Mid-October I traveled to St. Lucia -- yes, during the Pandemic. However, it was a trip that had been planned previously and despite my accommodations being canceled and flights changed - the trip was much needed and worth any extra effort! My original accommodations were cancelled as St. Lucia requires properties to go through a rigorous certification to become "Covid Certified Accommodations". Some properties are taking a bit longer to get that certification as was the case with my original accommodations.
Great flights on Delta - middle seats not booked so room to spread out. The 2nd pix above is what we received in the way of sustenance on the flights: a baggie with water, cheezits and a Biscoff cookie. I did include in my feedback to Delta that they could switch up the contents of the baggie as we ended up with 8 baggies of cheezits, Biscoff and water. No alcohol available, even for purchase, in economy. (Appears I took a pix of the baggie with my added almonds - I suggest you take a few extra snacks on board as we did)
On arrival in St. Lucia we did have a bit of a line to get into their "COVID" interview tent. We stood outside under awnings as our line moved - slowly to the tent. I did hear, upon speaking with other guests at the resort, that our wait was not the norm. I think a flight had a late arrival so the line was longer than it should have been. Upon entering our temperatures were taken and we then moved into the lines in the tent to have our interview. We had no issues with our interview as they just wanted to see our proof of negative PCR COVID test and our printed authoriztion to enter St. Lucia. I assume not everyone had this as several folks seemed to have extensive "interviews". Note that these two documents were checked at RDU airport and at the gate for our connecting flight from ATL.
Not to worry - we went through customs and immigration and onto the Sandals lounge where they were ready for us to board our transfer to the resort. This was a taxi van that may usually hold 10 guests and there were 6 of us - windows were open for the one and a half hour ride. St. Lucia is a typical Caribbean island with hills, winding roads and beautiful scenery.
We arrived at Sandals Grande St. Lucia about 4 hours after our flight touched down. Check-in was very quick as we were immediately taken to the Club Sandals lounge and we were in our room very shortly. (Ask me about Club Sandals).
More of the restaurants seemed to require reservations than usual. I assume that is due to the "new normal" in that it makes it easier for the resort to have adequate staff at all the dining venues. We dined the first night overlooking the pool (middle pix) and saw the sun go down on our first night in St. Lucia. Our travel day ended with a great meal and that warm Caribbean breeze - not too warm -- just right!
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