With an increasing number of key source markets (including Canada, the UK, and US) now mandating a negative pre-departure COVID-19 test result for travellers, more and more resort hotels in the Caribbean are taking matters into their own hands by providing or arranging their own testing.
Sometimes on their own, or in co-ordination with local governments; some free, others for a cost – venues are providing tests on site with the aim of encouraging guests to continue to visit by easing the burden of trying to arrange their own procedure in an unfamiliar setting.
(Note: Canada requires PCR test results as opposed to quicker, cheaper antigen tests for both returning citizens and visitors).
From Sandals to Saint Lucia, here a sampling of some of the recent announcements on this emerging trend – a trickle becoming a flood:
CHAINS
Sandals/Beaches: Canadians will receive complimentary COVID-19 testing through March 31 at all Sandals and Beaches resorts in the Caribbean in the comfort of the resort. Tests will be conducted by approved and practiced medical professionals and staff will assist guests in making all arrangements necessary to take the test at least 72 hours before departure. Results will be available within 24 hours.
Palace Resorts: Palace Resorts and Le Blanc Spa Resorts are offering free antigen tests for US guests and will help facilitate (at cost) PCR testing through a third party for Canadians and others that require the more comprehensive procedure. Should a guest test positive, preventing departure, the resorts will cover the cost of quarantine for up to 14 days at no cost for up to two guests per room should both guests test positive.
Couples Resorts: While Couples has announced that it is providing free onsite rapid antigen testing for guests lodging at any of its four all-inclusive properties in Jamaica, the company told Travel Industry Today that is currently working to confirm details/logistics for guests who require PCR tests. In the meantime, starting on Jan. 24, Canadians can submit an application through a dedicated portal on the company website to book a test that will be conducted on site.
Karisma Hotels & Resorts: Provides a PCR test on-property for a discounted rate. If a guest’s test results are positive, Karisma will provide quarantine accommodations until a doctor certifies clearance for travel with a negative test result for a period not to exceed 14 nights. Amenities are available for guests travelling through March 31, 2021.
Melia Hotels International: Free on-site COVID antigen testing is available for guests at the brand’s 10 hotels in Mexico and the Dominican Republic.
Sonesta Resorts: The all-Inclusive Sonesta Resorts Sint Maarten comprising of the adults-only luxury Sonesta Ocean Point Resort and the family-centric Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa offers on-property rapid antigen testing for guests. The resort says it will refer Canadians to one of two local facilities within 15 minutes of the resorts that conduct PCR tests.
AMResorts: The chain says its CleanComplete+ program includes facilitation of a required PCR test with an additional cost to the guest. Meanwhile, if a guest receives a positive test while on property that prevents departure, the cost of quarantine at the property will be covered for up to 14 days. Extended stay due to quarantine includes the guest plus one travel companion sharing the same room. The program is valid for travel through March 31, 2021.
INDIVIDUAL RESORTS
Conrad Punta de Mita: Located in Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, the resort has partnered with a third-party healthcare provider to administer onsite PCR and antigen COVID-19 tests for all guests. The cost of a PCR test is US$185 and $65 for antigen tests. The resort says the testing process is seamless with results available via e-mail or hard copy. PCR test results are returned within 24-hours and antigen tests results are provided within 30 minutes. Travellers who test positive are required to quarantine until proof of a negative test result and may do so at specially provided accommodations within the resort at a discounted rate.
Jade Mountain & Anse Chastanet, St. Lucia: On-site rapid antigen tests are offered complimentary to any existing or new booking made for travel through Sept. 30, 2021 (minimum 3-night stay at Anse Chastanet, no stay minimum at Jade Mountain). Complimentary PCR tests are also being offered for Jade guests staying 5-plus nights. The test date is scheduled for 72 hours prior to the guest’s departure date and 24 hours notice is required for all testing appointments to ensure doctor’s availability. The tests are available at cost for guests who do not meet the above requirements.
DESTINATIONS
Saint Lucia: The Caribbean nation reports that it has multiple Covid-19 PCR and antigen (rapid) testing options for departing visitors, citizens and residents. Travellers can obtain a Covid-19 test conveniently at select hotels or at local testing facilities, with test results returned within the requisite 72-hour time frame. There are additional options in development to expand testing locations. Travellers can make appointments for tests once they arrive on island or through their COVID-certified hotel. Pricing varies based on location and the type of test administered. Select hotels offer complimentary antigen (rapid) tests to guests who qualify. Detailed information about testing options will soon be available at the Saint Lucia Covid-19 Travel Advisory PAGE.
www.StLucia.org/covid-19
Cuba: The Cuba Tourist Board says it is making it easy for Canadians to meet this country’s new requirement for travellers to produce a (negative) PCR test upon arrival home by providing testing services right at their hotels in Varadero, Cayo Coco, Cayo Santa Maria, and Holguin, Cuba’s main tourism destinations. The tests cost US$30 p.p. (payable by debit or credit).
Jamaica: A special government task force has been named to spearhead efforts to boost Jamaica’s capacity to facilitate wide-scale COVID-19 testing for visitors to the island. In the meantime, the Jamaica Tourist Board Canada has posted a list of on-island test facilities on Facebook, including MicroLabs, which has introduced a special “portal” for Canadians to make an appointment online that will be conducted in person at their hotel.
TOUR OPERATOR
Transat: In a bid to simplify the process for travel agents and their clients to determine the hotels in its portfolio that offer or facilitate COVID testing services for Canadians, the tour company has listed details on its web site that include price, appointment scheduling, processing time, etc. Furthermore, a clearly marked logo has been added to each resort’s information page. Visit HERE.
https://www.airtransat.com/en-CA/travel-information/hotels-offering-covid-19-screening-test-services