In today’s world, there’s a lot of news out there and we know that sometimes it can be difficult to poke your head above the water. We also know that what you really want to know is when you can get out there and go diving again. We work with hotels and centres all around the world and have the inside scoop into whats happening in your favourite diving destinations. Here’s the latest travel news from some of your favourite diving spots around the world:

Mauritius On The Road To Re-open

No new COVID-19 cases have been registered during the past 17 days in Mauritius and there are currently no active COVID-19 patients. Despite this encouraging trend, local authorities in Mauritius have extended the sanitary curfew until 01 June, with certain essential services and offices resuming gradually as from 15 May. Currently, sports centres in the country remain closed and there is, as yet, no set date on when borders will be reopened, although airlines like Air France and Emirates are planning flights as from mid. June/early July.

Book at the Lux Grand Gaube before the end of October and you will receive a full refund up to three days before your visit should any COVID-19 related changes restrict you from travelling. The Westin Turtle Bay Resort and the St Regis Mauritius are also offering free cancellation 7 days before your arrival. So you can start planning an Indian Ocean diving getaway and rest assured you’ll be covered if your trip can’t go ahead!

Sri Lanka and the Maldives have Minimal Cases

As we head into another week of lockdown we are starting to see a glimpse of light at the end of the tunnel. While we don’t know when restrictions will be fully lifted and travel will resume, things are looking good in Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

Sri Lanka is showing clear signs of flattening the curve. The daily new cases are down from 65 a day to just 6. As of 13 May 2020, they have a total of 915 cases, 9 deaths and 445 cases successfully recovered. The Maldives sadly saw its first community case in the capital only two weeks ago. Contract tracing is underway, and all positive cases are now isolated in a separate quarantine island away from the general population. They have a total of 955 cases, 4 deaths and 40 cases successfully recovered as of 13 May 2020. The government measures are working as new cases are less than 6 a day.

We are hoping that these destinations will have their borders open to most countries when flight restrictions are lifted around July. The appeal of the Indian Ocean in the post-COVID world is a safe, secluded place with no over-tourism, perfect for that wellness break. Both destinations also already have great special offers for anyone looking at booking in advance for that 2021 getaway.

Cape Verde Looks Ahead to 2021

In consideration of recent proclamations and directives issued by the Government of Cape Verde to prevent the spread of COVID-19, top hotel in Sal, Hotel Morabeza, has decided to extend their closure to July 11th 2020. However, this date remains subject to the decisions that the Cape Verdean government takes with regards to its borders and the resumption of aviation activity.

This luxury property is, however, looking forward to 2021 and have extended their special offer for Planet guests. Booking with us for a stay up until the end of October 2021 and only pay for 6 nights when you stay 7!

Oman Offers for 2020 Stays

Oman acted early and barred entry to travellers from China, South Korea, Iran and Italy on March 2, shutting down all commercial flights on March 29. Omani authorities have currently extended lockdown of the Muscat province until May 29 due to the disease. Currently, the country is offering free COVID-19 tests and has also set up a number of mobile units to try and curb the spread of the disease.

The Kempinski Hotel in Muscat has some killer specials on offer for anyone looking to travel later in the year. Book now for a stay until the 23rd of December 2020 and you can look forward to 30% off the rate.

The Kempinski Muscat is also looking as to how they ensure a healthy and safe environment for all guests and employees worldwide, at all times. This is why they have launched the  “Kempinski White Glove Services”. This initiative covers a number of measures and steps that will be implemented in all their hotels worldwide to ensure the comfort and safety of you and your loved ones. These services concern everything from arrival to set-up of public areas, food and beverage and housekeeping, as well as spa areas and meeting facilities. Absolute privacy is also offered to guests would prefer hotel team members not to enter their room for the duration of their stay.