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We now use Starlink as our Internet provider and therefore we no longer have a land line (copper or glass fibre, as they have both been eaten by the rats!!).
INDEX. 2025 VILLA INSTRUCTIONS
1. SPA/POOL WAIVER
Video surveillance cameras
Roller blinds
2.Cell phones
3 Media
4 Bluetooth
Bluetooth in the spa
5 Air-conditioning
6 Spa important instructions,
7 Swimming pool
Swimming pool alarm
8 Villa security
Lounge safe
9 Coffee machine
10 Terrace fan,
Sun blind
Weber barbecue
11 Utility room and pump room,
Beach chairs etc.
Water
12 Electricity
Check in and Check out
13 Booking and Rebooking for next year
14 Hurricanes
15 Hurricane Alerts Warning System
16 Hurricanes Earl and Gonzalo,
17 Hurricane Irma
18 Bugs and other animals,
19 We'd love to hear from you
Useful telephone numbers
2025 VILLA INSTRUCTIONS Page 1
SWIMMING POOL ALARM: THIS IS A FRENCH LEGAL REQUIREMENT.
You are not obliged to use it but it is your decision and responsibility to have the alarm on. It is recommended with young children at the villa. YOUR EYES ARE STILL THE BEST ALARM !!!
THERE IS A WAIVER OF RESPONSIBILITY THAT YOU MUST SIGN WHEN YOU ARRIVE. BLANK COPIES IN THE INFO VILLA HENSON BOOK. HAND TO MARTHA WHEN COMPLETED. We decline all responsibility in case of an accident. It is your responsibility to see that the alarm is correctly used and functions. Report any faults immediately.
The infrared beams protect the perimeter, and the alarm will sound if they are broken.
If a chair obstructs the beam the alarm may not work.
1. Use the small REMOTE CONTROL hanging with the room keys. Replace it when not in use.
2. Turn on the Alarm. Top Button
3. Test the Alarm. Walk through the beams.
4. Turn off the Alarm. Bottom Button
5. On the back of the borne nearest the Spa, there is a small LED (the center one. It has an icon of a swimmer.) When it is flashing this says that the alarm is active but will not be set off until the alarm is turned on again.
6. When satisfied, complete the waiver and leave it for Martha to collect.
Video Surveillance Cameras
We have had several unwanted “visits” over the years. We have installed 2 security cameras, over the entrance to the terrace and at the back of the villa. One covers the parking, the road to the villa, but not the spa or terrace. The other is at the rear of the lounge, and covers the upper access beyond the Starlink antenna (where the Electricity counter and main fuses are). Only Anne-Marie and I have access to the videos. They are deleted automatically after about 3 weeks. Anne-Marie and I are the only people with access to the application.
For your information, when you pass the first villa on your left, as you enter the domain, there are about four cameras along the route. There is also an “Under Video Surveillance” sign. Those belong to Anne-Marie’s brother. We have no control over these cameras!
If you have any concerns about the surveillance camera do not hesitate to contact us on the villa’s email: mail@villahenson.com
The Roller Blinds
They must not for used when INSIDE a room. They are really only for hurricanes. You can use the blinds either side of the lounge TV or the windows for a bit of shade. When you go out please leave the blinds up.
Controls are next to each window or door. Also an additional remote control for the 3 main doors is in the utility room (which you should not need). It has a button to choose: 1: Lounge door, 2: Saba door and 3 St Eustache door.
In case of an electricity failure, there are rods in the lounge washroom, the bedroom cupboards, the pump room, and the utility room. They can be used to manually operate the roller blinds from inside or outside. Replace them if used. Remove the small BLACK hole cover on the outside of the blind. Insert the rod or use the appropriate hole on the inside of the blind (as in the lounge).
2025 VILLA INSTRUCTIONS Page 2
CELL PHONES
WARNING: WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND YOU PLACE YOUR SMARTPHONES ON AIRPLANE MODE AT THE VILLA AND ONLY USE MESSENGER, WHATSAPP OR FACETIME etc.
The Villa does not capture 4G ORANGE-FR or SFR, as it's in a blind spot. YOUR SMARTPHONE WILL PROBABLY ONLY CAPTURE THE DUTCH NETWORKS. Their DATA CHARGES ARE VERY EXPENSIVE. Avoid them.
We now use Starlink as our Internet provider and therefore we no longer have a land line (copper or glass fibre,) as they have both been eaten by the rats!!. You will get the French 4G networks when you leave the domain and over most of the Island. Unfortunately Wi-Fi calling is not available overseas.
0690 numbers are local cell phones. 0590 numbers are local land lines.
International code is 059 so 05 90 22 22 22 is 059 0590 22 22 22.
You can also check with your cell phone company if Sint Marteen (Dutch) is included in your contract and what company you can use. If not don’t use any of them.
2025 VILLA INSTRUCTIONS Page 3
TV and MEDIA
DISH NETWORK (DISH) Remotes work in their allocated room. DISH Remotes have side buttons.
VOLUME: Lounge - use the SONY AV remote. Bedrooms use SONY TV remote.
Lounge remotes:
1.Dish Network
2.Sony AV system (Amplifier) ** The SONY AV controls all the TV Channels
3.Sony TV. French TV use only this remote.
4.Media Box - Multi Channels and Chromecast built in.
Bedroom Remotes:
1.Dish Network
2.Sony TV **
Bedroom TVs:
Press Top Right button on SONY room remote: ** TV turns on automatically with Dish Network-HDMI 2.
To use Chromecast, press Top Left button on the SONY TV remote choose HDMI 1.
Bedrooms have Chromecast. Lounge Media Box has Chromecast built in.
Choose either Saba TV, St Eustache TV, or Cle TV MI in lounge.
For the bedrooms you must use the Chrome browser to 'Cast', or ‘Stream’. Independent apps may show the Chrome Icon. Look for (ICON)
It may be at the top or on the application or the video you are watching.
If the icon is not found, open Chrome, click the kebab icon (3 vertical dots) and select CAST... it should be in the drop down menu. If the TV is off it should turn on automatically. Leave your device on. Click icon again to disconnect.
Lounge Room TV:
Press Top Left button on DISH remote.DISH+SONY AMP+TV are switched on.
There are 3 channels (not remotes!):
1. SAT-SONY AV remote press SAT for Dish Network or use Dish remote.
2. MEDIA BOX - SONY AV remote press Media Box.
3. French TV 7 channels. Top left button on SONY TV remote, select Digital. For SAT and MEDIA BOX, Sony TV remote top left button, select HDMI 1
Do not access the back of the amp or behind the Bedroom TVs.
TERRACE SPEAKERS
The terrace speakers use the switch to the left of the Amplifier. A little red light turns on. This turns on the terrace speakers and turns off the main lounge We have neighbours!!!
2025 VILLA INSTRUCTIONS Page 4
How to use Bluetooth with the Sony Amplifier:
Pairing with the SONY Amplifier. On the Sony AV remote control, Press "Bluetooth Pairing"
"PAIRING" flashes on the display panel. Pair your device to detect the receiver. Select"STR-DH590" on the BLUETOOTH device display.
If "STR-DH590" is not displayed, repeat this process. When the BLUETOOTH connection is established, the paired device name appears on the display panel.
Start playback on your BLUETOOTH device. Playback
Adjust the volume of your BLUETOOTH device first. If the volume level is still too low, adjust the volume level of the receiver.
To cancel pairing operation
Pairing operation will be canceled when you switch the input.
The BLUETOOTH connection will be disconnected when you perform either of the following operations:
Bluetooth and Music in the SPA
Open your device go to settings and Bluetooth
Look for TP-Link Music. Select and Connect
No Password needed.
If the Spa Bluetooth is not working use my Bose portable amp: Press top button to turn on (recharge if needed). It talks and first tells you the power level and the device connected.
Press top left button (Bluetooth icon) to pair - bring your device next to the Bose and go to your Bluetooth and connect. If you have a problem connecting don't try with other devices nearby. Volume is plus and minus;
2025 VILLA INSTRUCTIONS Page 5
AIR CONDITIONING UNITS
TEMPERATURE: Set the A/Cs between 27°c and 22°c. It is NOT necessary for a temperature lower than 22°c
Keep the doors and windows closed when using the A/Cs.
Point the remote control at the unit for the commands to be registered.
The A/C units in the lounge and in bedroom St Eustache should be turned off if you leave for a while. The rooms keeps cool and it only takes a minute or two to cool the room.
You can turn off the A/C during the day when the lounge or bedroom is NOT OCCUPIED. If the doors are closed and the curtains drawn the room stays cool.
The A/C unit in bedroom SABA should be left on 24/24. This prolongs the life of the solar batteries stored on top of the bathroom ceiling.
The A/C units have been set with NO timer so they should remain on until you press the red on/off button. Please do not set a timer as you will probably have the A/C turn off in the middle of the night.
Depending on which remote you use there may be a cover that reveals other control buttons.
MODE: Set to COOL. Snowflake will show in window. If not then cycle through MODE until the snowflake appears.
WARNING: Leaving the A/C on all the time at 18° will cause condensation to run down the walls and introduce mushroom spores into the bedding (not pleasant and not healthy!)
Keep the bathroom door and window slightly but not fully open and the bedrooms stay cool for most of the day.
Help us save energy by using the A/Cs responsibly.
2025 VILLA INSTRUCTIONS Page 6
SPA IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS
Spa Bluetooth, see “Bluetooth and Music in the SPA” Page 4
IMPORTANT Waterproof seals in any watch is dilated in a heated Spa. An expensive watch will be damaged. Take it off before entering the spa. We cannot be responsible.
Swimming Pool and Spa - No glass glasses in or near the spa or pool. Broken glass in water is invisible and lethal. Cleaning costs will apply. The round pool entrance tiling is slippery so enter the pool carefully. You might find it easier to open and close the spa cover with a second person.
In case of a SPA fault do this ONLY if you are comfortable otherwise call Eric. If the Spa suddenly stops (dry yourself, then) go to the Utility room fuse box:
If the SPA fuse (leftmost fuse). If up, flick it down (OFF). Wait 1 minute and flick it up (ON). This should reset the Spa. Now on the spa reset the time. Press and hold the “Light” button until the hour lights on and off. Use the up arrow to change the hour. Press the “Light” button again to reset the minutes. Press the “Light “button 5 times until the screen returns to normal. “Temp & Time”.
SPA LIGHTS:
Spa Rim lights switch is left of the steps, by the black lifting tube. Turn off lights when finished.
Spa Garden lights (Not the spa lights) are for the garden and path lights, they turn on automatically with the box that is fixed on the left corner of the spa. The lights are fixed to come on for 1 hour after sunset.
You change the number on the little box to prolong the time.
Press the little button. Cycle through to 1 or 2 ( hours to stay on after sunset).
If set to 0 all the lights stay on.
It will set itself to A after an electricity fault. Press the little button. Cycle through to 1 or 2
SPA - Using the Pumps 1 & 2 (Pump 3 is not used)
Pump 1 starts the bed with low power. Press again for high power.
Pump 2 starts the two seats. Press once to turn on - and press again to turn off.
Turn the knob near your seat to increase or decrease the pump flow.
Spa will stop after 20 minutes of use. You can restart it soon afterwards.
Always close the spa cover after use.
Spa water temperature. Arrows Up/Down set the temperature PLEASE NOTE the water heats naturally with the cover closed to 35°c and more. Set it to 33°c but the heater rarely turns on.
A Spanner icon shows a fault. It may reset itself after 10 minutes or more. You may also go into the utility room. Flip the fuse "Spa" for 1 minute and flip on again or report it to Eric.
2025 VILLA INSTRUCTIONS Page 7
SWIMMING POOL
THE POOL IS HEATED TO A COMFORTABLE 30°c TEMPERATURE. PLEASE DO NOT CHANGE IT.
Use the plastic glasses provided not glass ones. Broken glass in the water is invisible, sharp and extremely dangerous. The pool or spa then has to be drained of 30 cubic meters of water and cleaned. It will take 2 days to do and you will be charged for this.
SWIMMING POOL ALARM: THIS IS A FRENCH LEGAL REQUIREMENT.
You are not obliged to use it and it is your decision and responsibility to have the alarm on. It is recommended with young children at the villa. YOUR EYES ARE STILL THE BEST ALARM !!!
You have signed a waiver. We decline all responsibility in case of an accident. It is your responsibility to see that the alarm is correctly used and functions. Report any faults immediately.
The infrared beams protect the perimeter and the alarm will sound if they are broken.
If a chair obstructs the beam the alarm will not work.
CLEANING: The pool and spa are cleaned twice a week
POOL LIGHT SHOW:
The pool light switch is in the kitchen. next to the sliding door.
There are 16 different light programs.
To change program, turn off the pool light ("Pool" Switch in kitchen) and turn it on again within 2 seconds to move to the next program. It will remember the last program if left off for more than 20 seconds.
There are 16 different light programs:
White. Red. Green. Blue. Green-Blue. Red-Green. Blue- Red.
Evening Sea. Evening River. Riviera. White. Rainbow.
River of colours - (Rainbow followed by Four Seasons) Disco.
Four Seasons.
Party.
2025 VILLA INSTRUCTIONS Page 8
VILLA SECURITY:
DON’T TAKE KEYS TO THE BEACH. PUT THEM IN THE KEYBOX. LOST SAFE KEYS WILL COST 200 $
Always lock the villa when you go out. NOTE: To close the lounge doors, push the little lever down from the inside then close the lounge door from the outside. Use the key to lock it.
St Barts is a safe island but locking up is better than leaving the doors open!! Do lock the villa when you leave and do lock your cars when parking around the island. Leave one of the terrace lights on to make unwanted visitors think the villa is occupied.
NOTE: After closing the bedroom doors, firmly lift the door handle up then turn the key fully clockwise and the door will lock.
DON’T TAKE KEYS TO THE BEACH. PUT THEM IN THE KEYBOX. LOST SAFE KEYS WILL COST 200 $
Each Bedroom key set has its SAFE key and a lounge key. A third safe is in the lounge. Set your own code. We have a key should you forget your code!!!
Martha and Eric Magras both have complete sets.
LOUNGE SAFE
Set your own code: instructions to set a code are also on the safe door.
Open the safe door, press the button on the inside of the door on the left. The safe beeps twice and the yellow light will be on.
Enter you code (3 to 8 numbers) + A or B. (A and B are interchangeable) The safe beeps twice and the yellow light will turn off.
Test the new code with the door open. If correct the green light on the front will light.
Close the safe door and turn the knob anti-clockwise.
In the large lounge cupboard there are: Spare batteries. 110v-220v transformers. Plug converters. Other useful things that previous clients may have left behind.
2025 VILLA INSTRUCTIONS Page 9
The Coffee Machine:
Please note, incorrect use of the coffee machine can cause the pump or grinder to fail. We have written these instructions as we have the same machine at home and we know it well and want you to enjoy it from day one
Always check the bean holder is not low. Only use dry coffee beans. No caramelised or sweetened ones. Do not turn the dial in the corner of the bean holder.
Turn on the coffee machine. It will heat up and rinse. It will also do a rinse when it turns off. Keep the black cup under the spouts to catch the rinse water. That saves the water from messing the tray below and overflowing without warning! It doesn't matter if you forget the cup as the machine will tell you when to empty the grounds holder. Be careful as the (with water) when it is full.
When the water tank is low a message appears. Pull out the water container a little bit to access the first hole. Only use bottled water. It takes just under a full bottle of water (1.5L)
When the coffee grounds container and/or the rinse tray is full a message appears on the screen. Pull out the tray, empty the container and the water tray. If you rinse the container let it dry before replacing or mould will start in the used grounds
Lowering the spouts makes the coffee more creamy
If you do not press the off button the machine will turn off automatically.
Coffee Beans
For the size and the strength of your coffee - use the Large Button.
TURN it for Size (Action A) : Extra Long Coffee / My Coffee * / Long Coffee / Standard Coffee / Short Coffee (about half a small cup)
PRESS it for Taste (Action B): Strong Taste / Extra-Strong Taste / Pre-Ground / Extra-Mild Taste / Mild Taste
*Use “MY COFFEE” to adjust the amount of one “pour”, it is set to 1 of our small cups) or 2 pours in the medium size cups. To change it, select your taste, place your cup under the spouts, hold the one-cup button pressed and release it after the grind. Wait until the level in your cup is correct, press the button once more. That “Pour” quantity will be memorised.
Pressing the “one-cup” button will give one “Pour”. Pressing the “two-cup” button will give two “Pours”.
ONLY PUT PRE-GROUND COFFEE IN THE MACHINE WHEN IT IS ON AND THEN ONLY WHAT IS NEEDED.
Press the Large Button until “Pre-Ground” appears.
ONLY USE 1 LEVEL DOSE (NOT A HEAPED DOSE)
Place 1 cup under the spouts and ONLY press the “One-Cup” button
CAPPUCHINNO :
1. Fill the container with creamed or semi-creamed milk. Milk at 5°c out of the fridge will give the most mousse. As the milk warms, the mousse will be less dense.
2. Pull out the water spout (left of the controls). Turn the knob on the milk container to “INSERT” then attach it. A “Beep” sounds when correctly inserted.
3. Turn the knob on the milk container (L to R) to no mousse, a little mousse, or BEST MAXIMUM MOUSSE. Use a sufficiently large cup for the milk spout and the coffee spouts to reach it.
4. Press Cappuccino to start the process. It will deliver about a third of a large cup so just press the cappuccino button again to have two pours if you wish.
The screen will say “Button on CLEAN” after each use. If you are making several cappuccinos no need to clean, just continue. Clean when your “session” is done.
To Clean, make sure the black spout and the milk spout are aimed at the black mug or your now empty Cappuccino cup. Turn the knob to “Clean” the machine rinses through the milk spout. When finished turn the knob back to a mousse. You can then remove the milk container and rinse it out or keep the container with milk in the fridge. Clean any milk on the machine.
Do not alter the quantity of milk and coffee used for your cappuccino as the next client might use the smaller cup and get half his cappuccino on the floor! You should get two cappuccinos in the larger cup.
Size of a pour for the other coffees
Button Screen says Use as below
1 Cup My Coffee One small cup
2 Cups My Coffee Two small cups side by side
1 Cup Short Coffee Half a small cup
2 Cups Short Coffee Two small cups side by side
1 Cup Standard Coffee A third of a large mug
2 Cups Standard Coffee Two thirds of a large mug
1 Cup Long Coffee Just under half a large mug
2 Cups Long Coffee Three quarters of a large mug
1 Cup Extra Long Coffee One large mug
2 Cups Extra Long Coffee Two large mugs side by
2025 VILLA INSTRUCTIONS Page 10
TERRACE FAN:
Turn on the terrace fan using the remote control by the sink.
Set the speed with + or -
SUN BLIND:
Open or close the terrace sun blind using the remote control by the sink.
Close it when finished.
WEBER BBQ:
DO NOT USE IT UNDER THE CANOPY OR THE SUN BLIND. Roll it onto the terrace or in the part near the utility room.
Check that the wheels are not on brake. Wheel it onto the terrace or to the back near the utility room. Mind the walls when moving it.
If the gas is not on, rotate the top knob on the gas bottle to 0 = OPEN (F = Fermer. "Closed" in French)
Press the little red button under the valve.
Then turn on the Lefthand of the 3 BBQ Gas Bars. Give the little button to light the gas, a bit of a push, then the gas should light. Then light the other 2 Gas Bars if needed.
The BBQ may not light if it is windy. Keep the lid closed, turn on the left burner and push and hold the ignite switch. Then light the others.
NOTE: An empty bottle can be changed for a full one (behind the villa). Turn the knob on the bottle clockwise to F (Shut) in case a little gas is left. (in utility room end cupboard.) Gas connections turn anti-clockwise or in the reverse direction to other connections!
The bottle will be light if empty. (gas is in liquid form in the bottle).
PLEASE USE THE WIRE BRUSH TO CLEAN OFF SOME OF THE RESIDUE ON THE GRILLS WHILE THE BBQ IS STILL HOT.
COOKING WITH THE BBQ
Preheat the grill, lid closed, burners on high. 260/290°C (500/550°F) for 5 mins. Adjust the burners to the required heat then wire brush off any food particles, grease etc.
There are two ways to cook on the BBQ:
Direct heat (Lid open) for food that cooks quickly: burgers, steaks, chops, boneless chicken, fish, shellfish and sliced vegetables.
Indirect heat (Lid closed) for larger, tougher foods: roasts, whole chickens, ribs. Place large food on a rack inside a drip pan. Use drippings for gravy or sauce.
Use the plancha tray, which is great for small cut vegetables or shrimps and the like (which tend to fall through the grill!).
2025 VILLA INSTRUCTIONS Page 11
UTILITY ROOM and PUMP ROOM
The utility room is behind the villa. You are welcome to use it but please ask Martha first. Also, please do not use the machines when Martha comes to do the housework.
If you wish to leave sun-beds, sun creams etc. for your next visit.
LEAVE THOSE ITEMS IN THE PUMP ROOM WITH YOUR NAME ON AND PACKED/WRAPPED IF POSSIBLE if you don't want them used by others.
Wine will spoil if left in the pump room. Either drink it or leave it for the next guest! Any spirits left in the lounge by clients are yours to drink. It seems that that is a very nice custom!
The housekeeper will spend 1 or 2 hours at the villa daily except Sundays and bank holidays.
You can ask Martha to change her hours at the villa but she has other employment obligations and cannot always change her hours.
Her telephone number is 06 90 35 72 98 (She is on WhatsApp)
Lilos, Beach Chairs, Snorkels and Sunshades
Several clients have left some inflatable lilos, beach chairs, beach umbrellas, and an assortment of scuba stuff in the big red box, all of which are stored in the pump room beneath the terrace. Unless specifically wrapped, you may use them.
However please rinse them well on returning to the villa as they rust very, very quickly here. Keep them in a dry place.
Ask Martha to let you see them as the pump room is normally kept locked. Borrow what you need.
WATER
Water on the Island is scarce as there are no natural water sources!
We either use the water produced by the desalination plant (TOWN WATER), which is very expensive or rainwater that is collected and stored in two tanks under the house (90 cubic meters in total when full)
The water is usually from the tanks so DO NOT drink the tap water.
Buy bottled water.
The water in the fridge dispenser should be filled with bottled water. There is a small ice maker or use the little ice trays.
You can purchase ice in most supermarkets on the island. Try not to use water unnecessarily.
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ELECTRICITY
Voltage is 230v / 60hz (not 50hz). That is not a problem and only affects motors (i.e. Washing Machines). In a blue plastic basket (lounge cupboard) is a 230v to 110v transformer plus some USA to French plug adaptors. Also spare batteries.
KITCHEN/LOUNGE CIRCUIT BREAKERS: In the fuse box under the Air/Con.
THE BEDROOM CIRCUIT BREAKERS: Behind the TV in bedroom SABA.
SPA CIRCUIT BREAKER: In the utility room.
POOL CIRCUIT BREAKER: In the pool pump room under the terrace.
If a fuse trips, flick up its little lever, if it trips again call Eric Magras.
Main Electricity trip fuse
The top fuse box under the lounge A/C is now empty. The main trip fuse was moved by the EDF to the box above the parking and behind the Tamarind tree. Open the small plastic window, press the + (right button) to restart the Electricity. If it flips again contact Eric.
In the utility room, the middle unit of the solar panels should have “A/C in” blinking or showing a solid light. The trip fuses on the right under the solar controller should both be up.
If the Trip fuse is at “0” and there is no electricity, that is probably because the solar charged batteries may have totally discharged and the EDF power is still down. Call Eric or contact us by email.
CHECK-IN AND CHECK-OUT
CHECKOUT TIME IS 11AM . CHECK IN IS 2:30PM. Please respect the check-out/in times. New guests will be arriving later. They have to be prepared.
YOU SHOULD CHECK IN AT THE AIRPORT ABOUT 60 MINUTES
BEFORE DEPARTURE.
If your flight from St Barts is in the afternoon think about having a goodbye lunch in one of the restaurants. The choice of food available in the airport in St Martin is very poor. The St Barts Airport restaurant ‘L’Envol’ is good but busy. Reserve a table!
The little restaurant "Le Jardin" opposite the terminal is great too.
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BOOKING AND RE-BOOKING FOR NEXT YEAR
We will accept shorter reservations with a minimum of 5 nights. However, they must not fall in the middle of an available period, which prevents a full reservation of 7 nights or more.
Only reservations of 7 nights or more can be rebooked for the same days or dates for the following year. You have 15 days to decide. After that time we cannot guarantee you the same week/s.
Our rates are subject to change. There will be an additional 5% room tax added to all reservation
TO CHECK FUTURE AVAILABILITY click on the « Availability » menu item on this website. villahenson.com
NOTE: If you came through an agent we must respect that but you are welcome to enquire directly to us but the booking will be with the agent.
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HURRICANES
Go to NHC.COM The Official Hurricane Warnings Website
Also available on SOCIAL MEDIA all with Live updates
Links:
Twitter or ‘X’ https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/twitter.php
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/NWSNHC
YouTube nhc.noaa.gov/nhcexit.php?outurl=http://www.youtube.com/user/NWSNHC
Windy windy.com
The stories of people's lucky escapes from the three hurricanes mention below, convinced us that no one should remain in the villa during one. Hurricanes are fickle things and change speed and direction without warning.
After the 2017 hurricane - class 5 (it should have been a class 6) we will not allow any client to stay in the villa. We will not be responsible for any client who will not move to a designated safe place. The villa must be closed. There will be no Internet, no TV, no A/C, as the electricity will be turned off. The Solar power will fail.
It was left on for Hurricane Irma and this ruined the Spa and other electrical equipment.
If you are caught on St Barts with a hurricane please read this section entirely.
YOU WILL BE VERY SAFE IF YOU FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS. NO NEED TO PANIC!
If you came through either "Ici et La”, “Marla”, or “My Villa”, you must call them.
We can't move you to other accommodation or give you a refund (act of God !). There are special shelters in designated buildings so make your enquiries well before the Red Alert. You should have plenty of warning and time to find shelter. Listen to the FM on the Media amp or Internet for instructions.
Radio St Barts 98.7 - 100.7 - 103.7 FM also on Internet radiostbarth.com
Website: Collectivity of St Barts for details. http:// www.comstbarth.fr
NEXT PAGE has the alerts and what you must or must not do. In any event you MUST head for a shelter and in good time.
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Just in case you are on the Island when a hurricane alert is made…
Yellow alert - The hurricane is expected soon - You can still leave the island.
Orange alert - The hurricane is imminent - You can no longer leave the island. The shops and the administrative buildings are now closed. You must go to the public shelter chosen.
Red alert - You should now be inside the designated shelter. Listen to Radio St Barth for instructions.
Violet alert - The hurricane is here, (if you haven't noticed!) You are forbidden to go outside. The emergency services will not respond.
During this period you must stay inside. But it can happen (and it did with Earl, Gonzalo and Irma) that the eye of the hurricane passes over St Barts. You may think that the storm has abated because the wind has dropped. WRONG!
This calm period can last several minutes or even longer but as the eve passes the winds will pick up from the opposite direction and fast. Wherever you are do not go out during this time.
Things like fridges or metal roof plates can be flying around. They are mortal. The end of the alert will be given over the radio.
Be careful as there are then 2 possibilities:
Grey alert - You can now go outside and the danger is over.
Orange alert - You can now go outside but the hurricane has turned around and is heading back. (As did Louis in 1995)
We will not be held responsible if you fail to go to a designated safe place
2025 VILLA INSTRUCTIONS Page 16
So what's it like?
EARL (October 2010) passed at level 3 with winds of up to 200 kph and 7 meter waves. The damage was just foliage. Leaves and branches were everywhere but no structural damage occurred. We had to clean the villa walls with the Karcher immediately. If we had left it till later they would be stuck firm. The pool was full of leaves but was soon cleared with the net. The pool cleaners were at the villa very quickly to get it all cleared up properly.
We saw one idiot leave Gustavia harbour in his Catamaran and sail past us to Grand Colombier. He left at about 6pm just as the order not to put to sea had been implemented. He was fished from the sea and his Catamaran was in a thousand pieces on the beach. We were confined twenty hours in the lounge!
GONZALO (October 2014) arrived on the eastern side of the island as a tropical storm but actually made landfall as a category 2 hurricane and quickly strengthened. It caught everyone by surprise.
It left as a category 3. We were ready by early afternoon and the winds got too strong by about 5pm. When the eye came over, Eric came down to see us, had a lobster dinner with us that Anne-Marie had prepared and went back as the eye passed and the wind picked up again. Again no major damage on the island and the clearing up was done brilliantly by all concerned.
2025 VILLA INSTRUCTIONS Page 17
Hurricane Irma 2017
We can’t believe this was nearly 10 years ago.
IRMA (September 6/7 2017) was a different story! The strongest ever Atlantic hurricane so far, with recorded gusts of 460 kilometres per hour (about 290 mph). Earthquake activity was recorded on the island but it was the force of the wind shaking everything, trees, villas etc. We were relatively lucky but still suffered lots of damage. The stories of people's lucky escapes convinced us that no one should remain in the villa during one. Hurricanes are fickle things and change speed and direction without warning.
We finally arrived in St Barts on the 25th of September just as the electricity came back at the villa. Internet was only available near the airport. All telephone lines and Wi-Fi were down until the end of November. The damage was extensive all over the island. A roof had been blown about 4 kilometres over a hill. The deck at Nikki Beach (next to the Eden Rock Hotel) was found above Anses des Cayes (2-3 kilometres away). Fridges were blown through roofs. We found a 4 meter long and 20cm × 20cm wood beam near us that had been blown from somewhere very far away. For the clear-up at our villa we made 35 trips to the rubbish dump using the family's small flatbed truck. We stayed on the island until the villa was ready to receive clients and on the 14th of December. We we were one of the first villas to reopen.
One of the images in the album (link below) is of a silver grey Renault Clio. It was parked there when the hurricane arrived and was blown downhill, seen there during the lull of the hurricane's eye. When the hurricane had finished it was found again parked but sadly wrecked where it had started!!
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BUGS AND OTHER ANIMALS
Being on a Caribbean Island, you cannot avoid some of the strange insects and other animals that co-habit the Island with us. You will see lots of tortoises at the villa and on the roads all over the island. Many people stop to put then at the side of the road. Be careful if you do (hazard lights on for other cars.)
There are the small mosquitoes « Yen-Yens » (pronounced Nyang-Nyangs) they fly low around your ankles. Use the repellent « OFF » or similar. There may be some near the sink.
Very small ants can be seen making runs. Use the spray or the ant products in the kitchen, if you want to, or ask Martha - nicely! - to help
At night, light attracts moths of all sizes. Using the outdoor fan helps as well as turning off the terrace lights and using candles - (very romantic). Mosquito nets are more to keep the cats out.
Some times, if a storm is in the air, you may have an invasion of small flying ants. We move the table out, turn out the lights and use (very romantic) candles for a while. You could turn on only the parking lights to tempt them away. They can be instantly killed with a fly spray BUT be warned they can come in their thousands, look disgusting and make a real mess if sprayed but they are harmless. That's life. Dont try to kill them as you will only ruin the paintwork and there will be lots of them. You'll never win.
There’s also a type of builder wasp that seems to have its body in two parts! It will build several 2 inch long cocoons out of earth and lay eggs in them before sealing them up. The cocoons have holes in the top and when the babies are born they fly off. They make a mess but there is little we can do. Ask Martha or Eric to get rid of them if possible. They are very intelligent and watch me when I line up to hit them, then nip through the opening when I am not looking. Now I close the doors when one comes in and wait until they settle then open the door a bit and let them fly out.
There are no dangerous snakes or beasts here in St Barts but there are dozens of tortoises, large, medium, small and tiny, around the villa. Take care on the drive down. You can often see Turtles in the sea close to the shore. They appear as a small white patch and then they dive.
We do have a large herd of Goats wandering in the land below us and around the Island. Shout or clap your hands and they will run away. They are harmless but do a lot of damage to the vegetation. They are a real headache!!
For the rest….
P.S. Please do not feed the wild cats as this encourages them to visit.
2025 VILLA INSTRUCTIONS Page 19
We'd love to hear from you, good or bad!
Please contact us at MAIL@HENRYBARNETT.FR or mail@villahenson.com with any comments or suggestions. We take all good or bad comments seriously and appreciate them as well as acting on them.
Should you need to contact us directly: mail@henrybarnett.com or mail@villahenson.com Upper or lowercase (no difference) Or use the contact on our website.
Guest Book
There is a red visitors' book in the lounge. It makes for some good reading
USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
MAINTENANCE:
(9am to 7pm) - Housekeeper: Martha 06 90 35 72 98 WHATSAPP
General, Air/Con, Pool & Spa*: Eric Magras 06 90 41 94 52 WHATSAPP
*Aquagreg pilotefish@yahoo.fr (only if Eric is unavailable)
EMERGENCY:
DOCTORLIB On line www.doctolib.fr/will find a doctor and lake an appointment to suit.
How do I change the language in the Doctolib app?
Manage my language preferences
PHARMACY
AGENCIES:
ICI ET LA rentals@icietlavillas.com. 05 90 27 76 03
MY VILLA myvillainstbarth.com/en. 05 90 51 35 10
MARLA info@marlavillas.com. 05 90 27 61 82
INDEX. 2025 VILLA INSTRUCTIONS
1. SPA/POOL WAIVER
Video surveillance cameras
Roller blinds
2.Cell phones
3 Media
4 Bluetooth
Bluetooth in the spa
5 Air-conditioning
6 Spa important instructions,
7 Swimming pool
Swimming pool alarm
8 Villa security
Lounge safe
9 Coffee machine
10 Terrace fan,
Sun blind
Weber barbecue
11 Utility room and pump room,
Beach chairs etc.
Water
12 Electricity
Check in and Check out
13 Booking and Rebooking for next year
14 Hurricanes
15 Hurricane Alerts Warning System
16 Hurricanes Earl and Gonzalo,
17 Hurricane Irma
18 Bugs and other animals,
19 We'd love to hear from you
Useful telephone numbers
2025 VILLA INSTRUCTIONS Page 1
SWIMMING POOL ALARM: THIS IS A FRENCH LEGAL REQUIREMENT.
You are not obliged to use it but it is your decision and responsibility to have the alarm on. It is recommended with young children at the villa. YOUR EYES ARE STILL THE BEST ALARM !!!
THERE IS A WAIVER OF RESPONSIBILITY THAT YOU MUST SIGN WHEN YOU ARRIVE. BLANK COPIES IN THE INFO VILLA HENSON BOOK. HAND TO MARTHA WHEN COMPLETED. We decline all responsibility in case of an accident. It is your responsibility to see that the alarm is correctly used and functions. Report any faults immediately.
The infrared beams protect the perimeter, and the alarm will sound if they are broken.
If a chair obstructs the beam the alarm may not work.
1. Use the small REMOTE CONTROL hanging with the room keys. Replace it when not in use.
2. Turn on the Alarm. Top Button
3. Test the Alarm. Walk through the beams.
4. Turn off the Alarm. Bottom Button
5. On the back of the borne nearest the Spa, there is a small LED (the center one. It has an icon of a swimmer.) When it is flashing this says that the alarm is active but will not be set off until the alarm is turned on again.
6. When satisfied, complete the waiver and leave it for Martha to collect.
Video Surveillance Cameras
We have had several unwanted “visits” over the years. We have installed 2 security cameras, over the entrance to the terrace and at the back of the villa. One covers the parking, the road to the villa, but not the spa or terrace. The other is at the rear of the lounge, and covers the upper access beyond the Starlink antenna (where the Electricity counter and main fuses are). Only Anne-Marie and I have access to the videos. They are deleted automatically after about 3 weeks. Anne-Marie and I are the only people with access to the application.
For your information, when you pass the first villa on your left, as you enter the domain, there are about four cameras along the route. There is also an “Under Video Surveillance” sign. Those belong to Anne-Marie’s brother. We have no control over these cameras!
If you have any concerns about the surveillance camera do not hesitate to contact us on the villa’s email: mail@villahenson.com
The Roller Blinds
They must not for used when INSIDE a room. They are really only for hurricanes. You can use the blinds either side of the lounge TV or the windows for a bit of shade. When you go out please leave the blinds up.
Controls are next to each window or door. Also an additional remote control for the 3 main doors is in the utility room (which you should not need). It has a button to choose: 1: Lounge door, 2: Saba door and 3 St Eustache door.
In case of an electricity failure, there are rods in the lounge washroom, the bedroom cupboards, the pump room, and the utility room. They can be used to manually operate the roller blinds from inside or outside. Replace them if used. Remove the small BLACK hole cover on the outside of the blind. Insert the rod or use the appropriate hole on the inside of the blind (as in the lounge).
2025 VILLA INSTRUCTIONS Page 2
CELL PHONES
WARNING: WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND YOU PLACE YOUR SMARTPHONES ON AIRPLANE MODE AT THE VILLA AND ONLY USE MESSENGER, WHATSAPP OR FACETIME etc.
The Villa does not capture 4G ORANGE-FR or SFR, as it's in a blind spot. YOUR SMARTPHONE WILL PROBABLY ONLY CAPTURE THE DUTCH NETWORKS. Their DATA CHARGES ARE VERY EXPENSIVE. Avoid them.
We now use Starlink as our Internet provider and therefore we no longer have a land line (copper or glass fibre,) as they have both been eaten by the rats!!. You will get the French 4G networks when you leave the domain and over most of the Island. Unfortunately Wi-Fi calling is not available overseas.
0690 numbers are local cell phones. 0590 numbers are local land lines.
International code is 059 so 05 90 22 22 22 is 059 0590 22 22 22.
You can also check with your cell phone company if Sint Marteen (Dutch) is included in your contract and what company you can use. If not don’t use any of them.
2025 VILLA INSTRUCTIONS Page 3
TV and MEDIA
DISH NETWORK (DISH) Remotes work in their allocated room. DISH Remotes have side buttons.
VOLUME: Lounge - use the SONY AV remote. Bedrooms use SONY TV remote.
Lounge remotes:
1.Dish Network
2.Sony AV system (Amplifier) ** The SONY AV controls all the TV Channels
3.Sony TV. French TV use only this remote.
4.Media Box - Multi Channels and Chromecast built in.
Bedroom Remotes:
1.Dish Network
2.Sony TV **
Bedroom TVs:
Press Top Right button on SONY room remote: ** TV turns on automatically with Dish Network-HDMI 2.
To use Chromecast, press Top Left button on the SONY TV remote choose HDMI 1.
Bedrooms have Chromecast. Lounge Media Box has Chromecast built in.
Choose either Saba TV, St Eustache TV, or Cle TV MI in lounge.
For the bedrooms you must use the Chrome browser to 'Cast', or ‘Stream’. Independent apps may show the Chrome Icon. Look for (ICON)
It may be at the top or on the application or the video you are watching.
If the icon is not found, open Chrome, click the kebab icon (3 vertical dots) and select CAST... it should be in the drop down menu. If the TV is off it should turn on automatically. Leave your device on. Click icon again to disconnect.
Lounge Room TV:
Press Top Left button on DISH remote.DISH+SONY AMP+TV are switched on.
There are 3 channels (not remotes!):
1. SAT-SONY AV remote press SAT for Dish Network or use Dish remote.
2. MEDIA BOX - SONY AV remote press Media Box.
3. French TV 7 channels. Top left button on SONY TV remote, select Digital. For SAT and MEDIA BOX, Sony TV remote top left button, select HDMI 1
Do not access the back of the amp or behind the Bedroom TVs.
TERRACE SPEAKERS
The terrace speakers use the switch to the left of the Amplifier. A little red light turns on. This turns on the terrace speakers and turns off the main lounge We have neighbours!!!
2025 VILLA INSTRUCTIONS Page 4
How to use Bluetooth with the Sony Amplifier:
Pairing with the SONY Amplifier. On the Sony AV remote control, Press "Bluetooth Pairing"
"PAIRING" flashes on the display panel. Pair your device to detect the receiver. Select"STR-DH590" on the BLUETOOTH device display.
If "STR-DH590" is not displayed, repeat this process. When the BLUETOOTH connection is established, the paired device name appears on the display panel.
Start playback on your BLUETOOTH device. Playback
Adjust the volume of your BLUETOOTH device first. If the volume level is still too low, adjust the volume level of the receiver.
To cancel pairing operation
Pairing operation will be canceled when you switch the input.
- If a passkey is required on the display of the BLUETOOTH device enter "0000". The passkey may be called "Passcode", "PIN code", "PIN number" or "Password".
- If you press ►i when no BLUETOOTH device is connected, the receiver automatically connects to the last connected BLUETOOTH device.
The BLUETOOTH connection will be disconnected when you perform either of the following operations:
- Switch the input.
- Turn off the BLUETOOTH function on your BLUETOOTH device.
- Press BLUETOOTH PAIRING.
- Turn off the receiver or your BLUETOOTH device.
- Press BLUETOOTH on the receiver again.
- The functions may differ depending on the specifications of the BLUETOOTH device.
- The audio playback on this receiver may be delayed from that on the BLUETOOTH device because of the characteristics of the BLUETOOTH wireless technology
Bluetooth and Music in the SPA
Open your device go to settings and Bluetooth
Look for TP-Link Music. Select and Connect
No Password needed.
If the Spa Bluetooth is not working use my Bose portable amp: Press top button to turn on (recharge if needed). It talks and first tells you the power level and the device connected.
Press top left button (Bluetooth icon) to pair - bring your device next to the Bose and go to your Bluetooth and connect. If you have a problem connecting don't try with other devices nearby. Volume is plus and minus;
2025 VILLA INSTRUCTIONS Page 5
AIR CONDITIONING UNITS
TEMPERATURE: Set the A/Cs between 27°c and 22°c. It is NOT necessary for a temperature lower than 22°c
Keep the doors and windows closed when using the A/Cs.
Point the remote control at the unit for the commands to be registered.
The A/C units in the lounge and in bedroom St Eustache should be turned off if you leave for a while. The rooms keeps cool and it only takes a minute or two to cool the room.
You can turn off the A/C during the day when the lounge or bedroom is NOT OCCUPIED. If the doors are closed and the curtains drawn the room stays cool.
The A/C unit in bedroom SABA should be left on 24/24. This prolongs the life of the solar batteries stored on top of the bathroom ceiling.
The A/C units have been set with NO timer so they should remain on until you press the red on/off button. Please do not set a timer as you will probably have the A/C turn off in the middle of the night.
Depending on which remote you use there may be a cover that reveals other control buttons.
MODE: Set to COOL. Snowflake will show in window. If not then cycle through MODE until the snowflake appears.
WARNING: Leaving the A/C on all the time at 18° will cause condensation to run down the walls and introduce mushroom spores into the bedding (not pleasant and not healthy!)
Keep the bathroom door and window slightly but not fully open and the bedrooms stay cool for most of the day.
Help us save energy by using the A/Cs responsibly.
2025 VILLA INSTRUCTIONS Page 6
SPA IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS
Spa Bluetooth, see “Bluetooth and Music in the SPA” Page 4
IMPORTANT Waterproof seals in any watch is dilated in a heated Spa. An expensive watch will be damaged. Take it off before entering the spa. We cannot be responsible.
Swimming Pool and Spa - No glass glasses in or near the spa or pool. Broken glass in water is invisible and lethal. Cleaning costs will apply. The round pool entrance tiling is slippery so enter the pool carefully. You might find it easier to open and close the spa cover with a second person.
In case of a SPA fault do this ONLY if you are comfortable otherwise call Eric. If the Spa suddenly stops (dry yourself, then) go to the Utility room fuse box:
If the SPA fuse (leftmost fuse). If up, flick it down (OFF). Wait 1 minute and flick it up (ON). This should reset the Spa. Now on the spa reset the time. Press and hold the “Light” button until the hour lights on and off. Use the up arrow to change the hour. Press the “Light” button again to reset the minutes. Press the “Light “button 5 times until the screen returns to normal. “Temp & Time”.
SPA LIGHTS:
Spa Rim lights switch is left of the steps, by the black lifting tube. Turn off lights when finished.
Spa Garden lights (Not the spa lights) are for the garden and path lights, they turn on automatically with the box that is fixed on the left corner of the spa. The lights are fixed to come on for 1 hour after sunset.
You change the number on the little box to prolong the time.
Press the little button. Cycle through to 1 or 2 ( hours to stay on after sunset).
If set to 0 all the lights stay on.
It will set itself to A after an electricity fault. Press the little button. Cycle through to 1 or 2
SPA - Using the Pumps 1 & 2 (Pump 3 is not used)
Pump 1 starts the bed with low power. Press again for high power.
Pump 2 starts the two seats. Press once to turn on - and press again to turn off.
Turn the knob near your seat to increase or decrease the pump flow.
Spa will stop after 20 minutes of use. You can restart it soon afterwards.
Always close the spa cover after use.
Spa water temperature. Arrows Up/Down set the temperature PLEASE NOTE the water heats naturally with the cover closed to 35°c and more. Set it to 33°c but the heater rarely turns on.
A Spanner icon shows a fault. It may reset itself after 10 minutes or more. You may also go into the utility room. Flip the fuse "Spa" for 1 minute and flip on again or report it to Eric.
2025 VILLA INSTRUCTIONS Page 7
SWIMMING POOL
THE POOL IS HEATED TO A COMFORTABLE 30°c TEMPERATURE. PLEASE DO NOT CHANGE IT.
Use the plastic glasses provided not glass ones. Broken glass in the water is invisible, sharp and extremely dangerous. The pool or spa then has to be drained of 30 cubic meters of water and cleaned. It will take 2 days to do and you will be charged for this.
SWIMMING POOL ALARM: THIS IS A FRENCH LEGAL REQUIREMENT.
You are not obliged to use it and it is your decision and responsibility to have the alarm on. It is recommended with young children at the villa. YOUR EYES ARE STILL THE BEST ALARM !!!
You have signed a waiver. We decline all responsibility in case of an accident. It is your responsibility to see that the alarm is correctly used and functions. Report any faults immediately.
The infrared beams protect the perimeter and the alarm will sound if they are broken.
If a chair obstructs the beam the alarm will not work.
CLEANING: The pool and spa are cleaned twice a week
POOL LIGHT SHOW:
The pool light switch is in the kitchen. next to the sliding door.
There are 16 different light programs.
To change program, turn off the pool light ("Pool" Switch in kitchen) and turn it on again within 2 seconds to move to the next program. It will remember the last program if left off for more than 20 seconds.
There are 16 different light programs:
White. Red. Green. Blue. Green-Blue. Red-Green. Blue- Red.
Evening Sea. Evening River. Riviera. White. Rainbow.
River of colours - (Rainbow followed by Four Seasons) Disco.
Four Seasons.
Party.
2025 VILLA INSTRUCTIONS Page 8
VILLA SECURITY:
DON’T TAKE KEYS TO THE BEACH. PUT THEM IN THE KEYBOX. LOST SAFE KEYS WILL COST 200 $
Always lock the villa when you go out. NOTE: To close the lounge doors, push the little lever down from the inside then close the lounge door from the outside. Use the key to lock it.
St Barts is a safe island but locking up is better than leaving the doors open!! Do lock the villa when you leave and do lock your cars when parking around the island. Leave one of the terrace lights on to make unwanted visitors think the villa is occupied.
NOTE: After closing the bedroom doors, firmly lift the door handle up then turn the key fully clockwise and the door will lock.
DON’T TAKE KEYS TO THE BEACH. PUT THEM IN THE KEYBOX. LOST SAFE KEYS WILL COST 200 $
Each Bedroom key set has its SAFE key and a lounge key. A third safe is in the lounge. Set your own code. We have a key should you forget your code!!!
Martha and Eric Magras both have complete sets.
LOUNGE SAFE
Set your own code: instructions to set a code are also on the safe door.
Open the safe door, press the button on the inside of the door on the left. The safe beeps twice and the yellow light will be on.
Enter you code (3 to 8 numbers) + A or B. (A and B are interchangeable) The safe beeps twice and the yellow light will turn off.
Test the new code with the door open. If correct the green light on the front will light.
Close the safe door and turn the knob anti-clockwise.
In the large lounge cupboard there are: Spare batteries. 110v-220v transformers. Plug converters. Other useful things that previous clients may have left behind.
2025 VILLA INSTRUCTIONS Page 9
The Coffee Machine:
Please note, incorrect use of the coffee machine can cause the pump or grinder to fail. We have written these instructions as we have the same machine at home and we know it well and want you to enjoy it from day one
Always check the bean holder is not low. Only use dry coffee beans. No caramelised or sweetened ones. Do not turn the dial in the corner of the bean holder.
Turn on the coffee machine. It will heat up and rinse. It will also do a rinse when it turns off. Keep the black cup under the spouts to catch the rinse water. That saves the water from messing the tray below and overflowing without warning! It doesn't matter if you forget the cup as the machine will tell you when to empty the grounds holder. Be careful as the (with water) when it is full.
When the water tank is low a message appears. Pull out the water container a little bit to access the first hole. Only use bottled water. It takes just under a full bottle of water (1.5L)
When the coffee grounds container and/or the rinse tray is full a message appears on the screen. Pull out the tray, empty the container and the water tray. If you rinse the container let it dry before replacing or mould will start in the used grounds
Lowering the spouts makes the coffee more creamy
If you do not press the off button the machine will turn off automatically.
Coffee Beans
For the size and the strength of your coffee - use the Large Button.
TURN it for Size (Action A) : Extra Long Coffee / My Coffee * / Long Coffee / Standard Coffee / Short Coffee (about half a small cup)
PRESS it for Taste (Action B): Strong Taste / Extra-Strong Taste / Pre-Ground / Extra-Mild Taste / Mild Taste
*Use “MY COFFEE” to adjust the amount of one “pour”, it is set to 1 of our small cups) or 2 pours in the medium size cups. To change it, select your taste, place your cup under the spouts, hold the one-cup button pressed and release it after the grind. Wait until the level in your cup is correct, press the button once more. That “Pour” quantity will be memorised.
Pressing the “one-cup” button will give one “Pour”. Pressing the “two-cup” button will give two “Pours”.
ONLY PUT PRE-GROUND COFFEE IN THE MACHINE WHEN IT IS ON AND THEN ONLY WHAT IS NEEDED.
Press the Large Button until “Pre-Ground” appears.
ONLY USE 1 LEVEL DOSE (NOT A HEAPED DOSE)
Place 1 cup under the spouts and ONLY press the “One-Cup” button
CAPPUCHINNO :
1. Fill the container with creamed or semi-creamed milk. Milk at 5°c out of the fridge will give the most mousse. As the milk warms, the mousse will be less dense.
2. Pull out the water spout (left of the controls). Turn the knob on the milk container to “INSERT” then attach it. A “Beep” sounds when correctly inserted.
3. Turn the knob on the milk container (L to R) to no mousse, a little mousse, or BEST MAXIMUM MOUSSE. Use a sufficiently large cup for the milk spout and the coffee spouts to reach it.
4. Press Cappuccino to start the process. It will deliver about a third of a large cup so just press the cappuccino button again to have two pours if you wish.
The screen will say “Button on CLEAN” after each use. If you are making several cappuccinos no need to clean, just continue. Clean when your “session” is done.
To Clean, make sure the black spout and the milk spout are aimed at the black mug or your now empty Cappuccino cup. Turn the knob to “Clean” the machine rinses through the milk spout. When finished turn the knob back to a mousse. You can then remove the milk container and rinse it out or keep the container with milk in the fridge. Clean any milk on the machine.
Do not alter the quantity of milk and coffee used for your cappuccino as the next client might use the smaller cup and get half his cappuccino on the floor! You should get two cappuccinos in the larger cup.
Size of a pour for the other coffees
Button Screen says Use as below
1 Cup My Coffee One small cup
2 Cups My Coffee Two small cups side by side
1 Cup Short Coffee Half a small cup
2 Cups Short Coffee Two small cups side by side
1 Cup Standard Coffee A third of a large mug
2 Cups Standard Coffee Two thirds of a large mug
1 Cup Long Coffee Just under half a large mug
2 Cups Long Coffee Three quarters of a large mug
1 Cup Extra Long Coffee One large mug
2 Cups Extra Long Coffee Two large mugs side by
2025 VILLA INSTRUCTIONS Page 10
TERRACE FAN:
Turn on the terrace fan using the remote control by the sink.
Set the speed with + or -
SUN BLIND:
Open or close the terrace sun blind using the remote control by the sink.
Close it when finished.
WEBER BBQ:
DO NOT USE IT UNDER THE CANOPY OR THE SUN BLIND. Roll it onto the terrace or in the part near the utility room.
Check that the wheels are not on brake. Wheel it onto the terrace or to the back near the utility room. Mind the walls when moving it.
If the gas is not on, rotate the top knob on the gas bottle to 0 = OPEN (F = Fermer. "Closed" in French)
Press the little red button under the valve.
Then turn on the Lefthand of the 3 BBQ Gas Bars. Give the little button to light the gas, a bit of a push, then the gas should light. Then light the other 2 Gas Bars if needed.
The BBQ may not light if it is windy. Keep the lid closed, turn on the left burner and push and hold the ignite switch. Then light the others.
NOTE: An empty bottle can be changed for a full one (behind the villa). Turn the knob on the bottle clockwise to F (Shut) in case a little gas is left. (in utility room end cupboard.) Gas connections turn anti-clockwise or in the reverse direction to other connections!
The bottle will be light if empty. (gas is in liquid form in the bottle).
PLEASE USE THE WIRE BRUSH TO CLEAN OFF SOME OF THE RESIDUE ON THE GRILLS WHILE THE BBQ IS STILL HOT.
COOKING WITH THE BBQ
Preheat the grill, lid closed, burners on high. 260/290°C (500/550°F) for 5 mins. Adjust the burners to the required heat then wire brush off any food particles, grease etc.
There are two ways to cook on the BBQ:
Direct heat (Lid open) for food that cooks quickly: burgers, steaks, chops, boneless chicken, fish, shellfish and sliced vegetables.
Indirect heat (Lid closed) for larger, tougher foods: roasts, whole chickens, ribs. Place large food on a rack inside a drip pan. Use drippings for gravy or sauce.
Use the plancha tray, which is great for small cut vegetables or shrimps and the like (which tend to fall through the grill!).
2025 VILLA INSTRUCTIONS Page 11
UTILITY ROOM and PUMP ROOM
The utility room is behind the villa. You are welcome to use it but please ask Martha first. Also, please do not use the machines when Martha comes to do the housework.
If you wish to leave sun-beds, sun creams etc. for your next visit.
LEAVE THOSE ITEMS IN THE PUMP ROOM WITH YOUR NAME ON AND PACKED/WRAPPED IF POSSIBLE if you don't want them used by others.
Wine will spoil if left in the pump room. Either drink it or leave it for the next guest! Any spirits left in the lounge by clients are yours to drink. It seems that that is a very nice custom!
The housekeeper will spend 1 or 2 hours at the villa daily except Sundays and bank holidays.
You can ask Martha to change her hours at the villa but she has other employment obligations and cannot always change her hours.
Her telephone number is 06 90 35 72 98 (She is on WhatsApp)
Lilos, Beach Chairs, Snorkels and Sunshades
Several clients have left some inflatable lilos, beach chairs, beach umbrellas, and an assortment of scuba stuff in the big red box, all of which are stored in the pump room beneath the terrace. Unless specifically wrapped, you may use them.
However please rinse them well on returning to the villa as they rust very, very quickly here. Keep them in a dry place.
Ask Martha to let you see them as the pump room is normally kept locked. Borrow what you need.
WATER
Water on the Island is scarce as there are no natural water sources!
We either use the water produced by the desalination plant (TOWN WATER), which is very expensive or rainwater that is collected and stored in two tanks under the house (90 cubic meters in total when full)
The water is usually from the tanks so DO NOT drink the tap water.
Buy bottled water.
The water in the fridge dispenser should be filled with bottled water. There is a small ice maker or use the little ice trays.
You can purchase ice in most supermarkets on the island. Try not to use water unnecessarily.
2025 VILLA INSTRUCTIONS Page 12
ELECTRICITY
Voltage is 230v / 60hz (not 50hz). That is not a problem and only affects motors (i.e. Washing Machines). In a blue plastic basket (lounge cupboard) is a 230v to 110v transformer plus some USA to French plug adaptors. Also spare batteries.
KITCHEN/LOUNGE CIRCUIT BREAKERS: In the fuse box under the Air/Con.
THE BEDROOM CIRCUIT BREAKERS: Behind the TV in bedroom SABA.
SPA CIRCUIT BREAKER: In the utility room.
POOL CIRCUIT BREAKER: In the pool pump room under the terrace.
If a fuse trips, flick up its little lever, if it trips again call Eric Magras.
Main Electricity trip fuse
The top fuse box under the lounge A/C is now empty. The main trip fuse was moved by the EDF to the box above the parking and behind the Tamarind tree. Open the small plastic window, press the + (right button) to restart the Electricity. If it flips again contact Eric.
In the utility room, the middle unit of the solar panels should have “A/C in” blinking or showing a solid light. The trip fuses on the right under the solar controller should both be up.
If the Trip fuse is at “0” and there is no electricity, that is probably because the solar charged batteries may have totally discharged and the EDF power is still down. Call Eric or contact us by email.
CHECK-IN AND CHECK-OUT
CHECKOUT TIME IS 11AM . CHECK IN IS 2:30PM. Please respect the check-out/in times. New guests will be arriving later. They have to be prepared.
YOU SHOULD CHECK IN AT THE AIRPORT ABOUT 60 MINUTES
BEFORE DEPARTURE.
If your flight from St Barts is in the afternoon think about having a goodbye lunch in one of the restaurants. The choice of food available in the airport in St Martin is very poor. The St Barts Airport restaurant ‘L’Envol’ is good but busy. Reserve a table!
The little restaurant "Le Jardin" opposite the terminal is great too.
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BOOKING AND RE-BOOKING FOR NEXT YEAR
We will accept shorter reservations with a minimum of 5 nights. However, they must not fall in the middle of an available period, which prevents a full reservation of 7 nights or more.
Only reservations of 7 nights or more can be rebooked for the same days or dates for the following year. You have 15 days to decide. After that time we cannot guarantee you the same week/s.
Our rates are subject to change. There will be an additional 5% room tax added to all reservation
TO CHECK FUTURE AVAILABILITY click on the « Availability » menu item on this website. villahenson.com
NOTE: If you came through an agent we must respect that but you are welcome to enquire directly to us but the booking will be with the agent.
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HURRICANES
Go to NHC.COM The Official Hurricane Warnings Website
Also available on SOCIAL MEDIA all with Live updates
Links:
Twitter or ‘X’ https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/twitter.php
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/NWSNHC
YouTube nhc.noaa.gov/nhcexit.php?outurl=http://www.youtube.com/user/NWSNHC
Windy windy.com
The stories of people's lucky escapes from the three hurricanes mention below, convinced us that no one should remain in the villa during one. Hurricanes are fickle things and change speed and direction without warning.
After the 2017 hurricane - class 5 (it should have been a class 6) we will not allow any client to stay in the villa. We will not be responsible for any client who will not move to a designated safe place. The villa must be closed. There will be no Internet, no TV, no A/C, as the electricity will be turned off. The Solar power will fail.
It was left on for Hurricane Irma and this ruined the Spa and other electrical equipment.
If you are caught on St Barts with a hurricane please read this section entirely.
YOU WILL BE VERY SAFE IF YOU FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS. NO NEED TO PANIC!
If you came through either "Ici et La”, “Marla”, or “My Villa”, you must call them.
We can't move you to other accommodation or give you a refund (act of God !). There are special shelters in designated buildings so make your enquiries well before the Red Alert. You should have plenty of warning and time to find shelter. Listen to the FM on the Media amp or Internet for instructions.
Radio St Barts 98.7 - 100.7 - 103.7 FM also on Internet radiostbarth.com
Website: Collectivity of St Barts for details. http:// www.comstbarth.fr
NEXT PAGE has the alerts and what you must or must not do. In any event you MUST head for a shelter and in good time.
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Just in case you are on the Island when a hurricane alert is made…
Yellow alert - The hurricane is expected soon - You can still leave the island.
Orange alert - The hurricane is imminent - You can no longer leave the island. The shops and the administrative buildings are now closed. You must go to the public shelter chosen.
Red alert - You should now be inside the designated shelter. Listen to Radio St Barth for instructions.
Violet alert - The hurricane is here, (if you haven't noticed!) You are forbidden to go outside. The emergency services will not respond.
During this period you must stay inside. But it can happen (and it did with Earl, Gonzalo and Irma) that the eye of the hurricane passes over St Barts. You may think that the storm has abated because the wind has dropped. WRONG!
This calm period can last several minutes or even longer but as the eve passes the winds will pick up from the opposite direction and fast. Wherever you are do not go out during this time.
Things like fridges or metal roof plates can be flying around. They are mortal. The end of the alert will be given over the radio.
Be careful as there are then 2 possibilities:
Grey alert - You can now go outside and the danger is over.
Orange alert - You can now go outside but the hurricane has turned around and is heading back. (As did Louis in 1995)
We will not be held responsible if you fail to go to a designated safe place
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So what's it like?
EARL (October 2010) passed at level 3 with winds of up to 200 kph and 7 meter waves. The damage was just foliage. Leaves and branches were everywhere but no structural damage occurred. We had to clean the villa walls with the Karcher immediately. If we had left it till later they would be stuck firm. The pool was full of leaves but was soon cleared with the net. The pool cleaners were at the villa very quickly to get it all cleared up properly.
We saw one idiot leave Gustavia harbour in his Catamaran and sail past us to Grand Colombier. He left at about 6pm just as the order not to put to sea had been implemented. He was fished from the sea and his Catamaran was in a thousand pieces on the beach. We were confined twenty hours in the lounge!
GONZALO (October 2014) arrived on the eastern side of the island as a tropical storm but actually made landfall as a category 2 hurricane and quickly strengthened. It caught everyone by surprise.
It left as a category 3. We were ready by early afternoon and the winds got too strong by about 5pm. When the eye came over, Eric came down to see us, had a lobster dinner with us that Anne-Marie had prepared and went back as the eye passed and the wind picked up again. Again no major damage on the island and the clearing up was done brilliantly by all concerned.
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Hurricane Irma 2017
We can’t believe this was nearly 10 years ago.
IRMA (September 6/7 2017) was a different story! The strongest ever Atlantic hurricane so far, with recorded gusts of 460 kilometres per hour (about 290 mph). Earthquake activity was recorded on the island but it was the force of the wind shaking everything, trees, villas etc. We were relatively lucky but still suffered lots of damage. The stories of people's lucky escapes convinced us that no one should remain in the villa during one. Hurricanes are fickle things and change speed and direction without warning.
We finally arrived in St Barts on the 25th of September just as the electricity came back at the villa. Internet was only available near the airport. All telephone lines and Wi-Fi were down until the end of November. The damage was extensive all over the island. A roof had been blown about 4 kilometres over a hill. The deck at Nikki Beach (next to the Eden Rock Hotel) was found above Anses des Cayes (2-3 kilometres away). Fridges were blown through roofs. We found a 4 meter long and 20cm × 20cm wood beam near us that had been blown from somewhere very far away. For the clear-up at our villa we made 35 trips to the rubbish dump using the family's small flatbed truck. We stayed on the island until the villa was ready to receive clients and on the 14th of December. We we were one of the first villas to reopen.
One of the images in the album (link below) is of a silver grey Renault Clio. It was parked there when the hurricane arrived and was blown downhill, seen there during the lull of the hurricane's eye. When the hurricane had finished it was found again parked but sadly wrecked where it had started!!
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BUGS AND OTHER ANIMALS
Being on a Caribbean Island, you cannot avoid some of the strange insects and other animals that co-habit the Island with us. You will see lots of tortoises at the villa and on the roads all over the island. Many people stop to put then at the side of the road. Be careful if you do (hazard lights on for other cars.)
There are the small mosquitoes « Yen-Yens » (pronounced Nyang-Nyangs) they fly low around your ankles. Use the repellent « OFF » or similar. There may be some near the sink.
Very small ants can be seen making runs. Use the spray or the ant products in the kitchen, if you want to, or ask Martha - nicely! - to help
At night, light attracts moths of all sizes. Using the outdoor fan helps as well as turning off the terrace lights and using candles - (very romantic). Mosquito nets are more to keep the cats out.
Some times, if a storm is in the air, you may have an invasion of small flying ants. We move the table out, turn out the lights and use (very romantic) candles for a while. You could turn on only the parking lights to tempt them away. They can be instantly killed with a fly spray BUT be warned they can come in their thousands, look disgusting and make a real mess if sprayed but they are harmless. That's life. Dont try to kill them as you will only ruin the paintwork and there will be lots of them. You'll never win.
There’s also a type of builder wasp that seems to have its body in two parts! It will build several 2 inch long cocoons out of earth and lay eggs in them before sealing them up. The cocoons have holes in the top and when the babies are born they fly off. They make a mess but there is little we can do. Ask Martha or Eric to get rid of them if possible. They are very intelligent and watch me when I line up to hit them, then nip through the opening when I am not looking. Now I close the doors when one comes in and wait until they settle then open the door a bit and let them fly out.
There are no dangerous snakes or beasts here in St Barts but there are dozens of tortoises, large, medium, small and tiny, around the villa. Take care on the drive down. You can often see Turtles in the sea close to the shore. They appear as a small white patch and then they dive.
We do have a large herd of Goats wandering in the land below us and around the Island. Shout or clap your hands and they will run away. They are harmless but do a lot of damage to the vegetation. They are a real headache!!
For the rest….
P.S. Please do not feed the wild cats as this encourages them to visit.
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We'd love to hear from you, good or bad!
Please contact us at MAIL@HENRYBARNETT.FR or mail@villahenson.com with any comments or suggestions. We take all good or bad comments seriously and appreciate them as well as acting on them.
Should you need to contact us directly: mail@henrybarnett.com or mail@villahenson.com Upper or lowercase (no difference) Or use the contact on our website.
Guest Book
There is a red visitors' book in the lounge. It makes for some good reading
USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
MAINTENANCE:
(9am to 7pm) - Housekeeper: Martha 06 90 35 72 98 WHATSAPP
General, Air/Con, Pool & Spa*: Eric Magras 06 90 41 94 52 WHATSAPP
*Aquagreg pilotefish@yahoo.fr (only if Eric is unavailable)
EMERGENCY:
- AMBULANCE. Phone. 18
- E.D.F. Public. Phone. 05 90 29 80 81
- GENDARMERIE. Gustavia. Phone. 05 90 27 11 70
- HOPITAL IRENE DE BRUYN. Gustavia. Phone.05 90 27 60 35
- MEDECIN DE GARDE. Phone. 05 90 90 13 13 or 15
- POLICE TERRITORIALE. Gustavia. Phone 05 90 27 66 66
- Fire Department (emergency number) 18
- Fire Department 05 90 27 62 31 Phone 05 90 27 62 31
DOCTORLIB On line www.doctolib.fr/will find a doctor and lake an appointment to suit.
How do I change the language in the Doctolib app?
Manage my language preferences
- Open Doctolib mobile App.
- If necessary, create your Doctolib account.
- Tap on Account on the bottom right corner.
- Scroll down to the section Settings and tap on Language.
- Select the language of your choice. You can select English, French, Italian or German.
- Click on Save.
- CHAREYRE Stéphane – Saint Jean 05 90 27 64 27
- FRAPPIER DE MONTBENOIT Rue Lafayette 05 90 29 10 04
- HUSSON Chantal 05 90 27 66 84
- MAZUE NAFFAH Sophie – Saint Jean 05 90 27 15 04
- TIBERGHIEN – L’oasis. Lorient. 05 90 29 71 01
PHARMACY
- Island Pharmacie – St Jean 05 90 29 02 12
- Pharmacie de l’Aéroport – St Jean 05 90 27 66 6
- Pharmacie de Gustavia – Rue République. 05 90 27 61 82
AGENCIES:
ICI ET LA rentals@icietlavillas.com. 05 90 27 76 03
MY VILLA myvillainstbarth.com/en. 05 90 51 35 10
MARLA info@marlavillas.com. 05 90 27 61 82