FAQ's

Response to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) Pandemic

Dear friends, partners, guests,

As the worldwide crisis caused by the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic continues to unfold, we face the reality that travel has changed as we used to know it, and we take this matter seriously in order to protect our guests and our staff.

We are sharing detailed information here on health and safety standards we now operate under, as well as local tourism information on arrival protocols and new departure protocols required by the CDC.

REOPENING and ACHIEVING GOLD STANDARD CERTIFICATION

We reopened on November 1, 2020 achieving the Belize Tourism Board’s Gold Standard Certification (a stringent program focused on enhancing hotel and restaurant cleaning, health, and safety standards as well as operating procedures to ensure safe traveling with minimal impact to the guest experience.  Those standards can be found here.

BELIZE ARRIVAL PROTOCOLS

(updated Aug 5 2021)

Updated information on all protocol requirements, which are subject to change, is found here.  

• You are required to complete the Customs and Immigration Form that is provided to you on your flight to Belize.
• Effective August 9th, 2021 all travelers, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, entering Belize from other countries will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test.
• All travelers entering Belize at the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) will be required to present a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken within 96 hours of travel or a negative result from any approved Antigen Rapid Test taken within 48 hours of travel. If no test is presented, a COVID-19 test will be administered at the airport for a fee of USD $50 per passenger. Children under the age of 5 years will not be required to present a negative test; but children 5 years and older will be required to present a negative test.
• All travelers entering Belize through the Northern and Western Borders will be administered a Rapid Test for COVID-19 by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, at at their own expense. No external COVID-19 PCR or Rapid Test will be accepted at these points of entry.
• Presently, Belize has instituted a temporary travel ban on persons who have travelled to or originated from or have transited the Republic of India and the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. The temporary ban is due to the rising numbers of persons in these countries infected with the COVID-19 virus.

CDC REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL AIR PASSENGERS ARRIVING INTO THE US (EVEN FOR USA CITIZENS)

All air passengers traveling into the US, regardless of vaccination or antibody status, are required to provide a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery. We highlight some important information below:

Test Time Frame:
- If you are flying on a connecting flight into the USA, the 3-days test period begins from the minute your first flight departs to the USA - but only if all connecting flights are in the same record. If they are not, you need your test to be valid within 3 days of each flight segment. 

- If you are flying out of the country for less than 3 days you can take a test in the USA before you depart and use it for your return or take a rapid test before your return flight

- If your flight is delayed past the 3-day window you must take another test to board your flight. 

Test Types

 - Both PCR and rapid antigen tests will be acceptable.

Exceptions
 - Kids under 2 years do not need proof of a test.

 - Documentation of Recovery within 3 months - if you recovered from Covid you do not have to test if you present both proof that you tested positive in the past 3 months before your flight and have finished required isolation, along with a letter from your doctor stating that you are cleared for travel.

Enforcement:

Airlines must confirm negative test results for all passengers before boarding. 

- Airlines must deny boarding of passengers if they do not provide documentation of a negative test or recovery. 

- This applies to both commercial and private flights.

Complete details on CDC International travel guidelines are found here 

ON-SITE TESTING

Given the Center of Disease Control and Prevention in the U.S. has expanded the requirement for a negative COVID-19 test to all air passengers entering the United States, (even for connecting flights to other countries and including all American Citizens), beginning  January 26, we share the information with you on how testing can be easily provided here in Belize. 

        Our Hideaways are offering on-site testing before you depart!

•  An appointment is required at least 48 hours in advance and can be offered on site at Turtle Inn for a cost of US75 per person and (at Blancaneaux Lodge for a cost of US$100 per person.). Our concierge teams can easily set up an appointment for you.
• The results will be ready within 30 minutes and an electronic and printed copy will be provided.
• Payment may be made to Blancaneaux Lodge/Turtle Inn

Please do not hesitate to email our front desk colleagues with any further questions to arrange for your testing. We'll be back to you within 24 hours of your email.  

GUEST FEEDBACK
We continue to collaborate as a group of hospitality minded individuals and work in concert with our colleagues to refine our offerings. If you have stayed with us before or are a partner we’ve worked with in the past, you have come to know our reputation in delivering genuine, authentic and memorable guest experiences. Following our November 1 reopening, we have received glowing accolades from guests who have stayed with us for short stays and very long residency stays. We encourage you to read over recent reviews to see how safe and cared for guests thus far have felt.

Please be safe and be well.

Can I add nights to your standard packages?

Yes, extra nights can be added to any standard package including extensions to another Family Coppola Hideaway. Please contact us directly for rates and availability.

Can I book tours or activities in advance?

Yes, tours and activities can be booked and paid for in advance. Please contact us directly for more information on pre-booking tours and activities.

Can I book massages or spa treatments in advance?

For scheduling reasons, massages and spa treatments are best arranged with the concierge upon arrival.

Can we have our wedding at one of the hideaways?

We limit the wedding options at our hideaway in order to preserve the experience of our other leisure guests. If you are interested in buying out the entire hideaway for a wedding experience please contact info@thefamilycoppolahideaways.com with your request.

Which airlines serve Belize?

American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta, US Airways, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Copa Air and Avianca (formerly known as TACA) all fly into Belize. Additionally, Belizean carrier Tropic Air and Maya air serves Belize to and from Flores, Guatemala City, San Pedro Sula, and Cancun.

Are pets welcome at Turtle Inn?

Yes pets are welcome at Turtle Inn, notification is required and an additional cleaning fee may be added.

Are children welcome at Turtle Inn?

Yes, families are welcome at Turtle Inn. In fact, our two-bedroom, two-bathroom villas, our Family Pavilion, Lagoon Bungalow, Starfish Cottage, and Beach House were designed with families in mind. Our restaurants offer children’s menus and we have a wide range of fun and educational tours and activities for children. We even have a kid’s gelato bar.

Are connecting rooms available for families?

Although we do not have rooms with interconnecting doors, we do have two-bedroom, two-bathroom villas, and family cabanas at both of our Belize hideaways. It is also possible to have adjoining casitas at La Lancha.

Do you accept small groups or extended family gatherings?

Yes, we do accept extended family gatherings; however, we do not accept bookings for larger groups. Policies may vary depending on the time of the year. Please inquire for more information.

Is there Internet access at Turtle Inn?

Yes, all of our hideaways have complimentary wireless Internet access. Wi-Fi hot spots are located close to the reception and bar areas. For those traveling without a laptop, we have a desktop computer available for use in our reception area at our Belize Hideaways (Blancaneaux Lodge and Turtle Inn). Charges for use vary per location. Certain restrictions may apply.

Do you accept credit cards or Traveler’s Checks?

Yes, we accept VISA, MasterCard, and American Express credit cards. U.S. Traveler’s Checks and U.S. Dollars are also accepted

Is any equipment offered for walking tours and treks?

We offer telescopic walking poles at Blancaneaux Lodge. We advise guests to bring lightweight walking boots, long trousers, and long-sleeved shirts made with breathable fabrics. A broad brimmed hat and polarized sunglasses are also advised. Guests should bring their own personal water bottle for trekking.

Is there air conditioning at Turtle Inn?

There is no air conditioning at Blancaneaux Lodge or Turtle Inn; however there are ceiling fans in all accommodations and public areas. Additional floor fans can be provided for your room. All casitas at La Lancha are air-conditioned.

Is breakfast included in the room rate?

A continental breakfast of coffee, juice, pastries, bread, conserve, and fruit is included in the room rate. Selections from our a la carte breakfast menus are available for an extra charge.

Are there any benefits to booking nights at multiple hideaways?

Yes. Please email info@thefamilycoppolahideaways.com to discover rewards and discounts for booking two or more of our hideaways in the same trip.

What kinds of vehicles are used for transfers and tours?

We use a mixture of vehicles although our standard vehicles for transfers are small air-conditioned cars. We also have four-wheel drive vehicles for our more exploratory tours.

Are tours private or public?

Tours are generally public allowing us to offer tours at a value. Private tours are available by request, and a surcharge may apply.

How can I do something for the local community?

We are proud members of Pack for a Purpose, an initiative that allows travelers like you to make a lasting impact in the community at your travel destination.

After I land at the Belize International Airport, how do I get to the properties?

Our Vacation Planners Office can help with all local transfer arrangements. We book ground transfers, domestic flights, private charters and helicopter rides. Contact info@thefamilycoppolahideaways.com for assistance.