The island of Grand Bahama’s lockdown has been lifted, the island’s tourism board confirmed.
The changes mean essential businesses like food stores, pharmacies and gas stations are now open every day, while restaurants are now able to provide outdoor dining, takeout, delivery and drive-through (excepting Smiths Point Fish, Williams Town and West End Move).
“We couldn’t be more excited to share that lockdown has officially been lifted on our beloved island,” the Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board said in a statement. “This does not mean that everything is back to normal and that our doors are fully open. But it is a momentous step in the right direction.”
International and domestic flights and sea vessels are now allowed in and out of the island.
All visitors must undergo a 14-day quarantine, although that includes hotels, vacation rentals and other accommodations.
One of the top all-inclusive private-island resorts in the Caribbean is reopening in November, Caribbean Journal has confirmed.
Jumby Bay Island, set just off the coast of Antigua, is set to reopen on Nov. 7, according to the Oetker Collection, which manages the resort.
The luxe all-inclusive resort has a mix of 40 suites and vacation villas on the island, along with 21 private residences.
The suites include a collection of beachside suites, pool suites (each of which has its own private pool) and estate suites (the latter includes its own infinity pool and outdoor garden).
Each of the villas on the property has its own unique design and amenities.
And then there’s the food and beverage program: yes, it’s an all-inclusive, but Jumby Bay does all-inclusive a bit differently, with a full-fledged luxury experience that includes Taittinger as its house champagne.
“This is an island of leisure. with water sports, land sports and special activities for teens and tots,” the Oetker Collection says.
The property is emphasizing its space and seclusion amid the new realities of travel.
“As we’ve always given our guests space, privacy and seclusion you can rest assured our services have been perfectly adapted for these unusual times,” the Oetker Collection said. “From the moment you touch down at Antigua airport you can simply ‘let go.’”
Jumby Bay is one of two Oetker Collection resorts in the Caribbean, along with the legendary Eden Rock St Barths. (It joined the Oetker Collection in 2017).
The resort is the product of a dramatic transformation of the former Grenadian by Rex Resorts property.
The 269-room, family-friendly property is set on Grenada’s picturesque Magazine Beach.
“As we prepare to welcome back our valued guests for an exceptional vacation in paradise, we are committed to providing a safe experience with increased safety protocols and cleaning measures,” said Jordi Pelfort, President of Hotels and Resort at Blue Diamond’s parent company, Sunwing Travel Group. “With many travel plans on hold and months of staying at home, we want to ensure that every guest enjoys a well-deserved vacation in paradise and trusts that their well-being is safe in our hands.”
The Bahamas is planning to enter a major new phase of its tourism reopening in October, one that will include the reopening of its beaches and major hotels.
Beginning Oct. 15, beaches and hotels will open on all major islands in The Bahamas, according to Bahamas Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar.
All guests must abide by a 14-day “vacation-in-place” plan, which will allow guests access to all amenities, including hotel spas, gyms, bars and more.
The next reopening phase will be headlined by the relaunch of Nassau’s Baha Mar megaresort, which had already been slated to reopen at the beginning of October.
The third phase of the country’s tourism reopening will also include the reopening of attractions, excursions and tours on Nov. 1.
In a statement, The Bahamas said it would be working with airline partners to secure direct airlift from key markets “where the curve has been flattened.”
“The country’s in-depth Tourism Readiness and Recovery Plan outlines a strategic, phased reopening strategy to ensure a comfort level that The Bahamas is a safe and healthy destination for both visitors and residents to enjoy,” The Bahamas’ Ministry of Tourism and Aviation said in a statement.
The eventual fourth phase of the country’s tourism reopening would include select attractions, ferries and cruises — although a date has not yet been set for that.
So what do travelers need to know right now?
Effective Sept. 1, The Bahamas is requiring all travelers to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than five days prior to arrival. (That does not apply to children under the age of 10 and Pilots and crew who remain overnight in The Bahamas).
All travelers are subject to a mandatory 14-day “vacation-in-place” at a hotel, private club or vacation rental like Airbnb, or on a private boat.
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