One-of-Collection, the boutique hotel group that manages Amorita Resort in Panglao, Bohol and The Funny Lion in Coron, Palawan, has actively responded to the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic by introducing its Together We CARE programme.
At the heart of the Together We CARE programme are the 4-point C.A.R.E. Initiatives—short for Cleaning & Safety Protocols, Actions for Health & Well-being, Responsible & Mindful Service, and Education & Advocacy. This programme builds on the resorts’ existing health and safety protocols to protect both guests and employees while giving them peace of mind during this new era of travel. It also encourages a collective effort between staff and guests to ensure the health and well-being of everyone.
In a statement, Atty. Nikki Cauton, One-of Collection’s Chief Executive Officer, shares that their Together We CARE programme stemmed from the company’s core value of caring or “malasakit” that is ingrained in each of the boutique hotel group’s employees which they hope to pass on to their guests.
“As we go through this challenging time, we remember what makes us one—our core value Malasakit. It is not a word that we have in mind; it is something that we live by and take to heart.”
Cleaning & Safety Protocols. By refining its current excellent practices, One-of Collection has met and even exceeded the standards and guidelines set by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Department of Health (DOH). One of these heightened measures is the “No Back-to-Back Room Occupancy” Policy, which maintains that each guest room shall be “locked down” for at least 24-hours after each stay prior to undergoing a thorough cleaning utilizing the UV-LED lighting equipment, and disinfection process that uses air purifiers for at least another day. During the entire process, the resorts’ Housekeeping Warriors wear personal protective equipment and use hospital-grade disinfectants, antibacterial and anti-viral gels and soaps.
With the enhanced focus on cleanliness and safety, sanitizing stations are also set up at the arrival areas and in other key locations. Guests’ luggage undergo spray sanitization and thorough cleaning before being brought to their rooms. Furthermore, public areas will have round-the-clock inspection and cleaning with high-touch surfaces such as bar counters, lounge chairs, pool beds, and door handles disinfected regularly.
Actions for Health & Well-being. To promote and ensure the health and well-being of everyone, staff are trained to be alert and careful. Guests and staff undergo a temperature check and are monitored for signs and symptoms of any illness. Wearing of facemasks and social distancing measures are enforced while guests must also accomplish a health questionnaire in compliance with Department of Health regulations Each resort also has a dedicated COVID Response Team who are trained to handle possible cases of infection.
Responsible & Mindful Service. Staff are trained to be mindful of their actions and to implement responsible practices that ensure the health and safety of everyone at the resort, especially in shared spaces. New service standards and practices include reducing the number of allowable guests per vehicle during airport or seaport transfers. To minimize physical contact and to lessen the amount of high-touch surfaces, guests check-in online and restaurant diners are provided with digital menus. Meanwhile, the resorts’ pool beds are held for at least three hours in between guests’ use for thorough sanitation and disinfection.
Education & Advocacy. One-of Collection’s entire team is properly trained on the resorts’ cleanliness, health, and safety protocols. Each resort has a dedicated Health & Safety Officer who ensures strict compliance and implementation of the standards and regulations set by the different government agencies. Best practices are shared to the surrounding community, such as the promotion of hand hygiene with the distribution of soap to local schools through its Project ECHO sustainability program.
One-of Collection signature brand of hospitality has always been centered on warm and caring service. With enhanced health and safety protocols, it reaffirms the boutique group’s commitment to deliver highest quality and guest experiences from arrival to departure during this “new normal”.
