One of the Caribbean’s most popular all-inclusive resort has officially relaunched on the island of Saint Lucia, Caribbean Journal has learned. 

The Coconut Bay Beach Resort and Spa begins welcoming guests this weekend in Vieux Fort on the island’s picturesque southern coast. 

Set on 85 acres, the property has 250 rooms, along with nine eateries, seven bars, five pools, tennis and basketball courts and a spa, among other amenities. (That’s along with a full-fledged, all-inclusive rum bar featuring rums from across the Caribbean.)

“We’re excited that after months of preparations we’re welcoming guests today,” said Zachary Frangos, General Manager, Coconut Bay Beach Resort and Spa. “Our staff has worked rigorously putting our Paradise Protection Protocols in place and are ready to provide the wonderful service and amenities that our guests appreciate and expect from us. A Halloween grand reopening along with a blue moon have also given us a chance to put on a real welcome back extravaganza with costumes, games and fireworks as well as our exclusive Full Moon Party to keep the celebration going on our mile-long beach.”

The resort consists of two wings: Harmony, an adults-only enclave, and Splash, the property’s family-friendly wing. 

Coconut Bay’s sister resort, the adults-only, luxe Serenity at Coconut Bay, reopened its doors in August. 

That means both properties have received the official Saint Lucia resort certification for health and safety and has put in what it calls “paradise protection protocols.”

“Guests at both resorts enjoy easy social distancing on 85 oceanfront acres including a mile-long beach, and for even more outdoor enjoyment new decking and brand new ‘suntracker’ beds are safely spaced for lounging at Harmony, a new walkway has been added to the oceanfront area at the Gazebo, and three oceanfront cabanas have been rebuilt for guests who would like to experience open-air spa treatments,” the property said in a statement. 

Restaurant capacity is limited to ensure spacing, and the property has also introduced new take-out options. 

The resort will also continue its Theme Night dinners, with plating done by staff; additionally, the property’s Coconut Walk eatery will serve meals a la carte instead of with a buffet. 

Saint Lucia was among the first Caribbean destinations to reopen for tourism when it did so in the first week of June. You can find more on the island’s travel protocols here. 

For more, visit Coconut Bay. 

— CJ

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More and more Caribbean destinations are launching extended stay programs for those able to work remotely — in other words, offering the chance to live on an island for a year.

But the newest remote work program in the region has a rather unique amenity: 16 different islands to choose from.

The Bahamas is launching its own extended-stay program called BEATS, or Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay, an initiative that allows visitors to work and study across the country’s 16 islands for up to a year — and the country is putting an emphasis on island-hopping.

Indeed, the country is urging visitors who enroll in the program to explore the country in new ways.

For example, the Ministry of Tourism says remote workers can “backpack” their way throughout the country, “island-hopping throughout the length of their stay.”

The program’s one-year residency program is designed to “allow professionals and students to pack their laptop and their swimwear as they march to the island rhythm of their own drum, remotely, from The Bahamas,” according to The Bahamas’ Ministry of Tourism.

“What has always been unique about The Bahamas and even more so significant today, is that we are home to 700 islands and cays with 16 unique island destinations viable for travel,” said Joy Jibrilu, Director General of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation. “This means that you can essentially choose your own work, study and play adventure. If you’re seeking serenity and seclusion, you can head to Mayaguana or San Salvador, or if you’re looking for an off-the-beaten path stay, you can opt in for Grand Bahama Island, Eleuthera or Long Island. The opportunities are endless.”

So how do you get the permit?

The total cost to apply for an obtain a BEATS permit is $1,025.

College students wishing to apply will be require to pay $525, inclusive of the application and permit fee.

All incoming visitors must follow current COVID-19 government protocols In The Bahamas.

“We’re thrilled for travelers to have the opportunity to enjoy a rich Bahamian experience through an extended stay with us,” said Dionisio D’Aguilar, Bahamas Minister of Tourism & Aviation. “Simply put, a workday is better in The Bahamas. At the end of a long day of meetings or classes, you will be rewarded with breathtaking sunsets, a relaxing walk on the beach, or fresh conch salad to feed your soul. It doesn’t get any better than that.”

For more visit BEATS.

The post The Bahamas Launches “BEATS” Extended-Stay Program appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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