Eat, Drink & Be Happy : Selling Aruba

Serving up a delicious platter of hotels, resorts, golf courses, spas, casinos and delectable local cuisine, Aruba aims to please with stretches of the finest beaches in the Caribbean and the coveted US pre-clearance at departure.  With more flights from the US than most other Caribbean countries, Aruba is also below the hurricane belt with temperatures year round at the eighty degree mark.

Eagle Beach-  Photo credit : ATA 

Photo credit : ATA 

In island news, The Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA) appointed Neville Every as director for North America. Based in New Jersey, the veteran tourism industry professional will oversee the North American-based regional directors and sales teams and will work with tour operators, travel agents and airlines. “I’m honored to have been chosen to represent my home country of Aruba,” he said, “more importantly, I am excited to help bring the island’s already strong brand to the next level and to continue to drive visitors to the One Happy Island.”

Alto Vista Chapel ( credit: ATA) 

 A pair of island-wide incentives is aimed at keeping the tourism mojo high year round. The ‘One Cool Honeymoon’ program for newlyweds offers room discounts, romantic perks and free anniversary stays while the ‘One Cool Family’ program - valid through September 30 - offers gratis room nights and gifts on check-in at the dozens of properties participating in the program. 

Brands on the Beach

Re-launched following a pricey refurbishment initiated under Holiday Inn’s $1 billion global brand renovation program, 382-room Holiday Inn Resort Aruba is still one of the best bargains on the beach.  “Aside from the value, friendly service, and our location, just about everything else is new and better than ever,” said Patricia Perrone, general manager. Upgrades include power showers, newly designed Seabreeze restaurant and updated equipment in the gym. www.holidayarubaresort.com

 

With rates available through the end of August, the ‘’100% Chance of Savings” at the Marriott and Renaissance properties invite with nightly rates starting at $189.00 at the Aruba Marriott and $156 .00 at Renaissance Aruba. “Traditionally, summer months are when kids are out of school and families take time off to spend quality time together, “said  Kevin Schwab, general manager, Aruba Marriott, “In Aruba, summer rates range 40 – 50% lower than in the winter, providing  great value.“ 


Offering generous incentives to travel agents, the resort is an easy sell to clients looking for a hassle-free getaway. “Increased or override commissions work well and drive incremental bookings to a particular resort. Providing travel agent rates or inviting groups of agents for a FAM are always a great way to showcase a resort and have the agent experience the service first hand, “he added. www.marriott.com/

View from Room 720 Aruba Marriott ( credit: M. Reffes )

At the Renaissance Aruba with the up-scale Renaissance Mall, six cinemas, L.G. Smith's Steak & Chop House and the largest convention centre on the island, ‘Escape! Inclusive ‘ package starting at $438.00 per night, double occupancy is tempting for travel through December 21 and includes all meals, discounts on spa treatments and a casino match play coupon. www.RenaissanceAruba.com 

Renaissance Aruba (credit: Marriott Resorts )  

Renaissance Aruba Blue Bar ( credit: Renaissance Aruba) 

There’s more brand reliability at the Aruba Westin with its first ever inclusive-light option. “More and more consumers are watching their budgets and want to know up front what their vacation will cost,” said Michele Frank, director, sales & marketing.  “Our inclusive plans provide this clarity and add value to the leisure experience without sacrificing quality and service.” Fronting the snow white sands of Palm Beach, the 481-room resort offers eight restaurants and lounges, casino , spa and nearby golf.  The ‘Eat, Drink & Be Happy’ option  includes breakfast in the Bon Bini restaurant ,lunch in The Terrace  and nightly rates starting at $439.00  per room, double occupancy.  The ‘Premium All-Inclusive’ option includes dinner at Pago Pago, Baci, or Azull, $25.00 credit for dining at Blossoms and nightly rates that start at $599.00 per room, double occupancy.  www.westinaruba.com/

Slated to open in 2014, 310- room Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is being built on the ruins of the Bushiri Hotel which will be demolished by the end of the year. “We are pleased to welcome the popular brand to our happy island,” said Otmar Oduber, minister of tourism, “We anticipate this exciting development will create a boost in tourism and will bring new opportunities to this area of the island.” www.hardrockhotel.com/

Suite News

Bucuti & Tara Beach resorts received Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence for 2012. “We are thankful to our guests for taking the time to share their Bucuti experience with fellow travelers,” said, Ewald Biemans, owner.  “There is no better way of determining whether or not we are meeting the needs of our guests than hearing their direct feedback, and this award affirms that we are providing the level of service and accommodations that guests are seeking when planning a vacation to Aruba.” For travel through December 22, the six-day ‘Eco Vacation Experience’ includes hikes through the Arikok National Park, dinner prepared by local chefs, tours of the Aloe factory and car rental for a day. “Many guests come to Aruba seeking the beauty of the beaches, and what we have found is that they are pleasantly surprised by the number of historic sites and natural wonders the island is home to,” Biemans added. www.bucuti.com

Bucuti Beach Resort ( credit : Bucuti) 

At Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach, summer packages for couples include breakfast for two, seaside dinner by candlelight, turndown service with white candles, bottle of bubbly and chocolate covered fruit. Priced at $1359.00 per couple, the five-night stay includes an ocean view one-bedroom suite.    .www.diviarubaphoenix.com

A Feast of Festivals

August 24 – 26: Professional and amateur golfers from the U.S., Venezuela, Brazil and Holland team up to showcase their skills in this 36-hole tournament at Tierra del Sol.

September 30: Saluting the full moon, Nikky Beach welcomes hundreds of fashionistas and trendsetting wannabees.  www.nikkybeacharuba.com

October 5-6:  The Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival showcases A-list performers and street theater.

December 27: One of the biggest traditional musical events of the year, the Dande Festival lights up the island with concerts that, according to local lore, bless the New Year with prosperity.

A Click and a Call

1-800-TO-ARUBA        www.aruba.com

Aruba sunset ( credit: M. Reffes )