VIEUX FORT, SAINT LUCIA — Saint Lucia’s Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa and Serenity at Coconut Bay have announced free return-home PCR testing for Canadians.

The testing will be available to Canadian guests who stay seven nights or longer, for arrivals beginning on Nov. 21, 2021. Shorter-stay guests have the option of purchasing the test for US$150 per person.

Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa

Canadian guests can arrange for their Return Home PCR Test upon arrival with the front desk at Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa, or with their butler at Serenity at Coconut Bay. The test will be administered at each of the resorts by a medical professional and doctor-certified results are provided within 24 hours. The PCR test does not replace Saint Lucia’s testing requirements necessary for entry.

In recent weeks, Canada’s travel and tourism sector has made urgent calls to the federal government to eliminate mandatory PCR testing for returning Canadian travellers, citing its prohibitive costs for senior travellers and families in particular.

“As travellers ourselves, we know first-hand how difficult it can be to juggle the testing required, particularly return home tests when you’re unfamiliar with how to make arrangements in your vacation destination,” says Mark Adams, President and CEO of Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa and Serenity at Coconut Bay. “We are one of the few Saint Lucian resorts covering the cost of testing and have worked diligently to offer on-site PCR testing for our Canadian guests to ease the stress and the expense that goes along with meeting all travel requirements.”

To further add peace of mind, both resorts also include free travel insurance with stays of five nights or longer, for bookings made through Dec. 31, 2021 and travel through Sept. 2, 2022, whether they are made directly with the resort, with a travel agent or tour operator. The insurance program covers medical and quarantine expenses as well as travel protection for international arriving guests. Guests staying fewer than five nights have the option to purchase the insurance within 24 hours or arrival at the resort for $39 per person.

At the award-winning Serenity at Coconut Bay, couples can save up to 60% with rates that start at $976 per couple, per night, for bookings through Nov. 30, 2021, and travel through Dec. 20, 2021. Stays of seven nights or more also include $1,000 in exclusive amenities featuring an in-suite couples massage, private pool, beach cabana experiences and more. All rates include private airport transfers from Hewanorra International Airport, all government taxes and gratuities with Worry-Free changes and cancellations.

Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa offers Worry Free Reservations and up to 60% savings with Premium All-Inclusive rates starting at $352 per room, per night, double occupancy, for bookings made by Nov. 30, 2021 and travel through Dec. 20, 2021. Rates include airport transfers and all government taxes and gratuities. Kids under three stay for free, children 3-11 stay for $39 per night while those ages 12-17 stay for $59 per night.