After considering St. Lucia's new Phase One protocols regarding reopening of the tourism sector earlier this month, Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa and sister property Serenity at Coconut Bay, both located in Vieux Fort, have delayed their reopenings to Aug. 1, according to CEO Mark Adams.
One of the requirements for entry to St. Lucia requires presentation of proof of a negative Covid test done a maximum of 48 hours before travel.
"We know testing is not readily available for many of us at this time, and we made the decision to delay reopening to Aug. 1," Adams said.
"We are optimistic that by then these hurdles, and surely a few we don't yet anticipate, can be overcome," he said.
The two all-inclusive resorts already have put in place their Paradise Protection Protocols, which include sanitation and social distancing measures, use of electrostatic sprayers in guest rooms and public areas, mandatory daily temperature checks, mask wearing in public and reduced restaurant capacity.
The resorts launched a Travel Agent Stimulus package that features booking rewards from $50 to $250 for Coconut Bay bookings and from $300 to $500 for Serenity bookings, based on seven-night stays made through July 31 for travel through Dec. 31, 2021.
"Our travel agents have been our front-line travel industry heroes throughout this distressing and difficult time," Adams said.