Hello All, We spent 9 nights on the French side in early October and had an awesome time! Just got home late last night from 8 nights in Aruba, which was also amazing. I thought that I would pass along a few observations about how the two islands differ in the way they are handling Covid. We found SXM to be pretty lax in mask use. About the same as here in Florida. Not many additional precautions were noticeable on the French side. Masks were used in the airport and in grocery stores. Everywhere else was very spotty. Aruba was completely different! Outside, and on the beaches, masks were not used. Everywhere else, mask use was mandatory. Additionally, you couldn't walk anywhere without seeing sanitizer dispensers. Most stores and restaurants would require you to sanitize before entering. A few places, like Madame Janette's Restaurant, would scan your temperature before letting you in. Also, there were non-stop cleaning crews everywhere, wiping down door handles, stair rails, counters, seats, even the Renaissance ferry boats that shuttle guests to the private island were sanitized between groups. The enhanced cleaning and sanitizing seemed to be consistent island-wide. I post this not to judge who is handling things right or wrong, but to allow you, island lovers, to make informed decisions.

Thanks for the comparison. Interesting. How would you compare the experience overall?

We have been to St Martin 18 times, Aruba 9. That tells you which island is our favorite. This year, I would probably give the nod to Aruba, because nearly all the places we love were open for business, and there wasn't the depressing hurricane damage to view. We will be back to SXM in May. Hoping things are better then.

OK thanks. How was the level of tourists in Aruba vs in SXM?

Aruba was way busier than SXM, but nowhere near previous trips. My guess is that Aruba is operating at 40% - 50% of normal.

OK thanks.

One other thing. Everything that we read on the Aruba website led us to believe that coming from Florida, we would have to pass a covid test within 72 hours of departure, and then be tested again after landing at the airport in Aruba. That was not true. The second test was not required.