I think the 2 "newer" Big Hotels are the Westin on the Dutch side with a casino and the Radisson on the French side with of course no casino. As with all islands, it depends on your preference and style. If you want complete privacy, then perhaps a villa is an option. A nice quiet perfect beach with an option to wear as little or as much as you like is Happy Bay on the French side. You have to take about a 10-15 minute hike to get there, but well worth if you don't like crowds of people sitting on top of you. You'll see people with and without their suits on.

Highly recommend the folks at:

www.frenchcaribbean.com

We have used them several times for villa rentals on St. Barths - all French and no casinos, but our favorite in the entire Caribbean. Email me if you have specific questions.

Scotto