While trepidation surrounding travel continues to ease with the increase of vaccination rates, there remains a fair bit of uncertainty circling the fluctuating rules and regulations behind Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTLs). Common questions encompass one’s eligibility to utilise the VTL; the paperwork and accepted visas required; as well as the growing number of regions opening their borders that are in talks to establish Vaccinated Travel Lanes with Singapore. It doesn’t help that government directives are changing by the day within countries in itself, as with South Korea’s quarantine lift on all vaccinated visitors starting 1 April as well as Cambodia’s eradication of the mandate requiring all tourists to test for COVID-19 before entering the border.
For some, this might (understandably) act as deterrent despite a burgeoning sense of wanderlust. Should you be one of the few, we’re here to ascertain that Vogue Singapore is here to help with a curation of must-visit countries (bestowed with the Vaccinated Travel Lane advantage) as well as the precise requirements to know of before and upon entering their territories. From the UK to Maldives, here are a list of countries—and luxurious accommodations—to stay at that require a marginal amount of paperwork. Be sure to go through this curation thoroughly before purchasing your air ticket, though, as travelers still need to meet certain conditions to visit with minimal hassle. On that promising note, bon voyage and safe travels.
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Amankila, Bali
Just in: Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Pandjaitan, made an official announcement lifting the quarantine order for all vaccinated tourists. All travelers will have to apply for a visa, however, which can be done upon arrival at the airport as well.
Once the nitty-gritty has been settled, head out to the serene east coast of Bali. About an hour and a half’s drive from Bali’s Denpasar International Airport, Amankila sits as the perfect escape from the city chaos. Situated on a verdant hillside, enjoy sweeping views from your stilted suite as well as the hotel’s main attraction—a three-tier infinity pool cascading down the cliff edge.
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The Lanesborough, London
As of 18 March, tourists will no longer be required to take any form of COVID-19 testing no matter their vaccination status—which means making a trip to the capital of England will prove to be a seamless, streamlined experience. Brimming with rich history and culture that translates to a stronghold on the arts, the Vogue reader is sure to enjoy immersing themselves in the frenetic bustle and energy of London whether their interest lies in fashion, entertainment or literature.
Should you require a moment of respite, opt for The Lanesborough for your dwelling of choice. The five-star establishment offers round-the-clock butler service for every room, and is home to a series of fine dining establishments such as Michelin-starred establishment Céleste as well as Cognac lounge The Garden Room. Their newly opened Club & Spa serves as the cherry on top, fitted with facilities that allow for guests to enjoy bespoke massages as well as the top-notch fitness equipment and tech.
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Cheval Blanc, Paris
Since 12 February, fully-vaccinated visitors have been able to enter the country with no need for additional testing nor quarantine. A proof of vaccination, however, is needed upon touchdown. It’s an apt time as any for the City of Lights to open their borders, what with jaw-dropping luxury fashion ateliers being accessible to the public upon reservation (see: Dior’s Avenue Montaigne flagship) as well as long-standing plans for five-star hotels finally coming into fruition to herald new waves of tourists. In this case, we’re talking about Cheval Blanc.
Touted as the paradigm of French hospitality, the Cheval Blanc is LVMH’s first five-star accommodation in the city and boasts utmost privacy for guests with only 72 rooms and suites available. Its comprehensive range of services include a personable concierge service that allows guests to book tours exploring the hidden nooks and crannies of Montmartre; private visits with Parisian jewelers; and even sessions at the Dior spa which include massages and facials.
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The Woodward, Geneva
Switzerland has no test or quarantine requirement at present—and entering guests do not have to fill out a passenger locator form either. This means you’ll be able to hit the slopes with ease, or perhaps luxuriate in Geneva’s first-ever all-suite hotel that houses a Guerlain spa, Michelin-starred restaurants and evocative views of the magnificent Mont Blanc. Originally built in 1901 by French architect, François Durel, it was recently revamped by renowned architect, Pierre-Yves Rochon, to incorporate seriously decadent touches in the form Ralph Lauren armchairs, tables by Hervé Van der Straeten and Lalique bathroom door handles.
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Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Malé
For those who prefer a warmer climate, an island get-away in the Maldives is just what the doctor ordered. There are no travel restrictions or testing imposed, with all nationalities welcome to enjoy the sandy beaches and azure waters of the “King’s Island”—i.e., the most populated city within the Maldives. Indulge in fresh catch from the Malé Fish Market, or delve into the depths of the tomb of Abu-al-Barakaath to learn more about the city’s storied background.
After a busy day, retire back at the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, credited as an “oasis of calm” that grants visitors access to a private beach, infinity pool, and a personalised butler service to arrange for one-of-a-kind itineraries comprising water sports, wild-life spotting and more.
Book a stay at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa here.
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Pimalai Resort & Spa, Krabi
Singaporeans are well-aware of the activities to get up to in Thailand. Frequent visitors will be pleased to know that the government will be scraping all COVID-19 testing procedures from 1 April in anticipation of Songkran, the water-splashing festival that marks the beginning of a new year. And while Bangkok proves a popular tourist destination for shopping and dining, Krabi is an excellent consideration for anyone looking to reconnect with nature.
Expect stunning views encompassing hot springs, sea caves and flourishing coral reefs—some of which can be viewed from five-star establishment, the Pimalai Resort & Spa. Dubbed “Koh Lanta’s best kept secret”, the accommodation boasts an impressive array of restaurants and cafés overlooking the Andaman Sea; an award-winning spa utilising both traditional and contemporary techniques that promotes full-body rejuvenation; as well as aerial yoga and muay thai sessions taught by experts to ensure guests stay in fighting-fit shape.
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La Residencia, Mallorca
At present, all travellers from Singapore are allowed to enter Spain regardless of vaccination status, and a negative PCR test is not required either—however, visitors do need to fill out a Health Control Form upon arrival. For an unparalleled experience that conveys Spain’s diverse and lively art and literary scene, we say settle down at the La Residencia in Mallorca; a villa harbouring tennis courts, swimming pools and its very own art gallery to deliver upon an experience like no other.
Beyond that, La Residencia is also the home to one of Europe’s largest permanent sculpture gardens, hosting more than 60 different creations made in bronze, terracotta, marés stone, iron, quartz and corten steel. Art classes are available for booking too, while the works of distinguished poets in the vein of Pablo Neruda and Rosalía de Castro can be loaned from the hotel.
