When We Can Travel Again
May 31, 2020, 3:30 pm
#121
formerly htang333
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Wi-Fi
Programs: Virtuoso, Top Ranked: Four Seasons (Top 25 Advisor), AMAN (Top 50), Rosewood, Hyatt Prive, etc.
Posts: 1,455
Good if they let us know about the procedures by the end of next week. I was reading about this in The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/n...e-coronavirus/
However, if what was said in the comments is true - then it’s great news. In the comments, a Thomas Chambers writes: "This 'news' has been lifted from a draft guideline that was sent out for comment to partners and stakeholders in the Maldivian tourism industry. The feedback from all parties was similar to the Telegraph's; that many of the ideas were unworkable. Namely paying for a visa/test on arrival, quarantining in your room, arriving with an antibody test and staying for a minimum of 14 nights. They have, therefore, been omitted from the actual guidelines. As a result, sensible policies remain to safeguard guests, without causing them extra stress or costing more money. As a multi-island nation, Maldives is naturally equipped to deal with such a pandemic."
Agree that QSuites is probably one of the best ways, though it seems the July schedule has an A320(!) flying there, once daily. Thankfully, Emirates still has an 77W scheduled.
However, if what was said in the comments is true - then it’s great news. In the comments, a Thomas Chambers writes: "This 'news' has been lifted from a draft guideline that was sent out for comment to partners and stakeholders in the Maldivian tourism industry. The feedback from all parties was similar to the Telegraph's; that many of the ideas were unworkable. Namely paying for a visa/test on arrival, quarantining in your room, arriving with an antibody test and staying for a minimum of 14 nights. They have, therefore, been omitted from the actual guidelines. As a result, sensible policies remain to safeguard guests, without causing them extra stress or costing more money. As a multi-island nation, Maldives is naturally equipped to deal with such a pandemic."
Agree that QSuites is probably one of the best ways, though it seems the July schedule has an A320(!) flying there, once daily. Thankfully, Emirates still has an 77W scheduled.
Hoping that if the news are good then some of the resorts will also consider opening earlier than forecasted to be. Specially, Cheval Blanc. Set to open Aug 15th but July would be lovely.
Jun 1, 2020, 12:31 am
#122
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,265
Good if they let us know about the procedures by the end of next week. I was reading about this in The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/n...e-coronavirus/
However, if what was said in the comments is true - then it’s great news. In the comments, a Thomas Chambers writes: "This 'news' has been lifted from a draft guideline that was sent out for comment to partners and stakeholders in the Maldivian tourism industry. The feedback from all parties was similar to the Telegraph's; that many of the ideas were unworkable. Namely paying for a visa/test on arrival, quarantining in your room, arriving with an antibody test and staying for a minimum of 14 nights. They have, therefore, been omitted from the actual guidelines. As a result, sensible policies remain to safeguard guests, without causing them extra stress or costing more money. As a multi-island nation, Maldives is naturally equipped to deal with such a pandemic."
However, if what was said in the comments is true - then it’s great news. In the comments, a Thomas Chambers writes: "This 'news' has been lifted from a draft guideline that was sent out for comment to partners and stakeholders in the Maldivian tourism industry. The feedback from all parties was similar to the Telegraph's; that many of the ideas were unworkable. Namely paying for a visa/test on arrival, quarantining in your room, arriving with an antibody test and staying for a minimum of 14 nights. They have, therefore, been omitted from the actual guidelines. As a result, sensible policies remain to safeguard guests, without causing them extra stress or costing more money. As a multi-island nation, Maldives is naturally equipped to deal with such a pandemic."
Jun 1, 2020, 2:39 am
#123
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: London, Paris
Programs: LH HON, AF Platinum
Posts: 2,001
My prediction is that high end properties are going to book up for summer. The reality is setting in that we are each likely to be confined to the countries in which we live. Within that country, many of us will decide to drive so that narrows the number of places we can stay. There aren't that many properties that are truly luxurious in the US. Further, I know that I want to stay in low density properties. I believe that as people begin to book, demand is going to outstrip inventory especially as a lot of places are only reopening in mid July. That really compresses the summer holiday season to just a few weeks. If you want to travel this summer, I recommend that you get serious about getting your bookings made.
Jun 1, 2020, 8:33 am
#124
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: UK
Posts: 1,644
I'm not sure that travelling in your own personal Q-suite bubble to the Maldives gives you any protection. You still need to get to the airport, check in and go through all that security hassle when you touch all sorts of questionable stuff and, yes, maybe go to the lavatory. And then there's another airport at the end. And then there's the resort itself with all sorts of off-putting distancing and protection measures. Then another airport when you check out and then you quarantine yourself for two weeks. Isn't travelling wonderful?
Jun 1, 2020, 8:51 am
#125
Join Date: Feb 2003
Programs: AC SE MM, too many others
Posts: 1,407
I'm not sure that travelling in your own personal Q-suite bubble to the Maldives gives you any protection. You still need to get to the airport, check in and go through all that security hassle when you touch all sorts of questionable stuff and, yes, maybe go to the lavatory. And then there's another airport at the end. And then there's the resort itself with all sorts of off-putting distancing and protection measures. Then another airport when you check out and then you quarantine yourself for two weeks. Isn't travelling wonderful?
I am waiting until the fall at least before anything like that.
Jun 2, 2020, 8:43 am
#126
Join Date: May 2020
Location: LHR
Programs: OWE, *G
Posts: 219
That's some good news. Hope they come out with it soon. The last day or two, a whole slew of online media outlets has been publishing the "Maldives reopening in July" news, with the various required tests and 14 day minimum stays, etc.
Jun 2, 2020, 1:35 pm
#127
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS
Posts: 15,027
CDC travel ban and US quarantine must first be revoked before any travel can be considered. I know from a lot of businesses that if they find out you have traveled and NOT gone into quarantine, they will fire you on the spot.
Jun 3, 2020, 6:44 am
#128
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: AUS
Programs: BAEC Gold, AA PPro, Hyatt Globalist, Amex Plat
Posts: 7,040
You are making some pretty broad assumptions, based I sense, on how you want people to operate.
Regards
Jun 3, 2020, 7:49 am
#129
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,265
Anyway, even if the entry restrictions for Maldives would be manageable, at least for most EU citizens options in Summer will be limited. The current trend is definitely that EU internal borders (preferrably intra Schengen) will reopen on June 15 but countries are maintaining a negative general travel advice except for intra EU/Schengen travel (Germany, Netherlands and Belgium too afaik). A European Council meeting is planned for this week (I think on Friday).
Jun 3, 2020, 6:52 pm
#130
Original Member
Original Poster
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Palo Alto, CA, USA
Posts: 3,222
Oh my goddess, I am SO stir crazy. Thinking seriously about driving down to Santa Barbara and back next week with a four night stay at San Yisidro Ranch in a creekside cottage. From Palo Alto, 300 miles, a five-hour drive (for me).
Jun 4, 2020, 10:12 am
#131
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: NY
Posts: 226
The Point opens June 25. There will be enhanced private dining rather than the communal dining that they had in the past. (Private dining had been available also previously).
The Boathouse (the most popular room) appears to be booked until October 18.
Most of the autumnal foliage will be past peak by then.
The Boathouse (the most popular room) appears to be booked until October 18.
Most of the autumnal foliage will be past peak by then.
Jun 9, 2020, 2:59 pm
#132
Join Date: Apr 2004
Programs: AA EXP, HH Gold,MR Gold, Avis CHM
Posts: 2,300
Just pulled the trigger for a July "driving" vacation. Will spend 2 nights at Primland while enroute to Blackberry Farm for 4 nights and then on the return drive stop and spend 2 nights at The Inn at Little Washington. Any suggestions for any of the properties is appreciated. Definitely not our usual vacation. The past few years have been Maldives, Koh Samui, Phuket, etc.; however, given the current pandemic wanted to at least get away and find some quiet luxury for a few days. It is definitely needed.
Jun 10, 2020, 5:49 am
#133
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: UK
Posts: 1,644
I've received a lovely email from Gravetye Manor informing us of their July re-opening and their special two-day breaks. There is a wealth of detail about their Covid-safe arrangements. It's a gorgeous property and we may well take them up on their offer. I see that each room now comes with guest's personal hand sanitiser and face mask. Is this to become the essential Virtuoso amenity?
Jun 10, 2020, 9:36 am
#134
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Mem
Programs: Delta GM, Amex Reserve, Amex Plat, JP Morgan Palladium
Posts: 984
I've received a lovely email from Gravetye Manor informing us of their July re-opening and their special two-day breaks. There is a wealth of detail about their Covid-safe arrangements. It's a gorgeous property and we may well take them up on their offer. I see that each room now comes with guest's personal hand sanitiser and face mask. Is this to become the essential Virtuoso amenity?