Maho Bay recently made the TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice List for top 25 beaches worldwide! Landing at number 18 amidst some pretty incredible places in Greece, Aruba, Italy and Turks & Caicos (to name a few), Maho is putting St. John on the map thanks to reviews from travelers like you!
Hillary Bonner
Real Estate Spotlight: Coral Bay Views on a Budget
Good Morning! We generally report on real estate options that are over the million-dollar marker. But, this two-unit fixer upper with dreamscape views is a little more budget friendly for someone wanting to call St. John their forever home without breaking the bank!
Fall Raffle Announcement: We Want your Input!
Good Morning All!
In mid-August, Governor Bryan announced a step back in the progress of the territory’s fight against COVID-19. In his press conference, he responded to the recent surge of cases on the St. Thomas and St. John district with an announcement that we would be reverting to the orange or “Stay at Home” phase beginning Monday, August 17. (Read the full report here.)
Now, three weeks later, the number of positive COVID-19 cases in the territory continues to climb, but a bit more slowly since the closure of tourism. As of September 1, VITEMA reported 6 active cases on St. John, 103 on St. Thomas and 21 on St. Croix. The governor said the closure to tourism would remain in effect until at least September 18. The Stay at Home orders are in effect until at least the 8th.
Despite these trying times for the territory, we decided it might be time to do something to spread a little positivity and shed some light on some good work happening down here. We are getting another charity raffle started to launch this fall. And we want your input!
COVID Presents Challenges for Caribbean Animal Shelters
Good morning everyone! I know we have been posting a lot lately about COVID and closures and promoting local businesses in lieu of much else going on in the “news.” But, today we have a very important initiative to share with you. And it is something that is near and dear to all of our hearts!
Read moreCOVID Presents Challenges for Caribbean Animal Shelters
Restaurant Report-Coming Next Week!
We have received several requests over the past month about the annual restaurant off-season closure report. That report looks a little different this year as we will be including take out options, limited hours and scheduled closures.
We had planned to get the report out this week. But, In light of the changes made last week reverting the territory to the “Stay at Home” phase, we are making some adjustments to that post and giving the restaurants a bit more time to figure out their game plans.
We are gathering the information and putting this post together over the next week in hopes of getting the most updated information to you ASAP!
Thank you for your patience while we work with local business owners to get you accurate information in regards to dining and take out options for the off season.
If you are reading this and own or manage a restaurant on STJ, please post your plans in the comments or contact us directly!
Real Estate Spotlight: Imagine Your “Heavenly” Dream Home!
This BRAND NEW villa just hit the market with all of the bells and whistles for a perfect second or primary home within minutes of Cruz Bay.
Read moreReal Estate Spotlight: Imagine Your “Heavenly” Dream Home!
Business Spotlight: A Day on the Beach at Bikini’s
Are you currently dreaming about lying in a hammock in the shade with a Painkiller in your hand, Caribbean blues lining your landscape and sand between your toes? Maybe the faint sound of music and laughter in the background and the smells of barbeque on the grill? Then, the next time you are on St. John, take a drive or a hike to Bikini’s Bar & Grill at Honeymoon Beach and live out your daydreams!
Business Spotlight: Explore St. John with VI Ecotours
Looking for a unique and informative way to spend a day outside while you’re on St. John? Whether your outdoor vibes run high with snorkeling, hiking, paddling or a combination of these things, Virgin Islands Ecotours is sure to find a tour that is perfect for you!
Read moreBusiness Spotlight: Explore St. John with VI Ecotours
Real Estate Spotlight: Condo Complex in Cruz Bay with Great Income History!
Has the thought of moving to paradise ever crossed your mind only for you to dismiss it? What would you do for a living? Where would you live? How could you possibly afford to live here? Well, for those of you shopping the market right now, this newly listed, income producing property might be the answer to all of these questions!
Read moreReal Estate Spotlight: Condo Complex in Cruz Bay with Great Income History!
COVID Update: Restaurant Closures, States Added to Mandatory Testing List
Last night the territory reported an additional 11 positive COVID tests. One of which was on St. John. Bringing the Love City total cases during the pandemic to seven. Three of these seven are currently active.
Breakdown for the territory:
Tested: 4,395
Positive: 217
Negative: 4,084
Pending: 94
Active: 105
Recovered: 106
Deaths: 6
Three active cases on St. John doesn’t seem like a lot, right? BUT, it is enough to close down a few of our favorite local businesses temporarily. Both Skinny Legs and High Tide announced on Monday that they would be responsibly closing their doors temporarily “for the safety of our staff, our community and our guests.”
***Note: No staff members for any of the listed businesses have tested positive for COVID. The businesses are responsibly exercising caution based on POSSIBLE contact.
Sam and Jack’s Deli posted a similar message this morning and will be closed temporarily for a second time due to possible COVID-19 contact. All three restaurants reported that employees may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 and are closed until test results are in.
Additionally, the local veterinarian office and pet supply store, Canines, Cats and Critters, is closed for a short time today for the same reasons and will be open for regular hours tomorrow. Emergency visits are available at any time.
I know there have been a ton of questions and concerns in regards to the new travel policy. I’ve recapped all that I can find on it below as well as the toll free number for the Dept of Tourism.
In light of the recent surge in positive test results in the territory, the Governor has implemented travel restrictions for those traveling from the following states and territories:
- Arizona
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Puerto Rico
- Utah
- Kansas
- Mississippi
- Nevada
- South Carolina
- Texas
The above states are those with a positive testing rate greater than 10% of the population based on John Hopkins University data (updated July 13). Travelers arriving in the territory from the above states as their ORIGIN – Not layover, will be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test that was administered within FIVE DAYS OF ARRIVAL in the territory.
Travelers under the age of 15 will not be required to provide a test result. If travelers do not have a test result upon arrival, they will be required to quarantine for 14 days. The above regulations apply to visitors and residents alike and they go into effect tomorrow – WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2020.
If you have questions, please call the Department of Tourism at 800-372-8784.