I keep telling myself we’ll all soon be back to normal and we can return to living our pre-COVID lives. But the contrary evidence keeps mounting. More and more I’m reminded of the natural order of things, the main point being that change, however inconvenient at first, is what life’s all about. No industry has been more impacted than travel. Over the last several weeks I’ve been going through the archives of Tropical Traveller, Saint Lucia’s oldest travel magazine, now on forced hiatus.
Looking at pictures I find myself transported back to when they were taken, the business atmosphere, my production team. But what the pictures do most effectively is remind me of our island’s unique beauty, the tranquility it offers. As we carefully opened our borders to visitors from the United States, as I contemplated the restrictions expected to keep our people safe from COVID-19, I wondered why anyone would wish to exchange one prison for another.
But then humans are nothing if not adventurous. We all enjoy a change of atmosphere. For me travel means visiting museums, historical wonders, meeting and mingling with fellow humans whose language I do not understand. I have crossed many places off my bucket list: the Pyramids of Giza, Babylon, Machu Picchu—still I yearn to spend time in India, Africa, never mind the warning voice in my head begging me to “stay put!”
Our atavistic need to travel will remain but with this virus I believe we’ll be seeking the type of vacation synonymous with meditation, peace, solitude. Already we’ve had too much noise from too many sources. If we don’t yet want the world to stop so we can get off, certainly many wish just to disconnect for a while. An all-inclusive luxury resort might be a good option for a traveler during this time of new-normal travel. As the airlines started arriving here last week my curiosity got the better of me. I needed to know why with all the doomsday exaggerations on social media why so many could barely wait to board airlines to Saint Lucia with its well-publicized COVID-related restrictions.
Armed with my media pass, and qualified personnel having declared me fit to mingle, I entered Sandals Grande in my new combat gear with matching mask and sunglasses, hand sanitizer handy. There was nothing unusual about the grand foyer—save for the countless containers of sanitizer, and posters that appealed to visitors of the various protocols. No hugs, no kisses, only elbow bumps permitted!
With sun lighting up the golden beach sand, I ordered a diet Coke that was quickly delivered by a masked Sandals waitress in shorts. In no time at all my mood had switched from wary journalist for a day into vacationer on the prowl. I hooked up with Danielle and Ryan from Virginia lounging beachwear in their private cabanas, both with their masks on! To think we once considered odd the sight of Michael Jackson, Blanket and Paris visiting Paris behind masks! Danielle and Ryan were first-time visitors to Saint Lucia. They booked their trip back in November 2019, while eagerly looking forward to celebrating their third wedding anniversary on this island that’s especially famous as a honeymooner’s paradise. Who could’ve imagined the nightmare to come!
Turns out Danielle and her husband didn’t just leave home on jet plane. They decided to stick to the travel plans but only after extensive research convinced them there was no safer place at this time than our little island. (As I write Saint Lucia had only recorded 23 COVID cases, no deaths.) Danielle was quick to point out “our three firsts: first time in Saint Lucia, first time at Sandals, first Americans to visit since the island reopened its borders.”
She added: “Although we would love to see the island we appreciate the need for the restrictions at this time. Our planned excursions had to be cancelled but that’s okay. We’re in a perfect place for social distancing. The staff and management are always sanitizing, the elevators are sanitized constantly. The buffet is set up with single stations. We don’t touch anything. A no contact buffet. Pure genius!”
Georgenia and Rodney booked their vacation last September to coincide with Rodney’s sixtieth birthday. Although they were skeptical about travel they were hopeful. “The Saint Lucia.org website was a little scary,” Georgiana acknowledged, “but we decided to travel despite the terrifying warnings. Now we’re happy we plucked up the courage. If anyone has to be quarantined, we can think of no better place than Sandals.” Rodney nodded enthusiastically. He said customer service at the resort was exceptional, the food “incredible!” They were especially impressed by the number and variety of restaurants at their service.
“There is still so much to do,” Danielle chimed. “Fishing, sailing, skiing, snorkeling, swimming and golf. The water is so clean . . .” Rodney added: “And warm!” Both couples chose to extend their vacation in Saint Lucia.
Their advice: When traveling, be patient. Things are different, do your research and choose a destination and a resort that understands we are vacationing in a different time. Choose a country and a resort that have embraced the new normal in travel. For most travelers there are added waits, longer lines, PCR tests, temperature tests and other protocols. Masks can be uncomfortable in the heat. But get used to it, hand sanitizers and other such requirements are for your own protection while on vacation.
It was like sweet music when a masked couple told me: “We feel safer in Saint Lucia than we do at home in the U.S.!”
Perhaps I should reconsider my bucket list. Maybe replace India with Sandals, Jamaica?
