"....A best bet among the villas of St. Barts."
Villa Finistere is a delight. I have been to St. Barts over 25 times in the past 14 years and have stayed in
many villas. If you are one or two couples, you cannot go wrong with Villa Finistere!
The Villa has all of the amenities of a luxury hotel with the privacy and elegance of a private home. The location is
superb at beautiful Flamands beach where you are perfectly situated close to Gustavia with easy access to
the best beaches on the island. The Villa manager, a pleasure to deal with, is easily available should you have any
questions or special needs.
I will return to Villa Finistere. Its peaceful and tasteful decor, beautifully landscaped setting and pool, and central
location make it a best bet among the villas of St. Barts.
Reviewed By: Michael DuPont
From: Malibu, CA, USA
-Watercolor and comments by Villa Finistere 2002 visitor Elizabeth Nehls of New York City, N.Y.
|
"We were celebrating my 40th Birthday and it was a most memorable holiday."
My friends and I so enjoyed our time May 2007 in St. Barths. Villa Finistere was very comfortable and the villa
manager Nathalie Lelandais was very accommodating and helpful. Thank you! We were celebrating my 40th
birthday and it was a most memorable holiday.
Reviewed by: Candice Ku
From: New York, NY, USA
"We felt at home while having the benefits of the Hotel Isle de France next door."
We wanted you to know how much we enjoyed staying at Villa Finistere in February 2007.Our time was idyllic in that we felt at home while having the benefits of The Hotel Isle de France next door. We played tennis everyday. Finistere's housekeeper Fi took good care of us—and thanks so much for the Welcome Goodies! We feel so blessed to return this May. What a glorious place!
Reviewed by: Diana Stern
From: Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
"...all the amenities
of a Four-Star Hotel..."
We visited in February 2003 and we felt we had all the amenities
of a Four-Star hotel with the flexibility of a private villa
at Villa Finistere. Next door neighbor the Four-Star Hotel St.Barth
Isle de France allowed us to set up a house account at the concierge
desk. It is a wonderful amenity for spa services.
"...an
early morning trip to the boulangerie.."
Our
typical day was an early morning trip to the boulangerie to
bring back croissants to enjoy with cafe au lait at Villa Finistere.
Afterwards a leisurely late morning on Flamands Beach, followed
by lunch at one of the fine nearby restaurants, then afternoon
on the beaches at Saline or Gouverneur. We saw St. Barts to
the fullest, and we had a fabulous time at Villa Finistere.
Reviewed by: Tania Alvarez
and David Lester
From: Aspen, CO, USA
"We truly enjoyed and appreciated the sumptuous food (and
wine) that was stocked upon our arrival."
Villa Finistere was fabulous! We visited in June-July 2002, and
we had an amazing time, weather was perfect (as you mentioned,
rain at night), the beaches gorgeous. We truly enjoyed and appreciated
the sumptuous food (and wine) that was stocked upon our arrival.
My son, Carter, loved the roasted chicken in particular. We enjoyed
the comfort and elegance of your home, and the well-stocked kitchen.
On our last night we cooked roasted chickens ourselves, and voila!
You even had a gourmet roasting pan and rack!
"Every day we spent at one of the beaches, if not two."
Every day we spent at one of the beaches, if not two. My husband's
favorite was Gouveneur. Flamands and Saline were my favorites.
Carter enjoyed those as well since he could ride the waves on
the surf/wave board. Since there are no waves close to the Kansas
City area, we left it with your other beach items if another family
wants to try it too!
"The Hotel St. Barts Isle de France was very hospitable..."
The Hotel St. Barts Isle de France was very hospitable, and
every night we had a ritual of having a glass of wine, and Carter
a 007-UP, on their pool patio before going out to dinner. Fi,
Villa Finistere's housekeeper, was wonderful. Her daughter babysat
for Carter one night. He really liked her, and so did we. Once
we were close to empty on gas, so we walked to La Langouste for
dinner---a great walk and dinner! Favorite lunches were spent
several times at Le Rivage, Chez Domi and La Saladerie. Dinner---Le
Gommier!! If anyone ever wants recommendations for cheeseburgers,
I'm certain Carter can provide direction, as he has had everyone
available on the island, I'm sure. Santa Fe and Le Select were
at the top.
"Mom, why do I have to wear shoes....in Kansas?"
As you can tell, I could talk endlessly about our trip. We
loved Villa Finistere, the warmth of the local people, the food,
the fresh baguettes, the JoJo Supermarche. My favorite quote,
though, was from my son, "Mom, why do I have to wear shoes and
underwear in Kansas?"
Reviewed By: Anastasia Rock
From: Leawood, KS, USA
"....The beach at Baie des Flamands is a vision."
Villa Finistere is completely delightful---new, spacious and superbly
managed. The beach at Baie des Flamands is a vision. Please convey
our thanks to Pascale---Finistere's manager---and Fi---our maid.
They were most helpful, as was Odile at Gumbs Car Rental, on our
March 2002 visit.
Reviewed By: Michael and Sydney Gianturco
From: New York City, NY, USA
|
-Comments and sketch by New York City Artist Elizabeth Nehls on
her return to Villa Finistere in March, 2003.
|
"Villa Finistere had everything...including an exercise
machine
to work off the fabulous food on the island!"
Loved Villa Finistere, the amenities, the location, the privacy.
Villa Finistere had everything one could want including an exercise
machine to work off the fabulous food on the island! Pascale,
the manager, was great. She even went to the airport to pick up
our luggage that did not make it on our flight. We visited in
February, 2002, will definitely return in 2003!
Reviewed By: Phyllis and Andrew
Napoli
From: Media, PA, USA
"...we visited St. Barts for the first time and stayed
at Villa Finistere
this winter 2002 and it was the best."
We have spent more than fifteen years traveling to the Caribbean
first with our children and now with friends. After all that time,
we visited St. Barts for the first time and stayed at Villa Finistere
this winter 2002 and it was the best. St. Barts feels uncrowded
and very safe. It has great food, shopping and beaches. Villa
Finistere's owner sent us information about St. Barts, arranged
our rental car, gave us the names of great restaurants, and was
very helpful with all our questions.
"...watching the Super Bowl on Villa Finistere's satellite
television."
Villa Finistere is in an excellent location--- a few steps
from beautiful Flamands Beach and close to Gustavia and St. Jean.
This is the most well-equipped villa we have ever rented, and
all the amenities you could want. The owner has put a great deal
of thought into what you might need for a perfect vacation. We
fully enjoyed the great food that Pascale (Villa Finistere's manager
who met us at the airport) supplied for our arrival, our breakfasts
at the pool, the beach at the 5-Star Hotel St. Barts Isle de France
and watching the Super Bowl on Villa Finistere's satellite television.
"...we're all wearing the gifts you had for us in Villa
Finistere."
We traveled with another couple and had our own space because
the second bedroom and bath are in a separate guest pavilion.
We wanted to thank you for a wonderful vacation---we're all wearing
the gifts you had for us in Villa Finistere. We will be returning
soon.
Reviewed By: Dr. Gregori and
Laurie Pasqua
From: Mamaroneck, NY, USA
"We especially thank you for the wonderful supplies
and treats awaiting us on our arrival."
I just wanted to thank you for a wonderful week at Villa Finistere
in February, 2002. You have a lovely home and so nicely furnished,
we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We especially thank you for the
wonderful supplies and treats awaiting us on our arrival. It was
so great not to have to think about grocery shopping after a murderous
day of travel for our friends who joined us at Villa Finistere.
Villa Finistere's manager Pascale was charming and very helpful,
as was Fi the maid and her husband Richard who offered to do any
grocery shopping we needed and to take us to the airport on our
departure.
Reviewed By: Joan
Doucette Fisher
From: Boston, MA, USA
"Villa Finistere is one of the best values in the Caribbean."
Villa Finistere is one of the best values in the Caribbean.
We visited in August,2001, with some concerns about hurricanes;
however, the weather was great. The summer is a great time to
visit the islands. It's not as hot as people think, prices are
reasonable and the crowds are down. We would go back in June or
July to avoid the hurricane risk. St. Barts shuts down the last
few days of August and all of September.
"Everything about the villa is as advertised---excellent!!!"
The villa staff is excellent and very responsive to all your needs.
Everything about the villa is as advertised---excellent!!! We
would not hesitate to recommend a visit to family or friends.
My wife and I went by ourselves, but the villa is perfect for
two couples. The separate bedroom building is every bit as nice
as the main building.
"The villa is literally part of the grounds of the hotel..."
Flamands Beach is, in our opinion, the nicest beach on the island.
The Hotel Isle de France (especially with the improvements made
in September) is fabulous. The villa is literally part of the
grounds of the hotel and we visited almost everyday. They also
have a great restaurant.
"We would return without hesitation to St. Barts
and would strongly recommend Villa Finistere."
St. Barts is a wonderful island. The people are very friendly
and there appears to be very little crime. The restaurants are
excellent, and, unfortunately, the shopping is also---bring lots
of credit for that! Villa Finistere is about 10 minutes from the
airport and 15 minutes from Gustavia, the island's port. We would
return without hesitation to St. Barts and would strongly recommend
Villa Finistere.
Reviewed By: Winton and Riley Blount
From:Montgomery, AL, USA
 
-Sketch and comments
by Villa Finistere 2002 visitor Elizabeth Nehls of New York City,
N.Y.
"It is so convenient to have all the extra amenities within
walking distance."
Villa Finistere is just as wonderful as advertised. We had
a fabulous vacation in August 2001. Without a doubt, Flamands
is the best beach on the island. Everyone at the St. Barts Hotel
Isle de France (Villa Finistere's neighbor ) was warm and welcoming.
It is so convenient to have all the extra amenities within walking
distance.
Reviewed By: RR Sikes
From: Montgomery, Ala, USA
"We lived in grand style at Villa Finistere..."
We lived in grand style at Villa Finistere for two weeks with
two friends in April 2001. Each morning greeted us with tempting
choices, a dip in the villa's private pool, breakfast in the garden
dining room or at our neighbor's---the 4-Star St. Barts HoteI
Isle de France.
"Our neighbor the Hotel Isle de France is most welcoming..."
The Flamands Beach setting is seamlessly luxurious, and a visit
to Villa Finistere offers the deluxe amenities of the villa and
the three top hotels nearby. Our neighbor the Hotel Isle de France
is most welcoming to Villa Finistere guests, and we were invited
to use their beach chairs on our daily visits to Flamands Beach.
"Villa Finistere is a jewel set behind garden walls
in fabulous Flamands Beach."
We stayed in Villa Finistere's guest house, surrounded by the
beautiful garden and steps from the villa pool and main house.
It was luxuriously appointed and designed with a Jacuzzi tub,
patio and a private entrance. Villa Finistere is a jewel set behind
garden walls in fabulous Flamands Beach.
Reviewed By: Rob Smith
From: Phoenix, AZ, USA
|
 |
"...and this was easily the best experience yet."
My family and I celebrated my mother's 60th birthday in March
2001 by staying at Villa Finistere for a week. We've been to several
other Caribbean islands and this was easily the best experience
yet. The house is private, spacious and very well cared for with
all the amenities of home, plus more.. a pool with deck, completely
separate guest house, Jacuzzi tubs, kitchen outfitted with everything
you need to cook a meal for 10, satellite TV and daily maid service.
"...the best beach on the island---Flamands!"
Villa Finistere also happens to be located on what we deemed the
best beach on the island---Flamands! It's a long stretch of beautiful
white sand, warm, clear water and snorkeling at one end. But there
are many other beautiful beaches which are convenient to get to
and because the island is not crowded, all of them are quiet.
"...scheduled massages at the villa..."
The Villa Finistere manager, Pascale, is professional and adept
at arranging any activity you desire. Plus, we really liked her!
She made reservations for my mother's birthday dinner at an excellent
restaurant and arranged a cake, advised us about other restaurants
and nightspots, set up trail rides, reserved a boat for the day,
scheduled massages at the villa and was available for other general
questions.
"...you cannot do better than Villa Finistere."
The island is small and extremely easy to negotiate with a jeep
or Moke. We tended to run into the same residents who are friendly
and helpful. You can take a twelve minute plane trip from St.
Martin's or if you don't like prop planes (like my husband) take
the one hour ferry. The food ranges from excellent to incredible.
There are a number of very good restaurants. In short, don't bother
with other islands. If you are looking for a really nice vacation
without the usual hassles, you cannot do better than Villa Finistere.
Reviewed By: Charlene Hamer
From: New York City, NY, USA
"My husband, who is very particular, absolutely loved the
villa."
I want to tell you what a wonderful time we had at Villa Finistere.
My husband, who is very particular, absolutely loved the villa.
Everything was tastefully decorated and so well laid out. We loved
the separate suite for my son and the pool was very private.You
were so kind to provide refreshments and snacks when we arrived
and they were most appreciated.
|
"Thanks to Fi, our maid, and Pascale, the Finistere's manager..."
The Villa Finistere combines the best of both worlds with
the Hotel St. Barts Isle de France right across the street. We
went to the beach there most days and, of course, had a French
lunch. Thanks to Fi, our maid, and Pascale, the Finistere's manager,
for their kind attention to make our 2001 Spring Break memorable.
Reviewed By: Jean Wyse
From: Marine, IL USA
|
"---Anse des Flamands was directly across the road!"
Villa Finistere was a perfect choice for us. The location was
ideal because we did not need to take the car to get to a beautiful
beach---Anse des Flamands was directly across the road! Villa
Finistere is only a 6 to 10 minute drive to the other wonderful
beaches, too. Access to the Colombier shoreline was right down
the street, and the snorkeling at Petit Anse was great!
Our neighbor, St. Barts Hotel Isle de France, was very welcoming,
and the hotel concierge offered to provide us with massage services
and other amenities at the villa.
"...perfect for two couples."
The Caribbean style of Villa Finistere was extremely inviting
and the villa had every comfort of home. (We used the blender
daily!!) The setup of the villa (master suite in the main house
and the second bedroom in a guesthouse off the pool) was perfect
for two couples.
High ceilings and ceiling fans added to the open feel of the rooms,
and we spent a great deal of time on the covered veranda off the
living room enjoying the sound of the ocean and the wind in the
palm trees.
The landscaping is beautiful, and the house is well cared for
by the daily maid Fi and excellently managed by Villa Manager
Pascale.
Two of my favorite restaurants were 5 minutes from Villa Finistere,
one by foot---La Langouste and one by car---the New Born. New
Born's Creole lobster is the best lobster I ever had!!
"I plan to return, again and again."
I highly recommend Villa Finistere to anyone who wants the best
of all worlds on St. Barts. I plan to return, again and again!!
Reviewed By: Barrie Gross
From: San Francisco, CA, USA
"Villa Finistere is great for a family or two couples."
"Villa Finistere is a terrific place to stay in St. Barts!
It is adjacent to the elegant St. Barts Hotel Isle de France (the
nicest hotel on the island in my view) and also next to the Hotel
Taiwana, the most expensive and exclusive hotel on the island.
Villa Finistere is very well-appointed with silver and china and
lovely table linens( a real plus as an alternative to the expensive
island restaurants.)
It is steps from the most beautiful walk on the island from Petite
Anse (to the west of Anse des Flamands) to Anse des Colombier.
Villa Finistere is great for a family or two couples!"
Reviewed By: Rebecca Curtis
From: New York City, NY, USA
"...luxury accommodations equal to or surpassing
those of a Four-Star hotel and at an exceptional value."
"Villa Finistere is located in the northwest corner of St.
Barts less than a three minute walk from Flamands Beach. The villa
provided luxury accommodations equal to or surpassing those of
a Four-Star hotel and at an exceptional value.
There was a fully equipped gourmet kitchen, a dining room where
up to eight guests could be seated, and living room with satellite
TV, CD and FM compact stereo system. The main villa had full length
windows on two sides open to tropical breezes. We enjoyed the
pool and the large sun deck.
The villa staff was responsive to our needs on an as-soon-as possible
basis. The property manager and maid are fluent in English. The
maid provided daily room service and would also serve as a cook
upon request.
"...outstanding restaurants located within walking distance..."
We dined at two outstanding restaurants located within walking
distance of the Villa. La Languste specializes in its' namesake
(lobster!) and Creole cuisine. La Case de L'ise, located in the
Hotel Ile de France, offered gourmet dining for breakfast, lunch
or dinner.
We experienced St. Barts' beautiful beaches and scenery, and shopped
at fashionable Parisian boutiques. The dining experiences surpassed
anything in our extensive travels. The views from the restaurants
we visited were stunning. Perhaps the most memorable part of a
visit to Villa Finistere and St. Barts was the exceptionally friendly
and accommodating local population. Although the official language
is French, English is widely spoken and even local residents not
conversant in English still made every effort to assist us. A
wonderful experience!!!"
Reviewed By: William R.
Shaffer
From: Birmingham, MI, USA
"....of the time we spent at the villa, most of it
was pool side reading, talking and relaxing."
"Villa Finistere is an outstanding St. Barts vacation spot
for two couples. It has a very accommodating living space including
a kitchen (fully equipped), dining room with room for six diners,
living room lined with french doors, and two spacious bedrooms
each with a separate bath. The entire house is very nicely furnished
and climate controlled. We felt it was an excellent value when
compared against many of the other accommodations available.
The villa is comprised of two buildings separated by a private
pool and deck. One building is a bedroom and bath and the other
contains the rest of the villa. This layout affords the utmost
in privacy for two couples to enjoy.
We visited in early November, 1999 and of the time we spent at
the villa, most of it was pool side reading, talking and relaxing.
There is sun at the pool all day but you can find shade on the
pool deck as well afforded by the trees nearby that make up Finistere's
lovely gardens. If it rains (it rains almost daily but only for
5 minutes or so)you can find respite on the covered porch steps
from the pool. There are excellent restaurants within walking
distance as is spectacular Flamands beach, and the villa is only
a 10 minute drive from either the airport or Gustavia the largest
town on St. Barts. We had a great time and would go back without
hesitation."
Service : great
Value : outstanding
Attractiveness : outstanding
Overall Rating : outstanding
Reviewed By: Wayne Guest
From: Harwood, MD, USA
"...A wonderful 10 days at Villa Finistere!"
We are home safe and tanned after a wonderful 10
days at Villa Finistere. The villa is fantastic.
It included everything we needed, from beach chairs to a
corkscrew, or that we could have asked for on our April, 2003 visit. The place
is absolutely beautiful. Fi, the Villa
Finistere maid, was great, very helpful.
Reviewed By: Anthony Frank
From: Richmond, VA, USA
|
