Friday, February 28, 2014

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba Combines Natural Influences & Local Flavors to Create Signature Services & Specialty Treatments for a Rejuvenating Spa Retreat

Aruba Bound
Experience ‘One Happy Island’ At This Tropical Spa

ARUBA– The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba is a tranquil enclave offering relaxation and renewal influenced by Aruba’s rich history, diverse culture and time-honored traditions. From its soothing Caribbean décor to the natural and locally-infused relaxing scents present throughout the spa, all elements of this sophisticated oasis capture the island’s genuine warmth while utilizing its vast natural resources to enhance serenity and create a pure sense of place and pampering for the body, mind and spirit.

The 15,000 square-foot Spa captures the lush, tropical environs and spiritual influences of Aruba incorporated into its 13 calming treatment rooms, salon and retail boutique. The natural beige furnishings and soft Caribbean hues displayed are reflective of the destination’s oceanfront backdrop paired with its arid landscape. Refreshing scents and aromas inspired by the Aruban tradition of wishing stones hand-selected for health, wealth or happiness fill the air and the relaxing rhythm of waves enhance the Spa’s tranquil island ambience to help guests unwind and escape the everyday.

Saturday, February 22, 2014

Cymbi is on the look-out for friends and family members

Aruba Bound
We would like to introduce you to Cymbi, one of the donkeys that has found a home at the Aruban Donkey Sanctuary. A fortnight after our volunteers had captured her mother, Cymbi was caught. During those two weeks Cymbi stayed in the vicinity of the family that had lured her mother into their garden. After a trailer had taken this donkey to the sanctuary, the reunion with her mother Orchid took place, a joyful occasion. At this moment Cymbi is probably expecting a baby; time will tell. It was quite stunning to see Orchid welcoming Cymbi as Orchid had delivered a son two days after she came to the sanctuary. Normally a first-born is rejected by the mother at such a time. But in this case it was the opposite: mother Orchid started flourishing after the reunion with her mom.

This beautiful donkey has been provided with a chip, just like all the other donkeys. On the chip is information about the donkey and its medical history. The donkeys at the sanctuary have a lot of friends with whom they can play all day long. And they love living there: they are well-cared for, they are fed and watered and when they are sick the vet is called. Yes, they are expensive customers for the sanctuary.

Friday, February 21, 2014

Tropical Dining on the Beach in Aruba

Passions on the Beach at the Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Caribbean Luxury Boutique Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa Preserves the Environment

Located at the most beautiful white beach and turquoise blue sea in Aruba, the Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa has been a leader in sustainability and responsible tourism for years.

Aruba Bound

Eagle Beach, Aruba (PRWEB) January 29, 2014- This luxury boutique resort was the first Green Globe member to earn prestigious Gold Status in December 2007, and recently earned re-certification.
“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 their efforts to conserving the environment. With a sincere feeling of responsibility and community engagement, the resort staff provides incredible service and a firm commitment to preserve 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.”
Numerous green initiatives are in place at the Manchebo Beach Resort, and an eco-action plan tracks 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 the patio sliding doors are tinted with double glass to maximize the air conditioners` efficiency. Low watt warm fluorescent light bulbs are installed in all light fixtures throughout the property. Environmental and responsible purchasing, take back policies with suppliers, make it a point to buy eco-friendly products and support environmentally-friendly businesses.

The Manchebo Beach Resort is deeply rooted in community and social endeavors throughout Aruba. Local causes and charitable organizations are supported through hosting events, participation in community programs, sponsorships, donations, and many hours of volunteer time from the entire Manchebo team. Taking responsibility is paramount here, and the resort`s efforts focus on local churches, senior`s homes, juvenile centers, or lunches for the elderly. Guests are invited to join local environmental and community-related activities, such as the monthly island-wide beach and reef clean-up.

“The world has a fixed amount of natural resources, and as the population grows our resources are pushed to its very limits. We must preserve the environment so that our children and future generations can benefit from it, and enjoy the same life we have,” concludes Lidia Halley, Environmental Coordinator at the resort.

About Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa
Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa offers the ultimate vacation experience in the Caribbean. The 2-story boutique resort is located on the shores of Eagle Beach, Aruba`s widest beach, which counts among the top 10 beaches in the world - an ideal place for romantic and rejuvenating getaways. The property offers 72 deluxe and newly renovated Ocean and Garden View Rooms with an inviting Island décor. Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa features three a-la-carte restaurants including the French Steakhouse, Ike’s Bistro and the casual beach-side Pega-Pega Cafe & Beach Bar. Spa del Sol, a Caribbean-Balinese Spa on the beach is the place for healing massages delivered in a beachfront gazebo and beachside Yoga - & Pilates classes. The resort is just 10 minutes away from downtown Oranjestad, Aruba`s capital.

Contact: Lidia Halley, Environmental Coordinator, Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa, J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 55, Eagle Beach, Aruba, USA, Phone (297) 582 3444, Fax (297) 583 3589, Email lidia(at)manchebo(dot)com | http://www.manchebo.com

About Green Globe Certification
Green Globe Certification is the worldwide sustainability system based on internationally accepted criteria for sustainable operation and management of travel and tourism businesses. Operating under a worldwide license, Green Globe Certification is based in California, USA and is represented in over 83 countries. Green Globe Certification is a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, supported by the United Nations Foundation. For information, visit http://www.greenglobe.com.

Saturday, February 15, 2014

Kaweta is looking for friends and family members

Aruba Bound
We would like to introduce Kaweta to you, one of the donkeys that has found a home at the Aruba Donkey Sanctuary. At four a.m. a call came in that a donkey had been hit by a car at Savaneta. The problem is that when the weather has been dry too long, the roaming donkeys go to the more populated areas on the island to find water. Fortunately Kaweta could be caught right away and he was taken to the vet, who ordered an emergency operation. The result was 12 pins in the bone. Kaweta had to stay in the intensive care unit, hanging in a sling. And that was not all: because he had grated his head on the road, part of his nostril had disappeared. But fortunately Kaweta is doing okay now. There was a moment of panic when the poor donkey did not wake up from the anaesthetic, but after a while things did turn out well.

Friday, February 14, 2014

Top Places for Romance in Aruba

Emmy award-winning TV host Karen Schaler as she shares some of Aruba's best romantic hidden gems

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Bucuti & Tara Beach Resorts recognized as top hotel in 2014

Aruba Bound

EAGLE BEACH, Aruba February 4th, 2014– U.S. News & World Report, a multi-platform, publisher of news and information, has awarded Bucuti & Tara Beach Resorts the coveted number one ranking hotel among 78 hotels in Aruba. U.S. News travel rankings are based on an unbiased analysis of awards, expert recommendations and user ratings.

Also noted was that travelers consistently praised the guest room views of Eagle Beach and the relaxing, adults-only tranquil environment provided by the resort.

In addition, TripAdvisor has announced the winners of the 2014 Travelers’ Choice hotel awards, which identifies the world’s top properties, and Bucuti & Tara Beach Resorts is pleased to be honored among the top 25 hotels in the Caribbean, the only resort in Aruba to receive this distinction. Additionally, the resort was named among the top hotels for romance in the Caribbean category, again the only resort in Aruba to receive this distinction. TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice winners are based on millions of valuable reviews and opinions from travelers around the world.

Saturday, February 8, 2014

Moving to Aruba

I am asked this question all of the time.

Miriam Engeln: Moving to Aruba: Moving to Aruba

Friday, February 7, 2014

Aruba Carnival Diamond Stage

Aruba Bound

The Diamond platform is a one-of-a-kind stage build in the yard of Cas Di Cultura facing the Vondellaan street. With the best view of the most prominent parades of the 60th Carnival edition.

Saturday Feb 22, 2014:
Aruba Tivoli Lighting Parade

Sunday Feb 23, 2014:
Grand Children’s Parade

Sunday Mar 2, 2014:
Aruba’s Famous 60th Grand Carnival Parade
  • Prime location, comfortable seating (with clear unobstructed view)
  • Premium open bar & buffet (with wait staff)
  • Security
  • Gated parking lot
  • Private restrooms

Details and pricing