All-Inclusive Resorts Offering On-Site COVID-19 Testing

With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) planning to require all U.S.-bound air travelers to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours of departure starting on January 26, all-inclusive hotel and resort brands throughout Mexico and the Caribbean are launching on-site COVID-19 testing for enhanced safety and peace of mind. Here's a look at some of the notable brands rolling out convenient on-property coronavirus testing for guests this winter.

All-inclusive Hard Rock Hotels, including UNICO 20 87 Hotel Riviera Maya and Nobu Hotel Los Cabos is offering free COVID-19 testing and complimentary medical assistance for all U.S. residents who book three or more nights by February 28, 2021, for travel between January 26 and December 31, 2021, or until requirements are lifted. Eligible guests will receive two complimentary antigen tests per room and can purchase additional tests at a cost of $50 each.

Playa Hotels & Resorts has announced that it will offer complimentary COVID-19 antigen testing to registered guests returning to the U.S. from any of its 17 resorts throughout Mexico and the Caribbean. The free on-site antigen testing and discounted PCR tests will be made available from January 22 through April 30, 2021, for guests staying at least three nights in Mexico and the Dominican Republic and five or more nights in Jamaica. Test results are guaranteed and in the event of a positive result and subsequent quarantine, guests will receive a 50 percent discount on accommodations.

Palace and Le Blanc Spa resorts recently expanded their Purely programs to offer free on-site COVID-19 antigen testing for guests returning home to the U.S. Travelers can schedule their departure test at check-in and can expect results within 30 minutes. Guests can also schedule a PCR test on-site through a third party.

All-inclusive Sandals and Beaches Resorts will offer complimentary COVID-19 testing "conducted by approved and practiced medical professionals" on-property through March 31, 2021. "Once at the resort, our team will assist the guest without difficulty to make the arrangements required to schedule their COVID-19 test on-site at the resort," according to a statement.

La Coleccion Resorts will offer free COVID-19 antigen tests and PCR tests at an additional cost. The brand's Travel with Confidence Protection program also includes full coverage of accidents or illnesses such as COVID-19 from check-in to check-out as well as telehealth assistance for up to 72 hours. Guests testing positive for COVID-19 will receive a discounted nightly rate of $10 per night (plus taxes), per person while they quarantine.

Palladium Hotel Group will offer guests COVID-19 PCR tests at a cost ahead of their departure. Guests can schedule the appointment upon check-in and can expect results to be made available within 72 hours. What's more, guests at select Palladium properties in the Americas can benefit from free medical insurance covering medical transfer, extended stays and more.

AMResorts enhanced CleanComplete+ program will offer guests complimentary access to on-site COVID-19 antigen testing as well as extended quarantine stay accommodations. The program will launch on January 26 and is valid for travel through March 31, 2021. In the event that a guest tests positive for coronavirus, AMResorts will pay for them and one companion to quarantine on-property for 14 days.

Excellence Resorts properties in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Mexico are partnering with local laboratories to offer guests complimentary COVID-19 tests on-site if they are returning to the U.S. or another country requiring a negative result for entry.

Couples Resorts is also offering complimentary on-site COVID-19 antigen testing to guests staying at properties in Jamaica, including Couples Tower Isle, Couples Sans Souci, Couples Swept Away and Couples Negril. Results will be available via email within 48 hours.

Saint Lucia's Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa and its sister resort Serenity at Coconut Bay are both offering guests staying five or more nights complimentary COVID-19 antigen testing ahead of their departure. Meanwhile, guests staying for fewer than five nights can purchase a test for $75 per person.

Karisma Hotels & Resorts is introducing free on-site COVID-19 antigen testing at its properties in Riviera Maya, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica. The brand will also cover travelers' quarantine accommodations for up to 14 nights if their results come back positive.

Royalton Luxury Resorts, Hideaway at Royalton Resorts and Mystique by Royalton Resorts will be offering free onsite COVID-19 viral antigen testing at most properties beginning January 26, 2021. Visitors to these resorts can receive a free viral antigen test onsite until March 31, 2021, or until regulations regarding this requirement change. Guests staying at Mystique Saint Lucia by Royalton or Royalton Antigua have the option to receive a viral antigen test at an extra cost of $150-$200.

Planet Hollywood Beach Resorts will be offering onsite COVID-19 PCR and antigen testing beginning January 26, 2021. Guests at Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Costa Rica can schedule a PCR test for $150 while guests at Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Cancun, which is scheduled to open on January 29, 2021, will be able to schedule an appointment for a free viral antigen test and receive their results the same day.

Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts is offering guests traveling to the United States the viral antigen test free of charge. The complimentary antigen testing will be available from January 23 until March 31, 2021, or until regulations regarding this new requirement change, and results will be received within 72 hours in written and/or electronic format.

Beginning January 20, 2021, all 10 of Meliá Hotels International's properties in Mexico and the Dominican Republic will offer free, on-site COVID-19 antigen tests for guests staying a minimum of three nights who require one to re-enter their country. Participating properties include Paradisus Playa Del Carmen, Paradisus Cancun, Paradisus Los Cabos, ME Cabo, Meliá Cozumel, Meliá Puerto Vallarta The Grand Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real, Paradisus Palma Real, Meliá Caribe Beach Resort and Meliá Punta Cana Beach Resort. Resorts will also coordinate PCR tests with local testing sites if needed.

Starting January 26 and, at least, until March 31, 2021, Iberostar Group is offering on-site, complimentary COVID-19 Antigen tests at its hotels in Mexico, Jamaica, Dominican Republic and Brazil. Additionally, guests interested in taking a PCR test may do so at all locations, at a cost.