SONESTA RESORTS SINT MAARTEN ANNOUNCES NEW HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS
May 26, 2020
Blue on blue at the Sonesta Ocean Point Resort Photo Credit Sonesta Sint Maarten Resorts
Sonesta Resorts Sint Maarten, comprising the all-inclusive, adults-only Sonesta Ocean Point Resort and the all-inclusive, family-focused Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa, today announces PureCare, the company’s new sanitization program ensuring the wellbeing, health, and safety of their employees and guests, addressing the concerns of COVID-19.
Pioneering sanitization practices in the destination, Sonesta Resorts Sint Maarten will use a highly effective and long-lasting treatment, which involves a multi-step electrostatic application and coating process that works to immediately kill and prevent future pathogens from living on treated surfaces. EPA registered and FDA approved for direct contact food surfaces—making it ideal for the hospitality industry—the antimicrobial coating system has been proven to neutralize and constantly reduce pathogens by >99% on treated surfaces even after routine cleaning. PureCare by Sonesta Resorts Sint Maarten will encompass all areas of both resorts including guest rooms, lobby areas, reception, meetings and convention spaces, fitness center, public restrooms, elevators, corridors, bars, restaurants, fitness center, spa, and kid’s club, as well as the back of house employee-only areas.
Sonesta Ocean Point Resort Photo Credit Sonesta Resorts Sint Maarten
Employee Protocols
Team members reporting for work will pass over a chemical mat to disinfect footwear, go through a thorough disinfection process for clothing and personal effects, and undergo daily temperature checks. Staff will be assigned to fixed shifts that do not meet or overlap during changeovers to contain the spread of a possible infection. All staff will wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including, but not limited to, KN95 masks and gloves as well as face shields for designated positions.
Overall Guest and Employee Safety Measures
The resort has an on-property doctor and a Hospitality Industry Health & Safety Expert trained in mitigating the risks of spreading viruses. An appropriate set of procedures in accordance with Sint Maarten’s Ministry of Health and CDC guidelines is in place should an employee or guest test positive for COVID-19. Further, physical barriers will be placed strategically in high traffic areas including the lobby, restaurants, and indoor common areas wherever safe social distancing cannot be maintained, defined at six feet, or two meters, as well as limiting the occupancy in elevators. The physical distancing between guests not traveling together will be encouraged, and guests are required to wear masks whenever appropriate social distancing cannot be maintained.
Check-in
Guests will be urged to utilize mobile check-in and check out to limit front desk interaction, and for those not paying with a mobile app, we have new TAP credit card machines as a touchless option. An infrared surveillance system will take guests’ temperature upon arrival, and whenever accessing certain areas of the resort. Social distancing floor markers will be placed in all congested areas and new lobby furniture layout will further support social distancing requirements. Safety screens will be installed at all service desks and one check agent will be assigned at each station that will be disinfected after each shift. Check-in will be moved to 4 pm to allow time for enhanced cleaning measures.
Guests will receive sealed welcome packages with contactless room access bracelets and are further encouraged to use their Smartphones to stay up-to-date on resort information with the Sonesta Resorts Sint Maarten app. Guests will enjoy larger shuttles that will ensure safe social distancing, each fully cleaned after each use, and the exterior of guests’ luggage will be fully disinfected upon arrival.
Restaurants & Bars
The resorts will enable guests to use a QR code when viewing restaurant menus. A redesign of the resorts’ buffet restaurant will eliminate all multi-touch points, manage the guest flow, and maintain social distancing. All restaurant floor plans will be redesigned to optimize social distancing from groups or families not traveling together, and expanded, outdoor seating will be added to restaurants and bars. A dedicated sanitation staff will be assigned to disinfect tables and chairs and other touchpoints after each seating.
Accommodations & Hygiene
A welcome amenity kit will include facemasks, hand sanitizer, and gloves for guests to use during their stay. All guest rooms will be fully treated with an antimicrobial solution with an electrostatic application. Non-essential items from the room will be eliminated including magazines, decorative pillows, and other items. Pool towels will be placed in room to avoid contact with pool attendants. Guests will be encouraged to use their Smartphones to control their televisions.
Housekeeping staff will wear PPE including masks, face shields, gloves, and shoe guards at all times. The staff will follow a strict sanitation procedure and checklist to ensure a deep clean of high touchpoints in all guest rooms including lamps, light switches, and electronic controls; handles and knobs on doors, thermostat, closets, drawers, and drapery pull handles; and bathroom surfaces including toilet handles, seats, shower/tub controls and sink faucets. Bath amenities, furniture, hard surfaces, safe, iron and ironing board, and in-room beverage amenities such as ice bucket, mini bar, the coffee maker will also be paid specific attention. Further, all multi-touch items including, but not limited to, telephones, TV remote controls, and alarm clocks will be sanitized and sealed. A thorough steam cleaning and antimicrobial treatment will be done on mattresses and curtains between stays along with a deep clean of bed and bedding including all bed linens, duvet covers, pillowcases, and sheets. A clean seal will be placed on rooms after inspection by a supervisor.
The Resort Experience
Lobby and all public area furniture and soft furnishings will be spaced safely according to social distancing requirements and treated with the antimicrobial coating system. Public touchpoints such as elevator buttons, handrails, and door handles will be constantly sanitized, and public restrooms will receive an increased regimented cleaning with HALT, a hospital-grade cleaner. Hand sanitizer or disinfectant wipes will be available throughout the resorts, and at each elevator and the resorts are installing foot door openers where needed, to eliminate touchpoints and add additional safety measures. The resorts will feature a larger manmade beach area allowing for comfortable social distancing. All beach and pool sun loungers are serviced with the anti-microbial treatment, are regularly disinfected between use, and are placed six feet or two meters apart in sets, so groups traveling together can safely enjoy their time together. The Serenity Spa will abide by all new hygiene and sanitation protocols, and appropriate social distancing measures, offering a new treatment menu reflecting enhanced safety precautions. Sonesta Resorts Sint Maarten welcomes guests when they will be ready to travel offering peace of mind that all health and hygiene procedures are in place to ensure the future security and wellbeing of its properties, staff, and guests.
Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa Photo Credit Melanie Reffes
Sonesta Ocean Point Resort embraces a contemporary Caribbean style, offering an adults-only, limitless all-inclusive vacation experience while bringing style, luxury and outstanding service to Sint Maarten. Set in the most spectacular location with breathtaking views over Maho Bay, adjacent to Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa, the 130 all-suite ultra-luxurious yet sustainable “resort within a resort” sits on the westernmost point of the island and features three exclusive pools including the Edge pool with a zero-entry cliffside beach, four bars and two restaurants including the signature Azul restaurant and other resort amenities such as 24-hour room service, state-of-the-art fitness center, an open-air wellness area, and private cabanas. Amenities are complemented by exemplary service from personalized concierges and Butler service in the top 25 suite categories for extra comfort and next-level luxury, all culminating in one of the most uniquely designed resorts in Sint Maarten and the entire Caribbean. Apart from the exclusive amenities at Sonesta Ocean Point, the guest will have full access to all services and facilities at Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa with five additional restaurants and bars, Serenity Spa with sauna and steam room, tour desk, sports courts, Casino Royale and more than 24,000 square feet of meeting and conference facilities.
Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa is the largest, limitless, all-inclusive family resort in Sint Maarten offering an exhilarating and fun vacation experience combined with stellar customer service. With limitless all-inclusive meals, drinks, Kids Club, Teen Zone, and scheduled activity programs for all ages, Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa is a destination within a destination, offering the island’s most exciting nightlife, a variety of accommodations and first-rate amenities for singles, couples, families, and groups. The 10-acre, 420-room beachfront property is conveniently located on Sint Maarten’s southwest shore just minutes from the airport and features the oversized signature Oasis pool area with swim-up bar and separate kids pool with a mini aqua park; five restaurants and a pizzeria; five bars; fitness center; oceanfront wedding gazebo; and more than 24,000 square feet of meeting space and unique outdoor venues. Guest can enjoy other amenities including the signature Serenity Spa and the destination’s largest gaming emporium and theatre Casino Royale as well as access to tours, car rental, and motorized water sports for an additional fee.
For more information and reservations, please visit sonesta.com/stmaarten or call 1-800-SONESTA (766.3782). Download the Sonesta Resorts Sint Maarten app here: sonesta.com/stmaartenapp.
Follow Sonesta Resorts Sint Maarten on social media: Facebook: /SonestaStMaarten and /OceanPointResortSXM and Instagram: @mahobeachresort and @oceanpointresort.
