16 Oct 2014
WHAT'S NEW
Revival for Oranjestad downtown area
New life is being injected into areas of Aruba's capital Oranjestad, making it yet another entertaining diversion for visitors to the island.
At the heart of the renewal is a new streetcar line, first introduced last year, and with dedicated routes now opening, it is connecting cultural and commercial quarters to create a range of tour opportunities.
Downtown Oranjestad was, of course, always at the heart of Aruban life. But the development of tourism meant that its Mainstreet found itself in direct competition with such areas as Palm Beach, where shops and restaurants moved to be near the tourist dollars.
The capital's harbour area and L G Smith Boulevard held their own with investment in two large hotels – now the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino and Renaissance Marina Towers - and an indoor shopping complex attracting a variety of luxury brands.
The neighbouring Renaissance Market Place, an alfresco venue with dining, shopping, casino and the island's first cinema complex, also lured locals and tourists. But with no natural link between the two, visitors became discouraged from discovering the charms and historic architecture of the Mainstreet area.
However, the government-backed initiative centred around the clean energy-powered streetcars, is ushering in a new era for Oranjestad. The streetcars, designed in San Francisco, take shoppers and sightseers through the heart of the downtown area free of charge. Travellers can hop on and off at various stops en route, giving them access to historic Dutch colonial architecture and top-class shopping.
Two routes now connect to the heart of Oranjestad, a vertical and a horizontal option. The latter, now completed, runs from the cruise ship terminal to Mainstreet and to new central point, Plaza Nikki. The vertical corridor, now under construction, links the Central Post Office, the University of Aruba and the San Francisco Church, with the renovated courthouse buildings and Mainstreet, flowing into Laza Padu and the seat of the Aruban government and newly-expanded City Hall.
Picturesque water fountains and lush landscaping complete the improved look of Oranjestad, which is now one of the most charismatic and contemporary progressive downtown settings in the Caribbean.
It'll be all white on the night!
Mondays nights have taken on a new look on Aruba and if you decide to dress correctly for the party, there are some tempting deals in store!
This autumn, bars, restaurants and nightclubs have designated Mondays as Little White Dress Night, when diners and partygoers are invited to disregard their own fashion standards and pull out those white skirts, dresses, shorts, trousers, blouses and T-shirts.
Girls and guys are both invited to white-up on Mondays, with the weekly Little White Dress Night kick-off party starting at 8pm at the Palm Beach Plaza Mall. Enjoy a 45-minute live band and carnival show or explore the dining or shopping options within the mall.
From there, white-clad revellers can head out across the island for a range of special offers – from half-price and two-for-one drinks or discounts on food – at a range of venues.
For a full list of participating bars, clubs and restaurants, go to www.aruba.com/little-white-dress-night
Aruba tourism booms
Tourism to Aruba expanded in the first half of 2014 at one of the strongest rates within the entire Caribbean.
Latest statistics from the Caribbean Tourism Organisation showed a 5.3 cent growth for the six months to June, compared to the same period in 2013. In total the island welcomed almost 490,000 tourists, which included 6.27 per cent more from the UK.
HOTEL NEWS
Aruba's latest luxury hotel, the RIU Palace Antillas, has opened in time for the island's tourism high season.
This is RIU Hotels and Resorts' second property in the island and is located on Palm Beach, next to the RIU Palace Aruba. It is the first on the island to offer an all-inclusive 24-hour service exclusively for adults.
In addition to the 24-hour all inclusive programme, key features include a welcome sparkling wine, concierge, 24-hour room service and free wi-fi throughout the hotel. All 482 rooms have satellite TV.
The hotel features five restaurants and two bars. An elegant café is also open around the clock. A casino, plus live music and shows in the Carnaval Lounge Bar are among the entertainment options.
The established RIU Palace Aruba will close for refurbishment from April 13 to July 11, 2015.
www.riu.com/en/Paises/aruba/palmbeach/hotel-riu-palace-antillas/index.jsp
Brickell Bay goes adult-only
The popular Brickell Bay Beach Club and Spa at Palm Beach has become an adult-only boutique hotel. The minimum age for check-in is now 16.
The move comes as the property introduces a range of added value features, including free wi-fi in all rooms, lobby, pool and restaurant; welcome drink; free use of fitness room; business centre; discount shopping vouchers; and US$20 vouchers to play at the neighbouring casino.
Speeding up check-in at Bucuti
Aruba's leading adults-only resort has added a new level of convenience for guests arriving at the property.
Bucuti & Tara Beach Resorts' personal concierges now meet arriving guests and whisks them to their room while completing the check-in process with the resort's new personalised tablet check-in system. This avoids the need to visit the reception desk and form-filling, allowing guests to get to the beach quicker!
The personal concierge and tablet give guests the opportunity to ask questions and make special requests at check in and at any time during their stay.
Before travelling to Aruba, guests are asked to log onto the system and complete required information before arrival.
This added value feature comes as Bucuti introduces a 'no surprise fees' approach, with all room rates now including taxes, daily American breakfast buffet, local phone calls, mobile phone charge, wi-fi throughout the property, and complimentary use of an iPad in every room.
Fitness fans favour Manchebo
Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa recently opened a new state-of-the-art fitness room designed to give guests the option to enjoy a full range of cardio and strength exercises.
The resort already features a wide range of daily pilates and yoga exercises and its wellness programme has seen major diversities over the last few years. These include vegetarian and gluten-free menu options, as well as yoga holidays, as Manchebo aims to become a fitness holiday pioneer in Aruba.
Amsterdam Manor's silver anniversary
The family-owned and run Amsterdam Manor is celebrating its 25th anniversary by giving away a week-long stay for two people.
The all-inclusive resort, featuring Dutch colonial architecture and located on Eagle Beach is asking visitors to upload a picture to its Facebook page describing their best experience at the resort. The picture should be shared on their own Facebook page (#AMBR25years). The winner will be announced on December 1
More mobile info available from Divi & Tamarijn
Continuing their drive to boost their digital presence, the Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusives have added two mobile micro-sites targeting family and wedding and honeymoon travellers.
Both offer familiar characteristics of an easy-to-use app, such as swipe to view photo galleries and a click-to-call line to the reservations line.
Located half an hour from Aruba's airport and five minutes from capital Oranjestad, the resorts are set on scenic Druif Beach, with a shopping arcade and nearby casino
IN THE DIARY: THE BEST EVENTS OF 2014/2015
Aruba International Bike Week
27 October – 2 November 2014
Witness the remarkable sight of hundreds of motor-cycles parading around the island. This annual events attracts bikers from many countries, who ship their bikes to the island to take part in festivities.
e-mail: croesrudy@gmail.com
11th Annual National Coastal Clean-up
10 November 2014
Sponsored by the Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association, this national clean-up day concentrat4es on areas near and along the coastline
Divi Aruba International Beach Tennis Tournament
10-16 November 2014
Aruba's international beach tennis tournament is the premier event of its kind in the Caribbean. Pros and amateurs from around the world compete for the trophy and take part in the festive beach chic ambience on the sands of Eagle Beach.
Saint Nicolas Day
5 December 2014
Children line the harbour in island capital Oranjestad for the ceremonious arrival by ship of “Sinterklaas” dressed in bishop's robes and accompanied by his “Zwarte Pieten” (helpers)
Dande Festival
27 December 2014
In Aruba's largest traditional musical event, more than 50 singers accompanied by typical musical groups present their original composition and lyrics, as well as the traditional Dande song. A Dande group is a troupe of travelling musicians brightening the New Year with a song bestowing blessings, goodwill and prosperity. Venue: tba
New Year's Day
01 January 2015
Aruba welcomes the New Year with traditional music and an amazing island-wife display of fireworks. The Island's holiday atmosphere can be enjoyed with a simple evening under the stars on the beach or at one of the glitzy gala receptions held at various resorts.
Aruba Carnaval
January - March 2015
Aruba's Carnaval has grown to be one of the largest in the Caribbean, with a weeks-long celebration of festive 'jump-ups' (street parties), spectacular parades and musical events. Dazzling costumes and music play a central role in events ranging from the Queen elections to the Grand Parades, which wind their way through the streets of San Nicolas and Oranjestad to the delight of thousands of spectators.
Betico Croes Day
25 January 2015
Aruba pays tribute to its greatest statesman on his birthday. This official holiday features various cultural and sporting events, as well as popular games held at various venues across the island.
For general information on visiting Aruba please go to www.aruba.com
