of the villa. The furniture and lighting are by Christian Liaigre, John Hutton for Sutherland, Royal Botania, and custom designs by the decorator/homeowner. The three full bathrooms have tile by Bisazza and Waterworks and fittings by Ann Sacks and Vola. The kitchen, Varenna by Poliform, has a Florentine stone floor, Miele appliances, a Subzero refrigerator and French dishes. The weekly rate is $7,500 up to Dec. 14 and from Apr. 15-Dec. 14 2008; $20,000 Dec. 15-Jan. 4 and $10,000 Jan. 5-Apr. 14 2008.

Newly constructed two-bedroom Villa SIB GOZ is ideal for two couples. It offers identical bedrooms and views of the Flamands hillside down to Taiwana and the beach (two minutes away). The galley style kitchen is fully equipped and includes a wine cooler, separate freezer and every amenity to make even the most discerning cook happy. The weekly rate is $4,500 up to Dec. 14 and from Apr. 15-Dec. 14 2008; $15,000 Dec. 15-Jan. 4 and $9,000 Jan. 5-Apr. 14 2008.

The three-bedroom Villa SIB MMO is newly constructed on the St. Jean hillside looking over to Eden Rock from the front and Saline from the rear. High ceilings afford breezes throughout the year. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's delight with a five burner gas stove, 2 sinks, espresso machine, wine cooler, icemaker and every possible amenity.
The weekly rate is $12,000 up to Dec. 14 and from Apr. 15-Dec. 14 2008; $37,000 Dec. 15-Jan. 4 and $19,000 Jan. 5-Apr. 14 2008.

Through Wimco's on-island partner SiBarth, villa guests alike can enjoy a wide range of concierge services: private chefs, provisioning the villas, babysitters, French lessons, massages and more. In addition to air and car reservation services, guests can also enjoy a new inter-island service that whisks them direct from San Juan Airport to St. Barts, bypassing time-consuming transfers.

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