14 Mar 2014
All the latest from the Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba - including the latest hotel developments, international star performances and key events coming up for 2014!
WHAT'S NEW
Spring clean for Baby Beach
One of Aruba's most popular beaches for families is undergoing a major improvement programme.
Around £200,000 is being spent at Baby Beach in the south of the island, with the scheme including planting additional coconut and grape trees, a new parking area and construction of new footpaths and wall to separate the beach from the access road. Additional litter bins are also being installed.
Baby Beach is a half-moon stretch of sand edging a shallow lagoon. Located at Seroe Colorado at the south eastern end of Aruba and close to the second city of San Nicolas, it is around 30 minutes by car from capital Oranjestad.
The waters are very shallow, making it a prime destination for families with children - and hence its name. Swimmers can wade out for yards and still remain in their depth. It is also a popular location for snorkelling, with a kaleidoscope of coral and tropical fish where the bay opens out to the Caribbean Sea.
HOTEL NEWS
Green Manchebo gains gold
Luxury boutique property Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa has further boosted its environmental credentials having been again awarded Gold status with its re-certification by the leading Green Globe organisation.
First awarded gold in 2007, the property has a number of green initiatives in place, with an eco-action plan tracking energy, water and gas consumption. In addition, the resort conducts various projects on renewable energy sources. All guest room doors are insulated by weather strips and patio sliding doors are tinted with double glass to maximise the air conditioning efficiency. Low watt warm fluorescent light bulbs are installed in all light fixtures throughout the property. Its purchasing policy ensures the hotel uses eco-friendly products and supports environmentally-friendly businesses.
'Manchebo Beach Resort embodies all the characteristics of Caribbean hospitality and eco-consciousness,' said Denaye Hinds, Director of Sustainability and Lead Auditor for the Manchebo Beach Resort. 'This property continuously improves its efforts to conserving the environment. The resort staff provide incredible service and a firm commitment to preserving a safe and healthy environment for the island of Aruba, its people and visiting guests. Working with the Manchebo team has always been a joy, and I can understand why guests like to come back here.'
A two-storey hotel, Manchebo is 10 minutes from downtown Oranjestad, located on Eagle Beach, rated as one of the top 10 in the world. The property offers 72 deluxe and newly-renovated ocean and garden view rooms. The hotel has three a la carte restaurants.
New-look for Renaissance adult-only rooms
The Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino has completed the renovation of its adult-only Renaissance Marina rooms to provide guests with what the property says is a new Caribbean experience.
In addition to restyling the rooms, the Marina Hotel pool deck, BLUE bar, LG Smith's Steak & Chop House and Papagayo have been given a new-look.
Renaissance say the new room design is 'sexy', with a style and colour palette that evokes the spirit of Aruba.
During 2014, the 259 guest rooms at the Renaissance Ocean Suites will also be refurbished, with work scheduled for completion by mid-November.
Prestigious award for Aruba Marriott Resort
The Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino has received the distinguished American Automobile Association (AAA) Four Diamond Award 2014 in recognition to its outstanding quality and established commitment to quality service.
Only 5.3 percent of the more than 29,000 hotels approved by AAA make the Four Diamond list. To participate for the award, hotels are thoroughly inspected for service and overall appearance. The AAA Four Diamond Award is awarded to hotels demonstrating quality in all areas, offering more superior accommodation and with 'admirable' physical attributes, an extensive array of amenities and attention to detail and excellent hospitality.
'We are honoured to receive the AAA Four Diamond Award and will continue to create memorable experiences unique to each guest to ensure lasting customer satisfaction and loyalty to the Aruba Marriott,' said hotel manager Matt Knights.
Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, is located on Palm Beach, with all 411 guestrooms overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Guest exclusivity is attainable on the eighth floor through the Tradewinds Club, a boutique 'hotel-within-a-hotel' concept that is paired with a new adults-only pool and lounge area.
A new condominium development is underway for the south of Aruba. The official groundbreaking ceremony for the 30-unit Serena Residence has taken place on a site on a cliff overlooking Rodger's Beach.
One of Aruba's quieter beaches, Rodger's is within easy reach of San Nicolas, Aruba's second city. Plans for the development include five small buildings of six condominiums each, spread along the cliff face, together with a small swimming pool and deck
Amsterdam Manor plans for summer
Popular Amsterdam Manor has made a number of changes at the property and introduced new facilities as it gears up for the summer season.
All guest room beds have been replaced and larger new flat screen TVs installed. New fridges are also being provided.
Around the pool and on room balconies and terraces, new sun umbrellas and pillows have been provided. The former Sunset Upper Deck Bar above the pool has been changed to the Horizons Bar, with the area extended and additional seating provided. Tapas and a selection of cocktails will be available and the twice-daily happy hour continues. The manager's cocktail party with live music is also continued on Thursdays.
WHAT ELSE IS NEW?
Headliners named for Soul Beach Festival
Internationally-acclaimed performers have been announced to top the bill at this year's Soul Beach Music Festival in Aruba from May 21 to 26.
Robin Thicke, one of the most respected singer-songwriters in soul and R&B, and 10-time Grammy winner Kenny 'Babyface' Edmonds head the line-up for this year's much-anticipated event.
Award-winning vocal powerhouse Thicke will head the climax of the event during the Memorial Day Weekend, which will also include a comedy night. Nominated for three Grammy awards, Blurred Lines, his recent release, is a worldwide hit. Festival-goers will sway and rock to the melodic vibrations of the lyrically-gifted soulful crooner on Sunday May 25 at the Nikki Beach Amphitheatre.
Kenny Edmonds tops the bill the previous night, Saturday May 24, following a festival programme that includes day and night parties, concerts and more.
Discover programme at Radisson Aruba
Radisson Aruba has launched the latest phase in its popular 'Discover' programme - Discover Your Core.
This consists of daily free activities addressing the needs of the resort's energetic and experienced travellers looking for a healthy and active addition to their holiday. Running until June 15, the programme includes cycling to the California Lighthouse at the northern tip of the island, a morning swim, wave boarding and an ATV trek through the Arikok National Park.
The programme also features sunrise yoga, specialised sports massages, thalassotherapy treatments and ocean therapy sessions.
Further accolades underline Aruba's standing
Aruba and its hotels have gained a further clutch of international awards, underlining the island's standing as a leading global destination.
Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort has been named No 1 among 78 hotels in Aruba by publisher US News & World Report. The award is based on the opinions of travel experts and guests gathered through online reviews and ratings
Meanwhile, TripAdvisor named the resort in the top 25 hotels in the Caribbean and the only property in Aruba to receive this distinction. The resort's two restaurants, Carte Blanche and Elements also made their No 1 and No 2 debut among the top 115 restaurants listed on the island's Palm and Eagle Beaches.
Still with restaurants, Papiamento, Screaming Eagle and Flying fishbone were Aruba business named in Caribbean Journal's list of Best Caribbean Restaurants.
The same publications also recently named Aruba's LG Smith Boulevard as one of its top Caribbean streets. 'Aruba's most popular thoroughfare is all about shopping - with duty-free shops, boutiques and more in the heart of Oranjestad,' it said.
Savouring Blue Residences
Diners get close to the action in a new exclusive restaurant scheduled for Blue Residences, the luxury condominium resort which opens on Aruba's Eagle Beach this month (March).
Customers at The Kitchen Table by White Modern Cuisine will enjoy dinner in the kitchen itself. Scheduled to open on July 1, the restaurant will be under the direction of renowned chef/proprietor Urvin Croes. Diners can watch as the expert culinary team prepares a nine-course meal from locally-sourced ingredients. Just 14 reservations and four walk-ins will be accepted each night.
Urvin Croes recently earned the top spot in Aruba's first 'Iron Chef' competition and has been recognised for his skills by Taste of the Caribbean and the Aruba Gastronomic Association Culinary Student Competition. He trained in Italy, the Netherlands and Aruba with his experience including resorts on the island and the Michelin-starred Grand Hotel Karel V in Utrecht.
Step back into Aruba culture
Visitors to Aruba can gain a unique insight into island culture with a new exhibition opened at the Aruba Historical Museum, within Fort Zoutman in capital Oranjestad.
XPO 1880 is an exploration of Aruba history and culture, through the eyes of local children. The programme used 20 schoolchildren as 'special agents' who were sent out to obtain family heirlooms, investigate traditional practices, such as herbal remedies, and explore the history of their school or house.
The objects and their stories, as well as the family histories of the children involved, now form the core of this exhibition, on show for the rest of 2014.
The museum is open from 09.00 to 12.00 and 13.30 to 16.00, Monday to Friday, with an entrance fee of US$5 (approx. £3.15)
IN THE DIARY: THE BEST EVENTS OF 2014
54th International Boulevard Race (10k)
27 April 2014
Aruba's most popular running race draws over 200 competitors from South America, the Caribbean and Europe. The 10k event starts at 17.30 on LG Smith Boulevard and ends at the Marriott resort.
Soul Beach Festival
21-26 May 2014
Star-studded music festival covering the Memorial Day holiday weekend, including concerts, comedy nights, day and night parties and more fun besides
Dera Gai (St John's Day)
24 June 2014
Aruba's harvest festival is now a cultural celebration featuring traditional song and dance. The symbol of the rooster and bright yellow and red costumes are central to event held at various locations.
28th Aruba International Triathlon
29 June 2014
International competitors participate in a triathlon comprised of a 1.5km swim, 40km bike race and a 10km run.
For general information on visiting Aruba please go to www.aruba.com
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For press information please contact:
Joanna Walding
Tel: 07885913860
Email: j.walding@aruba.com
