Resorts throughout the Caribbean and Mexico have a unique new offering: free onsite COVID testing.
The initiative has been put in place to comply with new CDC guidelines that require air passengers entering the United States to provide negative COVID-19 tests before boarding their flight.
Many resorts have announced plans to offer free testing, including the following:
Palace Resorts and Le Blanc Spa Resorts
At Palace Resorts and Le Blanc Spa Resorts, free COVID-19 antigen (rapid) testing will be conducted onsite at no cost to guests (for up to two guests per room) traveling to the United States. Results will be received within 30 minutes, and documentation will be ready for guests to present at the airport for their journey back home.
If a guest tests positive and can’t depart, Palace Resorts and Le Blanc Spa Resorts will cover the cost of quarantine for up to 14 days at no cost to the guest (this courtesy applies for up to two guests per room, should both guests test positive).
Palace Resorts and Le Blanc Spa Resorts operate luxury properties throughout Mexico; three of which were recently named best Cancun all-inclusive resorts for adults by Resorts Daily: Sun Palace, Le Blanc Spa Resort and Isla Mujeres Palace.
Sandals and Beaches Resorts
Sandals and Beaches Resorts are also offering free onsite testing through March 31. Tests
will be conducted by approved and practiced medical professionals at least 72 hours prior to departure and test results will be available within 24-48 hours.
AM Resorts
At AM Resorts properties like Dreams, Secrets, Now, Zoetry and Breathless Resorts, free onsite testing will be administered by Hospiten through March 31.
Test results will be received the same day in written format as required by the CDC. Guests should contact the concierge at each resort upon arrival to schedule departure testing.
If a guest receives a positive test while on property that prevents departure, the cost of quarantine at the property will be covered for up to 14 days. Extended stay due to quarantine includes the guest plus one travel companion sharing the same room.
The Excellence Collection
The Excellence Collection has partnered with certified local labs to provide COVID-19 free tests for guests through February 28, 2021 (minimum) at all of the brand’s open hotels and resorts.
This currently includes Excellence Playa Mujeres, Excellence Riviera Cancun, Finest Playa Mujeres, Beloved Playa Mujeres, and Excellence El Carmen. The service will be available at all Excellence resorts if the CDC requirement still exists at the time of reopening.
Karisma Hotels & Resorts
All Karisma Hotels & Resorts in the Riviera Maya, Dominican Republic and Jamaica will offer free onsite covid-19 antigen testing for guests traveling to the United States between January 26 and March 31.
If a guest’s test results are positive, Karisma will provide quarantine accommodations until a doctor certifies clearance for travel with a negative test result, for up to 14 nights.
Hard Rock All-Inclusive Resorts
All existing and new reservations of 3 or more nights booked by February 28, 2021 and checking out between January 26 and December 31, 2021 or until the government mandate is lifted will receive 2 complimentary antigen tests per room; additional tests can be purchased for $50 USD.
