TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Anyone recently at Royal Islander LaPlage??

Just curious. We are now almost two weeks from our return. Have figured out the covid protocols heading to island..and have found a couple of quick return places to get tested here. Now, that their is another test to get back into the USA, i heard that Sonesta was doing testing. Does this include the Royal Islander guests also? if not, where is the suggested place to go without getting ripped off. Thanks in advance.

Hi, Ed! My Dad has been there for several months, returning home in early April barring a disaster like last year's abrupt departure. The Sonesta is doing the testing for RIC guests. You have to register at the Sonesta front desk the day before you want/need the test - $55 - bring your passport. I read that if less than 5 people sign up for that particular day, you have to go to the Maho clinic which is $100 give or take. Over 5 people booked, the testing staff will do it at the hotel.

The Royal Islander Timeshare Owners Group on FB has a post or two about the Sonesta testing procedure before you leave for home.

I'm skipping this year, and sooooo look forward to '22. I'll miss briefly seeing you guys at vacation changeover time. We're always leaving when you guys arrive

Have a great vacation and see you next year!

Thanks for the info Sheila. One less thing then that i will have to worry about when we get there in two weeks!! Hoping we have a ''better'' trip than last year. and get to use our THREE weeks.

Can I ask you folks a quick question re: Royal Islander LaPlage? I swapped into there form La Vista (wanted a change) do they have a gym there and if so, are there shower facilities in the Gym. On check out day, I would like to hang a bit and was wondering if you can take a quick shower before heading off to the airport. TIA for any information, sorry to kind of get off topic of the thread re: the testing.

Kathy,

I used to own at RIC La Plage ( many years ago). One of the best timeshares on the island. Great location, rooms, and grounds and very nice people. You used to be able to use the very nice fitness center over at the Sonesta, right next door.( hope it's still an option) Also, on departure day, you can leave your luggage in their luggage room right next to their check-in desk. RIC La Plage has private showers on the pool level for use, great for that last day.

No longer can use Sonesta gym, in fact can't even walk through property since it became all inclusive

Brian, fantastic! Thank you, this was the info that I was looking for!

Kathy,

Contrary to what was posted earlier, the Fitness Center over at Sonesta can still be used by members and guests staying with the Royal Islander Club La Plage or La Terrasse. Also, you can walk through the property with limitations on privileged areas, such as room areas, unless being accompanied by a guest of Sonesta.

Hope this clarifies things.

Brian

I am a condo owner at La Terrasse. Someone already mentioned it but the tests are being done in the plaza level at La Terrasse. The straff at the front desk in La Plage can help you with all the info. I will be there also in October for two weeks. Enjoy your vacation.

Phil
La Terrasse

I should mention that if anyone reading this thread lives in Canada, you will require an RT PCR test and not the rapid antigen test. There are several places to get that done as well but it is not done at La Terrasse plaza level. If you are heading back to the US then the rapid antigen test will suffice.

Cheers
Phil

Wow..i wrote this post back in February. Don't know how it reappeared again all these months later.

It must have been serendipity, isn't life grand!