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Blue Residences affords travelers with unobstructed views of the ocean in every unit. |
The Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba, which has consistently welcomed an average of about 530,000 American visitors per year over the last decade, has something new to offer them. From a luxury all-inclusive set to open this month to a host of hotel renovations, Travel Agent breaks down the latest selling points out of Aruba.
Riu Palace Antillas
Coinciding with the start of high season in the Caribbean, RIU Hotels & Resorts plans to open its second hotel on the island of Aruba on October 11. The luxurious Riu Palace Antillas, located next to the Riu Palace Aruba on Palm Beach, will be an adults-only, all-inclusive resort. The modern interior design of the Riu Palace Antillas follows the style the RIU Hotel chain is using for its new projects. Its 482 rooms will have satellite flat-screen TV, an electronic safe and free Wi-Fi. Other amenities clients can expect include a welcome glass of cava, a concierge and 24-hour room service.
In terms of food and drink, the star will be the Atlantis restaurant, which offers international cuisine and stations with freshly cooked dishes. There are also three specialty restaurants: the fusion restaurant Krystal, the Italian Rimini and the Malmok steakhouse. Guests can enjoy a snack at the Palm Beach pool restaurant, as well as refreshments and cocktails at the pool bar Aqua or the Wayaka lobby bar. The hotel also has a café, open around the clock, that offers customers a range of cakes and pastries.
The entertainment program offers sporting and leisure activities during the day, and live music and shows at night in the Carnaval Lounge Bar and the Chiquito Plaza Bar. Furthermore, the Riu Palace Antillas has a Pacha nightclub, with entrance and drinks as part of the all-inclusive program, as well as a full casino.
Guests of the Riu Palace Antillas will also be able to enjoy the neighboring Riu Palace Aruba’s facilities. The hotels are joined by a bridge that will allow guests to go from one to the other.
Since the hotel was still ironing out specific roles in its sales department at the time of publication, agents are recommended to visit the property’s website for more information.
Holiday Inn Resort Aruba
Guests at the Holiday Inn Resort Aruba - Beach Resort & Casino this winter may notice a new look, the result of renovations that were completed in May. The property, on Palm Beach along the island’s northwestern coast, upgraded its guest rooms, lobby and landscaping. In addition, outdoor amenities now include three swimming pools, Jacuzzi, full-service spa, and an updated beachfront Sea Breeze Restaurant & Bar, Oceanside Bar & Grill and the new Palm Bar. The Holiday Inn has five onsite restaurants in all.
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| Rooms at the Riu Palace Antillas will have satellite flat-screen TV and an electronic safe. |
The revamped guest rooms have a 37-inch flat-screen LED TV, new carpeting and high-quality bedding. The resort offers a wide array of amenities, including the full-service Excelsior Casino, an arcade and free Wi-Fi, plus sunset meditation, yoga classes, wine tasting, dance classes and complimentary kids’ activities such as sand castle contests, pool volleyball and Bluebeard’s Scavenger Hunts.
Agents should reach out to Shirley Geerman ([email protected]), director of sales and marketing, with any questions.
Renaissance Aruba
Renaissance Aruba Resort and Casino invites clients to take advantage of recently completed renovations, including completely redesigned rooms at the adult-exclusive Marina Hotel, renovated spaces at L.G. Smith’s Steak & Chop House and the open-air Papagayo on Renaissance Island and a chic new look at the Blue Bar and Marina Hotel pool deck.
The recently completed renovation by Long Island City, NY-based Dash Design combines authentic Aruban elements with contemporary design cues to create a sleek, functional look that is reflective of the island’s style and spirit. A renovation of the family-friendly Ocean Suites property is on the horizon.
Renovated guest rooms are designed to resemble a custom yacht, and bathrooms invoke a spa-like experience with polished nickel, silver and white porcelain tiles, white quartz tops accents, back-lit mirrors and spacious showers.
Complementing its colorful new look, Papagayo has a new menu. Guests enjoying the sun and sand on Aruba’s only private island can enjoy frozen drinks, sandwiches and light bites, along with custom pizzas from the new stone-fired pizza oven.
In addition to inviting guests to experience all that is available on property, Renaissance Aruba encourages guests to “Get Out and Discover” the island through the Navigator program, with “In The Know” itineraries curated by onsite experts and can include local food and drink, shopping, music, entertainment and cultural experiences. Clients also have access to interactive experiences through the RLife Live platform, which provides guests and locals the opportunity to enjoy live entertainment and engage directly with musical, culinary and artistic talent onsite through live performances, chef demonstrations, meet-and-greet opportunities and more.
Agents should direct any queries about the resort to Janien Huistra ([email protected]), director of sales and marketing.
Luxury Condo on Eagle Beach
Blue Residences, the first upscale condominium resort to open on Aruba’s Eagle Beach in 20 years, is preparing for its first winter season. The property debuted its first tower consisting of two five-bedroom penthouses, four three-bedroom penthouses, 12 three-bedroom units and 24 two-bedroom units, totaling 42 units in March.
Blue Residences affords travelers with unobstructed views of the ocean in every unit, elevated ceilings in the bedrooms, living rooms and dining rooms, private Jacuzzi terraces, fully loaded kitchens featuring upscale appliances and wireless Internet throughout the property. Onsite amenities include a private beach and poolside butler service, concierge services and golf privileges at two nearby courses.
A second tower was originally slated to open in May but has been delayed until the winter. A third tower will debut in the summer. Upon its completion, the resort will offer 124 total units.
The go-to person for agent inquiries is Herber Valkenberg ([email protected], 401-847-4720), the property’s North American marketing representative.