AUGUST: ST. BARTHS

Lesson to Travel By: The Caribbean isn't off-limits during hurricane season.

The Deal: This playground of the rich and famous empties out in August—which makes it a great value for the chic-but-cheap set.

The Luxury Essentials: Technically, a hurricane could strike St. Barths (view slideshow) anytime from July to November—but that's extremely unlikely outside of September and October, when many hotels and restaurants are closed anyway. In August, you'll find rooms for half what you'd pay at New Year's, without the crowds vying to see and be seen. Plus, the water is warmer, as are the nighttime temperatures. If the $700-per-night low-season rates at the Eden Rock (view slideshow) are still too rich for your blood (the same room would cost more than $1,000 in December), try the Emeraude Plage, on the same beach, where bungalows start at $275.

Artful Advice: Leave some room in your luggage; many of the boutiques on the island run big sales during the summer.

A Fair Fare: You'll find far cheaper fares by flying into St. Martin and taking the 45-minute catamaran ride over to St. Barths. There's also a better chance your luggage will actually make the crossing with you.

Eden Rock Hotel
Tel: 877 563 7105 (toll free)
Tel: 590 590 29 79 99
Doubles from $700

Emeraude Plage
Tel: 590 590 27 64 78
Doubles from $275

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