Hotel Update: DR, Sunscape, Spice Island & More

The Dominican Republic’s Casa de Campo Resort & Villas – home to luxury golf experiences, including its iconic Teeth of the Dog course – will reopen to guests on July 1.

The resort has been closed due to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic since mid-March. During its closure, the its management has been working closely with HS Consulting Group in Mallorca, Spain, to review all enhanced health and safety protocols and certify they are effective in the prevention of all infectious diseases.

As a result, it has initiated its new “Casa Cares” program, touching virtually every area of the property, including significant investment in new equipment and employee training. The health and safety practices will continue to remain a top priority post-opening and will extend to updated procedures for its three celebrated Pete Dye-designed golf courses.

A full list of the new measures can be found at https://www.casadecampo.com.do/resources/casa-cares/

For more on the Casa de Campo, check in at http://w.casadecampo.com.do/ .

SB Ends AMResorts Deal A Two Resorts

SB Resort Management has announced the end of its agreement with AMResorts for management of the Sunscape Splash Montego Bay and Sunscape Cove Montego Bay.

Both resorts are currently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and plan to reopen in fall.

When the resorts reopen, they’ll welcome guests as Sunset Resorts-branded properties, Sunset Beach Resort, Spa & Waterpark and Oasis at Sunset. Sunset Resorts previously operated and managed both properties, formerly known as Sunset Beach Resort and Spa and Oasis at Sunset, from May 1998 until July 2015.

Sunset Resorts had turned over management to AMResorts in August 2015 but now has the pair back under the Sunset umbrella.

“We’re excited to be moving forward and writing a new chapter for both our beloved Montego Bay properties,” said Ian Kerr, managing director of Sunset Resorts.

Kerr continued: “We look forward to welcoming our guests back with our unmatched Jamaican hospitality, friendly service and attention to detail.”

In addition to the re-branding programs planned for each, both resorts will be refurbished and improved before reopening.

Solmar Taking Care Of Its Guests

With summer quickly approaching and destinations preparing to welcome back travellers, Solmar Hotels and Resorts, a collection of seven all-suite resorts in Los Cabos, is doing its part to provide peace of mind to its guests by heightening sanitation standards and implementing rigorous staff training to ensure the “most safe environment for travellers’ return.”

One of the pioneer hotel companies in Los Cabos, Solmar Hotels & Resorts’ has been working closely with local authorities and international organizations to develop these new protocols that will ensure the well-being of guests and staff.

Ricardo Orozco, VP of operations, said: “As we get closer to welcoming travelers to their second home, we’re proud of the numerous measures being implemented throughout our resorts and residences to make sure that our entire Solmar family can enjoy a safe environment and members can focus on creating more amazing vacation memories.”

Orozco continued: “No stone has been left unturned; we are addressing every touch point of the guest journey from arrival to amenities, food & beverage, distancing, accommodations, as well as back of the house in all areas of operation and maintenance.”

Some of the measures included in the new protocol include:

• Dedicated preparation for employees on the new protocols, including a 40-hour training program to ensure resorts and service team complies with the Sello de Calidad Punto Limpio certification, one of the most successful programs implemented by Mexico’s federal government. As part of the new program, a hygiene quality management system will include: ongoing staff communication so that they are kept updated with information on regulations and resources; entrance check-points where employees will have their temperature taken daily; and personal protection gear that includes face masks, safety goggles, gloves, acrylic full-face shields and antibacterial gel on them at all times.
• As far as cleanliness and safety measures, Solmar Hotels & Resorts has elevated the processes with hospital-grade products and increased frequencies throughout all spaces. For example, housekeeping cleaning procedures will be reinforced with additional sanitation of the rooms before check-in and after check-out. Check-in time will be adjusted from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., allowing ample time to fully sanitize rooms. Frequently transited areas such as elevators, bathrooms and pools will be disinfected continuously.
• The food and beverage offering will be adjusted with strict surveillance, allowing guest to enjoy the gastronomy experience in a safe way. For example, staff will wear full personal protection gear during food preparation and delivery.  Restaurants and other dining venues will have new floor plans that permit safe distancing measures and formats, such as the buffet-style service that will be adjusted with individual portions and more food stations.  To ensure the cleanliness and security of guestrooms, all room service orders will be contactless and served in to-go containers.
• Other measures will include sanitization of high-touch surfaces such as menus, trays, condiments, pens, etc. At the Reception area, acrylic barriers as well as distancing signage have been placed. The resort will also have antibacterial stations throughout.

Go to https://blog.solmar.com/solmar-hotels-resorts-releases-new-enhanced-cleaning-policies/ for more.

Spice Island Looks At November Reopening

Grenada’s Spice Island Beach Resort is tentatively reopening on Nov. 1, 2020.

The property reports that its team has been carefully monitoring local, regional and international developments related to the COVID 19 pandemic, and believes that the resort can play an integral role in the economic recovery of Grenada and more specifically the hospitality sector.

In announcing its plan, the property made it clear that its first priority is the health and safety of its staff and guests and will be working with all the guidelines of the local and international health officials regarding COVID 19, particularly all the protocols required for restaurants and hotels along with the accompanying amenities and services.

Janelle Hopkin, president and managing director of the resort, commented: “The management and staff will make the necessary adjustments to the resort’s operations in order to adapt to the new normal that will be required once travel and social restrictions have been eased by the Government of Grenada.”

Hopkin added: “We will be back and we can hardly wait to welcome our new and returning guests. Just the thought of their smiling faces and creating memorable experiences for them, keeps us going.”

Hopkin also outlined her current plans for the resort, highlighting the on-going enhancements which commenced two years ago.

“There’s a lot more work to be done to take us to the next level and that is what we will be using this time to achieve,” she noted.

The newly appointed president and managing director of the resort, who succeeded her late father Sir Royston Hopkin KCMG, said: “We still have a lot going for us and my intention is to complete the work my dad began by sticking to the master plan he unveiled in 2018 and rolling out a new and improved resort for 2021.”

Grenada’s Spice Island Beach Resort’s reservations team will be available Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00p.m., through the resort’s telephone +1-473-444-4258 and its reservations email [email protected] will continue to be active. Resort management will also be available during these times and for any questions on the numbers provided in the resort’s voicemail.

Go to www.SpiceIslandBeachResort.com for more.

Belmond Gets Ready To Reopen

Belmond president, Roeland Vos said the company intends to reopen its global operations, beginning with its Italian properties next month. New protocols will be implemented across its 46 hotels, trains, river cruises and safari lodges.

Until travel is possible again, Belmond also announced a new augmented reality (AR) filter, aptly titled Travel Dreams, on Instagram to inspire future trips with a randomizing filter that transports users through the Belmond collection.

Vos observed that: “The challenge of today’s global pandemic will not stop us from re-imagining the future of luxury travel. If anything, it has encouraged us to go further and evolve faster.  Since the outbreak began, our colleagues have shown countless acts of kindness, devotion and selfless care.”

He continued: “There have been many remarkable moments of innovation. I want to thank our teams around the world for their tireless dedication and support throughout this time, and as we look ahead now to the first phase of re-openings, I know that our guests will once again experience moments of magic, among those who matter most.”

Beginning June 19, Belmond intends to resume operations at several properties in Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Belmond will also continue to closely monitor the latest guidance and regulations from governments and world health authorities to ensure the guests’ safety and comfort.

Reopening dates are as follows:

• Belmond Hotel Splendido and Belmond Hotel Cipriani – June 19
• Belmond Charleston Place – June 25
• Belmond Hotel Caruso and Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo – July 1
• Belmond Cadogan Hotel – July 4
• Venice Simplon-Orient-Express – July 8
• Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons – July 14

For its extended flexible booking policy and terms and conditions, visit the Belmond website at www.belmond.com .