Aruba has become the first Caribbean destination to partner with JetBlue on a pre-testing program.

Aruba will begin accepting a PCR test facilitated by a company called Vault.

Aruba has required a PCR test for all visitors since reopening for tourism over the summer.

The virtually-supervised at-home test facilitated by Vault’s platform is the first and only saliva-based test accepted for entry of JetBlue customers into Aruba.

“Reliable, accurate, and convenient testing is a vital key to safely resuming leisure travel and invigorating the economy,” said Joanna Geraghty, president and chief operating officer, JetBlue. “With a long history of promoting seamless travel, we are grateful to the Aruban Tourism Authority and the Aruban government for recognizing our partner, Vault, as an easy way for JetBlue customers to meet Aruba’s testing requirements.”

So how does it work?

Thes test is administered via an online video connection facilitated by Vault, with a test supervisor who ensures the customer is providing their sample properly.

The sample is then shipped overnight to a laboratory for processing within 72 hours.

“Aruba is honored to partner with JetBlue to be the first Caribbean country to offer this innovative seamless entry testing to streamline the travel process, and make our ‘one happy island’ even more accessible,” said Ronella Tjin Asjoe-Croes, CEO of the Aruba Tourism Authority. “We continue to prioritize the health and well-being of our visitors and locals through advanced safety protocols. This partnership provides our visitors with an added level of convenience and ensures that once travelers arrive on our sunny shores, they can immediately enjoy their trip.”

The move models similar programs first pioneered by American Airlines, which has been increasingly its pre-testing program for the Caribbean of late.

For more, visit Vault.

— CJ

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Petit St Vincent, the celebrated private-island resort in the heart of the Grenadines, has officially reopened, Caribbean Journal has learned.

The resort, which is set on 115 acres, has a total of 22 accommodations across the island.

It’s one of the country’s approved “Bubble” resorts.

“We’re officially open and can’t wait to give you the warmest of welcomes,” the property said in a statement to guests. “It’s finally time to spend your days soaking up the Caribbean sun at PSV with nothing on the agenda but relaxing on sunbeams and listening to the waves.”

St Vincent and the Grenadines reopened for tourism in July.

For more, visit Petit St Vincent.

— CJ

The post Petit St Vincent Is Open Again appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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St Kitts and Nevis has unveiled a new update to its travel protocols, adding a new PCR test for all international travelers 72 hours prior to departure from the island. 

The test applies to all travelers staying seven nights or less. 

It will be performed at the traveler’s hotel property at the nurse’s station. 

If positive before departure, travelers will have to stay in isolation at their hotel. 

The cost is $150 for international travelers. 

For more, visit St Kitts. 

— CJ

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Caribbean Journal was on hand this week as AMResorts, an Apple Leisure Group company, officially reopened the all-inclusive Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana following a $36 million renovation.

The reopening ceremony — which consisted of a traditional interpretation of the National Anthem, ribbon-cutting, resort showcase, and executive panel – was held both in-person and virtually. 

During our stay, Caribbean Journal noticed that many of the guests were engaging in social distancing and mask wearing.

Luis Nunez, regional commercial director of the Dominican Republic for AMResorts, told Caribbean Journal that the property, like all AMResorts hotels, will be capped at 60 percent occupancy.

He said when hotels come close to hitting 40 percent, management will close off the cheaper rooms and even consider raising rates to maintain the cost of operating the resorts.

At the time of Caribbean Journal’s stay, the occupancy was about 20 percent, representing about 200 people, Nunez said.

Nunez said most guests were tested at the airport via breathalyzer equipment made in Israel.

If a guests gets sick at the hotel, they are brought to an isolated room, treated by a doctor and then sent to a hospital, said Nunez.

The completed $36 million renovation project signifies continued growth and economic recovery for the destination despite the pandemic.

Some of the most notable include the addition of 90 rooms, bringing the resort total to 639, suites featuring private pool access (a new suite category), marble floors, hydro tubs and updated décor; a new El Patio Restaurant serving gourmet Mexican cuisine; and two additional bars, making the resort total 11. There are also two new pools. The pools are a 52-meter Olympic-sized pool and a lazy river with a swim-up bar and a connected infinity pool.

  
The reopening of Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana follows that of several other properties in the country, including Zoetry Agua Punta Cana, Dreams Dominicus La Romana, Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa, Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana, and Sunscape Puerto Plata. 

Guests at Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana will have access to enhanced offerings and amenities.

All AMResorts branded properties in the Dominican Republic will be reopen by the end of the year, the company said.

For more, visit Secrets Royal Beach.

The post Secrets Royal Beach Resort Reopens in Punta Cana appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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