18 May 2016
WHAT'S NEW
Cuba seeks Aruba's expertise
Aruba's expertise in tourism management is being sought by Cuba as it continues to develop internationally.
The islands' two governments have signed a memorandum of understanding on tourism and transport, which was ratified during a recent official visit to Cuba by a delegation from Aruba, including its Minister of Tourism, Otmar Oduber.
Discussions have been established for several months, focusing on encouraging travellers to twin visits to both islands and creating a route between the two for cruise ships. Cuba is keen to learn from Aruba on marketing, tourism management and cruise facility strategies. Cuba is also interested in Aruba's experience in timeshare and regulation of accommodation.
June's a month to chill
Relaxation takes on a new meaning for holidaymakers heading for the Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba in June.
Next month has been designated Aloe Wellness Month Aruba, in the first of an annual programme which will feature activities designed to help visitors decompress, unwind and relax, while enjoying the local culture of the island.
Hotels and spas across the island will offer a variety of special wellness packages designed to help visitors feel refreshed and rejuvenated.
Aruba is a noted producer of aloe vera products, created from the key locally-grown ingredient. The industry is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year and during June participating day spas are preparing a diverse menu of treatments incorporating aloe's healing properties.
Hotels will also invite guests to experience wellness-focused activities, such as dance therapy, fitness classes and yoga sessions. Hiking along the rugged northern coast of the island or kayaking and stand-up paddle-boarding over tranquil turquoise waters are suggested for those seeking nature-inspired activities.
Local chefs are adding a wholesome twist to classic island cuisine by orchestrating nourishing menus, together with cooking classes and demonstrations focusing on healthy eating.
Engage with Aruba via social media at www.facebook.com/ArubaFans or @Aruba on Twitter and @arubatourism on Instagram.
Renovation at Natural Bridge
The original building at the Natural Bridge has been renovated and changed to look like a traditional Aruban country home.
Although the Natural Bridge – a 100 ft long, 25 ft high arch carved by the sea from coral limestone and believed to be the remnant of an ancient cave – collapsed in September 2005, thousands of visitors still go to the site.
The building, known as the 'Thirst Aid Station' has been gutted to include new bathrooms, bar, furniture, gift shop and sitting area. These provide a panoramic view of the sea and surrounding hills.
Responsible pet ownership
Aruba's ongoing struggle with an overpopulation of cats and dogs has a new ally. Bucuti & Tara Beach resort has teamed up with island vets to help reduce the number of homeless animals on the island and to make responsible pet ownership a reality.
Introducing Love Me. Sterilise Me, this new community programme offers much-needed spay and neutering surgeries, thanks to the support of Bucuti and other backers. This reduces the cost of sterilization for pet owners and homeless animal organisations.
HOTEL NEWS
Aruba Marriott going greener
Continuing its environmental drive, the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino has introduced further initiatives.
The hotel recently introduced digital thermostats that adapt when the room is unoccupied to save energy. LED lighting has been installed in all guest rooms and the hotel is also in the process of fitting double-glazed windows and doors which are noise- and heat-proof, also saving energy.
Other green moves have included a solar domestic hot water system, water booster pumps to regulate water pressure and a grey water filtration system which recycles zinc water for plant irrigation.
Meanwhile, the resort has given a new look to its La Vista Restaurant, including a new interior design. The restaurant is a popular Sunday brunch spot, while guests also enjoy buffet breakfast and nightly dinner buffet, with carnival shows on Mondays and Thursdays.
All of a flutter at Hilton Aruba
The Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino is home to 11 exotic birds and the feathered guests were recently moved to a dedicated bird garden, with easy access by resort guests and the families.
Bird caretaker, Victor Hernandez, is enthusiastic about sharing his knowledge with hotel guests. The bird garden is beneath a mango tree with nearby cascading waterfalls, providing a relaxing setting for visits.
Birds include various varieties of macaw, cockatoo, toucan and African grey parrots.
- Meanwhile Aruba Birdlife Conservation has published its latest checklist, identifying 252 species on the island.
Meals get healthier at Bucuti
Bigger is not necessarily better and pursuing its policy of responsible living, Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort has listened to guest feedback and introduced more sensible meal portions for healthy dining.
Guests often remarked that meal servings were too large, so now Elements, the resort's fine dining restaurant, offers i-Pad-based menus including pictures to show dinner size portions.
Said resort owner Ewald Biemens: 'As part of our commitment to better living, we share our guests' preferences for healthy choices and listened when they said they wanted more sensible servings.
'Our menus offer a wide selection of world cuisine using the freshest ingredients on Aruba and reducing portion sizes is a vital step in providing an even more responsible and satisfying dining experience while immediately reducing our carbon footprint.'
Supporting local craft
Visitors wanting to support local artists and suppliers when shopping for souvenirs might think of heading to Coconuts at the Occidental Grand in Palm Beach.
Unique souvenirs and clothing are all made and designed on-island. They include Ha'Bon Soap, handcrafted with local ingredients, and Gigliola Designs, dresses and other fashion items from a local designer.
Eclectic beachwear is available from Biba Dushi - living the good life in the local Papiamento language.
www.occidentalhotels.com/resort/occidental-grand-aruba
WHAT ELSE IS NEW?
New invitation for athletes
Sports enthusiasts are being issued with a new invitation from Aruba, as it adds an exciting new event to its competitions line-up.
ChallengeAruba will be staged on October 23, becoming the latest in a series of global events organised by ChallengeFamily.
The triathlon will include a half marathon and is expected to draw competitors from the UK and Europe, as well as the USA. Aimed at attracting competitors and their families to enjoy a holiday as well as sporting action, ChallengeAruba will also include a series of additional activities to ensure everyone gets the most out of their stay. These will include a launch beach party, with a post-event lavish beach and pool award party planned.
The ChallengeAruba course has been designed to take in Aruba's scenery, as well as for its speed, variety and quality.
The 1.9km swim is a single lap course in the clear Caribbean waters off the island's renowned Palm Beach. The undulating 90km bike course is over four laps along the coastline, passing through some of Aruba's most popular beaches, before heading to the landmark California Lighthouse at the northern tip.
The 21km run is entirely along the island's white sand beaches. Three laps will alternate between the developed area known as The Strip and the path along the beach in front of some of the major resorts in the Palm Beach area. The finish line will be on the boulevard at the Hyatt Regency.
A spring distance race will also be staged for those runners who prefer to keep it short and sweet. The sprint consists of a 750m swim, 22.5km cycle and a 7km run.
De Palm catering for wheelchairs
Leading on-island operator De Palm Tours has taken delivery of a new coach fitted with a wheelchair lift. All other amenities are the same as the other six buses it has received in the last year, including rear and cabin cameras, wifi, LED lighting and two entertainment screens.
With more requests for tours for wheelchair passengers, De Palm decided to equip one of its vehicles with a lift. The company's own attraction at the private De Palm Island is also accessible by wheelchair and offers a special beach wheelchair.
Soul Beach Music Festival
The first of Aruba's major music extravaganzas gets underway later this month. The Aruba Soul Beach Music Festival is a star-studded two-night concert series, on May 27 and 28, featuring top names from the world of entertainment.
This year's headliners are the Isley Brothers, Miguel, singer-songwriters Fantasia and two-time Grammy nominee Jazmine Sullivan, who will be providing main stage performances.
Staged at the Renaissance Festival Plaza, the festival also includes comedy night on May 27, with an appearance by US actor and stand-up star Tony Rock.
Voted top Caribbean summer festival by Jetsetter magazine, the 2016 Soul Beach Music Festival boasts a cross-section of visitors and celebrities who attend this renowned three-in-one experience, featuring live music performances, comedy shows and beach parties.
IN THE DIARY: THE BEST EVENTS OF 2016
16th edition Aruba Soul Beach Music Festival
27-28 May 2016
Renowned two-night event combining live stage performances, comedy nights and beach parties
Dera Gai (St John's Day)
24 June 2016
Aruba's harvest festival celebrations featuring traditional song and dance
www.gobierno.aw
30th Aruba International Triathlon
26 June 2016
International competitors battle it out over a 1.5km swim, 40km bike ride and 10km run
30th Annual Aruba Hi-Winds
6-11 July 2016
Aruba's trade winds provide the perfect conditions for the largest amateur windsurfing event in the Caribbean.
Aruba International Regatta
12-14 August 2016
Major sailing event for international craft of all sizes, combined with music, parties and dinners at night
22nd Annual Aruba International Pro-Am Golf Tournament
26-28 August 2016
Professionals and amateurs team up in a two-day 36-hole tournament featuring gifts, prizes and special events.
For general information on visiting Aruba please go to www.aruba.com
