As travel slowly resumes and more destinations begin reopening seven-plus months into the COVID-19 pandemic, travelers have many choices when it comes to a memorable all-inclusive stay that doesn't sacrifice on health and safety. In addition to launching convenient extended stay offers, numerous brands have established elevated hygiene measures and procedures for combating the spread of coronavirus while also providing guests with added flexibility and peace of mind. Here are some of the resort brands leading the way heading into 2021.

Playa Hotels & Resorts rolled out the "Playa Safe Stay" initiative back in May, focusing on preventive antiviral measures and efforts to reassure guests, including regular health screenings and temperature checks, social distancing standards, hourly cleaning of high traffic areas and high touchpoints as well as redesigned seating in dining and entertainment venues.

AIC Hotel Group, which includes All-Inclusive Hard Rock Hotels, Nobu Hotels and UNICO 20 87 Hotel Riviera Maya, is also following best practices established by the CDC and WHO. What's more, the group recently announced it will offer free medical insurance for wedding and social groups at its all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotels in Mexico and the Caribbean for new bookings made through December 31, 2020 "for travel any time."

Palladium Hotel Group has partnered with SGS-a company that specializes in the certification and implementation of a new safety and welfare protocol-to establish the Palladium Hotel Group Global Customer Experience and Safety Council to ensure the group's dozens of properties maintain the highest health and hygiene standards with the help of the very best technology solutions. Palladium is also the first to offer free medical insurance for guests.

La Coleccion Resorts by Fiesta Americana has placed an added emphasis on health and safety at its 16 resorts throughout Mexico and the Dominican Republic by implementing the "Travel With Confidence" global prevention, hygiene, disinfection and sanitation program. Guests can look forward to digital check-in and check-out options; amplified room cleaning procedures; personal protective equipment for all staff; convenient grab-and-go dining options and much more.

The Excellence Collection's world-class properties throughout Mexico and the Caribbean have adopted improved procedures to ensure the well-being of guests and staff alike. Highlights of the group's enhancements include eliminating paper forms and receipts via The Excellence Collection app, frequent sanitizing of high-touch surfaces, capacity limits for activities and entertainment and assisted buffet services, among others.

The "Sandals Platinum Protocols of Cleanliness" relies on guidance from the world's leading medical professionals, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) and includes the constant monitoring of up to 18 different touchpoints; a minimum of three inspections daily throughout each resort; robust housekeeping protocols such as the rollout of additional hospital-grade disinfectants; online check-in and social distancing measures. Sandals and Beaches Resorts properties are also offering guests complimentary travel insurance and cancellation protection.

Sandos Hotels & Resorts has implemented the Mexican government's Clean Stay standards at its nine all-inclusive properties in Spain and Mexico. In addition to enhanced cleaning, the program includes helpful guidelines for guests regarding hand-washing, proper sneezing and coughing techniques and suggestions for social distancing, among other safety measures.

RIU has taken its own steps to ensure safety for all, including enhanced cleaning measures, capacity limits at pools and other areas, rearranged restaurant seating, limited in-room amenities to prevent cross-contamination and the establishment of a disinfection team to make sure the new protocols are being followed at all times.

Velas Resorts introduced the Stay Safe With Velas program earlier this year, implementing special training, physical distancing measures, touchless sanitizer stations, sanitizing mats and a whole lot more. Velas is also taking guests' temperatures and providing them with personal protection kits.

Barcelo Hotel Group has responded to the pandemic with its "We Care About You" commitment to safety that aims to keep employees aware of the latest COVID-19 protocols at all times. The program also features heightened sanitization and sterilization as well as digital experiences designed to limit contact.

Iberostar Group is taking an improved approach to safety with the help of a Medical Advisory Board comprised of experts in public health and safety in the tourism sector that has been tasked with auditing health and safety protocols and designing specific measures that guarantee the safety of both Iberostar's guests and employees.

Palace Resorts and Le Blanc Spa Resorts have introduced Purely Palace, an initiative to implement new and enhanced health and hygiene measures across all properties. Purely Palace includes increased team member safety protocols such as frequent temperature checks, PPE and uniform disinfection along with precautionary measures at check-in, enhanced sanitation of guestrooms and suites, streamlined transportation and frequent sanitation and crowd control within public areas.

AMResorts is embracing the new normal and has responded to the coronavirus crisis with its comprehensive CleanComplete Verification program backed by International Safety Audit Agency Cristal International Standards. "Guests should feel well-informed and reassured knowing that AMResorts-branded properties have implemented best-in-class practices," stated the company's president Gonzalo del Peon.

Hotel Xcaret Mexico was among the first to be awarded the World Travel & Tourism Council's (WTTC) coveted Travel Safety Stamp. The property reopened to guests in June after implementing a handful of new protocols such as mass disinfection throughout high traffic areas, cleaning rooms not once but twice a day and disinfecting luggage, strollers and footwear to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

All-inclusive pioneer Club Med is making guests' health and safety its number one priority with the help of its "Safe Together" promise and recently launched Emergency Assistance Program providing guests with coverage for emergency medical expenses-including those related to COVID-19-until April 30, 2021. Some of the main measures implemented include capacity limits, temperature checks and face-coverings as well as deep cleaning reinforcement, floor markings to ensure social distancing and doctors and nurses available round-the-clock. Club Med's processes are also certified by Cristal. Club Med Sandpiper Bay and Club Med Cancun Yucatan have already received POSICheck COVID-19 Prevention Certification.

Karisma Hotels & Resorts, which began its first phase of reopenings in Mexico and the Caribbean on June 15, has established the Karisma Peace of Mind program featuring new health protocols, updated guidelines and industry-leading best practices including but not limited to ultra-violet sanitization, temperature monitoring thermal camera technology, formula steaming and fogging and germ-free service applications.