A Traveler’s Checklist For Thailand’s Phuket Sandbox Program

PHUKET, Thailand (AP) — Starting July 1, Thailand will welcome back international visitors — as long as they are vaccinated — to its famous southern resort island of Phuket without having to be cooped up in a hotel room for a 14-day quarantine.

Those planning to see the rest of Thailand must stay a minimum of two weeks during which they will be free to roam the island, where preparations include having a major proportion of the local population inoculated for COVID-19. Those passing through en route to other countries can book shorter stays.

After a stay of 14 days or more, visitors will be able to travel relatively freely elsewhere in Thailand — subject to the same health restrictions as Thai travelers.

The “Phuket sandbox” program is open to visitors from 63 countries and three territories rated by Thailand as low or medium risk for COVID-19. Requirements beyond nationality are more complicated and involve a fair amount of paperwork, in addition to being subject to changes.

The most up-to-date and detailed information will generally be available from the website of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, at www.tatnews.org, or from the nearest Thai Embassy.

Visas for stays of up to 30 days are not necessary for many nationalities. Airlines with direct flights to Phuket include Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, El Al and Singapore Airlines.

The basic requirements before departure for Phuket include:

— Must have been staying in approved home country for at least 21 days before departure.

— Must obtain a Certificate of Entry from a Thai embassy or consulate.

— Must be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before departure. (Travelers under 18 years old accompanied by a parent or guardian are exempted from the need to be vaccinated.)

— Must have a negative RT-PCR test for COVID-19 within 72 hours of departure. (Also required for travelers under 18 years old)

— Must have a minimum $100,000 medical insurance policy covering COVID-19 treatment.

Upon arrival:

— Must have an RT-PCR test for COVID-19 at their own expense on the day of arrival, the sixth or seventh day of stay and the 12th or 13th day.

— Must stay for 14 days at approved “SHA+” hotels in order to travel onwards in Thailand. The booking must be confirmed before arrival. SHA+ certifies safety and health standards including having at least 70% of staff vaccinated for COVID-19.

— Must install Thailand Plus and Morchana apps, to track health and location, respectively.

— Must have evidence of negative COVID-19 test results over the 14-day stay for onward travel to other parts of Thailand.

New Hotels Join Small Luxury Hotels Of The World

NEW HOTELS JOIN SMALL LUXURY HOTELS OF THE WORLD™

FEBRUARY 2016

Small Luxury Hotels of the World is pleased to introduce five new hotels to join the luxury collection this February. From a Buddhist sanctuary to a secluded Greek getaway, these hotels offer the independently-minded traveler the perfect motivation for a future voyage. 

Ayard of Ch'an: Leshan, China  – www.slh.com/ayard

Two magnificent courtyards play host to 47 elegantly appointed guestrooms at this ideally situated hotel in Leshan, an ancient and culturally rich city 75 miles from Chengdu. The first courtyard “Xing Shen” can loosely be translated to mean practice while the other “Jing Ly” means meditation. Both terms are at home in this peaceful haven where the four room varieties also follow the phases of meditative practice. The hotel hosts a private meditation arbor, surrounded by great pine trees which provides a uniquely relaxing environment for true reflection. Guests can also take advantage of local tradition by visiting the teahouse to sample the customary Gonfu style of tea making or visit the on-site vegetarian restaurant that brings Sichuan flavors to the forefront of their master fare.

SLH Insider Tip: Don’t miss the Leshan Giant Buddha, just a short walk from the hotel – carved over 1,000 years ago into the side of a cliff – this is the largest carved stone Buddha in the world.

Mom Tri's Villa Royale: Phuket, Thailand  – www.slh.com/momtris

Phuket in Thailand is well known for its party atmosphere and beautiful sandy beaches, however, Mom Tri’s Villa Royale has something completely different to offer visitors to this tropical island. Peace, tranquility and natural beauty combine here beginning with the salt water pool, carved into the rocks, that greets guests on arrival. For those that seek culinary memories, the restaurant which hangs over the Andaman Sea provides much more than spectacular views, it also has over 750 different bottles of wine on offer and only uses local produce from the hotel’s own farm. With local culture and design in mind the hotel takes its name from renowned architect and artist Mom Luang Tridosyuth Devalus – a.k.a Mom Tri. All rooms have balconies to make the most of the views, many with Jacuzzi tubs and sun loungers.

SLH Insider Tip: Book the Kata Suite – not only will it provide guests with ample room for a lengthy stay but they will also enjoy direct pool access.

Domaine de Fontenille: Provence, France – www.slh.com/fontenille

In Provence food is an all-encompassing passion, a self-evident fact for any guest visiting this sprawling country retreat in the picturesque French countryside. The home once belonged to the Savornin family and the renovations have preserved the charm of an 18^th century grand estate, while an intriguing blend of historical character and modern furnishings brings the hotel gracefully into the 21^st century. 17 rooms and suites take in views of the gardens, cedar Park and the Luberon hills and encourage guests to embrace the ‘French Art of Living’ in which time stands still. Guests are encouraged to wander the estate in its entirety to discover separate gardens for quiet rest, relaxation or reading, dive into the outdoor pool, enjoy a massage at the spa or explore the trails that run through the family’s vineyard. Les Champ des Lunes – the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant also provides an exhaustive workout for the taste buds courtesy of Chef Jerome Faure, with organic ingredients and handpicked wines from the Rhone.

SLH Insider Tip: No stay is complete without a visit to the wine tasting shop which opens onto Fontenille's vineyards and cedars. Guests can learn firsthand about grape growing and wine making. Later in 2016 the shop will also offer Tasting and Oenology Courses.

Galle Fort Hotel: Galle, Sri Lanka – www.slh.com/gallefort

With a rich history dating back over three centuries, this Dutch mansion is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and has been meticulously restored, retaining the original 18th century doors and windows in the building’s façade that are some of the best examples of their kind. It’s colorful past as a gem merchant’s mansion, bakery, RAF barrack, post office and even a cricket ground only increases its intrigue. The restaurant serves the freshest seafood and vegetables with an exotic twist as the chefs take their inspiration from a voyage along the Spice Route. Each of the 14 rooms reflects the hotel’s philosophy, balancing history and luxury, and has its own personality - Garden Rooms open out on the frangipani-scented courtyard while the Mews Suite has a private garden and separate entrance.

SLH Insider Tip: Make sure you visit a local eatery to experience a mouthwatering blend of Dutch, Portuguese, English, Arab, Indian and Malay influences.

Sesa Boutique Hotel: Preveza, Greece – www.slh.com/sesa

With only seven rooms Sesa Boutique hotel is an enticing private getaway. Opened seasonally (May to October) the hotel is in Preveza, a location yet to be discovered by the majority of tourists and therefore offering calm and authenticity in northwestern Greece. As its names spells out the hotel is based around the natural elements - Sea, Earth, Sand and Air - offering modern design that reflects the Ionian seascape and a deck that leads directly onto the white sand beach. Guests can take advantage of private loungers during the day or enjoy a cool drink and classic Mediterranean dishes given a contemporary makeover in SESA Restaurant, the best in the region, by night. Guests with children are also welcome - there are triple rooms with the option of additional cots or beds, and plenty to explore within the area, including boat trips to the tiny Paxoi Islands.  

SLH Insider Tip: Visit the ruins of the ancient city of Nicopolis (the ‘City of Victory’) which is only a short drive north of the hotel, or the Springs of Acheron which the Greeks believed to be the passage to the Underworld.

For more information about SLH’s collection of hotels around the world or to make a reservation and take advantage of SLH Club member benefits visit www.slh.com.