Archive for November, 2009

Great Value With A Wealth Of Activities From Day To Night

While the most popular activity for vacationers is soaking up the abundant sunshine on the resorts’ vast sandy beach, guests who want to do more have plenty of other ways to have fun at the Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusives.  Both indoors and out from sun-up to sundown, there are activities aplenty to keep both adults and kids happy at these two adjacent resorts.

From playing beach volleyball to riding bikes or participating in a salsa class, the options for things to see and do are seemingly endless.   Active types can stay “on the go” with the well-equipped Divi Winds Sports Centre, 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 also have access to non-motorized water sports including sunfish sailing, floats, kayaks, snorkelling equipment, snorkel clinic and tour, beginner’s windsurfing equipment and “Learn to Windsurf” beach clinic, all available and FREE for guest use.  Other options for guests include playing beach volleyball, enjoying tennis, participating in beach soccer, riding bikes and much more.

Those with a more leisurely pace in mind can stroll the shopping arcade or browse the weekly craft marketplace, where local vendors sell jewelry, leather crafts, handmade dolls, art and other wares.  In addition, the Children’s Camp features plenty of things to keep the little ones busy during the day while adults may choose to simply enjoy a quiet meal or cocktail together at one of 10 dining options.

When the sun goes down, the action heats up with different entertainment each night of the week, from latin dance shows to fire eaters or karaoke and even limbo contests.  For an additional charge, guests can give lady luck a whirl at the adjacent Alhambra Casino, tee off for a round of golf at the 9-hole The Links at Divi Aruba golf course or get pampered with a facial or other treatment at the Indulgence by the Sea spa.  For activities around the island, a visit to the tour desk will help a guest arrange tours, sightseeing excursions and more.

What’s more, all these activities provide the value of two resorts in one, since guests staying at either resort have full use of the services and amenities of the other.  The Divi & Tamarijn Aruba resorts truly have something for everyone, and it’s never more than a few steps away!

Located just thirty 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 water sports and nightly entertainment and offer a variety of packages.  In addition, all guests may use the well-equipped Divi Winds Sports Centre, which features a 30-foot outdoor rock climbing wall on the beach.  All guest-rooms now have brand new mattresses and bedding with super-soft pillow tops, duvets and extra pillows.

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.

Proud to be one of only six casinos in the entire Caribbean, Marriott’s Stellaris Casino introduces its newest slot machine: the JAWS™ jackpot. As of the end October, casino guests can play this exciting slot machine at the largest casino on the island. The JAWS jackpot machine features a total sensory experience, including incredible video graphics, state-of-the-art sound, and even a “shark tooth” spin button. The range of exclusive JAWS jackpot video slot games combine iconic JAWS music, film footage and symbols to deliver an action-packed and unforgettable player experience.

The game features the familiar spine-tingling Jaws theme music, which sets the tone to an excitement and entertainment moment. Casino guests have to find the shark to gain points and bonuses. Players can bet up to 25 lines at this thrilling $1ct bet machine and have a chance to win one of four link progressive jackpots and fun bonus games keep players in the “water” longer.

The 24 hour Stellaris Casino invites you to try your luck on the new Jaws slot machine or any of the other slots. Table games are open daily from 2pm to 4am. For more information about the Stellaris Casino promotions and events, please visit www.stellariscasino.com or call the casino’s VIP desk at 520 6606.

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

Unique Complementary Gift from MVCI Sales Team

On November 18 and 19 renowned local artist Elisa Lejuez signed lithographs of her artworks in Marriott’s upscale hotel within a hotel, Tradewinds Club. Lejuez’s art is a complimentary gift exclusively for Tradewinds Club guests. Two additional artworks in a unique series of three lithographs, can be obtained for free when taking a preview tour of Marriott Aruba’s Surf Club villa and purchasing a villa. The local art gifts are donated by the  Marriott Vacation Club Sales team.

“We wanted to do something different for a unique group of guests staying at Tradewinds Club. It is a luxury hotel within the hotel and guests of Tradewinds Club have access to upscale amenities and privileges. We thought a lithograph of Elisa Lejuez would be a matching gift for Tradewinds guests. And we are promoting and supporting local art at the same time” says Bettina Gonzalez, Project Director of the Marriott Vacation Club (MVCI) Sales Team of the unique cooperation with the successful artist.

To launch the ‘free art gift’ campaign of MVCI Gonzalez invited local artist Lejuez to be present in the Tradewinds Club and hand out the artworks herself. As an added value, Lejuez signed her lithographs in the Tradewinds Lounge.

“I was pleasantly surprised that the MVCI selected my artwork as the free give away for Tradewinds guests. The three lithographs they selected are based on a collection of paintings that I created especially for Marriott. I truly hope these special Marriott guests will appreciate my art. It is a unique souvenir from Aruba to take home for sure”, states Lejuez.

The first lithograph in a series of three is a complimentary gift for all guests that booked their stay at Tradewinds Club. Upon signing up for a preview tour, these guests are entitled to receive the second complimentary artwork. The third artwork in this limited edition will be given out once Tradewinds guests decide to purchase their own villa at Marriott’s Aruba Surf Club.

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. The hotels newest and most upscale amenity is Tradewinds Club, located on the top floor of the Resort. To obtain more information visit www.arubamarriott.com or www.tradewindsclubaruba.com

Top: The Marriott Vacation Club Sales Team posing with artist Elisa Lejuez and the
series of 3 lithographs that were created for this occasion.
Bottom left: Elisa Lejuez (sitting) posing with Marriott’s Bettina Gonzalez and Karin Swiers
in the Tradewinds Club Lounge.
Bottom right: Elisa Lejuez in the Tradewinds Club Lounge signing her lithographs for guests.

Renaissance Wraps Up its Island Extravaganza with a Mega Party

Aruba’s biggest party is scheduled for the 28th of November when the Renaissance shopping malls in Oranjestad pull all the stops for an all-day, all night fun happening, concluding their 39-day Island Extravaganza campaign. And Renaissance is inviting you to participate, who knows, you might drive away in a fully loaded Ford Mustang convertible at the end of that day.

To participate, locals and visitors are invited to shop, dine and play in the heart of town at the Renaissance complex, and bring their receipts to the Player Center at either the Crystal or the Seaport Casino where they will receive a raffle ticket for each Awg 25 spent. Having filled out your name and address appropriately and having deposited the raffle ticket in the designated drum, you are guaranteed a chance at winning. Casino players are rewarded with raffle tickets for each 25 points they accumulate while playing.

On November 28th, a twelve hour party is planned to celebrate the conclusion of the campaign with folkloric dances, live musical entertainment, a car show, a fashion show, and a slew of other family oriented activities capped by a spectacular fireworks display at 10 p.m. The drum will spin at 7 p.m. that night, in plain public view, selecting the lucky man or women, winners of a new 2009 Ford Mustang Convertible!

How to get there:
Island visitors are invited to hop on the special Free Transportation bus. Get on the bus at any of the island hotels, for trips into town starting at 10 am.

Entertainment:
There will be three entertainment areas: in the Renaissance Marketplace, the Renaissance Mall and on the Boulevard.
The Renaissance Marketplace will feature kids activities such as Dino Jump, Wall Painting, Arts & Crafts, and in the spirit of the season Sinterklaas and his Swarte Piets, will also be present. A DJ and Steel Band Music are the opening act, while Tsunami, and Grupo Di Betico are the main event, as they will be dishing out their fantastic music from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The Renaissance Mall stores will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and shoppers will be treated to an Opera Show, a wine & cheese station, besides strolling Disney characters and the services of a massage therapist offering neck and back chair massages. A stylish fashion show will strut the styles of Ermenegildo Zegna, Colombian Emeralds, Eva Boutique, Entre Nous, Facconable, BCBG, Gimmick, Red Sail Sports & Sun Specs on a runway in the middle of the mall.

The Boulevard will feature a classic car show, a cultural dance show, the finals of the Top Dog Contest and a Carnival Parade beginning at the Plaza Café and concluding next to the Louis Vuitton boutique. The Boulevard will also offer a variety of food choices from BBQ to hotdogs, Popcorn and Cotton Candy and a Balashi Beer tent.

Special Offers Renaissance Mall:
The elegant stores at the Renaissance Mall are offering tremendous specials during the Island Extravaganza conclusion happening, with a pre-Christmas sale at Ralph Laurent and discounts ranging from 10% to 30% at Furla, Gimmick, Sunspecs, Ermenengildo Zegna, and Colombian Emeralds.  Okeanos Spa will deliver a 25-minute Swedish massage combined with a 25-minute facial for just $75 or the Aruban Spicy wrap for $50. Aquarius Restaurant is granting a 15% discount on food that day, and Maggie’s Salon is featuring a free extra treatment with any paid for hair, hand & feet service, also a free hair analysis station.

Special Offers Renaissance Marketplace:
All of the Renaissance Marketplace hip and trendy eateries, Cilo, Scandals, Subway, Café the Plaza, the Pancake House & Dunkin Donuts advertise attractive specials for the day, including Balashi beer for Awg 4 at the Grand Café Tropical. Rage Silver is conducting an exciting sale and the Surf Shop is offering two trendy pairs of sun glasses for the price of one.

November 28th, will be a very exciting day as the Renaissance Resorts in both Aruba and Curacao, concluding the inter-island, year-end Island Extravaganza promotion, designed to award a Ford Mustang convertible on both islands simultaneously, to two lucky winners on the same day, televised and streamed live to the Renaissance Mall. Check out the car on display street side, and start dreaming  . . .

The campaign is offered by: Renaissance Mall & Marketplace and Renaissance Curacao Resort & Casino.

Super Cool Car Promotion, Bingo Hot Shot and ISI Sports Contest

Recently, Marriott’s Stellaris Casino closed the month of October with many satisfied casino guests. The casino ended the Super Cool Car Give-away promotion on October 30th. The casino allured a large crowd of anxious guests waiting to hear who would be the lucky winner of a brand new KIA Soul car valued over Afl. 50,000.00. At 11:00 PM it was time to announce the winner. Loyal local casino guest Mr. Eric Croes’ name was called out of all the raffles in the big tombola. Casino Marketing Manager Adolf Everon and Casino Shift Manager Rouel Starke had the honors to hand over the key of Mr. Croes’ brand new KIA Soul.

Throughout the evening other guests were hand picked from the tombola for other great cash prizes. Amidst these lucky guests were Shamin Schaap, Alexandra Polyzos, Isabella Sapuana and Candida Lamp who received Afl. 250.00 each. Winners of Afl. 500.00 were Janet Falcone, Alexandra Polyzos, Aura Martinus and Geeta Ramdas-Jagias. Both Altagracia Maduro and Marisa Tromp were the lucky winners receiving Afl.1, 000.00 each.

During the weekend bingo events, Aruba’s largest casino announced the Bingo Hot Shot of the month. Stellaris management picked Mrs. Marion Tromp – Antersijn’s name from the raffle drum and crowned her as the Bingo Hot Shot of October.  This entitled her to $500 in cash, a dinner for two at Marriott’s Champions Sports Bar & Restaurant and two free bingo cards for the month of November.

Another lucky winner was announced the same weekend as winner of the international ISI Sports Contest. Local customer Mr. Lakie Paul Richards placed his bet on the sport machines, where he made chance to win $500. This promotion is an ongoing promotion worldwide, where everyone can participate to predict the winners of the sports games and win $500. Internationally, locals can participate for free, while tourists pay $1 to place a bet once. Every week, a winner is announced. After placing the bets for his favorite teams, Mr. Richards awaited to hear from the ISI Sports Kiosk he was the only international winner of that week.

Stellaris Casino new campaign “Take the Plane to Spain” started on November 4th. Guests have a chance to win a trip for two to Spain valued at Afl. 10,000.00 plus an additional Afl. 1,750.00 pocket money. This trip entitles you to stay 3 nights in Madrid and 3 nights in Barcelona. To participate in this promotion, guests have to earn 20 points for each free raffle ticket. This can be done by playing the many coinless slot machines in the Stellaris Casino.

The final drawing for this amazing promotion is on December 4th, 2009. More information on Aruba’s largest casino and events can be found on www.stellariscasino.com.

To obtain more information call the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino at 888-PARADISE or visit www.arubamarriott.com.

Top: Mr. Eric Croes receives keys to his KIA Soul from Casino Marketing Mgr. Adolf Everon and Casino Shift Mgr. Rouel Starke
Bottom left: Winner ISI Sports contest Mr. Lakie Paul Richards with Casino VIP host Yazira Feliciana
Bottom right: Bingo Hot Shot of November Mrs. Marion Tromp-Antersijn

On Thursday evening, November 12th, a pool deck cocktail reception was held at the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort to welcome guests of Hyatt’s annual Travel Agent Award Conference.  The attendees represent the top-producing travel agents for the 18 North American resorts within the Hyatt Resorts division.   Hyatt prides itself on providing “Authentic Hospitality” and exceptional service to clients, and the agents attending the conference were invited as a show of appreciation for their partnership in achieving this goal.  The conference in Aruba marks the first time it is hosted at an international destination.  The entire team at the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort is proud to showcase their brand of authentic island hospitality, and Thursday evening’s event gave guests a taste of that with the exclusive “Authentic Island Chic” theme created in partnership with ECO Destination Management Services.  The agents were able to explore the island right on the pool deck of the resort, with various food stations representing island highlights and dining experiences.

Stations like “Oranjestad” shared Holland’s influence on cuisine with Dutch pea shooters, sweet and savory Dutch pancakes, croquettes, and assorted Dutch cheese and sausages.  Walking over to the station representing the seaside town of Savaneta, seafood lovers enjoyed snapper and conch ceviches, grouper fingers, grilled wahoo, steamed shrimp, spicy tuna rolls, and the island’s own Balashi Beer. A trip to the California Lighthouse station was a sweet treat with tropical temptations like mango tarts, coconut bars, as well as homemade cookies, espresso mousse, truffles, and more. On Friday morning conference guests arose to a “Wake up in Paradise” breakfast at the resort’s beachfront Palms restaurant, followed by a Hyatt Resorts trade show in the freshly-renovated ballroom and conference area. Afterwards, guests were able to partake in various island activities coordinated just for them, including a sunset sail. The event’s farewell dinner and awards presentation was themed “Brushstrokes at Sunset,” and was a toes-in-the-sand affair on the shores of the resort. A local 13-year old artist joined the group on the beach to paint the gorgeous Caribbean sunset, which was then awarded to the travel agent of the year by General Manager Susan Santiago. The conference was a great success, with these valuable travel professionals now having first-hand knowledge and experiences of the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and the island of Aruba to share with and recommend to their clientele.

From November 9 -12, 2009, international travel professionals gathered in London for World Travel Market, the travel industry’s premier annual event. Aruba’s Ewald Biemans, owner of Bucuti Beach Resort, took part in the show where he met with journalists, travel agents, and other travel professionals to present the latest news from Aruba and Bucuti.

Bucuti Beach Resort CEO, Ewald Biemans meets with Jenny Southan,
Editor of Business Traveler at World Travel Market in London to talk
about what’s new at the resort and on the island of Aruba.