Why Staying at a Small Caribbean Beach Resort is a Great Option for Traveling During Covid-19.

There are no passports required to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands in the Caribbean. Photo: Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

There are many things to consider before traveling, especially now. In this article, we’ll tell you why we think staying at a small, all-inclusive beach resort in the U.S. Virgin Islands is one of the better ways to travel this year. Here’s why…

Beaches are still the ultimate escape.

Close your eyes and imagine yourself outside, socially-distanced, with sunglasses on and a drink in your hand, breeze blowing on your forehead as you enjoy the sunny day.

You’re imagining yourself on a beach, aren’t you?

The U.S. Virgin Islands are home to some of the best beaches and clearest water in the world. It doesn’t matter where you are on St. Thomas or St. John — there is likely an amazing beach nearby. In one day you can swim in the Caribbean Sea from our south side beaches and the Atlantic Ocean with beaches on the north. You’re always sure to find plenty of space to find your own personal shady spot on the beach.

The best part of the U.S. Virgin Islands for U.S. travelers is that you do not need a passport to visit, as we are a United States territory. This is especially relevant now in a time when U.S. travelers are restricted from visiting many places.

Increased booking flexibility and travel refunds.

One of the most unfortunate aspects of travel is having to cancel when plans change — and one of the most upsetting things is when your tour operators or booking engine doesn’t allow for refunds.

Travel assurances for travelers are always important, but especially during the times of Covid-19. Booking direct with Bolongo Bay Beach Resort guarantees 100% refunds to anyone who wishes to postpone or cancel their upcoming trip due to Covid-19. No questions asked.

We’ve long had a reputation with our guests of being transparent with our policies and liberal when it comes to refunds, and this year we’ve proved that we’re still one of the best resorts when it comes to booking flexibility and travel refunds.

Small resorts are some of the safest places to stay.

Bolongo Bay is the perfect resort for natural distancing. Naturally, you encounter less guests, and less risk, at a smaller resort, and Bolongo Bay is the perfect example of that.

Our 75 rooms with private balconies, are spacious with open air hallways and naturally spread out among 4 beachfront buildings. The property is sprawled along the beautiful 1,000′ Bolongo Bay beach. Each guest room has an individual A/C unit — NO Central Air — with HEPA Filters. The only shared enclosed spaces you’ll use are the front desk, gift shop, and public restrooms, where masks are currently required.

Everything else at Bolongo is open-air, including our bar and restaurant, The Oasis, a 3-floor oceanside open-air venue. The main dining room and two open-air terraces overlook the resort pool and Caribbean Sea, with additional spacious seating available poolside under the stars.

Take advantage of safe, one-of-a-kind amenities.

All Inclusive resorts like Bolongo Bay Beach Resort have plenty of activities you can do with minimal engagement with others. You can go standup paddle boarding and kayaking, snorkeling with sea turtles and eagle rays, sail a Hobie Catamaran, or learn how to scuba dive.

We encourage every guest at Bolongo Bay Beach Resort to spend a day sailing on our own award-winning Heavenly Days Catamaran. We’ve limited the amount of passengers we take on trips to enhance social distancing and let all of our guests spread out comfortably and enjoy a fantastic time on the water.

Resort sailing trips include one of the coolest excursions in the Caribbean, the Swim with Turtles half-day sail to Turtle Cove on Buck Island, two miles off the coast of St. Thomas. As well, the Sunset Cocktail Sail through historic Charlotte Amalie harbor is another fantastic option for anyone looking to go sail St. Thomas into the evening.

Everything you want and need with All-Inclusive packages.

All-Inclusive resorts are uniquely prepared to offer a perfect option in the times of Covid-19 because of the ability to offer everything you need on property; delicious food, fabulous drinks, day-time activities, excursions and nighttime entertainment.

Bolongo Bay Beach Resort first introduced the all-inclusive plan to the Virgin Islands over 30 years ago in 1988. Today, we’re the only resort still offering it. At Bolongo Bay since the pandemic began, all-inclusive has been 80%+ of our guest base — more and more popular as guests avoid extra trips off property.

Guests love an all-inclusive option for its advantages — especially during the times of Covid-19 — like value, convenience and the limited need to leave the hotel. Since many off-property amenities are open on limited capacities, Resort Concierges are there to help guests plan great off-property excursions with trusted vendors should guests want to venture out.

Islands and resorts are taking safety seriously.

Many island destinations have taken serious steps towards preventing the spread of Covid-19 so that they can successfully reopen to leisure travel, including the U.S. Virgin Islands. As the territory welcomes guests back to the U.S. Virgin Islands, we are committed to creating a safe environment for guests and staff that meet protocols for stopping the spread of Covid-19.

At Bolongo Bay, we continue to enhance and maintain cleaning and sanitary practices in a way that is consistent with health standards and guest expectations. We have carefully outlined and shared our Covid-19 procedures for the resort. We have incorporated everything from electrostatic sprayers for rooms, partitions at front desk, hygiene stations, enhanced training for food handlers on food preparation and safe service practices.

Left: Bolongo Bay Beach. Right: Adirondack beach chairs at Bolongo Bay Beach Resort.