As major hotel companies around the world adapt their properties to the new realities of travel, the Caribbean’s most famous resort brand, Sandals, is doing just that.
Sandals Resorts has announced a major new health and safety measures it says “will guarantee guests can enjoy their vacation with utmost confidence from arrival to departure.”
The program is called Sandals Platinum Protocols of Cleanliness, and it will apply to both Sandals and Beaches resorts in the region.
“At Sandals Resorts, cleanliness and safety have always been priority #1. Our loyal guests and incredible team members are part of the Sandals family, and we take care of our family. Their health and safety is our focus.” said Gordon “Butch” Stewart, founder and chairman of Sandals Resorts. “We want our guests to not have to worry about a thing so they can enjoy the Luxury Included vacation they’ve trusted in time and time again. We’re doing everything we can to offer peace of mind during a time that has been difficult for the entire world, and that is why we have continued to evolve our protocols to maintain an even safer, healthier stay.”
The protocols will include “All-Encompassing Eighteen Touch Point Practice,” which will implement “advanced hygiene practices” across 18 key touch points — from the moment guests arrive at airport lounges across the entire resort experience.
That includes everything from the airport lounge, guest transfers, the rooms, food and beverage experiences, housekeeping and laundry and swimming pools, among others.
Sandals is also launching an “enhanced triple check system for cleaning and sanitation,” which will see resorts “diligently cleaned and sanitized on an going basis,” with a minimum of three inspections daily.
Inspections will include all hard surfaces — from door handles and car interiors to public restrooms, cutlery, chairs and more.
Sandals is also adding new hospital-grade disinfectants, electrical aerosol sprayers, the use of UV-LED lighting, air duct sanitization for each arrival and departure and weekly steam-cleaning and sanitization of carpeting.
Perhaps most notably, guests will be able to check in to their rooms online, beginning in June, meaning they can skip the front desk and go right to their rooms. (The company has not yet announced when it plans to reopen its properties).
When they arrive, they’ll have a welcome cocktail, a personal anti-bacterial hand towel and individual in-room hand sanitizers.
Sandals will be implementing social distancing across their properties, from setting up “safe social distance” across restaurants, bars and beaches, and restricting elevator trips to one couple per trip (or one family per trip at Beaches).
Sandals also says it is holding its suppliers, vendors and partners to the same standards — meaning restricted delivery windows and sanitized touch points.
It’s a comprehensive new plan — and one that was eagerly awaited given the company’s massive influence in the Caribbean travel industry.
Like many of Sandals innovations over the last four decades, it’s one that will likely set the standard for much of the Caribbean region.
For more, visit Sandals.
