Archive for August, 2009

Popular online poker site UltimateBet proudly welcomes back the charismatic charms and superb skills of Master Tournament Director Matt Savage.

This year, online poker players have an unprecedented number of reasons to join the online poker site in Aruba with today’s announcement that the world’s leading tournament director Matthew Savage will return to oversee UltimateBet’s prestigious 2009 Aruba Poker Classic.

“Matt’s natural ability to run a smooth and fair tournament and his talent for making it feel more like a party than a poker room is one of the many reasons why our Aruba  event is still one of the most popular on the annual calendar, ” said Phil Hellmuth, UltimateBet’s Pro poker player.

“For the third straight year, Savage Tournaments partners with UltimateBet to deliver one of my favorite tournaments of the year,” added Matt Savage. “In celebrating UB’s 10th Anniversary, I am honored to once again be part of the Aruba Poker Classic; with an extended tournament schedule, plus a group of floor staff and dealers that is second to none, 2009 is shaping up to be one for the ‘scrapbook’.”

As the Tournament Director for the Aruba Poker Classic, October 3rd through 10th, Savage will manage eight days of all-out poker action, which is expected to attract over 500 players from around the globe, competing for a slice of an overall festival prize pool in excess of $6 million.

To date, world famous event manager Savage has directed countless million-dollar tournaments including the WSOP, various WPT events, and the Aussie Millions. He has appeared on almost 400 televised poker shows on ESPN, GSN, Fox Sports, Travel Channel and other popular networks.

However, Savage’s pedigree reaches far beyond just calling the shots on the poker room floor. As one of the founders of the Tournament Directors Association, he has been instrumental in standardizing tournament rules throughout the world, and in 2003, his far-reaching contribution saw him inducted into the Poker Room Manager’s Hall of Fame as its very first member.

Online poker players can enter a series of online satellites to win an $8,500 Aruba prize package at UltimateBet.com, or qualify via UltimateBet’s STEP tournaments, for as little as 10 cents. The prize package includes the $5,500 main event seat and $3,000 for travel and accommodation.

In 2008, Matt Brady captured the Aruba Poker Classic Main Event title, taking home $1 Million in cash.
For more information on the 2009 UltimateBet Aruba Poker Classic, visit UltimateBet.com or www.arubaclassic.com for all the latest news and views.

For further media information, please contact: Kathryn Farrell
Email: kathryn.farrell@tokwiro.com
Cell: +506 8389 0043

Win a package for this year’s Aruba Poker Classic online at UltimateBet in this Sunday’s 25 Seat Super Satellite, and you’ll be one step closer to joining the UB Pro players beachside. UltimateBet (“UB”) is serious about giving online poker players an easy ride to some beachside fun and an eight-day poker festival that will deliver the perfect mix of ‘Holiday and Hold’em’. Slap on the sunscreen, slip on your Ray-Bans, and get ready to party it up in Aruba, because UltimateBet guarantees to award at least 25 Aruba Poker Classic prize packages in this Sunday’s 25 Seat Super Satellite at 17:30ET…. and one of them could be yours.

Log onto UltimateBet on Sunday, August 2nd to discover one of the easiest ways to play your way to a little piece of poker paradise. The 17:30ET $500+30 buy-in poker tournament can be found in UB’s poker lobby under the official tag “Aruba 25 Seat Super Satellite”, awarding a minimum of 25 Aruba Poker Classic prize packages, each valued at $8,500, including a healthy $3,000 cash towards travel and accommodation costs.
If you’re looking for a cheaper road to Aruba, be sure to check out the “Aruba 25 Seat Satellite”, also on Sunday August 2nd at 14:45ET, where the $60+6 buy-in guarantees to give away 15 qualifying spots into the 17:30ET Aruba 25 Seat Super Satellite.

The leading online poker site’s 10th Anniversary celebrations are riding a perfect wave of excitement that are set to continue with the 8th annual Aruba Poker Classic at the stunning Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino and Spa, from October 3rd to the 10th. Be part of the action in Aruba this year to earn a share of a multi-million-dollar prizepool up for grabs in the week-long poker festival hosted by the leading online poker site, UltimateBet (“UB”).

UltimateBet’s signature land based poker tournament promises to deliver an event to remember. Now recognized as one of the premiere international events on the poker calendar and a confirmed favorite amongst the world’s best players, attendance at UB’s marquee ‘tournament in the tropics’ has continued to climb steadily since its inception in 2002. A growing number of devotees will return to the island oasis this October for their annual fix of cards and the Caribbean, where players will enjoy action-filled cash games and poker tournaments, invitation-only parties, mingling with Hollywood ‘celebs’ and  UB’s burgeoning stable of Pro players, plus guaranteed sun drenched days on what is arguably the world’s best beach.

UltimateBet invites you to play poker and party with the tightest online poker community on the planet. Register now at the Aruba Poker Classic Website to receive regular updates, and visit www.UltimateBet.com for full details of the many ways you can qualify for the 2009 Aruba Poker Classic.

For further media information, please contact: Kathryn Farrell
Email: kathryn@tbtagency.com
Cell: +506 8389 0043

This October at the Aruba Poker Classic, UltimateBet (“UB”) is tossing a cool $10 Million on the table at its annual marquee land-based poker tournament. UB is celebrating its 10th Anniversary in magical style by offering the $10 Million cash bonanza to any player who qualifies online for the Aruba Poker Classic all the way from a 10cent Step 1 tournament, and then goes on to conquer  the Aruba $5,500 buy-in Main Event.

There’s some serious cash at stake here. From a dime to a $10 Million dream – that’s the challenge at hand here, and the effort could be worth every penny, should you win your way to Aruba through UltimateBet’s Step tournaments by starting at STEP 1.  A little piece of poker paradise awaits, and while you indulge your sun-seeking body on arguably one of the world’s best beaches , contemplate just what it will mean to pocket a magnificent eight-figure payday at the poker table, should you reign victorious as the 2009 Aruba Poker Champion come  tournament’s end on October 10th.

Not only can a tiny ten cent investment earn you a tidy $8,500 Aruba Poker Classic prize package, including a $5,500 Main Event buy-in and $3,000 for travel and accommodation, but it can also mean the difference between banking a superb $1 Million* Main Event check, and  this year’s 10th Anniversary mega $10 Million bonus.

The 2009 Aruba Poker Classic is a week-long poker experience, featuring a multi-million-dollar tournament, memorable parties and plenty of occasions to mingle with some of the world’s best known Poker Pros in the business. Make this a must-not-miss event on your poker calendar, and you could be on the road to a new realm of poker riches worth an extra $10 million. What could be sweeter than that for a 10th Anniversary present?

With nine weeks left to qualify, there’s still time to prove that you have what it takes to become poker’s next big multi-millionaire. No other poker tournament stacks up to the 8th annual Aruba Poker Classic at the stunning Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa, from October 3rd to the 10th. Check out UltimateBet’s STEP tournaments from as little as 10 cents, and you could be partying it up soon with the tightest online poker community on the planet.

Register now at the Aruba Poker Classic Website to receive regular updates, and visit UltimateBet.com for full details of the many ways you can qualify for the 2009 Aruba Poker Classic.

*Based on 1st prize in the Main Event at the 2008 Aruba Poker Classic, won by Matt Brady.

Aruba Airport Authority N.V. Obtains Aruba’s 13th Gateway in the United States

Aruba Airport Authority N.V. (AAA) has received official word from AirTran Airways that the necessary paperwork with the US Department of Transportation (DOT) for non-stop direct service on a weekly basis from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Orlando International Airport to Aruba has been filed. AirTran will be utilizing B737-700 aircraft on both routes configured with 137 seats and expects to start service in December 2009 from Atlanta and February 2010 from Orlando.

AirTran Airways’ mix of low fares and an affordable Business Class with excellent customer service and one of the world’s youngest all-Boeing fleets has continued to strike a chord with the public. In addition, AirTran is currently one of the most profitable airlines in the United States. “AirTran Airways is thrilled to bring our unique high quality, and high value service to the beautiful island of Aruba” said John Kirby, Senior director of strategic planning for AirTran Airways. “Our new service to Orlando, FL will provide Arubans their first non-stop service to one of the most popular destinations in the world, while our new non-stop Atlanta service provides connecting service to more than thirty destinations in the United States”. Atlanta is currently serviced daily and twice daily during periods of high demand by Delta Airlines.

Additional service from AirTran will create new opportunities within the domestic US market. Direct service to Orlando will not only offer opportunities for new markets to Aruba but will also offer an alternative for the Aruban population to one the most popular US cities. With the expected new service from AirTran our air service partners from the United States will increase to eight of which American Airlines, US Airways, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines and United Airlines are legacy carriers and Jetblue, Spirit and AirTran are our Low Cost Carriers. In addition, our US gateways will be increased to thirteen, Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago O’Hare, Newark, Fort Lauderdale, Washington Dulles, Houston, New York JFK, New York La Guardia, Miami, Orlando and Philadelphia.

Unprecedented high fuel prices during the summer of 2008, the financial crisis which resulted in the worst economic recession and the sharp decreases in demand for travel, make the announcement of new service during these times fantastic. AAA’s policy of air service maintenance and diversification of the route network are its core principles and continue to have successful results. This is illustrated by a positive passenger growth figure for July 2009 of 4.5% and further complimented by this additional and new service announcement. Meetings during events such as Network and AAA’s hosting of Network Latin America 2008 here in Aruba have definitely contributed to AirTran’s decision to file for service to Aruba.

‘Welcome AirTran, welcome home!’ said Peter Steinmetz, Managing Director AAA N.V. “Addition of service during these very difficult times is simply fantastic and our team is committed to ensure the success of both additional service from Atlanta and new service from Orlando. However, we believe that the local market will definitely contribute to the success of the Orlando service. We look forward to the inaugural flight in December.”

With the economy still recovering, what better way to relieve the stress than with a hard-earned getaway to the Divi and Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusives? Guests can stay with a clear conscience because they will be saving up to 35% off for fall travel and getting the most value for their money - all the services and amenities of two resorts when staying at either one! Plus, all inclusive pricing makes planning easy and a wealth of activities and dining options means there’s no better value anywhere!

Located just steps apart along a stretch of sandy beach, the Divi Aruba and the Tamarijn Aruba offer plenty to do both in-and-outdoors. Many guests choose to simply relax on the beach or at one of three large freshwater pools. Both kids and adults will have fun getting wet with non-motorized water sports including kayaks, floats, sunfish sailing, beginner’s windsurfing equipment and “Learn to Windsurf” beach clinic, snorkeling equipment, snorkel clinic and tour, all available for daily enjoyment. Active types can also try scaling the 30-foot outdoor rock climbing wall on the beach at the well-equipped Divi Winds SportsCenter, which also features an air-conditioned oceanfront fitness center.

Out of the water, dine at a choice of ten venues from stylish beachfront restaurants to casual poolside grills serving everything from chic Asian-fusion cuisine to simple pizza and snacks or have a beverage at one of the seven bars and lounges, all included as part of a guest’s stay. Complimentary activities range from beach volleyball to arts and crafts or dance lessons. The properties also feature nightly entertainment and provide guests with a ticket to the Bon Bini Festival (seasonal) and a Funbook! with coupons for the adjacent Alhambra Casino.

For an even greater value, deal seekers can book one of the Divi and Tamarijn Aruba’s packages. Families with kids will especially love the value of the Family Package, as kids up to age 18 can stay play and eat free plus enjoy the Children’s Camp at no additional cost when sharing a room with their parents.

With so many options provided all inclusive, it’s hard to imagine a better deal anywhere than the Divi and Tamarijn Aruba! Located just ten minutes from the airport and five minutes from Aruba’s capital city, Oranjestad, the Divi and Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive resorts are set on beautiful Druif Beach, with a shopping arcade and the Alhambra Casino nearby. Guests staying at either the AAA 3-Diamond Divi Aruba or the adjacent, oceanfront Tamarijn Aruba have use of all facilities and services of both properties. All stays at the Divi and Tamarijn Aruba include all meals and snacks at a choice of ten dining options, unlimited beverages at seven bars, the use of three freshwater pools, a wide range of activities including non-motorized watersports and nightly entertainment and offer a variety of packages. In addition, all guests may use the well-equipped Divi Winds Sports Center, which features a 30-foot outdoor rock climbing wall on the beach.

For reservations and more information about Divi and Tamarijn Aruba, contact your travel professional or 1-800-554-2008, 207-594-7888 or visit the resorts’ websites at www.diviaruba.com or www.tamarijnaruba.com.

The first Aruba Rembrandt Regatta took place on August 14 – 16, featuring three days of fun, action and competitions among yachts, beach catamarans and sunfish, complemented by nightly festivities at Café Rembrandt.  The program included an around-the-island race for cruising and racing yachts.  More than 37 sailing vessels and a host of national and international competitors signed up, ranging in age from 16-year-old Marc Rooijakkers of the Rafaga to 79-year-old Ernie Kervel of the Ocean 505.

Variable wind conditions created some exciting and hectic moments. From Curacao, the D-Trip of Sergey Boer was victorious in the Racing Class, finishing at just over 5-1/2 hours, while the Venus Callipyge of Hans van der Straaten took first in the Cruising Class.  The Aruban captains, however, were strong competitors; the Tranquilo of Anthony Hagedoorn and the Eva Luna of Eric Mijts, regatta organizer, came in second overall in the two categories.  Third place was taken by Team Ibis of Curacao’s Karel van Haren and Italy’s Paolo Grazzini with his Supermario and almost-all-female crew.

Sharing in the fun, Theo Valize took first place in beach cats; Ramon Kervel in sunfish.  Windsurfers were out in full force as well; Amanda Westera in New Kids; Mack van der Eerenbeemt in Super Kids; and Nicole van der Velden in Pro Kids were the winners.

All photos: Paul van Driel

Op 4 en 5 september wordt dit jaar voor de derde keer het Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival georganiseerd op het tropische eiland Aruba, bij Cas di Cultura. Ook dit jaar zal het een spectaculair en uniek evenement worden met hoge kwaliteit muziek en een gevarieerde line-up van artiesten.

De line-up bestaat uit een indrukwekkend aantal locale en regionale talenten en internationale artiesten. Een aantal namen: David Sanborn (7x Grammy Award winnaar), Will Bernard, Soul Cowboy en Antonio Bello. De artiesten spelen van alles: van salsa en jazz tot rock en hip-hop. Dit jaar is er een nieuwe show die in samenwerking wordt uitgevoerd met theatergroep PLAY!. Naast muziek en theater zal de Toyota Art Gallery diverse beeldhouwwerken, schilderijen en andere kunstvormen met het thema Jazz & Muziek van 25 verschillende artiesten tentoonstellen.

Tickets voor het Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival zijn via de website en de volgende locaties te verkrijgen: Moomba Beach, Superfood, Cliffix, the Entertainment Group Building en bij Cas di Cultura. Een kaartje voor een avond kost $ 32 en een weekendkaart kost $ 52.

In de week voor het festival zijn er elke avond gratis optredens ‘to get in the mood’.

Hou de website in de gaten voor alle update-informatie: www.caribbeanseajazz.com

Delta Vacations Offering Affordable Air and Hotel Packages Starting at $832* per person

Who said summer is almost over? In Aruba, beach lovers can plan and enjoy an unforgettable warm-weather vacation year round. With white sandy beaches, constant sun and a pleasant steady wind, Aruba is certainly the ideal Caribbean destination, and attractive travel packages are now available through December 2009, so book now! Delta Vacations offers convenient, affordable vacation packages that combine Delta Air Lines® and participating Aruba hotels for travelers from New York City and Atlanta.

The travel packages listed below are intended for roundtrip coach class air travel from New York’s JFK Airport and Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
*Additional taxes/fees/restrictions/baggage charges may apply.

From Atlanta, Delta Vacations is offering a travel package which includes five nights with air and hotel, staying at the Westin Aruba Resort from $832* (per person) for travel between August 22 and September 24. Flying from New York, a similar package is offered from $878* (per person) for travel between August 29 and September 12. This limited time offer includes 60 percent off rates and must be booked by August 31.
Additionally, Delta Vacations offers several Aruba hotel discounts and booking incentives now through December:

Bucuti Beach Resort - Free breakfast for each guest, a $25 food and beverage credit and fun activities. Book now and travel through December 22.
Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino - Free breakfast for all guests and for children 12 and younger, fun activities are also included. Book now and travel through December 18.
Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Casino - Room upgrade, daily breakfast for two, and fun activities for children 12 and younger.  Book by December 19, travel through December 22.
The Mill Resort & Suites - Free breakfast for all visitors and complimentary activities for kids. Book now and travel through December 18.
Occidental Grand Aruba - Kids five and under stay and eat free, while children 12 and younger can enjoy free breakfast and fun activities. Book now and travel through December 18.
Radisson Aruba Resort - Kids 12 and under can enjoy a free dinner with a paying adult, free breakfast and fun activities during their visit. Book by August 31 and travel through December 17.
Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino - Free breakfast for all guests and children 12 and younger are provided with complementary activities. Book now and travel through December 21.
The Westin Resort Aruba - Free room upgrade and daily breakfast for two, while children 12 and younger enjoy free activities. Book now and travel through December 18.

For more information on these Aruba specials, please visit www.deltavacations.com/aruba or call 1-800-800-1504. For more information on vacationing in Aruba, please visit www.ARUBA.com or call 1.800.TO.ARUBA.

The Palm Beach Plaza hosted its first tenant meeting recently. It gave developers great pleasure to see sixty-six new businesses emerging and coming together to create a truly exciting new mall, hailed as Aruba’s #2 attraction – having reserved the #1 attraction title to the island’s beaches!

The tenants got together on the third, Fun City, floor of the plaza and over delicious coffee and donuts received the latest updates from the management team regarding the plaza’s opening schedule, its marketing plans and its interior design timetable. The complex, the largest of its kind in the Southern Caribbean, was created as an all-day family entertainment center offering an abundance of activities to visitors and locals of all ages.

Mall Manager Alex Otterspeer welcomed business-representatives from Shivas Gold & Gems, Tommy Hilfiger, Façonnable, Benetton, San Marina Shoes, Nautica, Sunspecs, Skechers Apparel, Royal Diamonds & Jewels, Monarch Jewels, Guess, Guess Kids, Perry Ellis, Addict, Penha Perfumeries, the Shoe Box, La Chinata, Bianco e Bianco linen, Rimowa Luggage, Muaa fashions, Footfit footwear & Vanilla clothing, Giordano, Basinger Concept Store, Art Fusion gifts, Pixies Bijoux, Candyland Sweets, Tropical World Souvenirs, Panache Swim & Surf Wear, Lulu Body & Bath Products, an 8 movie-theater Mega Plex, and Aruba’s first food court operators including Churromania, Chubby Panda Chinese, Sciue Sciue Italian Tapas, Delie International Sandwiches, Mc Shawarma Express, Italian Gelato and a children’s entertainment section operating a Kiddie-Train, a Rock Climbing wall, the Palm Beach Dream Bowl Bowling Alley, an electronic game zone and a thrilling Cable Slide, next to an indoor supervised play room.

The mall will also feature a branch of Western Union, the Post-Office, the Green Door Spa and a Mini-Market, in addition to a number of theme-restaurants and bars including Casa Tua Mediterranean, Havana Cigar & Spirit Bar, Kokomos, Hoshi Sushi and Mama Mexico, Mimo’s Ice Cream, Tio Pepe Juice Bar and Sir James House of Coffee set amid tropical vegetation, with 354 easily accessible, ground level parking spaces, and nicely lit walking lanes to and from the hotel strip.

Pictured here snapshots from a most productive meeting, at the Palm Beach Plaza.

At the recent 2009 Professional Windsurfers Association (PWA) Grand Slam in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Sarah-Quita Offringa, the 18-year-old women’s world champion hailing from Aruba, again wowed spectators.  Sailing her best heat of the year, described as flawless in her execution of the most recent and technically demanding moves, she was crowned the 2009 PWA Women’s Freestyle World Champion for the second year in a row.  Sarah-Quita still holds a perfect record of not losing a heat since the start of the season in 2008.   “I am happy that I was able to retain my title during the competitions in the Canary Islands.  Most of all, I am happy to represent Aruba at these events.  It’s a wonderful small island that I want people to know more about,” she explains.

A few days later, Sarah-Quita (Starboard/NeilPryde) made a name for herself in the competitive world of slalom as well, taking second place in Alacati, Turkey, at the Women’s Pegasus Airlines World Cup (August 10 – 15).  With a sensational victory in race eight, this young star claimed the “sailor of the day” award; she controlled the race from start to finish and kept her nerve, despite immense pressure from the leader.

Known on the windsurfing circuit as “the girl with big hair,” Sarah-Quita Offringa was victorious in 2008 in all of the three Canary Islands competitions, without losing one heat.  This makes her the youngest ever PWA Women’s Freestyle champion.  In 2007, she took first place at the PWA Women’s Freestyle competition in Lanzarote, was tied for first in the Canary Islands competition, and took second in Fuerteventura in the Grand Slam.  She set the world record in 2006 as the youngest woman to win a gold medal in the Women’s Freestyle Competition during the second leg of the Professional Windsurfers Association (PWA) World Tour.  At age 15, she was awarded the coveted title of Rookie of the Year in an upset victory in the Canary Islands, making her the sweetheart of the European press.