8 Caribbean Islands That Are Reopening to US Travelers This Summer—and Where to Stay When You Get There
Wherever you’ve been hunkered down these last few months, you’re likely ready to get out into the sunshine—and into the sea. Happily, you can now put that Caribbean getaway you’d planned for winter and spring back on the books. After closing down to international travel and implementing safety measures to help contain the pandemic, several Caribbean islands have recently started to open back up, and are either already welcoming international travelers or have announced plans for when they will do so.
As of this writing, some islands—like Anguilla and St. Maarten—have yet to announce re-opening dates, while in other destinations—like Antigua—travel has resumed but many of our favorite hotels have decided to wait until the fall before opening their doors. Here, however, are eight beloved beach getaways that will be ready for you this summer, complete with info on entry requirements, on-island protocols, and where to stay that will allow for social distancing. (Note that details are subject to change, so check for the latest updates before booking.) While summer is usually low season in the Caribbean, current room rates indicate this year may be different—because, if nothing else, 2020 has proven to be anything but business as usual.
Re-Opening to US Travelers: July 15
The Details: To deal with COVID-19, Puerto Rico was quick in implementing such measures as an island-wide curfew, enhanced cleanliness protocols, and a four-phased reopening plan. While the island has been open to inbound travelers since June 1st, and certain facilities—like beaches and hotels pools—opened on June 16th with a reduced fifty-percent capacity and social distancing, the official “opening date” is July 15th, when more restrictions will be eased as the island enters Phase 4.
The Requirements: Passengers landing at Puerto Rico’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport will be screened with thermal cameras that detect high temperatures; those with high readings may be asked to self-quarantine for two weeks. Facemasks are required in all public spaces and social distancing is enforced.
Where to Stay: Re-opening July 1st, Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is ideal for maintaining privacy and social distancing, as each of the 115 rooms and suites are individually accessible from the outdoors, and many have private plunge pools and direct beach access; larger, residential-style options include two- and three-bedroom villas and four-bedroom penthouses. With 1,400 Atlantic Ocean-front acres to explore, there’s also plenty to enjoy outdoors, from the beach and outdoor pools to golf courses, an open-air museum and an 11-mile nature trail for walking and biking. Dining can also be enjoyed outdoors (and in private). As part of Marriott International, the property has enacted cleanliness practices in accordance with the brand’s recently launched Global Cleanliness Council
