Safe Haven

Safe to Travel?

It is hard to find a safe haven right now that isn’t home. Is it safe to travel? It’s the million-dollar question – or, more accurately, the trillion-dollar question- the global tally of tourism industry losses.

People are fearful of going to the grocery store, so thinking about navigating airports seems like a much more significant threat. Whenever I go to the store, I feel like taking my life in my hands. When going to the store, I leave in my mask, my money prearranged in my purse to minimize fiddling at check out, and a full battle plan for avoiding others who are less fearful and going maskless. The experience of going to the grocery store is no longer for supplies but only when necessary and for survival.

Stuck in the States

My grandson’s birth took me back to the States from the Hacienda San Angel to be with my daughter. We were in lockdown within a week, and I couldn’t get back to the Hacienda. When I left PV, I worried that I was flying into the thick of it where COVID-19 was reportedly growing in California. Before long I was closing the hotel from a distance, I was wondering if life would ever return to normal, I was wondering could I ever leave the house without fear again, and how would the hotel survive. 

 After two months of isolation, seeing that the virus wasn’t going away, I realized I had to find a way to live in the world without exposing myself to the virus.  I also knew I couldn’t avoid returning to the Hacienda San Angel in Puerto Vallarta any longer. I had to create a safe haven in PV, which is not only my home but also my hotel. 

Trip Back to Hacienda San Angel

I was very nervous about going to the airport, getting on the plane and flying. I am pleased to report it was less stressful than the grocery store! Every person was masked. All in the airport were careful and respectful of distance. Sanitizer everywhere! The middle seat between me and the other person in my row on the plane was empty. Though we felt in close proximity, we both wiped down our area with wipes and kept our distance not talking. When in PV, I took a taxi, applying the same vigilance, touching nothing in the cab. I allowed the driver to load my luggage and open my door. Once in the hotel, I washed and sanitized my hands and luggage. I’m proud to say I managed not to touch my face once.

I have never been so vigilant about germ avoidance in my life! I don’t want to be in a heightened state of anxiety all the time, and I don’t want to be stuck indoors all the time, either. And I want to open the hotel again. So…my inner control freak propelled me to make a safety plan to follow here and when out in the community. 

What Now…

This journey is not over, and the trajectory of how this pandemic will change so many things is yet to unfold. I know that if one finds a way to overcome the fears and risks of traveling to Puerto Vallarta, Hacienda San Angel will be one of the safest places you can land. I don’t believe I would survive the virus should I become infected, so protecting myself becomes the model I follow to protect employees and future guests.

To all readers, past guests and potential new visitors in the future (being optimistic!), please remember to count your blessings no matter how small. Take steps to stay safe and well. I hope you find this experience a character and wisdom-building rather than an anxiety-provoking one. To those who have lost a loved one to Covid, my heart is on the ground for you. It’s not fair and impossible to understand how this could’ve happened. I still feel the sharp pain of the loss of my mother last year and imagine the pain of so many losses around the world now.

For now, the answer to the question, “Safe To Travel?” is a personal one that each individual must assess. Know that Puerto Vallarta is as beautiful as ever and full of friendly, welcoming residents. The Hacienda San Angel is truly a safe haven. It is as serene as always and safer than ever. We will take good care of you when you find your way here. 

Contact Us with questions or to book a stay.