Luxury Hotels That Test All Guests for COVID-19

Which Luxury Hotels Test All Their Arriving Guests for COVID-19 at Check-in? Surprisingly, very few do, even in countries that don't mandate an on-arrival test. This is still the case, even as the increase in COVID-19 variants and slow vaccination efforts point to COVID-19 becoming endemic, and more travelers want to ensure that when they do travel, they and those around them aren't infected. Since pre-flight COVID-19 tests are a snapshot in time and the virus can have a protracted incubation period, as well as be asymptomatic in many, an on-arrival test in a country or at the hotel or resort provides a needed additional safety measure. Also see COVID-19: Why Pre-Travel Testing is Not Enough.

Some countries do require COVID-19 testing both before travel and on arrival, with a quarantine at the hotel until negative test results are received (sometimes the quarantine period is even longer), which helps provide similar peace of mind for yourself and in terms of being around other guests. Countries that U.S. citizens can visit include Anguilla, Bermuda, Barbados, the British Virgin Islands, Dominica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Cheval Blanc Randheli, Maldives

Upon arrival to Cheval Blanc Maldives, guests will be escorted to their villa, and the resort's doctor will test the guests with a complimentary rapid test to ensure that all guests staying at Cheval Blanc Randheli are COVID-19 free. If the results are negative, guests will be able to fully enjoy their stay using all the facilities.

Joali, Maldives

On arrival, all Joali guests undergo a RT-PCR test, administered by the resort doctor in the privacy of the guests' villa, and will receive the result within 20 minutes. Assuming a negative test, the resort Jadugar (butler) will continue the check-in process.

Here's our Joali Maldives YouTube Video Review:

Rosewood Baha Mar, Bahamas

Rosewood Baha Mar, which reopens on March 4, 2021, will test all arriving guests for COVID-19. This will also be the case at the other Baha Mar hotels; there will be a dedicated Baha Mar COVID-19 testing center. Guests will receive complimentary COVID-19 antigen and, when required, RT-PCR testing upon arrival (this will be followed by mandatory quarantine in the guest room until the results are returned, typically within about 30 minutes), on every fifth day during their stay, as well as prior to departure to ensure compliance with CDC guidelines for international travel.

Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani

Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani guests will be escorted to their villa, where they will be tested with a COVID-19 PCR test using a throat and nasal swab. Guests need to remain in their villa until the test results are received and are negative. This should take less than 12 hours. As a result of this inconvenience, Soneva provides all guests a credit voucher that can be redeemed for food and beverages or experiences. Guests may order from the In-Villa Dining menu at the published prices and the food will be delivered according to our health and safety protocols designed protect both guests and Soneva hosts. Once guests' negative COVID-19 test results are received, Soneva Hosts will come to the guests’ villa to extend a warm welcome.