St. Barts is a side trip if you want to see how the elite live and vacation. We spent a week there years before Irma and thoroughly enjoyed our trip. There were many Inexpensive places to dine and shop. The locals were very friendly and we felt very safe. I have a few friends that have been to St. Barts after Irma and said the island has almost tripled in cost. (thus, the chair and umbrella at St. Jeans for $100.) St.Barts is not looking for tourism, they have their very own rich clientele. They don't need to rebuild with tourism money. That's why SXM airport is filled with personal Lear jets who have parked there to go to St. Barts for the holiday. Such is life and to live like that must be okay. It's way beyond our range but you can do it, there are still moderate housing and restaurants. Hey, you can say " I've been to St. Barts!"