An impending Center for Disease Control and Prevention policy mandating a negative Covid-19 test for Americans returning to the United States is sending foreign governments, tourism agencies, and resort properties scrambling to arrange necessary resources.
However some Baja resorts were already prepared for this eventuality.
The sprawling Pueblo Bonito Golf and Spa Resorts in Cabo San Lucas got out ahead of the Covid-19 crisis, ramping up around the clock cleaning procedures, installing sanitizing mats, and requiring all guests to undergo a disinfection process before entering their properties.
With the new requirements and restrictions inbound, the Pueblo Bonito properties assembled a plan to offer test centers onsite. The medical services will be included in the guest’s all-inclusive package for minimum three-night stays.
Alberto Coppel, CEO of Pueblo Bonito, says the resorts developed these plans with the assistance of the Los Cabos Tourism Board.
“The health and safety of resort guests and members is always our top priority, so we have activated on-site clinics at our resorts, with same-day test results,” Coppel says. “Our doctors and on-site staff will assist guests to comply with CDC guidelines to gain re-entry into the U.S.”
Up the Pacific beach from Pueblo Bonito, Solmar Hotels and Resorts guests pay $23 for a rapid test before arrival to the hotel. Medical staff on-site administer the test with results emailed to guests that same-day.
Ricardo Orozco Arce, Solmar’s vice president of operations, says the property is offering special discounted rates for anyone who tests positive and needs to isolate.
“This past year has certainly been challenging, but we pride ourselves on our ability to evolve and adapt quickly to any situation,” Arce says.
Across the Baja Peninsula on the East Cape of Los Cabos, one of the newest and most luxurious properties now operating is the Four Seasons Resort and Residences at Costa Palmas. According to the resort’s official statement, Costa Palmas will provide on-site antigen testing for all international air travelers going to the U.S.
The on-site offerings will produce results in under 40 minutes, accompanied by a CDC accepted medical certification. Documentation of laboratory results are provided prior to check-out, and guests have access to a doctor-in-residence 24 hours a day. Tests cost $50-plus, or $75 in case of rushed results.
Reproduced from an article in Barrons
