arubabeaches.net

Video: Paseo Herencia Show

Gabriel — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:41:21 +0000

[See post to watch Flash video]
Fountain water show in sync with Elvis’ classics [run-time: 8:15]

New shopping center Paseo Herencia – located at Palm Beach – not only brought more shops to the high rise hotel area, but also some culture.

This popular shopping mall made sure to feature a central plaza where cultural expression is possible. This particular location is host to many shows.

In above video you can admire an awesome water show in sync with beats of The King’s most recognizable classics. They put on this show every week, Sunday nights.

Post from: arubabeaches.net

Video: Paseo Herencia Show

Aruba Marriott: 30% Off

Gabriel — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 03:59:43 +0000

Aruba Marriott Suite [image by Marriott]

It’s been quite some time that since I wrote about a hot deal, but this one of Aruba Marriott is too good not to write about it. Marriott is offering unprecedented discounts on the daily rate by slashing the prices with a whopping 30%.

This discount is good through December 18, 2009. The rates start at $188 a night. To enjoy this discount you can book directly at Marriott.com and enter the code NEW for the discount.

Marriott is a luxury resort located at the northern end of Palm Beach. It was recently renovated for about $50 million. As tourism is expected to rebound in 2010, this might be one of the last hot deal offers Marriott Aruba is offering.

Post from: arubabeaches.net

Aruba Marriott: 30% Off

Latest: Secrets Resort Aruba in 2011

Gabriel — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 03:59:32 +0000

Secrets Resort & Spa [image by Secrets Resorts]

AMResorts sent out a press release with the announcement of the opening this year of two of their brand-resorts: Secrets Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Actually what caught my attention was the announcement of the president of AMResorts saying the company is entering the Aruban market by 2011.

AMResorts is a new company founded in 2001. Secrets-brand, an adult only resort, is currently only active in Mexico and is said to expand with two resorts in Montego Bay, which opens in the last quarter of this year.

Secrets Resort & Spa in Montego Bay features 350-suites. Assuming a building with a similar size for Aruba brings several interesting questions. Where is it going to be build? Palm Beach? Eagle Beach? Or elsewhere? What is going to be build? I highly doubt it will be a new building as that option seems to be a very touchy with locals and – regular – tourists alike. Perhaps they’re going to acquire an existing resort (La Cabana? Holiday Inn?) and transform it into a Secret Resort, just like Riu Palace did when they acquired Aruba Grand in 2007. How about abandoned Bushiri? Or a new building at the southern side of the island in San Nicolas? Lot’s of question at this point.

I haven’t heard anything from the officials side at this point. However, AMResorts unequivocally confirmed the entrance into the local market. To be continued.

Post from: arubabeaches.net

Latest: Secrets Resort Aruba in 2011

Palm Beach Today

Gabriel — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 03:59:03 +0000

Palm Beach

Above picture is taken at the north-end of Palm Beach, near Moomba Beach. This iconic and award winning beach has been the place to be since early adopters start visiting Aruba back in the 60s.

Most prominent high-rise resorts are located at the public beach of Palm Beach. At times the beach facilities – such as chairs – provided by resorts can get very crowded. Not the beaches themselves.

Upon entering the water you’ll feel the beach to be very sandy, making it very comfortable to walk barefoot around in the water. Snorkeling there is very poor. Look for coral areas elsewhere for proper snorkeling.

Post from: arubabeaches.net

Palm Beach Today

Pictures: View at Holiday Inn

Gabriel — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 03:59:51 +0000

Beautiful classic 80s-look palm trees at Holiday Inn

Holiday Inn is one of the oldest resorts in Aruba, therefore it has a long standing in Aruba’s tourism. Not always without controversy. Local officials were especially critical of the resort’s past maintenance schedules. It has undergone several renovation rounds during the years.

This Palm Beach high rise resort for a long time held the title of biggest resort in Aruba back in the 80s and early 90s. It was prestigious and had – still has nowadays – a big 24-hour casino, Excelsior Casino. Since, other resorts took over all the titles.

After a tour around the premises I found this all-inclusive hotel to still lack some maintenance and the design and set-up is dated, like 80s/90s dated. Overall, it’s certainly very clean, with very attractive pool and beach areas.

Pool area at Holiday Inn

Pool area is very close to Palm Beach

Child-friendly pool

View inside room at Holiday Inn

Room (double) at Holiday Inn

Holiday Inn room

Bathroom Holiday Inn

Building entrance

Entrance secondary building

Inside view secondary building

Floor lobby

Post from: arubabeaches.net

Pictures: View at Holiday Inn

Independence Day

Gabriel — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 03:59:19 +0000

Independence Day, or Fourth of July, is a day of celebrations in around the USA. Almost three quarters of our visitors originate from that country. Did you know the exact story of the about the signing of the Declaration of Independence? It’s certainly interesting if you like that sort of thing. It’s a Saturday, therefore I go completely off-topic on a day I otherwise don’t write.

There is a difference of two days between the signing of the declaration and the ratification of the declaration. The date of the ratification (July 4h, 1776) appears on this historic document therefore became the de facto date of the celebration of Independence Day. Truth be told, Independence Day is July 2nd, when Congress officially declared the independence of Thirteen United States of America.

Little known fact on the other side is which country was the first one to officially recognize the United States as and independent nation. It is believed to be the Kingdom of The Netherlands through one of its colonies. According to the stories US Navy vessel USS Andrew Doria was sailing the Caribbean waters when they entered the territorial waters of Saint Eustace (just south of Saint Martin and south east of Puerto Rico). As a symbolic act the vessel was welcomed by the Dutch governor with an 11-gun salute which is normally solely reserved to greet foreign – and sovereign – powers, thus basically recognizing the United States as an independent nation.

Post from: arubabeaches.net

Independence Day

Pictures: View at Westin Aruba

Gabriel — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 03:59:17 +0000

Pool side at Westin Aruba

One of the most iconic structures in the high rise hotel area is without a doubt the building of Westin Aruba. This building is the highest in Aruba and one of the islands most recognizable structures in Aruba for over three decades.

The building was owned and operated by Venezuelan investors. Hotel operators where Concorde Hotel, Hilton Hotels, Wyndham Resort, Aruba Resort and now The Westin Resort.

An interesting fact about this hotel is that it is the only one with 100% of all rooms have ocean view. Another interesting fact is that Westin Aruba is one of the few – perhaps the only one – pet-friendly resorts in Aruba. They allow dogs up to 22 pounds (10 kilos) in the rooms.

Lastly, the owners of the building have defaulted on certain loans a few months ago. This won’t affect your traveling plans, however. Take note that the ownership (by investors) and the operation (by Westin) are two completely separate entities, therefore the day-to-day tourist activity operations continue normally.

Ocean view rooms at Westin

Westin, with Riu Palace on the left

Pool area at Westin

Close-up at Westin

Nice sitting area at Westin

Sitting area with neighboring Divi Phoenix in the back

Elevator at Westin

Floor-lobby at Westin

To the rooms at Westin

Room numbers at Westin

Westin main lobby

Post from: arubabeaches.net

Pictures: View at Westin Aruba

Amsterdam Manor Expanding Brand

Gabriel — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 01:45:33 +0000

Amsterdam Manor’s new titles coming

Although the drop in tourism has been turned around for the month of April for the first time in half year, tourism numbers still remain under pressure.

Hotels need to do what ever they can to catch the attention and expand their brand. One of my favorite resorts in Aruba at one of my favorite beaches – Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort at Eagle Beach – is taking care of expanding their brand by building brand new sign along a main road.

Amsterdam Manor goes with the current trend by helping people feel comfortable when booking directly. The resort offers a “Worry-Free Guarantee” which allows cancellation for issues related to the worldwide “economic situation”.

Post from: arubabeaches.net

Amsterdam Manor Expanding Brand

Happy Canada Day

Gabriel — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:34:47 +0000

Happy Canada Day

I’ve been working hard behind the scenes to improve this website as of late, therefore falling behind on a few articles. However, I still manage to bring things back up to date.

If you are a long time reader you know that I don’t write weekends and Wednesdays. But rearly I’ll make an exception, such as today. It’s Canada Day today.

Although we don’t receive tons and tons of visitors from Canada, we do have some very special guests coming over. Some Canadians share a deep love for Aruba as I do. To all Canadians: Happy Canada Day, especially to my friend Pierre.

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Happy Canada Day

Pictures: Palm Beach Plaza Final Phase

Gabriel — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 03:59:58 +0000

Finals stages of the construction of Palm Beach Plaza Mall

We recently had the opportunity to tour the final stages of the construction of Palm Beach Plaza Mall and would like to thank them very much for taking the time to tour us around the premises. This 3-floor retail development is only a few months away from its grand opening.

I was pleasantly surprised with what I saw. As I have written previously Palm Beach Plaza must bring something different to the table in order to compete with neighboring – and very successful – rival Paseo Herencia. I think Palm Beach Plaza did. Apart from the small podium built for shows – which I think they copied directly from Paseo Herencia – they are planning to bring new things as well.

New is going to be specialized childcare, valet parking and a food court. Additionally there will be a movie theater and 8-lane bowling alley. Palm Beach Plaza is going to feature a wide selection of types of restaurants and as of today there is still no big international fast food chain scheduled to open there, which isn’t the worst thing in the world. In an attempt to be attractive to the local consumer Palm Beach Plaza emphasizes that the stores are focused to cater to all budgets and brands.

I think the childcare and food court are going to become very popular. It seems like the plan of Palm Beach Plaza to offer a diversified portfolio in what they offer is real. On a side note, I’m not too impressed with their website, especially comparing with Paseo Herencia.

South side of Palm Beach Plaza

View to the north at Palm Beach Plaza

View to the south side at Palm Beach Plaza

More parking

Valet parking happening here soon

Nice bridge across the mall

Modern fixtures at Palm Beach Plaza

Central plaza at Palm Beach Plaza

Details of Palm Beach Plaza

Escalator at Palm Beach Plaza

Palm Beach Plaza three floors high

Another view at the central plaza

Caribbean vegetation

Another view of the vegetation

Location of the food court

Post from: arubabeaches.net

Pictures: Palm Beach Plaza Final Phase