COVID-19 Update
Hospitality is gradually being restored in Los Cabos
CDC Covid Travel Guidelines – Jan 2021
Dear Cabo La Estancia Guests:
I wanted to bring to your attention the newly updated and released CDC Covid Travel guidelines issued Jan 12th, 2020 for your upcoming trip.
The resort Villa La Estancia has released the following statement regarding required COVID-19 testing prior to any air travel back into the United States and Canada.
Villa La Estancia will be Offering COVID-19 Pre-Departure Testing for all Guests.
In light of the recent announcement from the Governments of Canada and the USA that all air passengers aged 5 and up will be required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of their departure to Canada and the USA,
Villa La Estancia is working with accredited laboratories so that guests can obtain an Antigen or PCR COVID-19 test at the resort during their stay.
The cost of the test is approximately US $45. For the Antigen test, and US$ 150 for the PCR test
This will be charged to the guest upon check-in. Prices are subject to change without notice.
In the case that any guest receives a positive test result, Villa La Estancia will follow the proper protocols to allow for the safe quarantine of the guest, and for Hotel/Rental Pool guests we will honor the same rate as the original reservation for the 14-day mandatory quarantine period.
Villa La Estancia remains fully committed to the health and safety of our guests and we will do everything we can to help make this process easier for travelers wishing to travel from Mexico to Canada or the USA.
Our resort has implemented strict cleaning and sanitization protocols that comply with international standards and we use hospital-grade disinfectant.
All guests and staff are encouraged to maintain social distancing practices and the use of face masks is mandatory for staff and recommended for guests.
Antibacterial gel dispensers have been placed at key areas around the resort including restaurant entrances and elevator landings.
Access to the gym and spa is available by appointment and/or with reduced and controlled capacity.
All rooms are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.
High touch areas such as elevator buttons, door handles, railings, and bathrooms are disinfected regularly.
Guests have reported feeling safe at our resorts.
Prior to departing Mexico, travelers to Canada or the USA must show proof of the negative PCR/COVID-19 test at the airport.
Currently, the PCR or LAMP test are the only two tests that meet the Canadian entry requirements.
For air travel to the USA, passengers are required to get a viral test (a test for current infection) within the 3 days before their flight to the U.S. departs.
If passengers do not show proof of a negative PCR or LAMP laboratory test (paper or electronic proof is accepted) to the airline, they will be denied boarding.
For Canadians and Americans traveling to Mexico, there are currently no quarantine requirements in place. However, nationals of any country must complete a health assessment form.
The form is available online. Here is the link: https://afac.hostingerapp.com.
When you fill it out online, it will generate a QR Code. This code must be shown at check-in in order to be allowed to board your flight.
The QR Code must also be presented to health inspectors upon arrival in Mexico. You are advised to fill it out before leaving for the airport and take a screen capture of the QR code in case you experience any difficulties with Wi-Fi at the airport.
Villa La Estancia is fully dedicated to intensified hygiene and safety measures and we operate at the highest standard.
We are fully open and will be delighted to welcome our owners and guests back to the resort as well as do everything we can to make it easier for them to comply with the latest government travel regulations during this unprecedented time.
As always, guests can expect the highest level of service, quality, and comfort during their stay.
We will continue to update you with the latest information as it becomes available.
Disclaimer: Cabo La Estancia, The Villa Group Hotels & Resorts, and Villa La Estancia are not responsible for the decision made by the guest to have their test administered at a different laboratory or facility or to stay at another resort during the possible quarantine. In the event of a positive test result, the corresponding authorities will be notified for the purposes of providing the best care and complying with all the protocols requested by the Mexican government.
Cabo La Estancia Action Plan
Standards of Cleanliness:
- A comprehensive, general sanitization by a certified third party will be performed prior to reopening, as well as afterward on a periodic basis, according to the recommendations of health authorities.
- Cleaning and disinfection protocols that use certified sanitization products and which focus on high-touch areas have been implemented.
- Implementation of a permanent sanitization team, to sanitize general areas
Upon Arrival:
- Bellboys will welcome guests wearing mask and gloves
- Valet parking suspended, and doors will not be opened by Valet staff. Guests will receive indications to self-park.
- To maintain minimal contact, bellboys will not automatically offer their hand when assisting guests to get out of the airport vans. They will suggest that guests use caution or ask if they are ok with receiving assistance.
- Suitcase sanitization (external) in a steam cabin or with a sanitizing product or special device
- Guest sanitization cabin, and infrared digital thermometers for a temperature check. Guests with temperatures over 38° C/100.4° F checked by doctor and may not be allowed access.
- Mobile pre-check-in available
- A document with COVID-19 hygiene and social distancing recommendations will be provided to all guests (given to guests on arrival or as a tent card in the room).
- Masks available on request
- Social distance markers at 1.80 meters/6ft for check-in at the front desk, concierge, spa desk, and hostess areas. Guests will wait in an open area and will be called by a concierge or traffic manager in order to avoid saturation in lobby areas (procedure established).
- Maximum capacity for each lobby established
- Screens to separate check-in areas.
- Continuous cleaning and sanitization of all surfaces at the front desk and concierge. Cleaning of pens, terminals, and room keys in the presence of the guest.
Rooms:
- General sanitization and nebulization of rooms through a certified provider, once every six months
- Villa cleaning and housekeeping with certified sanitization products (or water and chlorine solution) and a strong focus on high-touch areas, including kitchenettes, furniture, remote controls, phones, electric outlet, light switches, and door handles
- Sheet and towel washing at high temperatures (min. 60° C/140° F); transportation of linens in previously sanitized vans and crates
- All housekeeping staff to use masks and gloves
- Guests may opt-out of housekeeping if they prefer to minimize the number of people who enter the room
- Hand sanitizer and sanitizing spray as part of in-room amenities; masks and gloves available on request
- Paper amenities, pens, and magazines will be removed from rooms (available on request).
- Housekeeping carts cleaned and sanitized daily
- Simple towel folding (no decorative figures) to avoid longer contact than necessary
Social Distancing, Personal Hygiene & Health:
- Maximum of 2 persons in elevators, excepting family members
- Information panels set in strategic locations, indicating preventive measures for health and hygiene (e.g. reminders to avoid touching the faces, wash hands thoroughly, use antibacterial gel, etc.)
- Information cards listing all measures being taken
- An informational video is shown on the room and elevator TVs detailing the hygiene and sanitization measures implemented throughout the hotel, as well as suggested measures the guests should take for their own care.
- Health and safety guidelines for guests will be posted in all areas, in English and Spanish
Public Areas:
- General sanitization of hard areas and surfaces, with certified sanitization products or with water and chlorine solution
- Daily cleaning and sanitizing of loungers with authorized disinfectant products or with water and chlorine solution; also done after each guest use
- All public areas and high touch points sanitized constantly (lobbies, desks, podiums, elevators, door handles to enter rooms, room keys, public benches, and chairs, etc.)
- Hand sanitizing stations have been placed in strategic locations throughout the resorts such as the front desk, restaurant entrances, swimming pools, outside elevators, lobbies, spas, and public bathrooms)
- Minimum handling of pool towels, and card procedure suspended for 3 months.
- Sanitization of door handles in public areas and installation of electric gates at some guest accesses.
Food & Beverage:
- Furniture will be rearranged in restaurants and bars (1.80 meters/6 ft) and maximum capacities will be established, per social distancing guidelines
- Social distancing reminders on all tables
- Use of masks and gloves by cooks serving at buffets. Guests will not need to use serving utensils
- Use of masks by wait staff
- Contactless room service available
- Menus will be available on mobile devices and physical menus will be removed
- To reduce contact, signature on checks will not be requested for all-inclusive guests until further notice. For EP guests, a signature will be required, but the antibacterial gel will be on hand, and a pen and check holder will be cleaned in the presence of the client.
- Continuous kitchen sanitization
- Minimal handling of napkins and tablecloths
- Constant sanitization of tables with certified cleaning products
- Items on tables (such as flowers, salt and pepper shakers, etc.) will be removed to reduce high-touch surface areas
- Permanently increase the temperatures used in dishwashing machines
- Implement and reinforce the PREVERISK and Distinctive H measures
- Preserved food to be physically protected in containers at all times
- The proper distancing between waiter and guest at all times
- Continuous sanitization of floors, walls, and all solid surfaces. Staff trained on the hygienic protocol, including the chemicals used and the frequency with which they must be used
- Health, social distancing and safety rules to be observed will be posted in all “Back of House” areas for all kitchen staff and waiters
- Training to reinforce proper hand-washing procedures (minimum 20 seconds, using bactericidal soap and hot water) and practices for sneezing or coughing (into the elbow, followed by hand washing)
- Increased standards regarding staff presentation as it relates to hygiene
Pool, Spa & Fitness Areas:
- Loungers in pool areas will be set in groups of 2 or 4, which will then be separated by distances of 1.80 m (approx. 6 ft).
- Sanitization of equipment in Fitness Centers as well as wet areas in Spa after each use
- Daily deep sanitization of Fitness equipment
- Maximum capacity set for Fitness Center and maximum capacity reduced for Spa
- Use of acrylic masks for Spa receptionists
- Use of masks by therapists and other Spa staff
- Daily sanitization of cabins
- Booth sanitization after use
- Daily deep sanitization of wet areas, as well as sanitization after each use
Maintenance:
- Increased frequency of the cleaning and sanitizing of air conditioning vents, fan, and coils in rooms and public areas
- Follow-up on all control and hygiene measures by PREVERISK (refrigerator temperatures, cameras, dishwasher temperatures, hot water temperature in rooms, chillers, swimming pools, etc.).
- Chlorination of pools and backwashing of filters per NOM (Official Mexican Norms) and PREVERISK (certified companies) regulations.
- Placement of sanitizing tablets in all air conditioning vents in rooms, lobby areas, spas, restaurants, delis, etc. (all closed areas that have air conditioning).
Suppliers, Providers & Third Parties:
- All suppliers must use masks and gloves
- All external providers (of merchandise or services, including photographers and artisans) must also use a mask and gloves and have antibacterial gel available for use. Merchandise providers must sanitize the boxes in which they offer their products.
- Verification of certified providers and suppliers, and verification of the hygiene conditions in their plants and warehouses (including cleaning practices, refrigeration temperatures, warehouse temperature controls, etc.
Laundry:
- Special procedure for receiving and delivering linens
- Sheet and towel washing at high temperatures (min. 60° C/140° F)
- All laundry staff to wear a mask and gloves
- The hotel sheets and towels will be delivered in previously sanitized crates
Security:
- Implementation of a permanent sanitization team to sanitize the general areas
- Disinfection tunnel installed at all personnel entrances
- The security team will take the temperature of all personnel
- Security will verify the use of face masks, and in some cases gloves, by staff in certain areas
- Security will verify that suppliers comply with all regulations when delivering their products. All supplier staff must wear gloves and a mask in order to access the resorts.
Human Resources:
- Permanent campaign for handwashing, disinfection and social distancing
- HR staff will identify all processes involving direct interaction with the client (e.g. greeting guests, car lobby, valet parking, front desk, concierge, room service, etc.) and modify to comply with social distancing guidelines. The manuals will be updated accordingly.
- Training of the entire staff with regards to the pre-opening and post-opening prevention and hygiene plans. Implementation of updated processes and guidelines.
- Sanitization arch or tunnel at all staff entrances
- Temperature taking twice per shift (once upon arrival; additional random check during the day).
- All personnel will wear masks (and in certain areas, gloves)
- General training of all sanitization and hygiene measures
- Antibacterial gel placement in all staff bathrooms, dining rooms, transportation, and general areas.
- Health, social distancing and safety rules to be observed will be posted in all “Back of House” areas for personnel
- All measures, procedures, and protocols to be audited by Human Resources and the Audit Committee.
- Employee bus disinfection prior to each route.
- Social distancing restrictions implemented in employee buses; new maximum capacity established
- Placement of regulatory signage in all areas.
- Preparation of a manual informing staff on how to proceed if a coworker or guest exhibits symptoms of COVID-19.
- Sanitization protocol will be implemented for shared equipment such as radios, phones, computers, terminals, kitchen equipment, microwaves, etc. All equipment to be sanitized upon arrival and shift change.
- Recommendations to staff to apply these same hygiene measures in their homes.
Guest Transportation:
- Use of acrylic masks by drivers/bellboys.
Private transportation through Victors Transportation
Check guidelines
IF A COVID-19 CASE IS DETECTED:
We are committed to keeping everyone at our resorts safe, which means we have implemented special protocols to be followed in the event that a suspected case of COVID-19 is presented.
We have:
- An onsite doctor and 24-hour medical service available
- A team dedicated to detecting and handling suspected COVID-19 cases, which includes the General Manager of each resort, the Head of Security, a licensed physician, and our Director of Operations who will work in conjunction with health officials.
If a case is detected or suspected within the hotel, the guest will be sent to their room to receive care from the on-call doctor. The guest will be isolated in the room until they can be checked by the health authorities. The room will not be returned to inventory until it is thoroughly sanitized with certified products.
Pets
• Unfortunately Villa La Estancia does not except ANY pets at this time
Small Groups & Events
• Dining for small private parties will be in accordance with the official state and health guidelines. We offer pre-planned menus with individually portioned boxed items. There will be no buffets or live cooking stations.
• We will work with each private party to identify any additional personalized requirements needed to safely meet the needs of our guests.
For future reservations please call us at 310 573 9454 or 310 918 4646
Stay@CaboLaEstancia.com
For weddings and group reservations please contact our Concierge
Concierge@CaboLaEstancia.com
Other activities including ground transportation visit our concierge page
https://cabolaestancia.com/concierge/