Travel Agent recently chatted with Francis Purvey, Radisson Aruba Resort & Casino's director of sales and marketing, to discuss the property's ongoing attempts to draw more honeymooners without turning its back on other clients.
"We recognized there was a need for a luxury product in Aruba, and we created the Plaza Club as our five-star accommodation within our Four Diamond resort," Purvey says of ongoing upgrades recently completed at the property, including the expansion of the Plaza Club, have contributed to influx of honeymooners.
The existing concierge floor was enhanced by adding another 20 rooms with 42-inch flat-screen TVs, DVD players and libraries and a iHome radio to each room. The bedding was improved and turn-down service was enhanced. Rates for these rooms start at $389 per night. The best overall room is the Penthouse, a 2,700-square-foot room with three bedrooms. It starts at $3,000 a night and includes large outdoor patios, a private Jacuzzi, huge living room and bathroom. Only one elevator can access this room.
Purvey says on the surface it appears as though the honeymooner clientele is increasing dramatically.
"Because of the extra accommodations and upscale nature of the accommodations, it seems as though we are getting a lot more honeymooners. And they usually like to talk to other honeymooners," Purvey says. "I love [hearing couples talk] about what they did that afternoon or their plans for the night. I think they know they're going to come here and meet other couples like themselves."
Another factor in bumping up the numbers of romantic travelers was the creation of the Larimar Spa, which opened in September of last year. The $5.2 million, 13,000-square-foot spa and fitness center offers a full menu of services and a full-service salon.
The resorts also makes a great spot for business traveler, as it offers more than 15,000 square feet of indoor space and an expansive 24,000 square feet of outdoor function space.
The property sits on 14 acres overlooking
Agents, who receive a 10 percent commission, can contact Denis Herron, director of leisure sales, at 954-491-7001 or [email protected]. —Joe Pike