In a significant step for the recovery of the Abaco islands of The Bahamas, the Abaco Beach Resort is reopening on Nov. 1, Caribbean Journal has learned. 

The relaunch of the resort comes in time for The Bahamas’ new travel protocols, which will waive the mandatory quarantine period and take effect on Nov. 1. 

The resort is coming back following a renovation and expansion to its 94 guest rooms, suites and residential units in the wake of Hurricane Dorian in 2019. 

That included the addition of a “rejuvenated, reimagined and clean look” to all of the property’s guest rooms. 

Boat Harbour, the resort’s marina, also underwent a complete rebuild of its 200 slips. 

Set in the historic tourist district of Marsh Harbour, the property has also added new dining experiences and new aquatic and outdoor activities. 

The Great Room is the property’s new casual gathering spot, while the Bistro is an indoor-outdoor eatery. 

The Pool Bar and Terrace at Marinaville is another al fresco eatery with views of the marina, helipad and nearby cays. 

It’s a significant development for Abaco, which was devastated by Dorian and has been working to rebuild over the last year and a half. 

The transformed resort will join other open properties including The Abaco Club on Winding Bay and the Sandpiper Inn, among others.

The Abaco Beach Resort first opened in Marsh Harbour in 1955. 

For more, visit the Abaco Beach Resort. 

— CJ

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A leading Costa Rica resort has hit the market, Caribbean Journal Invest has learned. 

The Si Como No Resort and Wildlife Refuge has been listed for sale with CBRE Hotels. 

The property first opened in 1992 as a five-key resort and has expanded into a 51-room property with two restaurants, a swim-up bar, two outdoor pools, a private theater, a full-service spa and a 21-acre wildlife refuge. 

The property is marked by panoramic views of the ocean and the foliage of the Manuel Antonio National Park. 

The property, set in Manuel Antonio on the country’s central Pacific coast, has been listed unencumbered by both brand and management, according to CBRE. 

It has posted average annual NOI growth of 22.3 percent since 2016. 

There’s also expansion potential, with conceptualized plans to add another 27 guest rooms. 

“Manuel Antonio is cherished as  one of the most beautiful and unspoiled places on earth,” said Paul Weimer, senior Vice President, Americas at CBRE Hotels in Miami.  “And the perennially popular village of Quepos is the tourism heart of the region.  Under the same ownership for many years, Si Como No has flourished financially and offers tremendous further upside potential.”

For more, visit Si Como No. 

— CJI

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Belize has officially reopened its borders for international tourism. 

The sought-after destination on the Caribbean coast of Central America has begun welcoming back travelers to its Philip Goldson International Airport as part of the third phase of the country’s five-phase travel reopening plan. 

A number of major carriers have already resumed flights to the country, including American Airlines out of Miami and United Airlines out of Houston. 

Delta will be resuming Atlanta-Belize flights on Nov. 20. 

So what about the travel protocols?

Most crucially, all travelers to Belize must present proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours of travel. 

They must also download the Belize Health App and completed the required questionnaire. 

All visitors will undergo a health screening and test verification process upon arrival. 

Those with a verified negative COVID-19 PCR test result can proceed to immigration and customs and then to their hotel. 

Those who do not have a test must take an immediate test at the airport, and will be placed into quarantine at their hotel until receiving clearance from the Ministry of Health. (You can find more on the travel protocols here)

The initial reopening phase will center around the Belize “Safe Corridor,” which will include hotels, restaurants and tour operators that have been approved by the Belize Tourism Board’s “Gold Standard” recognition, a nine-point program of safety protocols. 

All travelers will have to check in on the Belize Health app daily. If they report symptoms, they will have to be tested again; those who test positive will be placed into quarantine. 

“We’re confident the Tourism Gold Standard Recognition Program and Gold Standard Seal of Approval will allow travelers and the tourism industry to operate safely as COVID-19 restrictions are eased,” said Belize Tourism Board Director of Tourism, Karen Bevans. “While visitors will need to adhere to our ‘new normal’ entry requirements and safety protocols, their experience will remain authentic to Belize’s adventurous spirit.”

More than 130 accommodations have already been approved as “safe corridor” accommodations, according to the Belize Tourism Board. 

That includes notable names like the Cayo Espanto private-island resort, the Lodge at Chaa Creek, the Matachica Resort, among others. 

You can find the full list of Gold Standard hotels here.  

For more, visit Travel Belize. 

— CJ

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