Here is the latest International flight schedule received from Queen Beatrix Airport on June 18 2020.
Dear members,
As you may have heard, travel from the USA to Aruba is slated to commence on July 10th 2020 and in light of the impact and changes caused by the novel COVID-19, we are now more focused on the health and safety of all our guests and employees, without compromising the quality of the experience that you have come to expect. Consequently, as things rapidly evolve, we have heightened the standards for hygiene and cleanliness in our efforts to reduce exposure to and transmission of COVID-19. Our protocols and procedures are in line with the guidelines established by the World Health Organization (WHO) and local Health Authorities which target personal hygiene, safe food and social distancing practices.
While “Happiness” continues to be the dominant theme of our island, in keeping with Industry lodging standards, Aruba joins the rest of the world in instituting specific regulations for ALL establishments and has added “Health” to the broader spectrum of the holiday experience. Resorts that fully comply with these regulations will be awarded a seal of approval – aptly called the Health & Happiness Code. Paradise Beach Villas shares this commitment and below are the main changes you will experience at the Resort in compliance with these directives. We ask you to play your part by following the policies that have been established for your own well-being and that of fellow members and staff.
- Social distancing – maintaining at least a 6 ft. space between persons – is enforced island-wide.
- Connected with this, we know that we all enjoy a nice, warm hug and kiss as a greeting whenever we meet and, in the present circumstances, the temptation will be even greater when we see each other again. However, bearing in mind the social distancing protocol, we have established this special “Paradise hug” – see below – as our new greeting until we can physically hug each other again.
- You will notice the adjustment of operational procedures aimed at minimizing contact to prevent the possible spread of the virus.
- More aggressive cleaning procedures in high touch areas throughout the Resort and changed cleaning practices in the suites. Hand sanitizers are available in the public areas and you are requested to make use of them and / or wash your hands properly and often.
- The weekly members’ meeting and the weekly members’ get-together are both cancelled until further notice. Management will be available on a daily basis in the lobby to share updates and provide answers to any queries you may have.
FRONT DESK
- Prior to arrival, we will contact you to let us know if you will be coming and if so, for pre-check to reduce the length of time and interactions at check in. We encourage you to take a few minutes to pre-check which will save you time on arrival at the Resort.
- Check-in time is now at 5 p.m. and check-out is at 10 a.m. to allow for Housekeeping to properly service and sanitize the units between occupants. It is also anticipated that as a result of the more protocols and checks, additional time will be needed at the airport prior to departure.
- The preferred method of payment is by credit card instead of cash.
- The way we plan to deal with luggage – both on arrival and departure – will change so it is physically handled less frequently. You are advised to secure your luggage as the Resort will not be liable for any items reported missing.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
- Tables will be more spread out and the menu has been revised. Take out, room service is available and dining around the pool is encouraged.
- The Tiki Bar will be open for service to persons seated at adjoining tables and around the pool-deck – and not at the Bar.
- You will be required to sign in at the Tiki Restaurant so we have a trace in case this becomes necessary in the future.
- The preferred method of payment is by credit card or room charges instead of cash However, this is a reminder that there are no room charges on the day of departure.
HOUSEKEEPING
Rooms will be serviced three (3) times weekly consisting of making up beds, replacement of towels, soap and tissues plus garbage removal. Please call the Front Desk when you will be out of your unit and Housekeeping will schedule service during that time.
PUBLIC AREAS – where social distancing practices should continue.
- Use of elevators are restricted to 2 persons sharing the same room.
- Only persons occupying the same room only are allowed together under the palapas poolside and at the beach.
- Access to the Gym will be done by contacting the Front Desk and Security will be contacted to let you in. Two (2) persons are allowed at any one time for a time limit of ½ hour. Please wash your hands prior to and wipe down the machines before and after your workout.
- Until further notice, Lee’s Lounge will be closed for the swap library and shared table games.
As it relates to redemption of weeks affected by the travel restrictions, with an opening date being finally established, we are diligently working to get a precise assessment on what we are faced with so we can make a determination as to how best to proceed. At the moment we are looking at close to 2000 weeks – including our prior commitments – compared to the number of weeks we have available. We will continue to work on this and have a response with the available options and get them to you shortly. We appreciate and ask for your continued patience as we work our way through this process.
The annual Shareholders’ meeting this year will be held as scheduled on August 18th 2020.
Meanwhile, please visit our website www.paradisebeachvillas-aruba.com for regular updates as the situation unfolds and a reminder that it is critically important for you to familiarize yourself with health requirements for entry into Aruba.
As we embrace digital communication wherever possible, we recognize that we are still in the business of Hospitality – and people – and will make every effort to preserve this aspect of our operations. So we thank you in advance for your understanding in these unusual circumstances which have and will continue to transform the reality as we knew it.
Dear members,
Following are the details of a Press Conference held by the Government of Aruba on June 10th as it relates to plans to reopen Aruba’s Borders for travel.
Please click on the image below to read about THE HEALTH REQUIREMENTS and for more detailed and very important information.
Aruba’s borders will open gradually.
- June 15, 2020 :- Bonaire and Curaçao.
- July 1, 2020 :- Europe, Canada, Caribbean (except Dominican Republic and Haiti).
- July 10, 2020 :- USA
- No opening date yet for Central and South America.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS PRIOR TO BOARDING:
- Online ED card is mandatory.
- ED card includes:
- Self Health Declaration form.
- Obligatory COVID insurance. Insurance would cover costs of quarantine/isolation accommodation and medical care when required. Cost is estimated at $15 per day.
- Option to upload negative COVID19 PCR test result of test taken within 72 hours of travel OR payment for testing upon arrival on Aruba. (Testing prior to travel will be encouraged). Tests are required for 12 years of age and older.
- Masks required during flight.
PORT OF ENTRY ARUBA AIRPORT:
- 100% Thermal camera screening.
- Symptom screening.
- PCR rapid test mandatory for all that did not upload the negative test via ED card. Tests are required for 12 years of age and older.
- Visitors (with no symptoms) await result of test for 24 hours in quarantine at their hotel.
- Visitors with symptoms get a 1-hour test. If positive they will be sent to designated isolation property. If medical attention is required, they will be hospitalized
Local Residents are also required to take test prior to entry or at arrival.If the resident refuses to take the test, 14-day quarantine is required. Government does not encourage travel to affected countries.
ARUBA HEALTH & HAPPINESS CODE:
Next sectors to register for re-opening will be introduced soon: Tour Operators and Water Sports, Casinos, and Spas.
Dear members,
COVID-19 is now part of our reality for the foreseeable future and even with potential cures, the question now is how do we best live with it. With Aruba’s huge dependency on Tourism, all business and social aspects on the island’s issues continue to be affected but, at the time of writing, we have no positive cases on the island. This medical stability has allowed us to slowly relax the internal Government-imposed sanctions to contain COVID-19 as we try to restart the local economies and expand locally as we continue to implement safety plans for wider opening prospects.
The reopening to international travel is critical for us to make a decision on the affected weeks which will depend on the total number of weeks in question. We thank you for your continued patience and especially the members who are willing to work with us – one member even offered a donation to our adopted baseball team – and we are happy to share some quotes.
ER emailed “Due to the travel ban UA cancelled my flight and so I will not be able to use my week this year. Use my maintenance fee to keep the Resort afloat. God willing I will be able to come to Paradise next year. Stay Safe.”
Email from BW “With all that has taken place so far… we know that we will not be traveling to Aruba for our designated week in September. But thinking about the challenges that the Resort must be facing I am gifting you my week for 2020 to the benefit of the Resort. I know it’s not a lot… but as they say… ”Every little bit counts!” I hope that this (added with hopefully a lot of my fellow members doing the same) will help keep PBV in good financial shape …. We are saddened to know that we will not be visiting our “home away from home” at Paradise in Aruba in 2020… but we look forward to being able to visit in 2021!”
“We have read the PBV COVID-19 Updates on your website and completely understand the unprecedented issues this pandemic has placed on the Resort. No one could have ever anticipated or have had a plan in place to address such a catastrophic occurrence. We have a week banked from 2018 and, of course our regular time for this year. If it is helpful to PBV, we will gladly relinquish both weeks this year and look forward to returning to PBV in 2021. We so much enjoy visiting Aruba, with the PBV staff playing a major role in our enjoyment. We feel blessed to be members and look forward to many more good times there.” Email from another BW
The entire Paradise team sincerely thanks the above members for their kindness, understanding and willingness to assist and also to all other members who have called to convey similar sentiments. It would be remiss if we did not mention members who contacted us to say a special hello to the staff and to wish them well during this difficult period – and even offered some financial assistance if it became necessary. These expressions reflect the true Spirit of Paradise! We are very proud of you and once again humbly express our thanks.
There has been much speculation but no definitive date has been set for our borders to be reopened for the return of international travel. Meanwhile at the Resort, we continue our preventative maintenance and deep housekeeping projects and, as we get closer to receiving our guests again, our focus is to introduce specific protocols in each department which we will share with you when they are finalized. These protocols are in keeping with the WHO, International and local Hospitality standards and imposed by the Aruba Ministry of Health.
Some of these standards are:
Social distancing all around the property
More sanitization, cleaning procedures and protection procedures
More digital communication
This is new for all of us. We will be delighted to have you at the Resort once again but we ask that your play your part in maintaining the established protocols which will benefit us all.
We will take advantage of the lull in occupancy to complete the room renovations of the third floor of Phase 1 – and many members have already seen the model room. This project will be from August until September and mainly features new floor and patio tiles, new kitchen and living / dining room layout, new kitchen cabinets, new bathroom ceilings, new air quality units, new drapes, new metal balcony doors and improved lighting. We also plan to modernize the hallways.
CONSTANT REMINDERS
- Please let us know if you will be using your week. This is always important but at the moment, this is even more so because of the renovations to Phase 1 and the need to relocate members whose rooms are bring refurbished. We solicit your cooperation and urge you to advise us as soon as you have made your decision.
- New check in time is at 5 p.m. and check out time is at 10 a.m. This time is needed as we implement the new cleaning COVID-19 protocols, we are forced to extend the check-in time so that the rooms are properly serviced and sanitized. We understand that you want to get settled as quickly as possible – and so do we – but I am also sure that you also want to enjoy a properly cleaned and sanitized room – and so do we.
- Please update your email contact information with the Resort. This is becoming more and more important as we transition to more digital forms of communication.
- We remind you of the special needs service offered by Essential Health Supplies, a Company which rents supplies like – crutches, toilet accessories, scooters, wheelchairs and much more – to visitors. They are located across from the Hospital which is close to the Resort, they are available on weekends and they offer complimentary delivery on any rentals. For further details, you can visit their website at essentialaruba.com, email them at info@essentialaruba.com or call them at (297) 587 0940 or (297) 563 0415. Listed on their website, for the convenience of our American members, they also have a US contact number at (786) 245 8093.
- We also remind you of the Community outreach programmes we are currently involved in. The first one is the One Happy Community initiative where you can make a financial donation to help the kids in after school activities and the second one is Sharing is Caring where you can leave non-perishable food items and clothing which are donated to the needy in our Communities. The Front Desk agents will be delighted to furnish you with further details and we thank you in advance for your contributions to these most worthy causes.
Stay safe, practice healthy habits and remember we are one day closer to the change of fortunes and we look forward to seeing you on your next visit at the Resort.
The entire Leisure industry – traveling public and related organizations – is tentatively venturing into a whole new world which is governed by several protocols to ensure the safety of the destination and the people – the travelers, Resort staff and any other personal contact.
While “Happiness” continues to be the dominant theme of our island, in keeping with International and Industry standards, Aruba joins the rest of the world in establishing specific regulations for ALL establishments – including the accommodation sector – which adds “Health” to the broader spectrum of the holiday experience. Resorts that fully comply with these regulations will be awarded a seal of approval – aptly called the Health & Happiness Code. Paradise Beach Villas shares this commitment and below are the main changes in compliance with these directives. We ask you to play your part by following the policies that have been established for your own wellbeing and that of fellow members and staff.
- Social distancing – maintaining at least a 6 ft. space between persons – is enforced island-wide.
- You will notice the adjustment of operational procedures aimed at minimizing contact to prevent the possible spread of the virus.
- More aggressive cleaning procedures in high touch areas throughout the Resort and changed cleaning practices in the suites. Hand sanitizers are available in the public areas and you are requested to make use of them and / or wash your hands properly and often.
FRONT DESK
- Prior to arrival, we will contact you to let us know if you will be coming and if so, for pre-registration to reduce the length of time and interactions at check in.
- Check-in time is now at 5 p.m. and check-out is at 10 a.m. to allow for Housekeeping to properly service and sanitize the units between occupants. It is also anticipated that as a result of the more protocols and checks, additional time will be needed at the airport prior to departure.
- The preferred method of payment is by credit card instead of cash.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
- Tables will be more spread out and the menu has been revised. Take out, room service is available and dining around the pool is encouraged.
- You will be required to sign in so we have a trace in case this becomes necessary in the future.
- The preferred method of payment is by credit card or room charges instead of cash.
HOUSEKEEPING
Rooms will be service three (3) times weekly consisting of replacement of towels, soap and tissues plus garbage removal. Please call the Front Desk when you will be out of your unit and Housekeeping will schedule service during that time.
PUBLIC AREAS – where social distancing practices should continue.
- Use of elevators are restricted to 2 persons sharing the same room at a time
- Only persons occupying the same room only are allowed together under the palapas poolside and at the beach
- Access to the Gym will be done by contacting the Front Desk and Security will be contacted to let you in. Two (2) persons are allowed at any one time for a time limit of ½ hour. Please wash your hands prior to and wipe down the machines before and after your workout.
Here is part of the latest Press Conference delivered by the Prime Minister and the Department of Health on June 1st 2020.
Prime Minister:
- On Monday, June 8th, Kindergarten and Elementary schools are allowed to fully open;
- Protocols are being finalized so all sectors can be in compliance;
- Official date for the reopening of the border has not been made yet, and will be announced when appropriate. Government is making sure protocols are in place to ensure a responsible decision;
- There is no guarantee that there will not be new positive cases. Therefore the Government needs to carefully determine next steps;
- Community is urged to be disciplined with the physical distancing and hygiene measures, to lower risk for Aruba.
Department of Health:
- All advice received, including from The Netherlands Health Dept, is that it is safe for kids to return to school;
- The risk for imported cases is present once our border opens, both from visitors as well as residents that will travel. Entry protocols will apply to both;
- Residents that choose to travel need to take responsibility for their safety;
- Aruba is better prepared now to handle cases after border opens. There are measures that DVG (Department of Health) can recommend to the Government prior to requiring a second lockdown.
Continue to stay as healthy and as safe as you can in the circumstances and we will keep you posted as the situation unfolds.