Archive for October, 2009

Travellers seeking an effortless vacation with the convenience of all they could need in just one location need to look no further than the Divi &Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusives.  With the ease and comfort of all the services, facilities and amenities of two adjacent beachfront properties, guests of either resort have an assortment of dining options, activities, services and amenities to choose from that are never more than a stretch of sandy beach away.

Whether you are looking for relaxation or total fun in the sun on your vacation, the Divi Aruba All Inclusive and sister property the Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive both have plenty for guests to enjoy.  Linked by less than a mile of beach between the two properties, a change of scenery is literally just steps across the sand.  As a guest of the Divi & Tamarijn Aruba, all that either property has to offer is available all inclusive, no matter whether the guest stays at Divi Aruba or Tamarijn Aruba.  Anyone can enjoy a leisurely walk across the beach or, for those who prefer another means of transportation between properties, take an enjoyable ride in one of the oversized golf carts which carry guests regularly between the properties.  All a guest needs to do upon arrival is check in and everything is at their disposal with no additional hassle or fuss, whether it’s a cool beverage, sit-down dinner, splash in the pool or to participate in one of the many activities offered by the properties during the day or at night.

To take advantage of some optional amenities of the Divi & Tamarijn Aruba is just as easy as everything else.  The Links at Divi Aruba 9-hole golf course and its two restaurants, Mulligan’s Golf Café, Bar & Restaurant and the Windows on Aruba Restaurant, are located just across the way from the properties and easily accessible on foot or by the free, convenient golf cart transportation service.  Guests who want to try their luck at the nearby Alhambra Casino need only request the golf carts to take them there and back as well.

Located just ten minutes from the airport and five minutes from Aruba’s capital city, Oranjestad, the Divi & 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 & 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 & 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 kitchens of Aruba’s EPI School of Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts were busy this past weekend as twelve teams of future chefs, mentored by twelve of the island’s most respected executive chefs from restaurants and resorts, competed for the gold in the 1st Aruba Chef & Student Culinary Festival.
The festival, organized by Eddeline Dijkhoff, EPI Coordinator of the Apprenticeship Program and a dynamic team including Nathalie Maduro of the Aruba Tourism Authority, Vanessa  and Chef Leest and Randy Geerman of EPI, proved to be a landmark event which will likely become an annual competition.

EPI School welcomed three celebrity chefs to join Chef Bartholomo Kelly as judges for the event. Returning to Aruba was Chef Michael Deihl, chef to Tiger Woods at the East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, and  President of the Atlanta chapter of the American Culinary Federation-ACF. Chef Christian “Kit” Kiefer and Chef Charles de Vries, both award winning cooks, joined him on the panel.

The three days produced dozens of utterly gorgeous culinary creations, which Chef Deihl explained were judged not only on appearance and taste, but also a balanced use of proteins, fats sugars, as well as flavors, colors and textures. A strict international point system was employed in the judging, but before announcing the three winning teams, Chef Deihl reminded all the students they were all winners for having had the courage to demonstrate their creative cookery and egos for judging, always a difficult but rewarding, and often exhilarating experience. Teams were allowed to devise a cold appetizer and dessert before the competition, but were presented with a “mystery box” during the event, from which they had to create a hot appetizer and main course.

Claiming the third place bronze medal with a score of 34.2 points was the team working with Chef Scot Scheurman of Aqua Grill Restaurant. Chef Deihl proclaimed that choosing the first place winner was exceedingly difficult, and that only 2/100th of a point separated the silver and gold medal teams, who won with scores of 34.46 and 34.48. Silver medals went to Myron Winterdaal, Juni Henriquez, Miguel Clemendore and Eldrick Franken, under the tutelage of Chef Erwin Husken of Screaming Eagle Restaurant.

The gold medals and certificates were won by the team working with Holiday Inn Executive Sous Chef Dennis Daatselaar, consisting of EPB student Wilbert de Cuba, and Ivan Koolman, Enny Servines and Rudlaine Croes of the EPI. Chef Daatselaar reports he was very pleased with the performance of his group, which presented to the judges a menu of  Tropical Mango Salad with Poached Coconut Shrimps, Kerri-Kerri of Red Snapper with Banana Pan Bati, Leg of Lamb Papaya Style, and a Charlotte of Prickly Pear with Fresh Fruit; all distinctly Caribbean and very colorful.

Present for the closing event was ATA Director Myrna Jansen-Feliciano, who awarded Chef Deihl with the title of “Ambassador of Goodwill” for sharing time and expertise with Aruba’s present and future chefs. He, in turn, announced that he is working with Chef Kelly and the Aruba Chef’s Association to see they receive full recognition on the website of the AFC as an accredited chef’s union. “The world will be hearing about you!” he promised.

Photo’s and article courtesy of Mrs. Rosalie Klein

Top: First place team, Left above: Second Place Team and Committee members and chefs

Above: First Place Dessert and Appetizer Dishes

All Proceeds Will Go to the Mary Joan Breast Cancer Foundation

Internationally the month of October stands for the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM). Therefore on October 22nd the Aruba Marriott organizes a “pink walk” in cooperation with other hotels in Aruba followed by a spectacular fashion show in Marriott’s hotel lobby. The initiative to organize a Pink Ribbon event came from the Recreation department of the Marriott Aruba Vacation Club.  “We want to create awareness about breast cancer for our local community and guests and raise funds to support the Mary Joan Breast Cancer Foundation” says, Shuraima Henriquez, Ocean Club & Surf Club Recreation Manager.

This Thursday October 22nd Marriott invites all guests and locals to participate in the pink walk, which starts at 5:00 PM from the road between La Cabana Beach & Racquet Club  and Amsterdam Manor on Eagle Beach. The walk will pass all high rise hotels ending at the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino. To participate for the pink walk, you can sign up at Marriott’s Surf Club Recreation Club Matey’s Hall. Contribution for the pink walk is 15 florins or $8.50 dollars and includes a Hotel for a Cure T-Shirt and refreshments.

Following the pink walk Marriott welcomes you to a spectacular fashion show.  This never-done-before event in Aruba is a must see fashion show with dresses made of balloons created by Marriott’s associates. The show starts at 7:30 PM in Marriott’s hotel lobby. MC during the fashion show is PR-diva Rona Coster. Donations can be made throughout the show and all proceeds will be donated to the Mary Joan Breast Cancer Foundation.

In 2007, the Marriott organized a beach walk raise funds towards the same cause, collecting 1,000 florins in one day. This year the Marriott Ocean & Surf Club Recreation department organized weekly events on Thursdays during the entire month of October. Guests were encouraged to create their own tye die T-Shirt and “pink ribbon” beads. Calendars, T-shirts, cakes and other merchandise were sold to generate donations. So far, Marriott’s fund raising initiatives brought together 1,250 florins. The final event for the breast cancer awareness month is the pink walk and fashion show on October 22nd. The donations collected during the month of October for the Breast Cancer awareness will be presented by means of a cheque to the Mary Joan Breast Cancer Foundation on November 1st.

Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino boasts 411 fully renovated guest rooms – the most spacious on the island – each with large, private balconies overlooking the sparkling waters of the Caribbean Sea. On property, seven restaurants and cafes provide fare from light to elegant, while the largest casino in Aruba, a 6,500 square-foot spa, renewed free-form swimming pool with cascading waterfalls and high-energy health club offer entertaining diversions. To obtain more information call the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino at 888-PARADISE or visit www.arubamarriott.com.

Marriott and Renaissance Caribbean & Mexico Resorts is comprised of ten resorts in seven of the top tropical destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico – Aruba, Cancun, Curaçao, Grand Cayman, Puerto Vallarta, St. Kitts and St. Thomas. To experience these resorts and learn about special promotions, please visit the new www.ParadiseByMarriott.com.

Above: Marriott Recreation team selling Pink ribbon T-shirts for the Mary Joan Breast Cancer Foundation
Below: Marriott Aruba Vacation Club Recreation team

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Receive discounts on luxury accommodations and ride the waves for free

The Aruba Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino is offering guests a 30% discount on Tradewinds Club leisure rates plus complimentary windsurfing or kiteboarding  lessons with the “Surf Into Luxury” package. Available from October 12, 2009 – December 23, 2010, the package combines the exclusive amenities of the Tradewinds Club with the perfect offshore winds, catering to those looking for an adventurous, yet luxurious vacation.

The “Surf into Luxury Package” includes:

• 30% discount on leisure rates at Tradewinds Club
• Complimentary two-hour windsurf experience and one-hour windsurfing lesson provided by Vela Windsurf Center OR
• Complimentary one-hour kiteboarding land-trainer lesson provided by Dare2Fly

“Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned veteran, Aruba is a windsurfer’s paradise,” says Karin Swiers, Marketing and Communications Manager for the Aruba Marriott Resort. “We’ve partnered with one of the best schools in the business to provide a unique opportunity for guests to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather without sacrificing the first-class Tradewinds Club experience.”

Package rates start at $328/night. Reservations for the complimentary kiteboard or windsurf lessons can be booked through the personal concierge, but must be made in advance. For more information, click here Surf Into Luxury. To book the package, call (800) 223-6388 or visit www.arubamarriott.com and request promo code L9Z.

About Tradewinds Club
Perched on the top floor of the Aruba Marriott Resort eight floors above the white sandy beaches, the Tradewinds Club is a boutique, ‘hotel-within-a-hotel’ concept ideal for travelers looking to be pampered with exclusive services, luxurious accommodations, deluxe amenities and personalized attention. Tradewinds Club guests enjoy many special services such as five complimentary food serving per day, upscale bath products, exclusive access to a private Lounge and secluded beach area and an evening open-bar. To discover all that the Tradewinds Club has to offer, visit www.tradewindsclubaruba.com.

About Vela Windsurf Center
Located on the beach at Fisherman Huts (at the North end of the Marriott Hotel property), Vela Windsurf Center offers direct access to the reliable Aruba wind and crystal clear, waist deep water. The Center boasts friendly, highly trained instructors with years of teaching experience and the latest high performance windsurfing gear. Lessons range from beginners to advanced. Please visit www.velaaruba.com for additional information.

About Dare2Fly

Dare2Fly is the only IKO affiliated kiteboarding school in Aruba. It’s location on the beach at the base of the Aruba Marriott is referred to as “the spot,” and known to some as one of the windiest places on the planet. Offshore winds along with smooth, shallow water provide an ideal training location for any level of kiting. The experienced, IKO certified instructors follow novice participants around on a boat to add a level of safety to the kiting experience. For more information visit www.dare2flyaruba.com.

Anyone whose idea of a perfect vacation involves abundant sunshine and sandy beaches will find their idea of paradise at the beachfront Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusives.  With over a mile of powder-soft sand stretching along Druif Beach between both resorts, Divi & Tamarijn Aruba offers plenty of beach for any type of activity a guest might choose.  From simply soaking up the sun to swimming or playing beach volleyball, there are many other options available at these two adjacent resorts. (Map)

For guests who like to stay active during their beach vacation, the resorts offer plenty of activities to stay “on the go” while in the sand.  A good first stop is the well-equipped Divi Winds Sports Center, which features an air-conditioned oceanfront fitness centre with the latest equipment as well as a 30-foot outdoor rock climbing wall set right on the beach. There, guests will have access to all non-motorized water sports including snorkelling equipment, snorkel clinic and tour. Sunfish sailing, floats, kayaks, beginner’s windsurfing equipment and “Learn to Windsurf” beach clinic are all available and FREE for guest use. Out of the water, guests can choose to get active with beach volleyball, beach olympics, beach soccer and much more.  When enjoying indoor activities, no one is ever more than a few steps away from sinking their toes in the sand.

At Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusives, guests don’t need to leave the beach when it’s time to eat!  There are numerous beachfront dining options to suit any taste, such as Divi Aruba’s Red Parrot restaurant, which has a beachside open-air dining terrace just steps from the water.  At the Tamarijn Aruba, guests can indulge in a variety of culinary creations in a casual, relaxed environment at the oceanfront Cunucu Terrace for a panoramic look at the sea.  Or, opt for cocktails at the beach at the over-the-water Bunker Bar, poolside Coconuts or oceanview Pizza per Tutti located at the Tamarijn Aruba.  Step off the sand and right up to the beachfront Pelican Bar or Sandpiper Bar located at Divi Aruba, famed for its spectacular sunset view.

With an expansive beach and opportunities for many seaside romantic moments, both Divi & Tamarijn Aruba also provide a picturesque setting that sparks intimacy against the backdrop of the sparkling Caribbean.   Families traveling with kids will appreciate all the activities taking place on the beach that keep the young ones entertained, from beach volleyball or movie night on the beach to simply building a sandcastle.

Located just ten minutes from the airport and five minutes from Aruba’s capital city, Oranjestad, the Divi & 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 & 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 & 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.

Divi Aruba top and Tamarijn Aruba bottom

New Service and Capacity Increases

With the summer months comprising the 3rd Quarter period, airlines are indicating overall more passengers per flight as capacity and airfares were reduced. The industry remains very volatile and according to IATA, even though demand for air travel continues to improve, profitability remains ever distant. Aruba Airport Authority N.V. (AAA) 3rd quarter results are reflective of the overall industry reports as both commercial revenue generating passengers (RGP) and air service capacity have increased during the third quarter of 2009.

RGP figures for commercial passengers and flights were up by 2.8% and 1.8% respectively compared to the third quarter of 2009. The following graph illustrates the monthly performance for the third quarter of 2009 compared to 2008 for commercial traffic.

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) air fares have stabilized, but at profitless levels. Meanwhile cost pressures are mounting from reduced aircraft utilization and rising oil prices. The industry according to IATA is ‘not out of the woods yet’. US airline capacity changes for Aruba during the third quarter of 2009 were most notable from Delta Airlines, USAirways and JetBlue Airways growing capacity compared to 2008 with 60.0%, 24.8% and 11.8% respectively. In addition, AirTran Airways announced weekly service to Aruba from Atlanta as of December 2009 and Orlando as of February 2010 complimenting air service from the United States to Aruba. With the announcement of Orlando, Aruba has obtained its 13th US gateway a terrific accomplishment for the destination.

As previously indicated booking patterns remain rather short term as consumers are price sensitive and continue to influence the performance of the main tourism market. Airlines have reduced capacity and airfares which creates more passengers on the aircraft but does not reduce the fixed airline costs. The following graph also reflects how effective the various markets are in matching aircraft capacity with demand during the third quarter of 2009 compared to 2008.

‘Traffic figures for the 3rd Quarter sound promising as each individual month showed signs of improvement’ said Peter Steinmetz, Managing Director AAA. ‘Retention of air service, the addition of air service from AirTran Airways and the change of equipment by Copa Airlines are important indicators that our strategies continue to generating positive results. In addition, our marketing efforts have been recognized once again during The World Route Forum and are reflections of Aruba’s strong and prominent presence in the world of Tourism and Aviation’.

Volunteers Wanted for Beach Cleanup Day
October 24th - 8 am to 12 pm
North of Alto Vista - Free catamaran and snorkel trip for volunteers
Call - 586-1603

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iProtect Software to Help Fire Fighters Get to Calamities Faster

October 1st will mark a special day in Aruba, as for the first time in the island’s history a unique pilot will start to improve the work of fire fighters. Local partners Setar, a telecommunications specialist, all 3 Aruba Marriott properties and the fire brigade joined forces in this pilot, using a new software system called iProtect. With iProtect the Aruba Fire Brigade will be immediately notified in case of a fire or any other major calamity at the monitored location with this pilot, the Aruba Marriott properties.

Biggest advantage of the iProtect system is time improvement. “Soon as a fire or emergency occurs at any Marriott property we are notified by the system immediately. A screen will pop up showcasing the exact location of the calamity and since this is a real-time notification system we can send a truck out immediately. With a team of firefighters on their way, we’ll make a call to Marriott verifying if assistance of the Aruba Fire Brigade is needed. Should such be the case, we gained a lot of time and can have our teams on location much faster” says Setar’s iProtect-specialist Alvin Tromp in a 30-minute explanation at the fire station.

For the Aruba Marriott properties it was a no brainer to participate in this pilot. “We are proud to take part in this historical pilot that can mark the start of a better and even safer Aruba for the future. The safety of our guests and associates is one of the core values at Marriott and therefore participating in this pilot was a great fit” explains Sergio Wever, Director of Loss Prevention at Marriott.

The iProtect system is hosted by Setar’s server on a private and secured network. Setar is excited that the new system will be put into use on October 1st and looks forward to sharing the results of this pilot with other partners on the island. “Think of an organization like the Aruba Airport where safety also plays a very important role. We would consider them as a next partner to also try out the iProtect  software system”, states David Dubero, Account Manager at Setar. The pilot with Marriott will take six months and in due time learnings and take aways from this unique safety pilot will be shared with the community.

Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino boasts 411 fully renovated guest rooms – the most spacious on the island – each with large, private balconies overlooking the sparkling waters of the Caribbean Sea. On property, seven restaurants and cafes provide fare from light to elegant, while the largest casino in Aruba, a 6,500 square-foot spa, renewed free-form swimming pool with cascading waterfalls and high-energy health club offer entertaining diversions. To obtain more information call the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino at 888-PARADISE or visit www.arubamarriott.com.

Marriott and Renaissance Caribbean & Mexico Resorts is comprised of ten resorts in seven of the top tropical destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico – Aruba, Cancun, Curaçao, Grand Cayman, Puerto Vallarta, St. Kitts and St. Thomas. To experience these resorts and learn about special promotions, please visit the new site www.ParadiseByMarriott.com.

Above: Alvin Tromp explaining about new iProtect project to Marriott and Setar staff.

Hard Rock sets the bar in the fight to end breast cancer by bringing you products whose proceeds benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. BCRF provides critical funding for innovative clinical and translational breast cancer research at leading medical centres worldwide. Hard Rock is proud to be a contributing partner for 10 consecutive years.

HARD ROCK CAFÉ ARUBA as part of the Hard Rock Family will also help to this cause by selling some of the following items to help grow the awareness.

Some items available: Pinktober 09 Ladies t-shirt, Pinktober 09 pin, Limited Edition keychain

November 19th and 20th, 2009
Aruba Renaissance Convention Center

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The 2009 2nd Island Wound Care Symposium is commemorating the 10th anniversary of Aruba’s first Out-Patient Wound Care Clinic at the Dr. Horacio E. Oduber Hospital. The theme of this year’s symposium is “Retrospective Milestones Providing Wound Care Services” and “A Closer Look Beyond the Surface of Wound Care Challenges”.
Most of the discussions will focus on the important role that our out-patient clinic and its professionals can play in Wound Care Services. An updated brochure with a symposium agenda for further details about time, date and location will follow as soon as it is completed and confirmed.

With certification continuing education credits, the 2nd Island Wound Care Symposium 2009 is an informative, educational and empowering two-day session for any wound care professional. Here is what one Wound Care Symposium attendee had to say about his experience in 2002: “The First 2002 “Island Wound Care Symposium: A Blueprint for Healing”  was superbly organized; information was presented in an excellent and interactive way. The atmosphere was friendly and supportive. I am very pleased with everything and will sincerely recommend the symposium to my colleagues.” The organizing committee have been working to make this a truly memorable experience for all it’s participants.

The Symposium sincerely hopes that you will join them in making “2nd Island Wound Care Symposium 2009” a success, and looks forward to welcoming you to Aruba.