The 17th Annual Aruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta edition is off to a great start. Ten separate races embarking daily from beautiful Palm Beach, treating those on shore to a spectacular visual of colorful sails dotting the Caribbean horizon and darting across the Aruban landscape. Approximately 50 teams from the Netherlands, England, Switzerland, Belgium, France and Aruba will take the helm at this exhilarating and competitive event.
Aruba Post N.V. prepared a set of commemorative stamps with the sailing motive, celebrating the Heineken Aruba Catamaran Regatta. The artist is Elvis Tromp, and in his own words he gives a brief explanation of the stamps:
40c - Represents the catamarans set on the beach before the race. It's a beautiful seascape, the boats with their vibrant colors on the beautiful sugar white beaches of Aruba
80c & 130c - 2 designs represents the different angles and views of the race. The stamps show the race as watched from the beach.
125C - This stamp shows a close up of a lady during a race.
This emission is available at the Postal Offices of Oranjestad, San Nicolas, Santa Cruz and Port of Call starting on November 8, 2007 until November 7, 2008 for all our clients that would like to have this special issue.
These stamps can be ordered as well via e-mail: philatelic@postaruba.com
Catch a glimpse of the action on www.arubaregatta.com for daily video updates and images of the activities and the stamps.

The Wild Aruba 2008 Committee is preparing for a congress on preservation of Aruba’s nature. The commission supported by the government, private sector, local and international NGO’s – is preparing the first congress covering the topic of preservation of Aruba’ s nature, including the participation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and International Union Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The congress will consist of two parts, a symposium featuring international and local speakers on the first two days and the second part of the congress (three days) will include workshops where local stake holders will jointly prepare a five year action plan with a long term vision for the next 10 year. The invited speakers will explain in detail on research and experiences with species from the island’s flora and fauna. Land based specimens as well as marine life will be included in the lectures. For more information contact Theo Wools of the Veterinary Service at (297) 585-0400, Roy Croes of the Parke Nacional Arikok at (297) 585-1234, Facundo Franken of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Husbandry at (297) 585-8102 or Castro Perez of the Aruba Tourism Authority at (297) 582-3777.

Aruba always offers warm weather, it’s a place where summer never ends and the ever-present trade winds guarantee perfect conditions for the Heineken Aruba Catamaran Regatta, unfolding on the island every year since 1990.

The event is organized by Dutchman Edwin Lodder, in collaboration with the Aruba Tourism Authority and Heineken-Aruba. The event is made possible thanks to the help of many sponsors, combining sailing, relaxation and social parties.

This year’s 17th edition of the regatta includes approximately 50 boats and it is now the biggest Catamaran event in the Caribbean. Participants come from a variety of European countries and also hail from Aruba. Generally speaking, the regatta welcomes participant from North and South America.

The event attracts sailors from many different countries, especially Europeans, excited to compete in a Caribbean warm-weather Catamaran event.

The regatta venue is approximately 4 miles North West of Oranjestad, on Palm Beach and is in an ideal location for good sailing with steady offshore winds.

In honor of the good work realized year after year by organizers and because the event represents water sports Aruba Post Aruba N.V. prepared a set of commemorative stamps with the sailing motive, celebrating the Heineken Aruba Catamaran Regatta. The artist is Elvis Tromp, and in his own words he gives a brief explanation of the stamps:

40c
Represents the catamarans set on the beach before the race. It's a beautiful seascape, the boats with their vibrant colors on the beautiful sugar white beaches of Aruba

80c & 130c
2 designs represents the different angles and views of the race. The stamps show the race as watched from the beach.

125C
This stamp shows a close up of a lady during a race.

This emission is available at the Postal Offices of Oranjestad, San Nicolas, Santa Cruz and Port of Call starting on November 8, 2007 until November 7, 2008 for all our clients that would like to have this special issue.

These stamps can be ordered as well via e-mail: philatelic@postaruba.com

Henk and Mary Marsman are the proud new owners of the new Rejuvenate Medi-Spa in Bubali. The new spa has a list combining not only cosmetic and relaxing services but also a wide variety of medical practices, such as Botox and other state of the art filler procedures with the help of Dr. Steve Cabenda. The treatment rooms will include infrared beds (disposing the body of toxins without the sweating of a Sauna) and a special shower. The spa is located at Bubali 11-M adjacent to Henk’s dental office. For more information please call (297) 587-4800 or visit their website www.rejuvenate-medispa.com

International Drive is Aruba’s new private chauffeured diamond executive transportation and personal protection services offering a variety of services at various prices, including concierge services. For more information please contact R. Allan W. Goede at (297) 731-1221 or (297) 588-0139 or visit www.interexdrive.com

Red Sail Sports offers special night dive packages to highlight the coral spawning season. Every year, Aruba’s underwater world changes shape. Taking place at very specific evenings in September, great numbers of coral colonies synchronize the broadcast of packets of eggs and sperm, which mingle in the open ocean to produce their young. Described by scuba divers as something like an underwater snowstorm, these millions upon millions of packets of reproductive cells can form great pink and white clouds underwater, and are seen as pink slicks on the water the next day. It is thought that this synchronized spawning increases the chances of eggs being fertilized, and overwhelms the many organisms that prey on coral eggs and larvae. There are so many in the water that there is no way that all can be eaten. Even though it is difficult to predict exactly when the spawning takes place, chances of seeing this wonder of nature are best during Red Sail Sports’ night dives on 10, 13 and 17 September. Mention ‘coral spawning’ and you can use an underwater flash light for free! Red Sail Sports is Aruba’s largest full-service Dive and Watersports operator. More information about Red Sail go to www.redsailaruba.com or call (297) 583 1603.

Mr. Jorge Pesquera is heading to Florida. The former President and CEO of AHATA, effective November 1st, accepted the position of President and CEO of the Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Pesquera will be in charge of overseeing all tourism marketing for Florida’s largest county with 16000 hotel rooms, a new convention center and some of the most upscale resorts in the US. Pesquera will leave his post November 1st and will be replaced by Mr. Rob Smith, current GM of the Westin Aruba Resort, effective October 1st.

A Cabana Spa is the newly opened day spa at De Palm Island and is guided by professional therapist Jacqueline Jimeno with over 14 years of experience. The spa offers a great variety of treatments depending on the wants and needs of the guests. The spa services are available as extra features and are not included in the all-inclusive De Palm Island day pass. For more information please call De Palm Tours at (297) 582-4400.

During a press conference at the Aruba Hotel and Tourism Association (AHATA) headquarters in Oranjestad this past Tuesday afternoon, Astrid Muller, GM of the Divi Phoenix Beach Resort and Chairperson of the Environmental Committee announced that registration for the sixth Annual Fundraising Coastal Clean-up is now open. The island wide effort, which will encompass eleven key coastal areas on Saturday, October 21, has raised in the past as much as 20,000 Aruban florins from thirty-six sponsors and mustered 900 volunteers.

The Coastal Clean-up has become an annual tradition towards maintaining the beauty of the island and our beaches, and needs the support of vendors and volunteers. Areas to be cleaned this year are North coast beaches from California dunes to Wariruri/Boedoei near the gold ruins, coast areas of Arikok National Park, , Baby Beach, Bachelors Beach, Nanki Beach and Boca Grandi around the eastern tip and Mangel Halto, Surfside and Rincon on the south side; totally eleven beaches. Funds raised from the event will assist in maintaining the environment beyond the clean-up day.

The campaign will be in the early morning from 8:00 a.m. finishing at 11::00 a.m., to avoid the mid-day heat. There are 37 to 40 designated sub-areas and organizers seek sponsors to donate 750 Aruban florins per area. In the past, schools, hotels and various organizations have participated, and any group that cares to register is welcome. The organizers particularly emphasized the need for volunteers with pick-up trucks to assist in transporting the bags of refuse to the dumpsters.

Donating goods and services to the clean-up are SERLIMAR, the Aruba Gastronomic Association, Balashi Breweries, Ecotech, Dijkhoff Cleaning, Mourik N.V., Andina Ice, SETAR N.V., Hoori N.V., Oduber Agencies, Boogaard Insurance, Visser Trading, De Palm Tours, ECA and the rangers of the Arikok National Park.

To register as a volunteer or sponsor, or for more information call the AHATA offices at telephone number 582-2606 and speak to Anky Bruin or Astrid Muller, at the Phoenix Resort 586-0066.

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Courtesy of the News

Aruba Hotels & Resorts Unveil Autumn Deals for Travelers Not Ready to Say Goodbye to Summer

With back-to-school and the fall season in full swing, Aruba invites travelers to prolong the summer with a collection of autumn getaways to paradise. Stretch out the sunshine with romance, adventure and R&R vacation deals from some of Aruba’s top hotels and resorts. While others put their nose to the grindstone come autumn, sun worshippers will put it to better use by dabbing on some suntan lotion and discovering the island’s bevy of activities from snorkeling and horseback riding to world-class dining and non-stop nightlife. So why worry about sharpened pencils and shorter days? Come and discover Aruba’s endless summer.

Bucuti Beach Resort Aruba – “Swept Away Romance” Retreat
Swept Away includes accommodations with balcony or terrace, bottle of champagne, Sunrise breakfast buffet, candlelight dinner for two on the beach, daytime snorkel or sunset sailing cruise, a gift basket and all tax and service charges. Rates for the six day/five-night package start at $1,319 based on double occupancy. 1.888.4.BUCUTI or www.bucuti.com

Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Casino – Sunshine on Sale ®
Guests staying for four nights receive a fifth night free. Pay with the American Express® card and receive a $50 Hyatt resort credit. Rates start at $315 based on double occupancy. Valid through December 19, 2007. 1.800.55.HYATT or www.aruba.hyatt.com

The Mill Resort & Suites – “Singles Package”
The Mill Resort & Suites offers a five-night package for singles looking to mingle on Aruba. Come with a friend and enjoy accommodations, daily breakfast, a free happy hour cocktail, a night tour for two on a party bus and pool volleyball competitions. This package starts at $684 based on double occupancy. 1.800.992.2015 or www.millresort.com

Radisson Aruba Resort & Casino – “Scuba in Aruba” Packages
- Beginners can immerse themselves with a seven-night “Learn to Dive” program starting at $2,899 and earn PADI open water certification. This offer includes accommodations, diving and instruction, tanks, weight belts and a welcome martini at the open-air Mira Solo.

- For the ultimate experience, Radisson Aruba Resort & Casino is offering experienced divers a seven-night “Unlimited Diving” package with rates starting at $2,889 including accommodations, unlimited dives and a complimentary cocktail.

Package rates do not include dive gratuities and are based on double occupancy. Shorter packages of three and five-nights are also available. 1.800.333-3333 or www.radisson.com/aruba

Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino – “Adult Indulgence” Getaway
Sophisticated guests can indulge in adult-only accommodations at the Renaissance Marina Hotel and enjoy Sunday night’s “Sunset in Style” event on the deck of the hotel’s infinity pool, featuring a complimentary martini bar, tapas and music entertainment. Offer valid with a stay of five consecutive nights with the fifth night free for booking and travel through December 21, 2007. Rooms start at $212 per night based on double occupancy. 1.800.421.8188 or www.renaissancearuba.com

The Westin Aruba Resort – “Commemorative Package”
The “Commemorative Package” celebrates the completion of The Westin Aruba Resort’s $16 million renovation, with accommodations, complimentary trip vouchers, tickets for two for dinner and cabaret show at Cabaret Royale, one 60-minute massage per person in resort’s Intermezzo Spa and a one-hour gambling lesson in Casablanca Casino. Available until October 31, 2007 at $799 per night, based on double occupancy. 1.877.822.2222 or www.westin.com/aruba

7 Aruba Hotels Also Honored with Golden Apple Awards!

Apple Vacations honored Aruba with the 2007 Crystal Apple Awards for BEST DESTINATION 2007! The Crystal Apple Award is given to the “best of the best” in five categories and Aruba was proud to win the “Best Destination” honor based on over 300,000 Apple vacationer surveys.

Apple Vacations also recognized seven of Aruba’s highest rated hotels and resorts with a Golden Apple Award; honorees included the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, Bucuti Beach Resort Aruba and Tara Beach Suites & Spa, Divi Aruba All Inclusive, Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Casino, Radisson Aruba Resort & Casino, Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino, and the Westin Aruba Resort.

“This is indeed a great honor for Aruba,” said Managing Director for the Aruba Tourism Authority, Myrna Jansen-Feliciano, “These awards are a testimony to the hospitable Aruban community for providing a positive tourism experience to the island’s visitors. Congratulations and thank you for your support.”

On Saturday October 6, lots of dogs and ducks will occupy the Marriott grounds for an Animal Rights Aruba FUN fundraiser, organized by Marriott’s Stellaris Casino team. On Saturday from 10 AM – 4 PM, the parking lot of Aruba Marriott’s Grand Ballroom will transfer into Aruba’s largest open air dog wash saloon. Starting at 6 PM at Marriott’s Surf Club Pool Deck, a Fun Fair opens for the entire family to enjoy. Last but not least, a spectacular Rubber Duck Race in the Lazy River at Marriott’s Aruba Surf Club will provide guaranteed excitement and big winners, starting at 8:30 PM.

The unique Rubber Duck Race will consist of 5,000 rubber ducks in Marriott’s 490 feet long Surf Club Lazy River Pool, propelled by the pool water that is in constant motion. The first 25 ducks to reach the finish line will win great prizes, with a value of at least 300 dollar. The first duck will be the lucky winner of a Willy’s Pool Spa at a value of 6,000 dollar. The rubber ducks are for sale at $5 each and can be purchased at the Stellaris Casino, DA Drugstore and at Animal Rights Aruba. On October 4 and 5 a group of IPA Students will sell duck race tickets at Certified Supermarket from 4-6 PM.

All ducks are numbered, corresponding with the number on the tickets that belong to the individual ducks. In order to select the correct winners and for the winner to collect the grand prizes, it is very important to bring the ARA Rubber Duck tickets to the race on Saturday. The duck race will start at 8:30 PM and the finish of the ducks is expected 15 minutes thereafter. Be on time so you don’t miss all the excitement and the announcement of the winning ducks.

The Fun Fair taking place at Marriott’s Surf Club Pool side is open to the public from 6-9 PM with all kinds of family games and fun activities, face-painting for kids, live music and off course food and drinks. Entrance to the Fun Fair is free; tickets at $1 each can be purchased to participate in the several games and activities like a human fruit machine, a cake walk and a lollypop wall.

The dog wash will be held on the parking lot of the Grand Ballroom at the Marriott Hotel, on Saturday October 6th from 12 noon – 4 PM. The dog wash is open to the public and everybody is allowed to bring their dogs for a good clean up. Costs for the dog wash are 25 florins per dog.

Are you Duck-alicious? A Duck-ess maybe? Can’t duck this? Fun t-shirts in five different styles are for sale to support Animal Rights Aruba. You can buy them at the Stellaris Casino for 10 florins each or during the Fundraising Event on Saturday October 6th.

All proceeds of the Dog Wash, Fun Fair and Rubber Duck Race go to Animal Rights Aruba (ARA). The money will be used to continue ARA’s five-year-neutering and spaying program to help reduce the stray dog problem in Aruba. ARA also will use the funds to develop educational programs for schools to teach the younger generation how to treat and take care of animals. Lastly ARA will use the donations to build a ‘transit’ animal shelter. Aruba Marriott and the Stellaris Casino have been donating to Animal Rights Aruba for the past years, supporting their spaying and neutering program for cats and dogs. A total of $ 55,000.00 has been raised for the stray dog program so far.

This ARA Fundraising Event would not have been possible without the generous donations of the following gold level sponsors, who also provided the fabulous grand prizes for the Rubber Duck Race: Willy’s Pool, Lucky Electronics, Divi Golf and Beach Resort, Bucuti Beach Resort, Marriott Curacao, Setar, Digicel, Colombian Emeralds, Royal Jewelers, Victoria Bottling Company/ Pepsi Cola, Huchada Bakery, Jad’s, Aruba Adventures, Santosa and a special thank you to gold sponsor Valero Aruba for also helping out with 20 volunteers assisting during the event.

More information on the rubber duck race, dog wash and fun fair at Marriott’s Aruba Surf Club is available at Stellaris Casino, tel 520 6618 or Animal Rights Aruba, tel 588 7709.

On Hurricane Felix

OFFICIAL STATEMENT

From the ARUBA TOURISM AUTHORITY on the passing of hurricane Felix. Oranjestad, Aruba, September 2, 2007 15.30 hrs

Hurricane Felix passed over 100 KM north of Aruba at approximately 10.30 am on Sunday, September 2, 2007.

Aruba did not experience any hurricane effects, just tropical storm conditions such as rain during the morning hours, a few wind gusts and some rough surf along the coastlines.

Aruba is happy that no damage has been reported at this time. Reina Beatrix International Airport reopened at 12 noon today and all flights, except for inbound American Airlines flights, are on schedule.

Please click on any of the webcam links below for current views of Bucuti/Eagle beach.

http://www.aruba.com/about/weather.php#

http://www.aruba.com/about/bucutiwebcam.php

http://www.aruba.com/whattodo/beachwebcam.php