There’s a reason St. Barth is so exclusive (other than its incredible resorts, beautiful beaches, nightlife and luxury shopping, among other things).
It isn’t the easiest island to get to.
It’s got one of the world’s smallest runways, meaning only small planes (and commuter flights) can fly in — that’s if you don’t want to take a, to be generous, bumpy ferry ride from St. Martin (or if you have your own yacht).
But if you’re coming from the United States, one way is better than all the rest: Tradewind Aviation.
Landing in St. Barth with Tradewind.
This private charter firm, which also operates in the Northeastern U.S., has carved out a special niche for luxury short-haul flights, including scheduled flights, around the Caribbean out of a hub in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
And it’s created what is now the easiest, most comfortable way to get to St. Barth.
All you’ve got to do is fly to San Juan and the rest is simple.
Tradewind’s VIP lounge in San Juan.
Pick up your bags (there’s no customs at San Juan airport if you’re arriving from the continental US), so just check in at the Tradewind desk, take an elevator to the second floor and you’re suddenly in Tradewind’s nice little VIP lounge, with free drinks, snacks, espresso and Wi-Fi.
Find this elevator at San Juan airport Terminal B and the rest is easy.
You’ll head directly from there to the plane, meaning no security lines, no immigration and a short wait before you’re on the tarmac boarding the short 40 minute flight to St. Barth.
Boarding in San Juan.
Onboard, you’ll find free drinks and a very smooth ride on the firm’s Pilatus PC-12 aircraft, before settling down in St. Barth (home to one of the world’s quickest customs experiences).
It’s basically commercially available private plane service.
Better yet? You can do the same thing from San Juan to destinations including Nevis, Anguilla and Antigua — terrific if you have direct flights to San Juan from your home airport but not to those islands.
For more information, visit Tradewind Aviation.
— Alexander Britell