AHATA, the Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association awarded its prestigious Shoco Awards of Excellence to eight outstanding companies and individuals in the tourism sector, at a festive gathering at the Radisson Aruba Resort & Casino.

The awards were presented by AHATA’s Ed Malone and Sanju Daryanani and were given to the following eight well-deserving winners in seven different categories:

Allied Supervisor of the Year, Esmeralda Croes – Pontiluis, De Palm Tours; Allied Employee of the Year, Leo Donato, Red Sail Sports; Hotel Supervisor of the Year, Menno v/d Straten, Mega Divi; Hotel Employees of the Year, Filo Figaroa, Mega Divi & Eduard Tromp, Westin Aruba Resort; Allied Member of the Year, Price Waterhouse Cooper; Young Tourism Professional of the Year, Astrid Winterdaal, De Palm Tours; and Hotel Member of the Year – Divi Resorts.

Palm Beach – A new Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association board was elected during the recent AHATA General Assembly, held at the Radisson Aruba Resort & Casino.

The new officers of the board were elected from a slate of candidates presented by a nominating committee headed by General Manager Paul Gielen, Renaissance Aruba Resort, and independent consultant Jaap Beaujon.

The election process was overseen by Dr. Ryan Peterson of the Universidad di Aruba.

The new board of the Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association consists of the following eight members: Rick Zeolla, General Manager, Marriott Aruba Resort; Eduardo De Veer, Developer, Meta Corp; Scott Allen, General Manager, Hyatt Regency; Guillermo Valencia, General Manager Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort; Gary Jutz, General Manager, Radisson Aruba Resort & Casino; Matt Balcik, General Manager, Westin Aruba Resort; Peter Steinmetz, Director, Aruba Airport Authority; David Smith, VP Public Relations, Valero Aruba Refinery.

Two board candidates, Joe Najjar, General Manager, La Cabana Beach & Racquet Club and Andres Pichardo, Senior VP Sales and Marketing, Occidental Grand Aruba, remained available in case of seat vacancy on the board and were invited to attend all meetings effective immediately.

Rob Smith, President and CEO of the Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association reports the new board will conduct its first meeting this week, with hotelier Ewald Biemans, Bucuti Beach Resort & Tara Suites, as Chairman of the Board.

Members of IFA, International Friends of Aruba, enjoyed a holiday cocktail party at Yemanja Wood Fired Grill, on Wilhelminastraat, Oranjestad, dressed in their holiday finest.

IFA kicked off the season with the delightful gathering under the stars while the restaurant’s friendly staff served delicious passion fruit Caipirinha as welcome drinks, followed by bottomless cocktails and spirits.

The restaurant’s Chef Sander prepared a scrumptious selection of wood fire hors d'oeuvres, debuting with Gazpacho Shots and following with Grilled Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken Breast Wraps, Grilled Tenderloin Skewers, Mini Ciabatta with Truffle Tomato, Puff Pastry filled with Shrimp Ragout and Chef Sander’s Surprise dessert.

The much-anticipated Polo Ralph Lauren store opened this past weekend at the Renaissance Mall in the heart of town. The store carries a premier assortment of Polo Ralph Lauren clothing for men and Blue Label clothing for women.

Designed to reflect the mood of the Caribbean and Ralph Lauren’s distinctly classic taste the layout enjoys a number of rooms with tasteful display cases and different nautical & equestrian accents, vintage travel trunks, and many decorative elements echoing upscale home décor. Majestic hand carved wooden arches separate the rooms. They are discreetly decorated for the holidays with evergreen box tree garlands.

There are currently more than 150 Ralph Lauren stores worldwide and the Aruba store created by Mr. & Mrs. Danny Abady is the ultimate showcase for the different Ralph Lauren collections, enjoying 40 iconic years in fashion design.

The Aruba Trading Company invited a select group of wine aficionados to experience a unique wine dinner at the Radisson Aruba Resort & Casino, featuring the heritage of Robert Mondavi, and wine maker Gustavo Gonzales.

Gonzales, associate wine maker at Robert Mondavi Winery for the red wine program, in Napa Valley, California, came to Aruba for the occasion for just one evening.

Robert Mondavi Winery, says Jorge Curiel, Sales & Marketing Manager Wines, Aruba Trading Company, is ranked among the world’s best, and Gonzales shipped some of its greatest wines to Aruba to be paired with an award-winning menu, prepared by chef Matt Boland and the Radisson Aruba Resort & Casino culinary team.

Among the wines sipped and enjoyed Mondavi’s Napa Valley Fume Blanc, Mondavi Carneros Chardonnay, Mondavi Napa Valley Merlot and Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2003 as well as Robert Mondavi Sauvignon Blanc Bortritus, for dessert.

The Robert Mondavi Winery, says Gonzales, is recognized as a leader in the wine industry. The Winery has always been at the forefront of wine industry technology, utilizing gentle winemaking techniques to increase wine quality and natural farming and to protect people and the environment. “We make the best wine that we can make each year, and contribute to gracious lifestyles and good living, which is the Winery’s simple philosophy,” he adds.

The evening took off with special hors d’oeuvres of Plantain Tostones with Shredded Garlic Pork and Spicy Papaya-Lime Salsa; Cucumber Cups with Caribbean Red Snapper Ceviche; Toasted Maize Canapés with Smoked Chipotle Cream and Wild Mushrooms; Spicy Wahoo and Shrimp Fritters with Island Pineapple-Chile Dipping Sauce; and Sweet Plantain with Gouda, Lobster Claw and Anise-Vanilla Glaze.

As dinner was served diners enjoyed Pumpkin-Fennel Pancake with Grouper Fillet, Green Papaya Salad, Lime and Cilantro for appetizer. The main course featured a mini White Cornmeal Ayaka, Carne Mechada of Duck with Roasted Shallots, Hazelnut and Morels, Wrapped in Banana Leaf as well as Conch-Stuffed Prime Filet Mignon with Grilled Peppers and Aruban Funchi. The dessert Coconut-Crusted Chocolate Soufflé with Fresh Berries and Vanilla Icecream, was a crowd-pleaser.

Compliments to the Aruba Trading Company, Robert Mondavi and the Radisson Aruba Resort & Casino for the much-appreciated perfect presentation. Dinner was also attended by Sandrina Garrigue, Regional Portfolio Manager for Stansfeld Scott Inc., who manage and market the Robert Mondavi Winery in the Caribbean.

Showtime Aruba launches operations and announces its lineup schedule, which begins Christmas week at the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino’s luxurious Crystal Theater and features the biggest performers to play Aruba.

There are new stars coming out each night in Aruba starting this winter and they’re changing the face of entertainment on the island.

Showtime Aruba, the newest entertainment provider in Aruba, will lift the curtains December 26 at the Crystal Theater and welcome legendary performer Mary Wilson of the Supremes to open their first week of shows.

Following Ms. Wilson’s concerts, which will last until Jan. 5, Showtime Aruba has a number of premium entertainers scheduled to come to the Crystal Theater, including Charlie Thomas’ Drifters (Under the Boardwalk, Up On the Roof, This Magic Moment), the Fab Four (the world’s top Beatles’ Tribute band), Boston comedians Lenny Clark, Johnny Pizzi, and Tony V, and Ricky Nelson Remembered featuring Matthew and Gunnar Nelson and the Stone Canyon Band. These performers represent Showtime Aruba’s initial schedule that lasts until the end of February. Showtime Aruba will announce its next schedule soon as it continues shows in the Crystal Theater throughout the year.

“We’re very excited about bringing these incredible entertainers to Aruba,” President and CEO Brendan Murphy said. “We hope everyone gets a change to come see our show.”

Central to Showtime Aruba’s entertainment strategy will be providing acts that are geared to the changing demographics on the island. Showtime Aruba will also rotate its performers regularly so that returning visitors can experience something unique each time they return, but receive the same high-level of service and quality of entertainment.

Tickets are currently available for sale at http://www.showtimearuba.com by calling (877) 79-ARUBA (583-6000 in Aruba), by contacting a travel agent, by visiting the Crystal Theater box office in Aruba, or by speaking with a hotel concierge or DePalm Tours representative. Tickets will soon be available through all major booking engines (Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz). Seats are divided into two sections: Silver Level (General Admission) and Gold Level (VIP Reserved). All tickets include top-shelf, complimentary drinks throughout the show. Gold level tickets include the best seats in the theater and Showtime Aruba merchandise. Showtime Aruba has also partnered with L.G. Smith Steak & Chophouse and Aquarius to provide a dinner show option.

Shows will take place five nights a week (primarily on weeknights) in the Crystal Theater, located within the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino, adjacent to the island’s only 24-hour casino.

Showtime Aruba also provides private shows for groups or meetings. The theater can be rented for an evening of customized entertainment, unmatched by any other entertainment provider in Aruba.

Founders Pat Benti, 57, Brendan Murphy, 25, and Brett Malone, 25, pitched the idea on a trip to Aruba nearly one-year ago. Accompanied by Ms. Wilson during the trip, the group was greeted with enthusiasm throughout the island, but it was the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino’s excitement and generosity that drew the parties to work together and create this partnership.

“Without the help of the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino, this project may have never reached realization,” V.P. of Marketing Brett Malone said. “Our collaboration is going to redefine entertainment in Aruba. The Renaissance has provided us with the finest theater in the Caribbean and we’re bringing the best performers to play there.”

List of performances:

26-Dec, Mary Wilson of the Supremes
27-Dec, Mary Wilson of the Supremes
28-Dec, Mary Wilson of the Supremes
29-Dec, Mary Wilson of the Supremes
31-Dec, Mary Wilson of the Supremes
1-Jan, Mary Wilson of the Supremes
2-Jan, Mary Wilson of the Supremes
3-Jan, Mary Wilson of the Supremes
4-Jan, Mary Wilson of the Supremes
5-Jan, Mary Wilson of the Supremes

7-Jan, Charlie Thomas' Drifters (SA Band)
8-Jan, Charlie Thomas' Drifters (SA Band)
9-Jan, Charlie Thomas' Drifters (SA Band)
10-Jan, Charlie Thomas' Drifters (SA Band)
11-Jan, Charlie Thomas' Drifters (SA Band)
14-Jan, Charlie Thomas' Drifters (SA Band)
15-Jan, Charlie Thomas' Drifters (SA Band)
16-Jan, Charlie Thomas' Drifters (SA Band)
17-Jan, Charlie Thomas' Drifters (SA Band)

18-Jan, Tony Pace with Johnny Pizzi & Showtime Aruba Band
19-Jan, Tony Pace with Johnny Pizzi & Showtime Aruba Band

21-Jan, Tony Pace/Johnny Pizzi/Tribute to Tina Turner/ Tribute to Roy Orbison
22-Jan, Tony Pace/Johnny Pizzi/Tribute to Tina Turner/ Tribute to Roy Orbison
23-Jan, Tony Pace/Johnny Pizzi/Tribute to Tina Turner/ Tribute to Roy Orbison
24-Jan, Tony Pace/Johnny Pizzi/Tribute to Tina Turner/ Tribute to Roy Orbison

28-Jan, The Fab Four (Beatles)
29-Jan, The Fab Four (Beatles)
30-Jan, The Fab Four (Beatles)
31-Jan, The Fab Four (Beatles)
1-Feb, The Fab Four (Beatles)
4-Feb, The Fab Four (Beatles)
5-Feb, The Fab Four (Beatles)
6-Feb, The Fab Four (Beatles)
7-Feb, The Fab Four (Beatles)
8-Feb, The Fab Four (Beatles)

11-Feb, Boston Comedy Week (Johnny Pizzi/Tony V/Lenny Clark)
12-Feb, Boston Comedy Week (Johnny Pizzi/Tony V/Lenny Clark)
13-Feb, Boston Comedy Week (Johnny Pizzi/Tony V/Lenny Clark)
14-Feb, Boston Comedy Week (Johnny Pizzi/Tony V/Lenny Clark)
15-Feb, Boston Comedy Week (Johnny Pizzi/Tony V/Lenny Clark)

18-Feb, Ricky Nelson Remembered - Matthew & Gunnar Nelson and the Stone Canyon Band
19-Feb, Ricky Nelson Remembered - Matthew & Gunnar Nelson and the Stone Canyon Band
20-Feb, Ricky Nelson Remembered - Matthew & Gunnar Nelson and the Stone Canyon Band
21-Feb, Ricky Nelson Remembered - Matthew & Gunnar Nelson and the Stone Canyon Band
22-Feb, Ricky Nelson Remembered - Matthew & Gunnar Nelson and the Stone Canyon Band
25-Feb, Ricky Nelson Remembered - Matthew & Gunnar Nelson and the Stone Canyon Band
26-Feb, Ricky Nelson Remembered - Matthew & Gunnar Nelson and the Stone Canyon Band
27-Feb, Ricky Nelson Remembered - Matthew & Gunnar Nelson and the Stone Canyon Band
28-Feb, Ricky Nelson Remembered - Matthew & Gunnar Nelson and the Stone Canyon Band
29-Feb, Ricky Nelson Remembered - Matthew & Gunnar Nelson and the Stone Canyon Band

Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort has achieved the prestigious Green Globe Certified Gold status under the globally-recognised Green Globe Certification programme. This programme recognises the organisation’s commitment to operating at the world’s highest environmental and social standard. Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort is the first resort in Aruba to officially receive this prominent level of certification.

To achieve this prestigious honour, Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort has successfully Certified for five continuous years – this has resulted in their achieving the highest honour the Green Globe programme offers. The certification process involves an onsite audit by an independent third party Green Globe Accredited Auditor. The continuous successful completion of the independent audit process shows Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort has a strong commitment to the principles of environmental and social sustainability. Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort has also benchmarked against key environmental indicators including energy and water consumption, waste production and community commitment.

This year, Aruba invites sun-starved travelers to trade in typical red roses and sappy greeting cards for the tickle of powdery white sand between the toes and unforgettable sunsets as the island offers a number of romantic getaways perfect for the Valentine’s Day season. A selection of Aruba’s most luxurious properties are serving up romantic delights sweeter than a heart-shaped box of chocolates, all of which are sure to get jetsetters’ heart rates pumping! Whether that special someone is close to home or a long-distance love, treating them to an escape to paradise is easier than ever with new and additional nonstop service airlift from Boston, New York and Fort Lauderdale.

Below are romantic Aruban getaways available for the Valentine’s Day season and beyond (all rates below are based on double occupancy):

Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino – Adult Indulgence
Guests can indulge in adult-only accommodations at the Renaissance Marina Hotel and enjoy two tickets to Sunday night’s “Sunset in Style” event (a $125 value) on the deck of the hotel’s infinity pool, featuring a complimentary martini bar, tapas and entertainment. Stay four nights and receive the fifth free; guests not staying over a Sunday will receive $125 food and beverage credit. Rates start at $368 per night. Valid January 1 though March 30, 2008. 1.800.421.8188 or www.renaissancearuba.com

Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Casino’s – Amour Package
Lovebirds can savor an intimate and exclusive getaway at the beautiful resort that has recently undergone a $20 million makeover. Couples will enjoy full restaurant or in-room breakfast daily, guaranteed late check-out, a four-course, sunset, oceanfront dinner and more. Rates start from $535 per night. Valid through December 31, 2008. 1.800.55.HYATT www.aruba.hyatt.com

Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino – Escape Romance Retreat
The Escape Romance Package includes deluxe accommodations, complimentary daily breakfast, champagne and strawberries upon arrival and dinner. Rates start at $579 per night with a four-night minimum stay. Valid January 6 through March 29, 2008. 1.800.223.6388 or www.arubamarriott.com and enter promotional code ROM.

Occidental Grand Aruba – Valentine’s Grand Romance
This all-inclusive vacation offers accommodation in a deluxe ocean view room, bottle of champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, a couples’ massage, breakfast in bed the first morning, a romantic dinner, a 10% spa discount, and a surprise gift. Rates start at $414 per person, per night with a three-night minimum stay. Valid February 2008. 1.800.858.2258 or www.occidentalhotels.com

Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort – Deluxe Honeymoon Package
Celebrate a second honeymoon with this five-day, four-night getaway featuring accommodation in a studio deluxe with Jacuzzi, bottle of champagne, two plush bathrobes, champagne breakfast in bed, romantic cruise and dinner on the beach. Rates start at $1,285 for four nights; seven-night and all-inclusive options are also available. Valid December 17, 2007 through March 28, 2008. 1.800.969.2310 or www.amsterdammanor.com

Bucuti Beach Resort Aruba – Swept Away Romance
The six-day, five-night retreat includes accommodations with balcony or terrace, bottle of champagne, breakfast, candlelight dinner on the beach, daytime snorkel or sunset sailing cruise, a gift basket and all tax and service charges. Rates start at $2,086 for five nights; seven-night options are also available. Valid December 23, 2007 through March 23, 2008. 1.888.4.BUCUTI or www.bucuti.com