I’m not one of those people who sits by ideally or lives a one-town life, so when the world shut down, I went to work every day…planning and dreaming of airports and resorts. My largest client, Sandals Resorts kept me busy pivoting and planning by any means possible….in this case Zoom was my travel portal.  

Tourism is the heartbeat of the Caribbean and opening was a necessity, they had to get it right and that they did.  

Midway through 2020, the resorts began to open and I was ready to experience this new world I would be marketing. My team found a few other eager storytellers, aka media, to journey to St. Lucia and broadcast from Sandals Grande St. Lucia. Of course testing was required but truthfully, three of us had to test just so one could go. It’s the ultimate game of ‘What If’ being played out. Realistically, here I am leading the charge…What if I tested positive? The redundancy was a new task we would now add to our logistics to ensure we’re able to execute a project successfully, no matter what. 

The logoed hand sanitizers and face masks had become the new swag, life had certainly changed.

Fast forward to arrival. Sandal’s Platinum Protocols are so on-point, you’ll feel more comfortable there than at your neighborhood grocery store! They have addressed every touchpoint and found a way to keep you safe and healthy. Because Sandals caters to couples, everyone is approaching the resort two-by-two, rather than large groups mingling. In the case of COVID-19, certainly an added benefit! Within a short amount of time, your comfort level is high and your vacation is underway.   

At the time of writing this, I am approaching my fourth visit to a Sandals Resort in the COVID world yet most of the media I accompany are experiencing travel for the first time. 

The experience starts out the same for them all, beginning with white knuckles dissolving into relaxing exhales. They have to experience it to really tell the story to their own story. Initially, they approach it from a personal journey….how much they needed this trip and how it has affected them.   As the conversations continue, they realize that the islands need us too; the smiles on the beautiful Caribbean faces shine through their mask to welcome you back. They have missed you!  

Having started to travel internationally early on, I can attest to its reality…..people ARE traveling. They are taking the precautions, following the rules of engagement and enjoying island breezes and tropical sunshine. The freedom and serenity you will find is worth the pre-game tactics; travel with a brand you trust, pivot and plan….. and Get Back To Happy in 2021.