First, let us thank Odile and Yves for their hospitality, warmth and care. We could not have felt more welcome from the time we were met at the airport to guide us to the villa to the day we departed a week later.

IXORA is ideal for a couple, comfortable, very clean, and modern, with all the conveniences required for comfortable living, and much more. We especially enjoyed the covered deck complete with gas grille, table and chairs, and lounge chairs. Nothing is better than enjoying a morning cup of coffee on the deck, and just taking in the beautiful island surroundings and the warm breezes. We used the grille to cook most of our meals, both lunch and dinner. We found the local grocery store nearby the airport, a short 10 minute drive from the villa, fully modern and stocked with everything required for inventive culinary creations, and we definitely took advantage of that.

From the villa to the Flamands beach is a short 5 minute fun drive, with the road curving quickly down a good several hundred meters to reach sea level. And what a wonderful beach with warm breezes soft sand, and amazing clear blue water. Being there in June, which is into low season for the island, we found the mile stretch of beach almost to ourselves with only a few other bathers enjoying the sun.

As other have mentioned in their reviews, Odile and Yves were kind enough to secure us local lobsters. Yves expertly cleaned them ready for the grille. What is better than grilled lobster, enjoyed with a wonderful glass of fine wine. NOTHING! Something we were looking forward to, and did not disappoint.

We made almost daily trips to Gustavia, also a short distance from the villa by car, to browse the local shops and enjoy the wonderful harbor area. Swedish history of the town was one of the reasons we chose St Barths for our vacation. Fun to see the mix of Swedish and French cultures, with Sweden having settled the island and later selling it to the French. Both cultures are apparent from the Swedish and French flags flying at the airport, to the street names in Gustavia listed in both French and old Swedish. St Barth is now, of course, part of the French West indies (FWI), so very much a modern French-speaking island with wonderful French bakeries and restaurants as one would expect anywhere in French coastal towns, but mixed with the vibe of the West Indies.

As a final though, we will be back, and perhaps many more times. Regards to Odile and Yves, many thanks.