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Aruba´s living and realty magazine
www.house-complete.com
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Learn how you can become part of this luxury condominium residence...
- 24/7 Security - Full Concierge Service - Good ROI with Rental Program, Etc...
Eagle Beach to be enriched with an Oasis
Office Hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 4pm / Sat: 9am - 12pm Tel: (297) 587.1621 / (297) 733.1261 - info@oasisaruba.com
Hyatt Occidental Radisson RIU Palace Westin
Palm Beach
Amsterdam Manor La Cabana Chalet Suisse
Oasis Costa Linda Bucuti Beach Resort Manchebo Beach Resort
H Sasakiweg
EAGLE BEACH - Oasis Luxury Condominiums is a Mediterranean-style designed complex located on the prestigious Eagle Beach right next to Chalet Suisse consisting of a total of 35 units distributed on five (5) floors. The one, two and three bedroom suites have a perfect view of the ocean and beach. The units include, among other amenities, floor to ceiling glass doors and panoramic windows, spacious terraces, marble bathrooms, European kitchens with granite counter tops and a full stainless steel appliance package including washer and dryer. This 35-condominium complex will feature a beautiful swimming pool with a beach style entry with waterfalls and fountain and state of the art fiber optic lighting. The entrance of the building has a drive-up covered entrance and an elegant two-story lobby leading to the sun-filled hallways and corridors. The common area will facilitate the owners with a well-equipped gym overlooking the gardens and the pool. The garden will feel like an oasis true to the projects name. There will also be a recreation room and sofas throughout the common area to lounge and relax. Further amenities include a 24/7 security, a full concierge and a rental program for the owners who want to earn a return on their investment. The concierge service will be helpful to assist the owners in making their ‘homecoming’ a very pleasant return. Each condo will have one designated parking space exclusive to the owners. Construction on Oasis at Eagle Beach is moving fast. Fifteen of the thirty five units have already been sold. The condominiums will be ready for occupancy by March 2010. Oasis is located on Eagle Beach which allows for an easy access, even on foot, to the best casinos, restaurants, golf courses, shopping areas and night life the Aruba has to offer. The experienced sales team of Oasis invites you for a visit to learn about this new gem on the beach. The site tour will take you up in the complex where you will enjoy spectacular views of the ocean and beach as well as a wonderful view of Oranjestad where the cruise ships are docked. The views from the rooftop terrace are stunning to say the least. The Oasis sales team is ready to assists you. Office hours are from Monday thru Friday from 10AM till 4PM and Saturday from 9AM till 12PM. You can also call for an appointment on telephone numbers 587.1621 or 733.1261 or by email at info@oasisaruba.com.
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EDITORIAL The August edition of House Complete is here; it is our fifth edition already. This edition features flora articles about local blooming plants, trees and desert plants and a fauna article about our native hatching turtles. Interior decorating lovers will find articles on bathroom fashions, living room- and bedroom styles and even on introducing Feng Shui into your kitchen. We hope you will find the articles ‘How to upgrade your house for the selling market’ and ‘How to save on your water bill’ interesting and the articles ‘The 10 most’ and ‘What our houses might feature in the future’ amusing. On pages 4 and 5 you can read how nearly 150 golfers will tee off on August 22 and 23 when Tierra Del Sol hosts the 15th Annual Aruba Pro/Am, a very important international event for Aruba. And a tip for music lovers: make a note to get your tickets for the Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival 2009 this coming September.
CONTENT THIS EDITION 4-5 ---------6 ---------7 ---------8-9 ---------10-11 ------12-13 ------15 ----------16-17 ------18-19 ------20-21 ------22-23 ------24-25 ------26-27 ------28-29 ------30-32 -------
Tierra del Sol Water Saving Living in the year 2040 Flower Power Kitchen Feng Shui Banjo Lux Bookshelfs Mingo and Blend Turtles Gadgets Green Living Upgrade your House Old Pictures of Aruba Desert Garden 10 Most Outrageous Hotels
For all our readers and loyal collectors of House Complete: make sure to leave sufficient room in you bookshelves because there are many more editions to come! We hope you will have fun reading our latest House Complete. For comments, criticisms, ideas or any other feedback, please drop us a line at info@crossmedianv.com. Cross Media NV René van Norel and Alma de Vries.
OUR TEAM PUBLISHER: Cross Media NV
DIRECTORS: René van Norel Marcel van Schie
PHOTOGRAPHER: Rosalie Klein Jairo Everon
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Alma de Vries
Rosalie Klein Alma de Vries Minjanou Ponson Heleen Bongers
GRAPHIC DESIGN:
PROOF READING:
Twenty Eleven Design Studio
Aoife Cahill
HOUSE COMPLETE Email: info@house-complete.com www.house-complete.com
For advertising information and rates: contact Cross Media NV via email or call 588-6988/563-6468
www.casnan.com
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Calbas Plaza Residences 15
2 Bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, family room, storage, apartment.
AFL. 395.000 1ST Option Real Estate N.V. Tel.: 734-4550
www.1optionrealestate.com
THE BIGGEST
Real Estate Portal MARAWIEL
Bubali 181
4 bedroom villa with double garage, Alno kitchen, 3 bathrooms, Landscaped garden and swimming pool.At walking distance from hotels. Available per August 1.
La Colina 15
Beautiful spacious home located close to Aruba's finest natural areas. The house consists of 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, fully equipped kitchen, living and dining room. In addition the property houses a full one-bedroom apartment. Enjoy the breeze of the afternoon in the various patios that surround the property. Find your piece of paradise within a short drive out of town.
$ 530.000
$ 2.570 per month Fast Rent House Aruba NV Sabana Liber 265, Noord Tel: 587 - 1971 Fax: 587 - 3460
www.renthousearuba.com
Totolica
ERA Solito Real Estate P.O.Box 183 Concessielaan 8 Tel.: (297) 583-7400
$ 109.000 KMB Realty Group N.V. Caya G.F. Betico Croes 153, Suite 6, Oranjestad, Aruba E: contact@kmbaruba.com T: 583-3553 C: 592-5472
$ 3.400.000 Caya di Solo Tel. (297) 586 1010 / Fax. (297) 586 0941
www.tierradelsol.com
www.erasolito.com
Seroe Pretu 16
To ensure quality and trust amongst the residents of Totolica Family Residences, the developer MVM has chosen to work with the best materials andprofessionals for this community. Moreover, each residence is delivered with a complete kitchen, bathroom and landscaped garden. Please come by and have a look at our finished model home! You will be amazed!
Hacienda style three level home, fully furnished, landscaped and styled with 7 bedrooms and 6 ½ bathrooms. Spectacular view from every window. The pool features a free standing gazebo, a bar and BBQ area for outdoor entertainment. Lot: 16791 ft2 (1,560 m2) Home: 7556 ft2 (702 m2)
Lovely well maintained 2 bedroom Cunucu house located in unique surroundings of Seroe Pretu. This property comes with pool, 1 bedroom apartment, nice gazebo, landscaped garden and complete fencing. Built up area 211 m2 on 625 m2 of land
Sabana Liber
House for Sale, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.
House for sale AFL. 132.300 $ 253.672.- / Afl.449.000 CENTURY 21 Best & Solid Real Estate Palm Beach 4-G, Aruba Tel. (+297) 586 42 42
www.arubahouses.com
House with land AFL. 205.000 Solito 100, Aruba Dutch Caribbean Phone: 582-8080
www.betterhomesaruba.com
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Tierra Del Sol gears up for its 15th annual International Aruba Pro/Am
GOLF TOURNAMENT Since Tierra Del Sol Resort, Spa & Country Club was first opened the island’s first professional course in 1994, it has hosted the annual Aruba Pro/Am Golf Tournament. The 18-hole course, designed by famed desert course designer Robert Trent Jones, Jr. has been the property of the Valk Family since 1999, which continues to develop the luxury residences surrounding the course. The course maintains a 4½ stars rating from Golf Digest, sporting amenities that include a pro shop, clubhouse, signature restaurant, spa and fitness center. It regularly hosts a number of charity and international tournaments, but few attract such a diverse coterie of well respected players and pros from several countries as the prestigious Aruba Pro/Am Golf Tournament. Teams consisting of one pro and four amateurs hailing from North Eastern U.S., Florida, California, Maryland, Texas, Canada, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Trinidad, Curacao, Holland, Dominican Republic, Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, Peru and Venezuela have made it a mustdo on their annual golfing calendar, and enthusiastically compete in the qualifying tournaments in their home countries in the hope of traveling to Aruba to experience this dynamic course.
Famous players who participated in the past include Wifredo Morales and Aaron West of Puerto Rico, Jesus Rodriguez, brother of Chichi, on several occasions, Rick O’Shea, Ali Barra, Berti Con of Curacao and Adrian Morley from Europe. Winners receive stunning Baccarat crystal trophies; last year a beautifully sculpted glass golfer was introduced to become the coveted award first place winners sought to adorn their mantles back home.
Allen lines
In 2008, the glass golfer went to the team from Venezuela mentored by golf pro Jesus Santander. The top individual winner among the pros for both 2007 and 2008 was Aruba’s own Adam Williamson, who joined the Tierra Del Sol team and its Head Pro Oliver Riding shortly after his 2007 win.
Eugene Kingsale
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For Adam, both award dinners in the on-site Ventanas Del Mar restaurant were particularly memorable, as he accepted his winning trophy in 2007 on the eve of his wedding to the lovely Undina, who awarded him a big kiss in return for the nice prize to help cover honeymoon expenses. The following year, Adam played an anxious first day as he awaited news that he perhaps had to drop his clubs and rush to the hospital to hold his wife’s hand
while she gave birth to their first child. Fortunately their daughter Emma waited until the day’s play was done, and it was with a huge smile and the announcement of the birth of his first child that he accepted his trophy as top pro in 2008. This year, nearly 150 golfers will tee off from August on August 22 and 23 as Tierra Del Sol hosts the 15th Annual Aruba Pro/ Am; one cannot help but wonder what surprises Adam Williamson has for the awards dinner this year!
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Water
saving
tips for your home A family of four uses about 400 gallons of water each day; that is 12,000 gallons each month and 144,000 gallons each year. In today’s economy where our everyday living costs keep rising, it is essential to start saving where you can. One great way to do this is by start economizing on the amount of water your family uses each day. Here follow some handy tips to help you get started.
• Search the internet together with your family and do some research on how to save water, around your home.
• Check for leaks. It is estimated that 13.7% of the household water is wasted by leaks. Check your water meter when no one is using water in your home. If it's moving, there's a leak. Make sure to locate where the leak is and get it fixed as soon as possible.
• Investment in water-saving products. The areas where the greatest amount of water is consumed are: the showers (16.8%), the faucets (15.7%), the clothes washer (21.7%) and the toilets (26.7), so make sure to target these areas first.
• Showers: Install one of the latest 3 star/ AAA rating showerheads. This will help you save 5 gallons of water a minute. Shower heads with a mist setting will help you reduce even more water.
• Faucet aerators: Install flow restrictor aerators inside all faucets for savings of 3 to 4 gallons per minute.
• Clothes washer: Make sure to run only full loads of laundry. Choose the short cycle at low water levels whenever possible. Set the washing machine at the lowest possible temperature needed; single rinse only. When purchasing a new one, check for the “Energy Star” label. These models will help you save up to 40 gallons per load.
• Toilets: when purchasing a new toilet, make sure to invest in a higher efficiency model. This will help you save up to 5 gallons per flush. • Make the necessary changes in your family habits. Some easy ways to save water is by taking shorter showers, by closing the tap when brushing your teeth, by rinsing the dishes in a plugged sink, by watering the plants in the evening, etc.
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Looking out Ordinary glass windows will be a thing of the past: outdated, almost antique. And curtains are totally passé: have a heart! In 2040 there will be windows with electric currents running through them, which make them go from transparent to opaque with a flick of the wrist and a switch.
What do you think: will we be living just as we do now by the time the year 2040 comes along? I don’t think so, and judging from forecasts, nor do those in the know. What follows is just a bit of daydreaming about the future; see what you think of it.
Soothing sounds Soothing sounds come out of subtle, wallmounted controls. Hear without seeing anything: no wires, no plugs, no boxes, no nothing. Your favorite music comes from an iPod, CD player or a radio. A bit like at the dentist’s office, but then great music without jittery nerves.
See the sights Having your own movie theater will not be an outrageous luxury: everyone will have an 8-foot tall screen and a hi-def projector in a separate media room. Plasma screens will be dotted throughout the house, including the kitchen, where internet access forms an integral part of food preparation proceedings: think of the millions of great recipes that you can view by a simple touch on the screen.
Expiration dates No more moldy jam, eggs gone bad or smelly cheese in your fridge: the kitchen of the future keeps track of expiration dates through radio frequency. It lets you know when to chuck out your old foodstuffs. You order of course everything you need for the day through the internet. Induction heating will be the in thing with its green, super fast energy that puts a pan of water to the boil in five seconds flat.
Bathroom etiquette Your health will be in the hands of your toilet, as it monitors your glucose and cholesterol levels with a fingerprint scan in the bathroom. You’re in good hands…
The year 2040 might seem a long way off, but is it really?
Condos for sale Visit our Model Home. Ph. 734-4550 www.1optionrealestate.com
Phase
Unit
Bed/Bath
Price (US$)
I
112
2/2
520K
I
313
2/2
620K
I
512
2/2
745K
I
423
2/2
499K
II
223
2/3
750K
II
147
3/3
662K
II
361
2/2
350K
II
362
1/1
300K
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Aruba’s desert habitat is not like the lush tropical rainforests. A dry environment is hard on flowering plants so our local trees have developed their own unique strategies. Some trees like the Wayacá (Guaiacum officinale) will bloom all year long as long as they get enough water. Wayacá has a very strong wood that is called Lignum vitae (Life-wood) that in the past has been used for mechanical applications like cogwheels and shafts. The hardness of the wood is a result of the extremely slow growth that makes a very strong wood. Some trees however have a very unique blossom event. Kibrahacha (Tabebiua bilbergii) is another slow growing hard wood. The name literally means axe breaker. This tree will lose
all its leaves at the start of the dry season. Then as soon as a little rainfall comes in the start of the dry season it will burst into yellow blossom. Any bee flying around will be able to spot the bright yellow trees and come for the nectar. This is of course a trick the tree has to help with pollination. Another tree that has a very similar blossom is the Brazilwood (Haematoxylon brasiletto) but this tree dos not lose all it’s leaves for the blossom. This sets it apart from the Kibrahacha. The bark is also very distinct and has conspicuous grooves. The red shine on the bark comes from a red colorant that was used in the past to color textile. Right in front of the visitor’s centre of Arikok National Park two of these rare trees can be seen.
Palo di boonchi (Erythrina velutina)
11 Palo di boonchi (Erythrina velutina) also loses its leaves for a large part of the year. The bark is distinctly orange colored and when it blooms large orange flowers make it visible from afar. The fruit is bean-like which gives it it’s local name. This tree grows up to be a large tree and is great option for a garden. If you want to help out the Monarch butterflies of Aruba, a good tree to plant is the Katunbom (Calotropis procera). This plant is the host for the Monarch caterpillar and it grows to a good sized tree. Caterpillar host plants are just as important to butterfly’s as the feeder plants are. Huliba (Capparis odoratissima) is one of the few local trees that are evergreen. This makes it an excellent garden tree with its deep green leaves. The flower is not large, but a tree in bloom will have enough to sustain many nectar feeding insects.
Katunbom (Calotropis procera)
Flowering trees of Aruba are varied both in color as in period of blossom. Having these trees in a garden can guarantee a diversity of colors throughout the year as well as help support the local fauna that makes good use of the flowers of our trees.
Text and Photography: Diego Marquez
®
Ownership lots 3 bedrooms Landscaped gardens Fenced property Construction already started 1 mile from high and low-rise hotels
For more information: KMB Realty Group N.V., T. (+297) 587-3553, M. (+297) 592-5472, E. saskia@kmbaruba.com, W. www.arubatotolica.com
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Our physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing
is influenced by our surroundings. In one spot we might feel different than we do in another. This might have to do with the amount of sunlight that comes in, colors, furniture or the absence or presence of plants. It all has to do with energy; it’s a different way of `thinking green’. Energy is what Feng Shui is all about: it is an invisible world, which is just as important as the world that we can see. Our house is an extension of ourselves: it is our mirror image. Our dreams, experiences and thoughts are enclosed in it. New furniture might channel energy and changes might occur in your happiness, chances, relationships and feelings after an extensive renovation or after moving house.
KITCHEN
FENG SHUI A different green energy: The kitchen is the heart of the house and the most important room for our nourishment. A kitchen should be clean and neat; no negative influences like sharp corners should be allowed. A factor in a kitchen’s harmony is the position of the cooker regarding the door, the sink and the window. These last three should form a triangle. But should the cooker be next to the sink, place a wooden cutting board between the two to keep the balance between tree-, fire- and water energy.
The fridge may be positioned across from the door, because you will not be standing there for long periods of time. A wellfilled fridge symbolizes prosperity. Good lighting in a kitchen is essential, as is good ventilation. The heat and smells from a kitchen should not waft throughout the house. Avoid clocks to create a timeless, no-hurry zone. Use as many natural materials as possible. And remember: lighter colors make any room softer; red hues stimulate conversation.
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Other Feng Shui tips for the kitchen are: the place of the cooker may influence the quality of the food. The chef should not be positioned with his back to the door, and the cooker should not A few other tips about be beneath a window, chi energy: should two doors be across from as costly energy gets each other, then chi energy canlost that way. not feed that room as it resem-
riches come in through the front door, but disappear through the back door. You can delay this negative chi stream by hanging one or two wind chimes from the ceiling and by putting plants throughout the bles a corridor. When the front house. and back door are across from each other, this might have dire A door is like a mouth through consequences, as happiness and which chi is breathed;
the windows are a kind of drain. If your windows are large, then energy disappears. Create a balance between a great view and too much open space. By placing objects or plants in front of your windows, you can keep the energy inside.
A Serene Sanctuary
Your Personalized Bathroom
If you want to have something that is unique to your personality, bathroom designs which are personalized is something to consider. After all your bathroom says a lot more about you than most other rooms in your home. BanjoLux offers you classic and modern bathroom concept solutions designed to your taste and style. The bathroom is no longer an out of sight out of mind room. When homeowners are building new houses these days, they are now considering giving new thoughts on how to personalize their bathroom space. They want bigger bathrooms with more separate areas for different tasks. The growing trend in bathrooms is to move towards freer mixing of materials and styles with an increase in the use of elevated ceilings and of fine detailing in decor, flooring and cabinetry. There is also a re-interest in the past with the reinvention of antique fixtures. At BanjoLux you can recapture time with the Axor Montreux Collection. Authentic to the smallest detail this collection enhances every traditional ambiance
and turns the daily visit to the bathroom into a true journey through time. The most widely trend is aesthetics. Homeowners are no longer satisfied with just functionality; they want it to look good and trendy as well. It is your personal space and you most certainly deserve the best. You can demand to create that perfect bathroom enclave away from the stress of the rest of the world. Quality and longevity are also at the top of the list because of the long lasting experience it will deliver. It is BanjoLux vision not only to offer traditional designs, but also modern innovative and quality bathroom design solutions with which the homeowner can identify. To this end both Harold and Michiel turn to amongst European
designers and manufacturers such as; Axor and Duravit that work with designers as; Philippe Starck and Antonio Citterio to emerge exceptional and revolutionary contemporary bathroom concepts. The latest in bathroom fashion are the sleek designs or also referred as the “clean and lean look�. You can elaborate this look in your bathroom furniture, ceramics and tiles. When visiting the showroom of BanjoLux allow an expert to guide you through contemporary bathrooms with unique designs that will give your bathroom that special nuance.
Classic Collection: an expression of longing for yesteryear With this unique technology, a new quality and a new shower standard is set. Mixing with air reduces water consumption by about 10%.
HANSGROHE-RAIN DANCE-POWERED BY AIR When you shower every drop counts. Mixed with air, the out flowing water becomes a feast for the senses. The water enriched with air completely covers the body in a pleasant layer of water and air.
CLASSIC
STYLE
MALIBU Inspired in nature, this new collection of porcelain stoneware is a result of a wide research on stones with smooth appearance. The sensation of harmony, well being, and inviting environment are provided by the pleasant touch and delicate texture, with smooth movements.
REVOLUTION New times have brought a futuristic presence to our daily life and nothing is more inspiring than big buildings and the life in big cities. Skyscrapers, road bridges and crowded streets. The neutral colors add value to environments when they are mixed to textures.
STARCK X Modern Collection: In mathematics the letter X stands for an unknown quantity. In bathroom design, it stands for the beginning of a new era. With this Starck X range, designer Phillipe Starck is maximizing minimalism. Ceramics, furniture, tubs, accessories: Starck X is in a class of its own.
PORCELAIN TILES COLLECTION Exclusiveness, innovation and design are concepts that are present in the porcelain tiles collection at BanjoLux. From silky versions and different textures yet having a delicate touch and in a wide variety of colors to meet the personal desires you have not only for the bathroom but for your entire home.
CLASSIC The value of personality. You are a lover of classic style in matters of culture, cuisine & home furnishing. You love being surrounded by beautiful things which remind you of precious moments. STYLE Space for yourself. You find your strength in tranquility and focusing on the essentials.
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The stuff of dreams:
your books tell a story The books you read tell a lot about your personality. And should you have a home library, then you can hide nothing at all. At one glance one sees where your interests lie and friends of like minds are made in fractions of seconds. It can make for a great topic of conversation. Of course this does not hold true when you have bought books `by the yard’ to pretend to be well educated and well read. If you are into books, then starting a home library might be a great idea. The following tips will help you:
you should have an adequate room or enough space for your books
select your favourite type of shelving
make sections through the use of colors
make your home library into a cozy den with rugs, reading lamps and easy chairs
use hidden lighting to showcase your collection and to create an intimate atmosphere
onstruction
nterior
Jamanota 19D Santa Cruz, Aruba
EcaiBA is there for all your home and business needs. We do construction as well as design and manufacture complete interiors for example for restaurants and bars. EcaiBA will partner with you to create a solution that you will love for years to come.
Ph: +(297) 732 5365 Fax: +(297) 585 5301 Email: ecaiba@gmail.com
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How to give your bedroom a beautiful vintage look The Shabby Chic style of decorating has been around for a long while. It started all the way in old Europe - Great Britain to be specific during the 18th century where it was often used in these beautiful large English country homes. During the 1980’s it became very popular in America, especially among the modern Bohemians and artisans, and today it is still being used by a great number of both professionals and interior decorating-lovers, like you and me , because of its look that is both casual and elegant, cozy and inviting. Next we present you some tips on how to achieve an original “Shabby Chic” look for your room.
Mix and match Shabby means “thrown together” and chic means “stylish, elegant”, which is why this decorating style is so much fun. You are not limited to just one style, but you can combine many different styles together, like e.g. French Country, Coastal Cottage Style and even modern minimalistic for a truly original Shabby Chic look. Try also to mix and match different kinds of patterns, textures and colors for an elegant, laid-back style.
Vintage decor items
Shabby Chic Colors
The colors that are often incorporated in this style of decorating are soft pastel colors, like e.g. pale green, pale pink, pale blue, light gray, white, cream and ivories. But if you would like to mix these with more vibrant colors like bright yellow, bright orange or fuchsia, go ahead, just do it! As long as you keep in mind the golden rule of decorating: less is often more. Try to limit the choice of the colors you use in your color scheme to two basic colors and two or more contrasting colors.
Faded furniture
To achieve a classic Shabby Chic look, use vintage or antique furniture. Flea markets and garage sales are great places to find old furniture that can easily be updated and transformed into something that will truly stand out. An old wooden chair with great lines can be turned into a true Shabby Chic chair by using a fresh coat of white or ivory paint, which has been sanded around the edges. Painting experts recommend the use of the “faux painting� technique to create that faded look that has made Shabby Chic so popular.
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Items you can use to decorate your bedroom are different sized decorative pillows in soft pastel or bright colors in different shapes, textures and prints. Try using fabrics like cotton, silk and linens with floral or striped prints, inspired by old French linens for a truly vintage look. Place one or two soft area rugs in plain white or soft pink around the room and don’t forget to shop around a little for a unique beaded vintage chandelier, because without it your bedroom will not complete. Finish off your project with some fresh flowers you just picked out of your garden, place them in some distinct vintage vases, light some natural scented candles and voila, your bedroom has been transformed into a Shabby Chic room!
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Aruba is completely surrounded by the ocean and each year female sea turtles from different parts of the world arrive at our beaches after an long voyage of thousands of miles to visit the island where they were born some 15 to 20 years ago to lay their own nest of eggs, so that the next generation of native “Arubian” turtles can be born.
The sea turtles that visit our island There are four different species that pay our island a visit each year. They are the Leatherback Sea Turtle (“Driekiel” – Dutch), the Loggerhead Sea Turtle (“Cawama” – Papiamento), the Hawksbill Sea Turtle (“Caret” – Papiamento) and the Green Turtle (“Turtuga Blanco” – Papiamento). The Leatherbacks, that can grow up to two meters (seven feet) long and can reach up to 900 kilograms (2,000 pounds), undertake the longest journey between feeding and breeding areas of any sea turtle (averaging 6,000 kilometers each way). They are found in the tropic and temperate waters of the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans, as well as the Mediterranean Sea. The Loggerhead Sea Turtle seem to favor coastal surroundings and will travel hundreds of miles out to sea. They are the largest of all hard-shelled turtles and have enormous heads, tough jaws, and a reddish-brown shell. The Hawksbill Sea Turtle are found throughout the tropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They avoid deep waters, preferring coastlines where there is an abundance of sponges and where sandy nesting spots are within reach.
21 The Green Sea Turtle obtains its name not because of the color of its shell, but for the green color of its skin. Unlike the other sea turtles, the green turtle cannot pull its head into its shell. There are two types of green turtles: the Atlantic green turtle, which are usually found off the shores of Europe and North America, and the Eastern Pacific green turtle, which are found in coastal waters from Alaska to Chile and which loves to visit the island of Aruba to sunbathe on its white sandy beaches. A special thanks goes to Edith & Richard van der Wal of TurtugAruba for helping us with the information for this article.
Hatching season
TurtugAruba
A sea turtle becomes mature after about 15 to 20 years and their total life span is between 40 and 80 years. During mating season, the sea turtles will come close to the shore to mate in the shallow waters. And when it is time to lay its eggs, the turtles will leave the sea – during night time - to excavate a hole in the sand, where they will deposit between 80 to 100 eggs, and when they are done they return back to the sea. Each turtle will lay about 6 to 8 nests per season with an interval of 8 to 12 days and this year 73 different nests were already registered by TurtugAruba – our local turtle protection organization. The spots these beautiful sea turtles like to lay their eggs are: the west side of Aruba (the Eagle Beach, the Low and the High Rise Hotel area and Arashi), several beaches in our National Park Arikok and some of the sandy beaches along the rocky North Coast. And after an incubation period of about 60 days the hatchlings will come out!
All Caribbean sea turtle species that visit our island are currently on the World Conservation Union (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species and have an international protected status. The volunteers of TurtugAruba patrol the beaches at the west side of Aruba at dawn and also at night, whenever a female Leatherback is expected to return for her next nest. In addition to the beach patrols the turtle nests at the West Coast are protected with red and white barricades during the incubation period. When the hatchlings come out during daytime, they will have no problem finding their way to the open sea. But make sure to remain at a safe distance, don’t touch them and leave a wide open space, so they can easily sprint to the ocean. If they are coming out at night and there are no volunteers present, please contact the Turtle Hotline immediately at mobile no. 592-9393. And remember not to aim your flashlight on these little ones or take any flash pictures, for this will disorient them.
Searching for professional property management? Fast Rent House Aruba NV Aruba Sabana Liber 265, NoordCall: +297 5871971 Fax: +297 5873460 m
www.renthousearuba.co
Rent House Aruba is a company with over 12 years of experience on Aruba in property management. Our professional team takes care of everything!!!
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Pizza Boss Cutting a pizza is not an easy task: the cheese gets stuck onto the knife all the time and anchovies fly every which way. Not anymore. Now the Pizza Boss is around: a pizza slicer made of high-quality plastic with a stainless steel, laser-edged blade. This gadget is called `The Pizza Boss 3000' and it is without a doubt the perfect gift for your favorite, pizzaloving friend. The price is right: $ 14.95. Now, the only thing you need to do is order a pizza.
www.coolest-gadgets.com
Hoover Young, wild, cool and adventurous, this HovPod is the ultimate when you love to skim over flat surfaces. Not meant for your living room carpet, though: this real hovercraft is designed to travel at speed on rivers, oceans, grasslands and sand. Reach exhilarating speeds on this cushion of air and enjoy the ride! $ 35.000
www.hovpod.com
Face Plates Eating vegetables and fruit will be a lot more fun for kids when they are eating off their Food Face Plate, a dinner plate with a friendly face on it, which begs to be decorated.Peas, beans, scrambled eggs, a banana or orange, actually anything edible can be used to accessorize the face, so that finishing your plate will become a joyful happening. Especially good for kids who are picky eaters. $ 9.95
www.perpetualkid.com
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Cool Jazz Ice Stirrers Freeze, stir, and chill. Cool Jazz is the name of this funky thing, which will put zing into your ice cold drink. Just pour water into the silicone guitar mold, put the strings in place and into the freezer and voila. Cold drinks will never be the same if you can stir them with this cool, jazzy, bluesy and suave stirrer. $ 8.
www.funhousewares.com
Cats eye golf ball No, these are not meant to be put into your mouth at Halloween! It’s a glow-in-the-dark golf ball, so there is no need to cut your tee-time short when darkness falls. And on Aruba it falls very, very quickly. One moment it’s daylight, the next you cannot see your shoes anymore. CatsEye golf balls are professional quality balls and they are perfect for an evening tournament, an after-dinner game or a fun event. Exceptionally easy to find, even while hiding in the bushes, these balls give off light for up to eight hours. $ 14.95
www.catseyegolf.com
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How to create an Eco-chic living room
Green living has become a hot topic in our society and people all over the world are becoming more aware each day about the impact their choices are having on our environment. Many people are joining the ‘green movement’ and have started making changes in their life-styles to help make this planet a healthier place to live in. And that is what Green living is all about: taking the necessary steps that will lead to a healthier environment on our planet, not only for our own generation, but for all the generations that are coming after us…
Following are some tips that will help you turn your living room into a “green room”, that not only looks good, but will have a positive impact on our environment also.
Go green on your walls
Green is a vibrant color that signifies growth, renewal and energy and it is the color that is used to symbolize everything related to the eco-movement. And while it is possible to get eco-friendly paint in just about any color, why not ‘go green’ in the most important room in your home as a clear environmental statement of what is important to you. If you choose this color, try to use one with some depth, like olive green, and combine this with colors like white, beige, pale lime, bright yellow, bright orange and chocolate brown for your accessories. Presently you will find ecofriendly paint in selected hardware stores on the island. Look for paint that is low in “volatile organic compounds” (VOC’s).
Go green with your furniture
If your sofa looks like something that has already seen its best days, don’t start thinking that you just have to get a new one now. Think outside the box. Think green. Imagine how great your old sofa would look once wrapped it in a brand new slip cover. Opt for a lighter shade that will go well with the color you have chosen for your wall and while you’re at it, order some new slip covers for your decorative cushions. Try to get your hands on some nonsynthetic natural fabrics, like cotton, hemp or linen and use prints in bold colors to liven up your “new” sofa. This is recycling at its best!
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Save some green with your blinds
Aruba’s temperature can get as hot as 30° Celsius on a normal day and on the days that there is not so much wind, it can get even higher than that. If you love to chill out and relax in your living room during the day, but you still want to save some money by using less air conditioning, consider installing some eco-friendly blinds or solar shades on your windows. These blinds block out the sunlight and prevent the glare from creating more heat in your home, while still allowing the natural light to shine through. Nowadays these ‘green’ blinds come in all kinds of shapes, sizes and natural fabrics and you will find some good companies that offer these products on the internet. Try to locate a company that offers these eco-friendly products on the island, you might be surprised at what you will find.
Accessorize with green
Give your ‘green’ room its final touch by accessorizing it with some beautiful plants. These plants will not only help you create the right Eco-look in your living room, they will actually keep the air in your room clean by ridding it from all kinds of pollutants. You could use plants like: our local Aloe Vera, Ficus plants or more exotic plants like white or purple Orchids.
For all your natural furniture, art, gifts and accessories Avenida Milio Croes 70
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Tel 588-2731
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Monday - Saturday, 10-6
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www.homeandnaturearuba.com
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Upgrading your home
How to make your home stand out and sell faster in today’s housing marketWhen you are dealing with a buyer’s market, in which there are numerous homes being offered on the market, it is crucial to have a residence that is contemporary and that can stand out from the rest. If you are willing to invest the necessary energy and funds to upgrade the appearance of your property - before putting it on the market - this will unquestionably result in a faster sale and maybe even a better selling price you had originally hoped for.
Upgrade your living room
Upgrade your kitchen
When prospective clients are touring your house, what counts is the impact your home will make on them. If it is positive, they will want to come back for a second visit, which could possibly lead to the signing of the contract. So it is essential to grasp their attention from the very start. One way to achieve this is by upgrading the look of certain important areas of your home. Begin this process by taking a walk through the rooms you would like to improve. Try to picture each room you want to upgrade from a buyer’s point of view. What are the strong points of each space, and what are the areas that need your attention. Could your living room for example use a fresh coat of paint? And what state are the floors in? Do they need a good polish or do you have the budget to install for example eco-friendly hardwood floors that will create that extra pizzazz most potential buyers are looking for? Finish off the upgrade of this room with artwork in bold colors to create a great first impression.
The second most important area in your house is your kitchen. People spend a relatively large amount of their time in this area, cooking, eating or having pleasant conversations around the kitchen table, so try to give this area some extra thought when upgrading your home. Give it a fresh touch of paint (in neutral or soft colors) for an instantaneous new look. Consider taking this room to the next level by installing a brand new kitchen countertop produced in contemporary materials, like natural stone, granite or stainless steel. While you are at it, upgrade also your kitchen faucet and kitchen hardware, like cabinet knobs and drawer pulls, done in contemporary materials such as brushed nickel, brushed chrome and stainless steel, for a stylish new look. Conclude your mini make-over by installing some modern light fixtures that will draw everyone’s attention to the best features of this kitchen.
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Upgrade your bathrooms The third most important areas in your home are your bathrooms. Prospective clients looking around for a new home pay a lot of attention to these areas, because it is the first place people use when waking up, so make sure that they will look bright and clean. Give the walls a new layer of paint in a neutral color like white, cream or light yellow, to guarantee that they will appeal to a wider public. Next, take sufficient time to give your bathrooms a thorough clean-up. Cover every spot and make sure that everything remains sparkling clean! Upgrade the hardware in your bathroom, e.g. the faucet, the drawer pulls and knobs using stylish models for a unique and polished look. And if you really want to create a good response with your visitors, then make sure to install new state-of-the art rain showerheads in your bathrooms; they are very in style these days. Finish off your bathrooms with some brand new towels, toothbrush holders and soap holders and don’t worry about the extra cost, because you will get to take these with you, when you sell the house!
Finish off the upgrade of this room with artwork in bold colors to create a great first impression.
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OLD PICTURES OF ARUBA
A CHANGING ORANJESTAD In the 1930’s and ‘40’s many merchants did business out of old fashioned stores and `tienda’s’, which were located in the main streets of Oranjestad. By the time the ‘50’s arrived, they started renovating their shops, making them more customer-friendly and accessible. In the ‘60’s, however, a major change took place when several `modern’ stores had air conditioning installed. As Aruba’s tourism grew, so did the number of stores.
1. Mansions in th e Wilhelminastr aat, late 50’s
3.Current Plaza Daniel Leo in
the late 40's
An example of prosperity was De Aruba Boekhandel, which was a small bookstore in 1950. In 1959, however, there were five branches, selling an amazing number of books and magazines. The public library did a booming business lending books as well. Aruba changed a lot in the fifties: De Arubaanse Courant started printing a Papiamento edition, Radio Kelkboom and Voz di Aruba as well as Radio Victoria went on the air. The Cultureel Centrum Aruba, now called Cas di Cultura, opened its doors in 1958.
2. Oranjestad town houses in 1965
4. New protestant Church in Oranjes tad, early 50's
5. Oranjestad Lagoen, late 40's. Please note the infant palm trees lining the lagoon and compare them to the majestic size they are nowadays.
6. Nassaustraat, Oranjestad's Main Street in the 1920's. In 1949 the building to the far left became hotel Scala. The open-air roo f terrace of the place next door did double dut y as terrace to the hotel's restaurant. On the first floor, a clothing store, La Moda, opened its doors in the '50's. The hotel and restaurant are gone now, La Moda has become Wulffsen & Wulffsen. On the open terrain facing these buildings, the John G. Eman Bank was built in the early 30's. Later it became the Aruba Ban k.
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's shows the om the late 1930 7. This picture fr pletion; it nk after its com Ba an Em . G hn ing. Jo the La Linda build to xt ne ed at tu was si
8. This picture from the 1950's shows one of the oldest buildings of the Nassau Street, the novelty store of S.N. Ecury, a prominent local business man. It was built in 1927. On the first floor there used to be a 'roof garden' recreation saloon.
9. Photo of downtown Oranjestad taken from the Willem III tower next to Fort Zoutman. The two-story building on the left was Oranjestad's first hotel. It opened in 1924 as a guesthouse, called 'Pension Aruba'. At the time it had a splendid ocean view. With its pillars and balcony it was one of the most beautiful buildings of Oranjestad. Later it was renamed Hotel Colombia. It is now part of the restored Town Hall complex. At the north end is the St. Franciscus church. Check out www.historiadiaruba.aw
FOR SALE
Lot nr.
solito 100 / tel 582 8080 / www.betterhomesaruba.com
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
in M
SOLD 600 860 860 860 860 897 897 897 898 796 898
BUBALI in AFL.
SOLD 125,000.00 159,100.00 159,100.00 159,100.00 159,100.00 165,945.00 165,945.00 165,945.00 166,130.00 147,260.00 166,130.00
STATUS
RESERVED
RESERVED RESERVED
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Save some money
How to create a stunning desert garden When most people think of a desert, they envision miles and miles of plain sand, cactus plants, and tumbleweed, but did you know that you can create a desert garden that is full of variety and color?
Following are some useful tips to help you achieve this. Color your garden
Just like when an artist starts a new art piece on a white canvas, you can also view your garden or a spot in your garden as a blank slate that you can transform by combining your imagination, some good planning and hard work. The first place you need to start is forming a clear image of the end result that you want to see, always taking into consideration the budget that is available and the amount of time you would like to allocate for your garden project. Spend some time researching desert landscaping websites on the internet, some of them carry entire plant databases from which you can gather all the information you need about the plants you could use in your garden. Desert plants come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and textures and colors. For a great result try to combine cacti, succulents, shrubs, wildflowers, ornamental grasses and local Aruban trees in your garden.
A great benefit of gardens featuring desert plants is that they are low maintenance and do not require a lot of watering. But if you want to save both time and money, consider putting in a good drip system. The benefits are just endless. A drip irrigation system allows you to water larger areas of your garden at the same time. The low flow rate of the water and the use of an automatic timer will result in a precise water control. And since the areas directly around the plant’s root zone are being irrigated, the growth of weeds is also reduced. And when you want to give your desert plants an extra boost by providing them with the necessary vitamins and nutrients, you can do so through a special dispenser that can be connected on the drip system. For more information on how to set up a drip system, contact your favorite plant shop or landscaping company.
Create a dramatic effect
A desert garden does not have to be flat and boring. For a truly unique effect consider adding some reliefs with low, gently-sloping mounds. Try to incorporate a few well-chosen colors that will define the look of your garden. An example of a great color combination is the color green (cactus), silver/gray (desert sage) and the colors red (red tipped agave) and yellow (desert marigold). You can use any other colors you like, but make sure that the colors you use in your garden design will either complement or contrast each other. Garden design experts recommend the clustering of same-
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List of desert plants:
shaped, same-sized, same-textured or same-colored plants. You will create more impact by grouping a few well-selected plant varieties on some great locations around your garden, rather than placing a mixed selection of plants all over the place. Unity in your garden design is achieved by consistency. Remember to plant some beautiful ornamental grasses on a location where the sun will back-light them for a truly dramatic effect. And last but not least, a garden is not complete without a nice sitting area. Find a good area where there is some shade, place your favorite garden lounge chair or hammock there and you can soon start enjoying Aruba’s dazzling sunsets in your very own desert garden.
• Cactus • Yuca • Agave • Cholla • Desert willow • Mesquite • Coreopsis • Lavender • Texas Sage • Ocotillo • Desert Marigold • Prickly pear • Fountain grass • Pampas grass
32 What goes beyond a five star resort that most of us would consider the height of being pampered? What would you expect from lodgings that demand a price tag of $15,000 per night and up? For those whose expectations eclipse what most of us would consider the lap of luxury, but require suites that take up an entire floor, or their own private butler or a place to land their helicopter, there is a resort to accommodate them, and beyond those simple needs. If you are the kind that gets excited by massaging jets in your hotel room bathtub and an onsite spa, read on and see what you are missing-starting with the LEAST expensive!
$15,500 a night - Imperial Suite, Park HyattVendôme, Paris, France Oh la, la! The 250 sq ft Imperial Suite located on the second floor of the Park Hyatt-Vendôme’s Haussmanian building claims this more budget priced fee (compared to the others on the list) due to its “splendid 85-sq.-metre living room, dining area, kitchenette and separate working area.” The suite also features a personal "In Suite Spa" in the bathroom with whirlpool bath, steam room shower and a dedicated table for massages. (Does that include the masseuse as well? It should!)
Book all your vacations @ Maduro Travel $16,000 a night - Royal Suite, Four Seasons George V, Paris, France Yes, the French certainly know how to live! (Or overcharge, it is a matter of interpretation.) The George V is famous for its pair of “Royal Suites,” with private terraces overlooking the historic Fountain of the Three Graces. A whopping 2650 sq ft one bedroom or two bedroom apartment, they are furnished and decorated with valuable antiques; (which means you are spending a lot of money to sit and eat on old furniture.) Each bedroom has its own private marble bathroom, and there is a separate powder room for guests, as well as a marbled entryway, and private offices.
$17,500 a night Royal Armleder Suite, Le Richemond, Geneva, Switzerland Another expansive accommodation is the Royal Armleder Suite in Geneva, occupying the entire seventh floor of Le Richemond luxury resort when one books all the neighboring junior suites. Alone, it measures 700 sq ft. combined with the others, over 2400. One of the major selling points for this top floor suite that was created after extensive renovations is that all the windows are bulletproof! Some may consider this a necessity, however, one would think the in-room spa, working fireplace and 100 ft private terrace overlooking the old city and offering a breathtaking view of the Alps and Mont Blanc would likely be the greater attraction, but we imagine the security factor is what ups the price tag.
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$18,000 a night - Royal Suite, Burj Al Arab Dubai, United Arab Emerites Dubai’s most famous landmark is a seven star hotel, and sits on a manmade island looking like a billowing sail. The Royal Suites duplex structure is centered around an epic staircase and the master bedroom has a rotating four poster bed. Guests are treated to their own private elevator and cinema, and for a slight extra charge, (at least for those that can afford to stay there,) they will provide a chauffeured Rolls Royce or helicopter to bring you to your door. Each room in the resort has its own private reception desk and concierge, and two butlers greet you at the door, unpack your luggage and run bath upon arrival.
$18,200 - Ritz-Carlton Suite in the Ritz-Carlton, Moscow, Russia. Baby, it’s cold outside! This is why the Ritz-Carlton Suite in Moscow sports floor to ceiling windows from which you can watch the famous Russian winters and the Kremlin, Red Square and St. Basil’s Cathedral along with heated bathroom floors to warm your feet. Just a few of the amenities found in this 2,500 sq ft suite include a grand piano, dining area, library, office room and boardroom. A KGB-approved security room boasts an autonomous energy supply system and secure telecommunications array. In Russia, we suppose this is a valuable asset!
$25,000 a night - Bridge Suite at The Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas Described as the “crème de la crème of accommodations” and the “magnificent crown jewel of Atlantis,” the Bridge Suite perches high on the bridge which dramatically connects the two buildings of the Royal Towers, hence its name. A 50 x 25 ft living room includes baby grand piano and two areas for entertaining guests. There is a bar lounge doubling as a gaming and entertainment center, and the kitchen off the elaborate dining room has its own service entrance. The King Bedroom boasts a huge four-poster with hand painted linens and his and her bathrooms and dressing rooms. The ten room suite has an 800 sq foot balcony and 2500 sq foot area for lavish parties where a multitude of guests are comfortably accommodated.
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$33,000 a night - Royal Penthouse Suite, President Wilson Hotel Geneva, Switzerland The Royal Penthouse Suite Occupies the entire top floor of the President Wilson Hotel, and again sports what appears to be that most important of commodities in resorts where international commerce is conducted, bulletproof windows and also armored doors. Additionally part of the décor are dozens of surveillance cameras and bedside panic buttons for calling your bodyguard. A private elevator to this penthouse suite, which has a stunning view of those picturesque Alps, also insures discretion and security. All this certainly makes one wonder why people travel to Geneva; the price tag does not even include a continental breakfast!
$34,000 a night - Ty Warner Penthouse, Four Seasons, New York City The surrounding floor to ceiling windows of the Ty Warner Penthouse, situated at the pinnacle of New York’s tallest hotel, surrounds guests in a 360-degree view of the Manhattan skyline, giving the impression of floating above the city. The nine-room suite has walls inlayed with mother of pearl, comes with its own butler, and includes unlimited global calling and a transceiver to allow guests to watch every TV channel in the world, when they aren’t looking at the amazing vista, which we would suppose would capture all our attention!
$40,000 a night - Hugh Hefner Sky Villa, Palms Casino Resort, Las Vegas, Nevada When Kanye West held court during the 2007 MTV Music Awards, he did it from this remarkable duplex accommodation measuring a total of 10,000 sq ft. Every inch of this extravagant abode defines the term “living large,” which is actually used to describe it on the resort’s website! Most memorable features: round-the-clock butler service, a rotating bed set beneath a mirrored ceiling, (of course,) and a $700,000 Playboy trademark pool and whirlpool hot tub that cantilevers out above the Las Vegas strip for an breathtaking view while cavorting over the signature bunny logo.
$50,000 a night - Royal Villa at Grand Resort Lagonissi, Athens, Greece Advertised as an “exclusive luxury resort,” the Grand Resort Lagonissi is located on a peninsula, and of all the exclusive ratings of their various accommodations, Platinum Club ranks as the most select, with the Royal Villa at the very top of those limited lodgings. It boasts a private beach and private heated outdoor pool. The living room is a high-tech entertainment center; the business center includes laptop, fax machine, printer and video phone. There is also an indoor pool with a gym and spa sporting a reverse mode hydro massage, steam bath and massage room. A separate butler’s quarters can accommodate the wealthy patron’s “gentlemen’s gentleman,” or they can provide one along with a private chef for the fully outfitted gourmet kitchen.
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All information for a great vacation! Hot Activities - Hot Events - Hot Watersports Hot Dining - Hot Beaches - Hot Shopping Hot Happy Hours
Available at 200 locations: Bars, Restaurants, Supermarkets Shops, Gasstations and Hotels Your ad in Aruba ta Hot? Call: 5636468 / 7336468 E-Mail: sales@arubatahot.com
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