Security and hygiene guide for guests

Yay, your holiday at Hotel Samos is nearly here! Find out about the security and hygiene measures in place in Magaluf, Calvià so that you can arrive ready to have a safe, wonderful break. (Last update: 27/08/20.)

Not sure what protocols you’ll need to follow once you get to Magaluf, whether on the beaches or at Hotel Samos, as well as in restaurants, shops and other public spaces?

Here’s our handy guide with FAQs about the protective measures in Calvià, Majorca.

For details of the security, safety and cleaning measures we have implemented in Hotel Samos (and official certifications awarded), read about our health and hygiene protocols.

Guide contents

Keep reading or jump to a section:

• Why are these rules important?
• Do I have to wear a mask on holiday?
• What about hand hygiene?
• And on the beach?
• Are there rules for children?
• Is there anything else I should know?
• What can I expect at Hotel Samos?
• What if I feel ill?
• Can I wash my clothes?
• More info

Why are these rules important?

Thanks to the shared commitment and individual responsibility of the people of Mallorca during one of Europe’s strictest lockdowns, we had some of the lowest rates of infections in Spain.

For the health, safety and security of everyone, it’s essential to respect local residents who have worked so hard, as well as other visitors who we are delighted to welcome back, by following the rules below to help keep us on the right path.

The people who live here must follow exactly the same measures, and we can reassure you that they are very easy to follow.

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Do I have to wear a mask on holiday?

There have recently been some changes to the mask rules in the Balearics. This is simply to make sure that it continues being one of the safest regions in Spain.

When required, everyone aged 6 years and older must wear a face mask. Younger children don’t have to wear one, although it’s recommended. See Are there rules for children?.

You will need to wear a face mask at all times when you are in a public or shared space, both indoors and outdoors. It applies even if you can keep the 1.5m social distance.

Examples of when you’ll need to use a face mask include in the street, in places such as hotels, restaurants and bars, on public transport (buses, taxis) and so on.

When you’re eating or drinking, a mask obviously isn’t necessary but you will need to use one while waiting, whether on a terrace or inside an establishment.

You won’t need to wear a face mask at the beach, in the swimming pool, when doing sport or when you’re in your own hotel room.

At Hotel Samos, we will also help you keep the 1.5m social distance by spacing seating and sun loungers, marking queueing points and adapting other services. See What can I expect at Hotel Samos?.

You’ll need to provide your own masks. You can also buy them at Hotel Samos or at the nearest pharmacy, where disposable masks have a set maximum price of 96 cents each.

If you don’t wear a mask when you should, you could be fined 100 EUR. Likewise, there is a 200 EUR fine for discarding of them irresponsibly. Please throw them in the bin!

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What about hand hygiene?

You don’t need to wear gloves but some places may ask that you do so, for example in shops or supermarkets, where they will usually be provided.

However, you should always use the disinfectant hand gel provided at the entrance to all establishments, including cafés, restaurants, shops and hotels.

At Hotel Samos, you will find hand gel in your room on arrival. There are also dispensers throughout the building, which must be used before entering the hotel, the restaurant, bars and all other communal areas.

In addition, you should frequently wash your hands and follow other basic hygiene rules, such as sneezing into your elbow or a tissue (and throw it away) rather than into your hands.

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And on the beach?

You’ll be able to enjoy beautiful Magaluf beach (and all the other stunning calas and beaches in the region) in much the same way as you always have.

Simply keep a secure distance of 2m away from other people and follow the above hygiene rules. In general, avoid big groups and gatherings (maximum 20 people).

Always follow any instructions given by guides, lifeguards or Protección Civil (Civilian Protection) officers. It’s important to respect the signalled bathing areas and codes of conduct, as well as any signs if the beach is closed. Beaches are closed at night.

Please note that there are limited services on beaches, such as no public toilets (nearby cafés and restaurants will have loos for clients only, so you should be prepared to buy a drink or snack).

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Are there rules for children?

If you’re travelling with your family, there are not really any special rules for children. If they’re 6 years or older, they’ll need to wear a mask when required, but younger children won’t. See Do I have to wear a mask on holiday?.

We realise you might be concerned about asking your child to wear a face mask. At Hotel Samos, many of us have young children and we can say that they’re happy to wear a mask when needed.

Children should also be shown how to follow the basic hygiene rules (see above) regarding handwashing, using hand gel and sneezing or coughing into an elbow or tissue.

Some playgrounds are open and others are clearly taped off. Council staff disinfect all open playgrounds between 8am-10am and 1pm-3pm each day, during which time they’re closed. The 1.5m social distance applies here too.

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Is there anything else I should know?

Smoking ban in public spaces

There is a ban on smoking and vaping in public areas (including in the street and on restaurant, bar and café terraces). This applies even when you can stay 2m away from other people not in your group.

Bars, pubs, nightclubs and parties

• Some bars are open in Magaluf, such as Magaluf Square behind Hotel Samos. These must close at 1am, with last admissions at midnight.
• Bars, nightclubs and shops that sell alcohol located on The Strip (Punta Ballena) and neighbouring streets General García Ruiz and Federico García Lorca are closed until 15 September 2020.
• BCM club next to Hotel Samos is also closed.
• Daytime pool parties, party boats and other daytime party events are banned until 1 September 2020.

Restaurants and cafés

• There are some restaurants and cafés open in Magaluf, such as in Momentum Plaza.
• They must close at 1am and can not accept any new clients after midnight.
• The tables must be 1.5m apart and be for groups of maximum 10 people.

Maximum number of people

Please respect the permitted maximum capacities in public zones, tourist attractions or other establishments, such as the communal areas in Hotel Samos, restaurants, shops and so on. These will be clearly stated and controlled by staff.

Queueing distances

Likewise, in places where you may have to queue (including in Hotel Samos reception), waiting positions with a gap of 1.5m will be clearly indicated with, for example, stickers on the floor.

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What can I expect at Hotel Samos?

As a guest, you just need to follow the simple rules outlined above and any directions clearly indicated at the hotel when necessary.

You will need to wear a face mask to be attended or served by our staff. Please use the hand gel provided at the entrance to each public area.

Security distance

• You should keep a distance of 1.5m away from other guests not travelling in your group.
• Only share a lift with the person you’re sharing a room with. Otherwise, only one person per lift. We recommend using the stairs where possible.
• Smoking is not allowed (see above) if it is not possible to keep 2m away from guests not in your group.

Communal areas

• You will need to wear a face mask in all public areas of the hotel and when moving between and around them.
• This includes reception, the buffet restaurant, bars, public bathrooms, lifts, stairs, the meeting room and so on.
• Please follow the arrows marked on the floor when moving around, such as in reception and at the restaurant entrance.

Gym and spa

• You will need to wear a face mask to get to the gym but you can take it off when exercising, as long as you can keep the 1.5m security distance.
• The gym has a maximum capacity of 10 people, which is stated at the entrance. Please respect this limit.
• You do not need to book to use the gym.
• Use one of the fresh towels provided, and also wipe down all equipment with the disinfectant spray and paper towels provided.
• We are sorry, but the spa is currently closed.

Buffet restaurant

• You will need to wear a face mask in our restaurant, but you can take it off once you sit down to eat and drink.
• Our assisted self-service buffet has individual portions served by our chefs, screens to protect the food, extra show cooking to prepare dishes in front of guests, and indicated queueing points.
• A maximum number of guests can dine at any one time (no reservation needed), as controlled by our staff.
• Tables and chairs are arranged to respect social distancing. After each use, tables are cleared and disinfected, and then reset with fresh, sterilised cutlery.

Bars

• You will need to wear a face mask when ordering, queueing or moving between our bars, but you can take it off once you sit down to enjoy your drink.
• Please order at our bars, queueing where clearly shown and standing at the indicated serving points next to the protective screens.

Swimming pools

• Our three outdoor pools and sun terrace areas are all open, with spaced sun loungers, Balinese beds and other seating.
• You will need to wear a face mask to go out to the swimming pool areas and to move around and between them.
• You can take off your mask to go for a swim and when you are seated or on your sun lounger (like on the beach), as long as you can keep the 1.5m security distance from other guests not within your group.
• Sun loungers and other seating are disinfected every day, but you can also use the disinfectant and paper towels provided.
• We recommend using a pool or beach towel to lie or sit on. We are sorry, but we do not provide these currently.

Entertainment

• We have a daytime entertainment programme with outdoor activities (such as archery, rifle shooting, aquagym and aquadance) and reduced group sizes.
• You will need to wear a face mask for all activities except for when you are in the pool, and respect the 1.5m distance at all times.
• Equipment is disinfected before and after each use.
• There is also music around the pool during the daytime and in the evenings.

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What if I feel ill?

In the unlikely event that you or your travel partner feel unwell, please put on your mask, stay in your room and contact Hotel Samos reception using the in-room phone (dial 9) as soon as possible so that we can help you.

We will then call the Spanish national health service, who will provide the next steps.

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Can I wash my clothes?

If you would like to have your clothes washed during your stay, for example after travelling on the plane, we offer an express laundry service by item or by weight. Just contact reception for prices and to request a bag.

Your clothes will be washed at 60ºC by an authorised launderette. Please note that the hotel accepts no responsibility for damage caused to clothes by washing them at this temperature.

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More info

We hope you have found this short guide useful and that you are looking forward to your stay at Hotel Samos!

If you have any questions, please leave a comment or write to info@hotelsamos.com and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

Thank you, from your friends at Hotel Samos

Categories: Blog, Coronavirus