One of the Caribbean’s great undiscovered destinations is open again. 

The Dutch Caribbean island of Statia (also known as St Eustatius) has officially reopened its borders to fully vaccinated travelers. 

And most importantly, fully vaccinated travelers don’t need to quarantine. They just have to comply with the island’s health and safety protocols, which include mask-wearing, social distancing and frequent hand washing. 

All travelers need to fill out the island’s Electronic Health Authorization System (you can do so here), and take and receive a negative PCR test within 72 hours of travel.

The island, known for its eco-tourism and anchored by the majestic Quill mountain, has embarked on a very strong health protocol amid the pandemic.

“It is said that tourism will not bounce back but bounce forward,” said Charles Lindo, Director of the St Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation. “The island government of Statia has done a tremendous job in not just keep the virus under control but keeping it out as well. Statia is one of the few islands in the region that can boast of hosting a week-long carnival during these times. We look forward to  welcoming all vaccinated and non-vaccinated travelers to our shores. And we ask them to adhere to all the protocols in place so we all can continue to enjoy a safe and Covid-free Statia.”

Long a sought-after diving destination in the Caribbean, the island has been coming into its own in recent years, buoyed by its historic downtown and charming small hotels. 

It’s also made news of late following a recent historical investigation that found that American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton spent a significant portion of his childhood on the island, leading Statia to be called Hamilton’s “forgotten Caribbean island.”

A major new luxury resort is also set to come on stream in Statia in the next month, with the imminent launch of the Golden Rock Dive and Nature Resort, which will open its doors in September (and has already opened its signature eatery, Breeze). 

Statia is served by regular flights from neighboring St Maarten. 

For more, visit Statia. 

— CJ

The post Statia Is Now Open to Vaccinated Travelers appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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One of the leading luxury hotels in Saint Lucia is reopening, Caribbean Journal has learned. 

Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort, will officially welcome back guests in November, following what the property calls an “extensive” renovation project. 

The biggest changes include the addition of nine new rooms; an upgrade to the resort’s culinary outlets; a new beachside fitnesses facility and a new main pool area, among others. 

“We are excited to kickstart this multi-phase renovation journey that will bring a new and elevated luxury guest experience to our already celebrated Sugar Beach property,” said General Manager Mark Sterner. “Every aspect of the renovation has been thoughtfully designed to bring the best out of each space and provide a new level of service, privacy and hospitality to our valued guests. Those visiting in November can expect to see Sugar Beach completely revived and like they’ve never experienced before.”

The property’s signature pool will be completely renovated, with a multi-tiered, landscaped design that will include a “fleet of exclusive luxury cabanas” and a new poolside bar. 

The new rooms will include a mix of four one-bedroom beachfront bungalows right on the shoreline, along with five one-bedroom luxury cottages set higher up the mountain. 

Each unit will have a contemporary interior design and views of the gardens, Pitons and the beach. 

The new spa will be a transformation of Sugar Beach’s famous Rainforest Spa, with one new couples’ treehouse treatment room, bringing the total number of treatment rooms to 10. 

Saint Lucia is currently open for tourism. You can find more about how to visit here. 

For more, visit Sugar Beach. 

— CJ

The post Saint Lucia’s Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort Is Reopening appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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