Divi’s Inside Edge on Inflation
By Lea Lane
In this shaky economy, all-inclusive vacations help clients stretch dollars. With this in mind, Jax Fax just returned from another look at Divi & Tamarijn Aruba Resorts, along this sunny island’s sandy Druif beach. The facilities, amenities and services of both properties are available to guests at either resort, with minimum additional costs.
Ten minutes from the airport and five minutes from Aruba’s lively capital city, Oranjestad, these Divi all-inclusive properties are close to entertainment, shopping and the Alhambra Casino. Guests do not need to rent a car or use taxis, another major cost-cutter.
Divi & Tamarijn Aruba all-inclusive resorts offer dining options, activities, services and amenities. The properties share a long, sandy beach that is augmented by three large freshwater pools.
The Divi Winds Sports Center features an oceanfront fitness center with the latest equipment, as well as a 30-foot outdoor rock-climbing wall on the beach. Non-motorized water sports include snorkeling equipment, snorkel clinic and tour, sunfish sailing, floats, kayaks, beginner’s windsurfing equipment and “Learn to Windsurf” beach clinic. Land activities range from tennis, beach volleyball, beach olympics, bikes and bike tours, to lessons in the local dialect, Papiamento.
The Divi Aruba has an inventory of 203 air-conditioned accommodations in one-, two- or three-story buildings, and the oceanfront Tamarijn Aruba features 236 oceanfront guestrooms in two-story buildings. All accommodations include a patio or balcony and flat screen television.
Ten different dining outlets serve everything from steaks or Italian fare to Asian-fusion cuisine or pizza and snacks, Stays at the Divi & Tamarijn Aruba include all meals, snacks and beverages.
Other amenities include an Internet Lounge (for a fee) at the Tamarijn Aruba; WiFi in all guestrooms and common areas; Indulgence by the Sea spa; nightly entertainment; coupons for the adjacent Alhambra Casino; and tickets to Aruba’s popular Bon Bini Festival (seasonal), with authentic Aruban folkloric dance and song (which we especially enjoyed). Off-property trips can be arranged, such as the Caribbean catamaran snorkeling cruise we enjoyed.
Additional cost-cutting: Divi & Tamarijn Aruba packages and specials are offered for honeymooners and families with kids; some offer two kids under age 18 free when sharing a room with two paying adults.
Besides standard wedding packages, family and friends worldwide who cannot attend an Aruba-based ceremony, can now watch a broadcast of the couple’s wedding in real time, using the Divi “I Do Live” option costs an additonal, $770. Visit www.ishmedia.com
The all-inclusive rate for suites tranges from $219.60 to $242.10, per person double with taxes and service charges, based on a three-night minimum Dec. 23-Jan 1. Call 800-554-2008; www.diviaruba.com or www.tamarijnaruba.com
Jax Fax stayed in a spacious one-bedroom golf villa at Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort with kitchen and laundry, overlooking the nine-hole Divi Aruba golf course, an optional amenity that offers discounted green fees and premium tee times to all-inclusive resort guests. The course features an on-site golf school and clubhouse with pro shop. The final 52 of 240 golf villas will be completed by early 2009. Rack rates start at $421 valid Jan. 3 – April 17, 2009; and $320, (from April 18-Dec. 23, 2009 for the Deluxe Studio Golf Villa. Rates are room only, single or double occupancy, not including tax or service charges. Visit www.divivillage.com
Phoenix Towers to Debut
The Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach, in the Palm Beach area, plans to debut Dec. 27, 2008 opening for its two new towers. The 140 additional beachfront suites include full kitchens with granite counters, king beds and queen sleeper-sofas, 42-inch plasma TVs, washer/dryers and jetted tubs. This redesigned, casually elegant resort includes a new café, Pure Beach, with a European beach club aesthetic, and a free-form pool with computerized lights and a swim-up bar. The atmosphere is sophisticated and relaxing. Rack rates for the Beach Tower one-bedroom unit start at $456 valid Jan 3, 2009 to April 17; and $350 April 18-Dec. 23, 2009. Rates are room only, single or double occupancy.
Visit www.diviphoenix.com
New Dining Options
For guests who wish to explore off-site dining options, we checked out some of Aruba’s newest restaurants:
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse at the Aruba Marriott features top-grade steaks and lobsters and hearty sides. Visit www.ruthschris.com
Gambero Rossi in Orenjestad’s Marina Mall, with a terrace overlooking the sea. Shrimp and mussels among choices in new Italian cuisine. Visit www.gamberorossoaruba.com
Screaming Eagle, on Eagle Beach, sister restaurant to the popular Flying Fishbone, featuring a waterfront terrace and French fusion dishes including ceviche with orange or ginger syrup, and crème brulee of duck liver with mango compote and brioche. Open nightly. Visit www.screaming-eagle.net
Getting There
Among the carriers that fly direct to Aruba are Jet Blue from New York-JFK; US Airways from Philadelphia, Charlotte and Boston (the latter only weekly); Continental from Newark and Houston; United from D.C. Dulles and Chicago; Delta from Atlanta; American from New York-JFK, Miami and San Juan; and Air Canada from Toronto.
For more information, contact the Aruba Tourism Authority, 800-To-Aruba; www.aruba.com