Update: Drum Roll – St. Barth Is Reopening Its Borders to Tourists!

JUNE 18 2020 UPDATE: CLARIFICATION OF THE COVID-19 TEST FOR ENTRY INTO ST BARTH

Some of you have asked us about the Coronavirus testing and its results, saying it will be difficult to be tested in the USA and get the results 72 hours before arriving in St. Barth. The Préfet clarified the regulation by saying that the closer to the day of travel you have the test and the results, the better it is, but it should not be more than 72 hours from the day the test was performed. We explained that it could be an issue because, in some states, it takes longer than that to get the results. That means you might have to travel to St. Barth without having received the results. If you arrive without knowing the results, you need to be tested at the Drive-through site in Gustavia within 24 hours. (If the date of your test is too old, you may be asked to take the test at the lab, too). The cost of the test is 135 euros; they recommend that you also have a blood test for 50 euros. The lab does not take credit cards. Don’t worry, my on-island office can charge your credit card and pay the lab directly with a check. We will assist you with an appointment and help in every way we can.

I have further news. If you are transiting through San Juan, there is a free COVID-19 testing site available outside of baggage claim at the San Juan airport. Right now, it takes about 15 minutes to get the results if there is no line, but it may take much longer when airline volume increases. While we recommend that travelers have the test performed before departure, the SJU testing site could be a good option for those with a more extended layover between flights. If you do not have a long layover, you could miss your flight to St. Barth as Tradewind cannot hold the plane for you.

Better news: I found out that CVS is offering drive-through testing without an Rx at many, many pharmacies in the US, and is adding more and more to that list https://cvshealth.com/covid-19/testing-locations All you need to do is fill out a questionnaire.

As promised, my next blog – this one – brings fantastic news! Mark your calendars and celebrate. You can travel to St. Barth as of June 22, 2020! So, all of you who have told us that you want to go to St. Barth this summer means your dream has come true.

Here is the deal: Any tourist (regardless of their nationality) who wants to come to St. Barth beginning June 22, 2020, must provide a negative result from a Coronavirus test 72 to 48 hours before the day of arrival in St. Barth. Be careful, this is NOT the date of the test, but the date of the result. Sometimes it can take 2-3 (or more) days to get the result. Please call the testing site first to be sure you can get the results in time. Once on St. Barth, it is recommended that you be tested 7 days later (at your own expense -175€ per person). Children under 10 do not need to have a test.

The testing site is on the street near the museum, between the lab building and the Hotel de Ville (City Hall).
Photo courtesy of Rachel Trangmar

St. Barth Properties can organize the appointment with the laboratory for you so that you do not have to wait. “Drive-Through” testing is easy. If you did you get your test results back in time, you can be tested at the Drive-Through upon your arrival or the day after if you arrive too late. You will be confined to your hotel or villa until you get the results. I do not recommend this option as it is too risky.

I long for a cheeseburger in paradise at Le Select.

L’Entracte is doing a good business! We love going there.

Everyone on St. Barth is ready to welcome you! We are thrilled to be able to make your lunch and dinner reservations, excursions, in-villa massages, pre-stock your villa, etc. How does a beach picnic sound?

Here is some helpful information:

Flights

Check with your carrier to see when they will begin flying to SXM or SJU.

Puddle Jumpers

Tradewind is flying from SJU to SBH as of June 22, 2020. We can arrange these flights for you
Winair resumes flights from SXM to SBH July 01, 2020
St. Barth Commuter resumes flights from SXM to SBH July 07, 2020
Private flights are also available from SJU or SXM through our concierge

Ferries from St. Martin and Sint Maarten to/from St. Barth

Voyager Ferry from the French side resumed service June 8, 2020
Great Bay Express from the Dutch side resumes service July 01, 2020.
Private Boat transfers are also available through our concierge

We have a very special offer at some of our villas to welcome you:

Stay 7 nights but only pay for 6 nights – You get 1 night free! Use those savings towards dining out, boutique shopping, excursions, etc. Our concierges will make all of the arrangements.

So please contact [email protected] or me [email protected] ASAP to ask about the villas with this promotion so that we can move forward, securing the villa of your choice for your dream vacation.