St Regis Bora Bora: Stepping up safety in COVID times

The St Regis Bora Bora has worked with local government authorities to allow holidaying in this patch of paradise again – with new health and safety measures in place. Why? One if remote islands like Bora Bora can get COVID infections, it’s good to be hygiene-conscious at all times (yes, even while on a holiday!). 

In this blog, we’ve collected all the sanitary precautions being taken by the resort, along with health checks to be taken by the travellers as they make their way to Bora Bora. 

What are the pre-holiday checks?

Besides an international travel insurance (it was good sense before, but it’s mandatory now!) and a clean medical certificate, a COVID RT-PCR test must be taken 72 hours prior to departure. Only travellers who have tested positive for COVID-19 at least a month before travel can skip the test; they just need to carry an immunity certificate. Onboard the aircraft, the travellers must follow the airline’s dos and don’ts, of course. 

After reaching the islands, wearing masks is highly recommended and guests might be subjected to randomised testing in hotels. 

New Safety Features After Landing at Bora Bora

The resort’s arrival kiosk is located within the terminal; the meet-n-greet person will invite you to help yourself to a fragrant flower lei and a sanitary welcome kit containing masks, hand sanitizer and an individual pen. Travellers will be directed to luggage pick-up; all pieces will be sprayed down before being taken to the resort boat. As you wait to exit the airport, your temperature might be taken as a part of random checking. 

What are the sanitary measures in place at St Regis Bora Bora?

As a rule, the resort has implemented increased handwashing protocol and minimal staff interaction with guests; at the same time, it will be stressing on contactless digital communication. Physical distancing will be in place at all public areas of the resort.

Then, whenever in close contact situation, the staff will be wearing recommended mutually protective equipment. There will be regular disinfection rounds throughout the resort grounds, concentrating on high-contact areas, surfaces and beach equipment. All high-touch areas will have hand-sanitiser dispensers conveniently located, including all Villa entrances.

The restaurants’ air conditioners now have ionisers which kill airborne bacteria and viruses, while the reception areas are now equipped with UV machines. All accommodations in the resort will be disinfected as per Marriott’s global new directives before, during and after guests’ stay. The hotel chain is using Ecolab-certified products to further ensure near-total disinfection and safety.

Previously shared amenities such as bicycles and snorkelling equipment will now remain with guests for the duration of their stay. All Villas will have a bottle of sanitiser inside, safe to use on all items. All traditional menu ‘booklets’ in restaurants, spa and concierge areas will be replaced with blackboards and their digital varieties. Some amenities such as the scented towels upon arrival, filled minibar or ice buckets will be available for delivery only upon request. 

Service Adaptation During Stay

All F&B outlets will concentrate services to enable enhanced distancing and sanitisation. For example, buffets have been replaced with a la carte options, large areas have been demarcated for al fresco dining, takeaway options are encouraged via room service.

Close contact services such as spa are open from 9am-6pm and closed on Wednesdays and Sundays. Also, facials and head treatments are temporarily unavailable and specific sanitary protocol in place. Until further notice, a modified spa menu is available upon request. Access to gym and Fitness Centre is subject to reservation. And above all, guests are highly encouraged to use masks in close-contact situations in and around the resort.

St Regis Bora Bora is open for Holidays, Better and Safer!

Yes, these may look like exhaustive health and safety precautions and measures, but we can all make a little bit of effort and help keep this paradise ticking and welcoming us!