Hotels

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

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.

Unique product positioning and loyal repeat guests help the resort experience great success

While most of hospitality industry has been feeling the effects of the current economic climate, Bucuti Beach Resort & Spa in Aruba is weathering the storm thanks to an emphasis on repeat business. At Bucuti, the sales and marketing team has maintained high occupancy by focusing on what differentiates the resort from others in Aruba and cultivating close, personal relationships with loyal guests instead of offering discounts.

Since opening in 1987, Bucuti has maintained an annual occupancy level of 90 percent or above and has not fallen victim to the low numbers being reported throughout the industry over the last year. Resort owner and CEO Ewald Biemans believes this is a direct result of the loyal repeat guest base that has been cultivated through years of personal relationship building and product specialty for this destination. In fact, return guests have accounted for nearly half of Bucuti’s bookings in 2009.

“Because Bucuti is an owner-managed resort, we have the opportunity to interact with guests on a personal level,” said Biemans. “My associates and I understand the needs and wants of our guests because we field questions and hear feedback first hand, and this allows us to provide an exceptional level of personal service. We strive to know our guests by name and work to develop a special connection with them, whether it’s making sure every newlywed is welcomed by management when they arrive or taking the time to talk with guests about our environmental practices. We hope they feel so at ease that they are planning their next trip before they ever check out.”

The Bucuti team interacts consistently with guests through a resort Facebook page and Twitter account, as well as a second Facebook page run by the resort’s wedding planner. Bucuti has more than 1,000 fans on Facebook, may of whom communicate directly with one another and resort management by sharing their photos and experiences. This open stream of contact has allowed Bucuti’s ownership and management to correspond directly with guests now more than ever before.

In addition to attracting and enjoying loyalty from repeat guests, Bucuti has placed an increased emphasis on the fact that it is the only resort in Aruba that caters exclusively to couples, and those in the market for romantic travel have recognized this. For example, Bucuti’s Tara Suites were built to honeymooners specifications, and because of this, they are always the first to sell out even though they are the highest priced rooms.

In Biemans’ opinion, couples will still be getting married and celebrating anniversaries regardless of what is going on in the economy, and Bucuti will continue to deliver a top-notch experience that keeps attracting those seeking a romantic, sophisticated boutique resort experience.

“We are confident that by keeping our price structure intact and not discounting, we are supporting the value of our product, allowing us to reinvest in a freshly maintained and updated appearance and due to the high quality of the experience, price has not distracted our guests from booking their wedding, honeymoon or vacation at Bucuti,” said Biemans.

About Bucuti Beach Resort: Bucuti Beach Resort featuring Tara Beach Suites & Spa is Aruba’s premier, intimate, upscale boutique resort for couples. Located on the white-powder sands of Eagle Beach, Bucuti was named one of the world’s most romantic resorts by TripAdvisor. Bucuti offers 104 guest rooms, an abundance of contemporary European charm and a caring and attentive staff. Bucuti is a leader in sustainable tourism throughout the world, is ISO 14001 certified and has been recognized by notable organizations such as the Caribbean Hotel Association, American Express and the International Hotel and Restaurant Association for its environmentally responsible hotel operations. For more information, visit www.bucuti.com.

A Newly Refurbished Pool Complements A $50 Million Renovation

Sunday, September 20th marked the re-opening of the Aruba Marriott’s free form pool, which underwent a resurfacing and beautification project over the past five weeks.

After having successfully completed a $50 million make over in November 2008, the resort moved forward with an upgrade to their pool facilities to provide equal quality and consistency throughout the resort. Five weeks were spent resurfacing the 180,000-gallon pool, restoring the rock formations, installing new border tiles and adding coloured LED energy efficient lighting (an eco-friendly initiative).  The resort also ensured that the pool is up to the new safety codes now applied in the USA for recreational swimming pools in accordance with the Virginia Game Baker Act.  Finally, the pool bar was enhanced with a new granite top and tiling.

On Monday September 21st, the resort hosted a pool party celebration to thank Marriott’s loyal guests for their patience and understanding during the pool renovation. Guests enjoyed great music, complimentary cocktails and snacks served personally by Marriott’s senior management team. “The guest response to the re-newed pool has been overwhelmingly positive,” stated General Manager and Vice President Rick Zeolla. “This project is the icing on the cake to our hotel renovation and is consistent with the look and feel our guests can expect to find at the Aruba Marriott.” Guests can now enjoy the all-new pool facilities including an intimate Jacuzzi, cascading waterfalls and surrounding rock formations.

The Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino boasts 411 guestrooms - 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, 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.

Clockwise below: Guests in the pool, Marriott GM serving drinks, Marriott management with guests, Management serving drinks

The Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa is featuring memorable tropical experiences for the 2009/2010 holiday season. From indulgent treatments at the resort spa to kayaking along the coast in search of sea turtles, the Radisson Aruba offers activities for the whole family. Vacationers traveling to Aruba can stay at the flagship Radisson resort on the island’s best beach from December 18, 2009 - January 3, 2010, with rates beginning at USD $549 per night. Visit www.radisson.com/aruba for more information.

The Westin Aruba Resort invites couples to prolong the relaxing beach days of summer with the all-inclusive experience, with rates starting at $399 per room (All inclusive), based on double occupancy for travel through December 18, 2009.  As an added bonus, couples who book prior to September 30, 2009 will receive a $100 resort credit, which can be used towards activities such as an in-room massage or other spa services.

Couples, who during their fall getaway (September 1 – December 19, 2009) can prove they conceived during their stay, will receive a $300 ‘Conception Credit’ towards a return visit to the resort in 2010. For more information please call (297) 586-4466 or visit www.westinaruba.com.

Happy Birthday! September 1st, 2009 marks the first birthday of Tradewinds Club, Aruba Marriott’s upscale hotel within a hotel located on the top floor of the resort, offering exclusive assess to a secluded beach area, a private Lounge and unexpected extras such as a pillow menu and free internet. More information on Aruba Marriott’s newest and most deluxe amenity is available on www.tradewinds.arubamarriott.com.

The Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino is launching their ‘Gonna get married…’ brand new wedding collateral, wedding packages and impressive destination wedding websites in English and Spanish: www.weddings.arubamarriott.com and www.bodas.arubamarriott.com.

The fully renovated Aruba Marriott is also featuring Get your Groove on package donating tickets to the Aruba Music Festival on October 10, 2009 when booking a room at the beachfront resort over the dates of the Music Festival and using code M16 on www.arubamarriott.com. Guest will receive two free tickets to the Earth Wind & Fire concert.

Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa is presenting a Sunshine & Paradise at Half the Price Sale that entices travellers to experience the brand’s flagship resort on the island’s best beach. The offer invites guests to book the resort’s best deal and enjoy 50 percent off regular rates during high season. Sale rates begin at USD $225 per night in a guest-room and exclusive Plaza Club accommodations begin at USD $329.50 based on double occupancy. The special high-season offer applies to bookings made Sept. 11 - 21, 2009, for travel from Jan. 3 through April 10, 2010.

This winter, travellers will feel instantly relaxed upon entering the Radisson Aruba Resort grounds. The vibrant gardens filled with exotic birds and plants, waterfalls, and lagoons provide a tropical oasis. Guests can reserve a palapa, a straw-shaded hut on the beach, and allow the accommodating waitstaff at Gilligan’s to create refreshing Caribbean concoctions. The 13,000-square-foot Larimar Spa is Aruba’s most comprehensive facility, offering distinctive treatments such as the Tropical Coconut Body Scrub and the Aloe Vera and Rum Massage.

For an affordable splurge, the 40 rooms and suites in the Plaza Club at Radisson Aruba Resort, Marina & Spa are among the most luxurious accommodations on the island and offer the highest level of personalized service in Aruba.  Located on the seventh and eighth floors of the Aruba Tower, Plaza Club guests have access to the exclusive Plaza Club Lounge featuring complimentary continental breakfast, afternoon tea and an evening cocktail hour with premium brands and hors d’oeuvres. The top-floor Plaza Club offers comfortable seating and Internet service, as well as a library with books and DVDs.

The Sunshine & Paradise at Half the Price Sale at Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino and Spa can be booked through Radisson Hotels & Resorts by calling (800) 333-3333, visiting www.radisson.com/aruba or through a travel professional.