Last updated: February 2021 // above photo by @travelinglamas
As if travel hasn’t already been complicated enough, the new CDC requirements for Americans to a) take a negative Covid test within 72 hours of flying back to the States and b) immediately quarantine upon return, both in effect as of January 26th, 2021, have further thrown things for a loop. Not to mention Canadians have already had both requirements in effect since January 7th, 2021, or the vast number of European and other countries throughout the world who also have similar policies in effect.
One country stepping it up to make pre-departure testing for travelers as seamless as possible? Mexico.
Currently open to air travelers from anywhere in the world, the glistening shores of Mexico’s Caribbean coastline in particular beckon to those wishing (and able) to travel right now. And the region’s leading resorts are rising to the occasion to not only make your stay, but now your exit, as seamless as possible.
Here, the best resorts in Mexico’s Riviera Maya (stretching from Cancun through Tulum) offering free, pre-departure Covid testing to guests AND in the event you test positive, low to no-cost quarantine accommodations. You’ll even find a few on this list including free travel and/or medical insurance with your booking, offering further peace of mind during these extraordinary times.
The below offers are accurate as of time of writing (February 2021), however may be subject to change. Please confirm with your resort all of their current Covid policies, including fine print such as direct-booking vs. 3rd party booking, prior to solidifying your trip.
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Travel is complicated right now. While there are many factors that will result in your decision of whether or not to travel, this decision is ultimately your responsibility. Travel rules, restrictions and entry/exit requirements are subject to change frequently. Please check with both your home country’s official advisories as well as those of your destination country prior to traveling for up-to-date information.
BUT FIRST – TRAVEL INSURANCE
Whenever, and wherever, you might be traveling, travel insurance is always a good idea. We personally love SafetyWing for their transparent, easy to understand and thorough coverage starting at just $40.00 USD/month. Their two-tier coverage offers medical benefits in the event of an accident or illness while abroad, in addition to travel benefits such as compensation for delayed trips and lost luggage. Plus, all new SafetyWing policies automatically include COVID-19 coverage. Please note testing for COVID-19 is not covered unless deemed medically necessary by a physician. This means pre-flight tests do not count, nor do antibody tests. Find out everything you need to know about SafetyWing travel insurance, here!
AND – COVID SAFETY
As of February 2021, all below properties are open with Covid safety measures in place. These include but are not limited to: hotel capacity limitations, social distancing requirements, enhanced room cleaning and sanitation measures, mandatory temperature checks and hand sanitizer upon entry into the resort (as well as resort bars & restaurants) and required mask wearing upon said entries – if not required to be worn indoors at all times. Please consider that abiding by these safety measures as a responsible guest is not only imperative for your own health, but the health of those around you. This includes the staff serving you – many of whom will be going home to vulnerable communities at the end of their shift. Please check with your resort for their specific Covid safety measures and policies.
AMR COLLECTION: Breathless, Dreams, Now, Secrets, Sunscape, Zoëtry
Antigen (rapid) tests: Offered free on-site to all guests traveling to countries requiring the test, with a minimum 3-night stay. Results are delivered same day.
PCR tests: Available on-site to all guests requesting it, at a cost of $125.00 USD (Cancun and Riviera Maya) or $129.00 USD (Cozumel). Results are delivered within 24 hours if the test is taken Monday – Saturday; 48 hours if the test is taken on a Sunday.
How it works: Reservations are required for all testing, which guests can make upon arrival with the resort’s Concierge.
Quarantine Accommodations: Offered free for up to 14 days in the event you test positive, for yourself and 1 travel companion sharing the same room.
Book your stay at AMR Collection Resorts:
Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa
Dreams Resorts & Spas (Dreams Natura Resort & Spa, Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort, Dreams Puerto Aventuras Resort & Spa, Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa, Dreams Sands Cancun Resort & Spa, Dreams Vista Cancun Resort & Spa, Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa)
Now Resorts & Spas (Now Emerald Cancun, Now Jade Riviera Cancun, Now Sapphire Riviera Cancun)
Secrets Resorts & Spas (Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya, Secrets Aura Cozumel, Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun, Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort, Secrets Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa, Secrets Silversands Riviera Cancun, Secrets The Vine Cancun)
Sunscape Resorts & Spas (Sunscape Akumal Beach Resort & Spa, Sunscape Sabor Cozumel)
Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts (Zoëtry Paraiso de la Bonita Riviera Maya, Zoëtry Villa Rolandi Isla Mujeres Cancun)
The above offers will remain in place at AMR Collection resorts until government mandates are lifted.
BAHIA PRINCIPE HOTELS & RESORTS
Antigen (rapid) tests: Offered free on-site to all guests traveling from and returning to the United States, with a minimum 3-night stay. Results are delivered within 24 – 48 hours in written and/or digital format.
PCR tests: Available on-site to all guests requesting it, at a cost of $174.00 USD. Results are delivered within 24 – 48 hours in written and/or digital format.
How it works: Reservations are required for all testing, which guests can make upon arrival with the Front Desk.
Quarantine Accommodations: Offered free for up to 10 days in the event you test positive, so long as your original booking was on a minimum 3-night stay.
Book your stay: Bahia Principe Grand Tulum, Bahia Principe Grand Coba, Bahia Principe Luxury Akumal
The above offers will remain in place at Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts through March 31st, 2021 or until government mandates are lifted.
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GRAND RESIDENCES RIVIERA CANCUN
Antigen (rapid) tests: Offered free on-site to all American guests traveling to the United States. Results are delivered within 12 hours.
PCR tests: Available on-site to all guests, starting at $110.00 USD per guest. Results are delivered within 52 hours.
How it works: Reservations are required for all testing, which guests can make upon arrival with either the Front Desk or Concierge.
Quarantine Accommodations: Offered free for up to 14 days in the event you test positive, covering the cost of a designated room in addition to meals from the resort’s COVID Recovery Menu.
Book your stay: Grand Residences Riviera Cancun
The above offers will remain in place at Grand Residences Riviera Cancun through July 17th, 2021.
HARD ROCK RESORTS + UNICO 20º87º
Antigen (rapid) tests: Offered free on-site to all guests traveling to the United States or the UK, with a minimum 3-night stay. Up to two tests are offered free per room; additional tests may be purchased for $50.00 USD each. Results are delivered same day via email as well as a printed hardcopy.
PCR tests: Available on-site for travelers to Canada, Europe or Latin America at a cost of $150.00 – $250.00 USD. Results are delivered within 2-3 days via email as well as a printed hardcopy.
How it works: Reservations are required for all testing, which guests can make with the Front Desk during check-in.
Quarantine Accommodations: Offered free for up to 14 nights in the event you test positive, so long as you had originally booked a minimum 3-night stay.
Medical Insurance: During your quarantine, complimentary on-site medical assistance insurance will further cover expenses such as a doctor, medication and/or hospitalization. This medical insurance kicks in when and if you test positive for Covid, through the time of your post-quarantine departure.
Book your stay: Hard Rock Hotel Cancun, Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya, UNICO 20º87º
The above offers apply on all existing and new reservations booked by February 28th, 2021 and checking out by December 31st, 2021 (or whenever the government mandate is lifted for your country).
Related: These are the Best & Most Unique Dining Experiences You Can Enjoy in Mexico’s Riviera Maya Right NOW
HOTEL XCARET
Antigen (rapid) tests: Offered free on-site to United States residents, who have booked a minimum 1-night stay. Non-U.S. residents may purchase the test for $19.00 USD.
PCR tests: Offered on-site to any guest requesting it, at a cost of $140.00 USD.
Quarantine Accommodations: Offered free in the event you test positive, for up to 14 days and up to 2 guests per room (should both guests test positive). Quarantine accommodations are offered to U.S. residents only, who have booked a minimum 4-night stay.
Book your stay: Hotel Xcaret México
The above offers will remain in place at Hotel Xcaret through at least March 31st, 2021.
IBEROSTAR HOTELS & RESORTS
Antigen (rapid) tests: Offered free on-site to ALL guests traveling to a country requiring the test. Results are available within 30 minutes.
PCR tests: Available to all guests on-site at a cost of $135.00 USD per person. Price varies depending on the resort.
How it works: Guests will be advised upon arrival regarding the details of the testing process. You will be able to schedule your appointment in advance.
Quarantine Accommodations: Through Iberostar’s Travel at Ease complimentary assurance package, quarantine accommodations are offered free for up to 14 days in the event you test positive. After 14 days, you may continue your extension at a reduced rate from the current listed price.
Book your stay: Iberostar Cozumel, Iberostar Resorts Cancún (Iberostar Selection Cancún, Coral Level at Iberostar Selection Cancún), Iberostar Resorts Riviera Maya (Iberostar Paraíso Del Mar, Iberostar Quetzal, Iberostar Paraíso Beach, Iberostar Tucán, Iberostar Selection Paraíso Lindo, Iberostar Selection Paraíso Maya)
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KARISMA HOTELS & RESORTS
Antigen (rapid) tests: Offered free on-site to all guests traveling to the United States. 1 test is offered free per person; in the event you wish to take a 2nd test there is a cost of $25.00 USD.
PCR tests: Are available on-site to guests returning to a country requiring PCR testing, at a cost of $132.00 USD.
How it Works: Reservations are required, which guests can make with the resort’s Concierge upon check-in.
Quarantine Accommodations: Offered free for up to 14 nights in the event you test positive, in a dedicated quarantine room (shared with any travel companions who also test positive). Note if you have tested positive from an antigen test, you will need to subsequently take and pay for a PCR test, also showing a positive result, in order to qualify for the complimentary quarantine offer. Travel companions testing negative who wish to remain on the property while you quarantine may choose to extend their stay as well, in a separate room, offered at a discounted rate. Or, they may choose to quarantine with you in your room, following all required quarantine protocols.
Book your stay: Karisma Hotels & Resorts Mexico (El Dorado Seaside Palms, El Dorado Seaside Suites, El Dorado Royale, El Dorado Casitas Royale, El Dorado Maroma, Generations Riviera Maya, Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancún, Azul Beach Resort Riviera Cancún, Palafitos – Overwater Bungalows, Hidden Beach Au Naturel Resort)
The above offers will remain in place at Karisma Hotels & Resorts through March 31st, 2021.
MELIÁ HOTELS INTERNATIONAL: Melía, Paradisus
Antigen (rapid) tests: Offered free on-site to all guests with a reservation of 3 or more nights, so long as it’s required by your country of residence.
PCR tests: May be coordinated by the resort and held at an off-site, local lab for an additional fee. Please inquire with your desired resort for the exact cost.
How it Works: You will need to schedule your test upon check-in, which must be taken 72 hours prior to your departure flight. Results are issued same day.
Medical Insurance: Bookings at ten Meliá resorts throughout Mexico and the Caribbean (including those in the Riviera Maya listed below) automatically include free medical insurance, from the time of check-in through check-out, with the group’s Travel Safe with Meliá program.
Quarantine Accommodations: The Travel Safe with Meliá program covers the cost of extending your stay for up to 15 additional days in the event you test positive for Covid, plus assistance for travel companions. Please refer to the full policy certificate for exact guidelines.
Book your stay: Paradisus Cancun, Paradisus Playa Del Carmen, The Reserve at Paradisus Playa Del Carmen, Meliá Cozumel
The Travel Safe with Meliá program runs through October 31st, 2021; there is no expiration date at present for the above Covid testing offers.
Related: We Stayed at a Mexico Resort During Covid (Feb ’21) and This is What it Was Like
PALACE RESORTS & LE BLANC SPA RESORTS
Antigen (rapid) tests: Offered free on-site for guests traveling to the United States, who have booked a minimum 3-night stay. Testing is offered free for up to two guests per room; additional tests available at $19.00 USD per guest.
PCR tests: Available on-site to all guests, for an additional fee. Please inquire with your desired resort for the exact cost.
How it works: Guests must schedule their test with the resort’s concierge upon check-in. On the day of the test, results are available within 30 minutes.
Quarantine Accommodations: Offered free in the event you test positive, for up to 14 days and up to 2 guests per room (should both guests test positive).
Book your stay: Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun, Palace Resorts (Beach Palace, Sun Palace, Moon Palace Cancun, The Grand at Moon Palace Cancun, Cozumel Palace, Isla Mujeres Palace, Playacar Palace)
The above offers will remain in place at Palace Resorts and Le Blanc Spa Resorts until government mandates are lifted.
PALLADIUM RESORTS: Grand Palladium, TRS
Antigen (rapid) tests: Offered free on-site to all guests traveling to a country requiring the test, who are enrolled as a Palladium Rewards Loyalty member. There is no charge to enroll in the loyalty program, which guests can do upon check-in (if not already enrolled). Test results are delivered same day.
PCR tests: Available on-site to guests traveling to a country requiring the PCR test, at a cost of $150.00 USD.
How it Works: Reservations are required which guests can make with the Front Desk upon check-in.
Medical Insurance: Bookings at all above properties automatically include free medical insurance, from the time of check-in through check-out, with the group’s STAY SAFE-Plus Medical Free Care Insurance.
Quarantine Accommodations: Palladium’s STAY SAFE-Plus insurance covers the cost of extending your stay for up to 10 additional days in the event you test positive for Covid. Extended stay due to quarantine includes the guest, who will be isolated; plus, up to 3 (three) travel companions sharing the same room.
Book your stay: Palladium Resorts (Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa, Family Selection at Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa, TRS Coral Hotel, Grand Palladium Colonial Resort & Spa, Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort & Spa, Grand Palladium White Sand Resort & Spa, TRS Yucatan Hotel)
Free testing will remain in place at all Palladium Resorts so long as the CDC requires a negative test to enter the United States.
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SANDOS HOTELS & RESORTS
Antigen (rapid) tests: Offered free on-site to all guests traveling to or through the United States. Guests requesting the test who are not traveling to or through the United States may purchase the test at a cost of $35.00 USD. Results are delivered within 24 hours.
PCR tests: Offered free on-site to all guests returning to a country that requires the PCR test, with a 7-night minimum stay. Guests staying under 7 nights may purchase the test at a cost of $150.00 USD. Results are delivered within 48 hours.
How it Works: Reservations are required, which guests can make with a Seek and Go representative in the lobby area of your hotel.
Quarantine Accommodations: Offered free in the event you test positive for up to 14 days, for both yourself as well as travel companions who also test positive. Travel companions testing negative may choose to share your quarantine room at no additional cost, however will be expected to follow all quarantine protocols.
Book your stay: Sandos Hotels & Resorts (Sandos Cancún, Sandos Playacar, Sandos Caracol Eco-Resort)
The above offers will remain in place at all Sandos Resorts until government mandates are lifted.
LA COLECCIÓN RESORTS: Live Aqua, Grand Fiesta, Fiesta Americana
Antigen (rapid) tests: Offered free on-site to all guests returning to a country that requires the test.
PCR tests: May be coordinated by the resort and held on-site for an additional fee. Please inquire with your desired resort for the exact cost.
How it Works: Reservations are required, which guests can coordinate with the resort’s concierge 36 hours before departure (antigen tests) or 72 hours before departure (PCR tests).
Medical Insurance: Upon check-in at any La Colección Resort, guests may enroll in the property’s Travel with Confidence Protection Program. This offers guests full coverage of accidents or illnesses (including COVID-19) from the time of check-in through check-out, at an extra cost of $4.00 USD per person, per night.
Quarantine Accommodation: Guests enrolled in the resort’s Travel with Confidence Protection Program who test positive for Covid may extend their stay at a minimal rate of $10.00 USD (plus taxes) per night, per person.
Book your stay: Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancun, Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun All-Inclusive Spa Resort, Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun All-Inclusive, Fiesta Americana Cozumel All-Inclusive
GRAND VELAS RIVIERA MAYA
Antigen (rapid) tests: Offered free on-site to all American guests traveling from and returning to the United States, who have booked a minimum 3-night stay. Results are delivered within 24 hours via email.
PCR tests: Available on-site to all guests, at a cost of $175.00 USD.
How it works: Guests must schedule their test with the resort’s concierge upon check-in. On the day of the test, results are available within 30 minutes.
Quarantine Accommodations: Guests testing positive may extend their existing reservation at 75% off the web-listed price, for up to 14 nights. If traveling with companions who have also tested positive, you may all stay together in the same room at the aforementioned discount. OR, in the event you have tested positive while your companions have tested negative, but they wish to remain on the property while you quarantine, they may stay in the discounted room and the resort will give you only (the affected person) a separate, complimentary suite located in a designated area of the property. The complimentary suite is only offered in conjunction with the discounted room.
Book your stay: Grand Velas Riviera Maya
The above offers will remain in place at Grand Velas Riviera Maya until government mandates are lifted.
ANDAZ MAYAKOBA
Antigen (rapid) tests: Offered free on-site for guests traveling to the United States, up to 2 guests per room with a minimum 3-night stay. Results are delivered within 30 minutes via email.
PCR tests: Offered on-site at a cost of $170.00 USD. Results are delivered within 12 hours via email, or Monday if the test is taken on a Sunday.
How it Works: Reservations are required, which guests can coordinate with the resort’s concierge at least 48 hours in advance of taking the test.
Quarantine Accommodations: Guests testing positive may choose to extend their stay at a discounted Travel Delay Rate of up to 50% off the current-listed price for accommodations, as well as up to 50% off food & beverage (alcohol not included) for up to 14 days.
Book your stay: Andaz Mayakoba
The above offers will remain in place at Andaz Mayakoba through May 31st, 2021.
PLAYA HOTELS & RESORTS: Hilton, Hyatt, Panama Jack, Turquoize
Antigen (rapid) tests: Offered free on-site for all guests returning to the United States, with a minimum 3-night stay. Results are delivered as quickly as within 15 minutes.
PCR tests: Available on-site for all guests requesting it, at an additional cost.
How it Works: Reservations are required, which guests can make with the Front Desk upon check-in.
Quarantine Accommodations: Guests testing positive may choose to extend their stay, along with positive and/or negative-testing travel companions, at a discounted rate of 50% off the current-listed price.
Book your stay with PLAYA Hotels & Resorts: Hyatt Zilara Cancún, Hyatt Ziva Cancún, Turqouize Cancún, Panama Jack Cancún, Panama Jack Playa Del Carmen, Hilton Playa Del Carmen
The above offers will remain in place at all PLAYA Hotels & Resorts through May 31st, 2021.
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