ON ISLAND TIME news
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Bonaire Bucket List PAGES 6 & 7
Aruba’s Largest Michelin Pop-Up Dinner PAGES 10 & 11
Divi Celebrates 50th Anniversary! PAGES 14 & 15 FALL 2019 1
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FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT It’s hard to believe that 2019 will soon come to an end! Divi Resorts has experienced an incredibly productive year, introducing several enhancements across all of our properties. One of the highlights this year was the opening of the new pureocean pool and bar at Divi Little Bay Beach Resort on St. Maarten. This expansive pool area has become the new focal point of the resort, featuring plenty of comfortable seating, a vibrant firepit and swim-up bar, and a luxurious hot tub, which has provided hours of enjoyment for our owners, members and guests. After a little over 12 months of renovations, it was definitely the “icing on the cake” of the resort’s many enhancements. On Aruba, we introduced the Beach Bar, a brand new bar and eatery, located across the street from Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort. This trendy beachfront restaurant has quickly become a favorite with owners, members, guests and locals alike. We also added a state-of-the-art fitness center above the Beach Bar with floor-to-ceiling glass windows and the latest workout equipment. At Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort, we completed lobby renovations and upgrades to Birdie Golf Villa buildings 5, 9 and 10 and Eagle 2 buildings. At Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort, we enclosed puredeli for air-conditioned comfort and added a New York-style deli menu with unexpected items like a custom Bloody Mary bar. At Divi Dutch Village Beach Resort, we added new furniture and comfortable loungers around Tiki Pool Bar & Grill and a second BBQ area near the third pool. We completed renovations at Divi Southwinds Beach Resort on Barbados, which included refurbishing and upgrading one-bedroom and penthouse units, updating pureocean restaurant, adding new pool and beach furniture, and refreshing the landscaping and lighting around the resort. Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino on Bonaire also has a refreshed look with new furniture at the restaurants, pool, and beach, plus new signage, updated landscaping, and new wooden decks. Currently, we’re working our way through the total renovation of our very popular studio units, completely transforming each space with brand new furniture, fixtures, fittings, flooring, patios and more. Along with our many resort enhancements, we’ve also introduced three new General Managers to our properties this year. After 43 remarkable years with Divi Resorts, our beloved General Manager, Mr. Gerrit Griffith, has retired from Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort, and we are delighted to announce the promotion of Pearl Lake, Rooms Division Manager for 12 years, to General Manager. 2
Pearl has a wealth of knowledge about the resort and its guests, making this a very smooth transition. We also have a new General Manager taking the helm at Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort and Divi Dutch Village Beach Resort. Ferry Zievinger has over 16 years of hospitality experience and we know he will bring very positive and steady leadership to these two resorts. Learn more about our new General Managers in our Employee Spotlight on pages 12 & 13. Our final new hire was Charles Maynard, who took over as General Manager at Divi Southwinds Beach Resort on Barbados in May. To learn more, visit bit.ly/2LaoNzc. We also want to acknowledge a very special birthday and a huge milestone for our company. On July 20, 2019, Divi Resorts turned 50 years old! All of our resorts joined in the celebration with lively parties, fun games and goodies. See pages 14 & 15 for photos from the celebrations. We hope to see you on one of our islands soon – and keep those TripAdvisor reviews and social media comments coming! Also, please remember to like our posts, follow us and leave comments on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest. Simply search for @diviresorts and share us with friends and family. Lastly, I’d like to thank our many owners, members and guests for their continued loyalty to Divi Resorts and Divi Vacation Club, and of course, our hardworking staff for their ongoing commitment to excellence throughout the year. Our goal is and always will be to exceed your vacation expectations, no matter the season! Sincerely,
Marco Galaverna President & COO, Divi Resorts
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A DIVI GM Our General Managers love getting out and about to greet our many owners, members and guests. Get to know them a little better each week at our a fabulous Welcome Cocktail Parties on Aruba, Barbados, Bonaire and St. Maarten. You’ll have the opportunity to meet our managers and staff while enjoying delicious drinks and snacks. We hope you’ll join us!
Top Row: Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino’s General Manager Celine Van Meer and key staff members smile for a group photo at the Manager’s Cocktail Party. Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort’s outgoing General Manager Gerrit Griffith and incoming General Manager Pearl Lake share a laugh with longtime owners during Divi’s 50th Anniversary Celebration. Middle Row: Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort’s outgoing General Manager Gerrit Griffith and incoming General Manager Pearl Lake strike a pose with staff. Divi Little Bay Beach Resort’s General Manager Anne-Marie Brooks welcomes Captain Alan Richardson and Sergeant Major Martin Wilson from the Volunteer Corps St. Maarten (VKS). Bottom Row: Divi Southwinds Beach Resort’s General Manager Charles Maynard says goodbye to bartender Charles Sealy, who recently retired after 35 years with the resort. Divi Carina Bay All-Inclusive Beach Resort & Casino’s General Manager Andreas Conhoff oversees ongoing renovations on St. Croix. 3
DIVI VACATION CLUB SO EASY TO USE! Did you know, through Divi Vacation Club’s Member Site, you can Make A Reservation, Bank, Borrow or Rent Points, Check Your Points Balance and Update Personal Information all from one convenient location, 24 hours a day! For more information, go to https://bit.ly/2CniGo5 to download this helpful guide, or visit www.divivacationclub.com, log in to your Member Site and follow the instructions. Once you have established your Personal Account, you’re ready to go!
THE 2019 LOYALTY BENEFITS GUIDE IS PORTABLE! Many of our owners like to carry a pocket-sized guide of their Loyalty Benefits along with their membership card when they travel. To print yours, simply visit https://bit.ly/2NKfhBW.
BANKING POINTS One of the most common questions members ask is, “when is the right time to bank my unused Pure Points?” Deadlines for banking vary based on your Club Membership Loyalty Tier. Go to www.divivacationclub.com, log in and click “Borrowing, Banking & More” for a full explanation on when to bank your points.
LEARN MORE ABOUT DVC TODAY! STOP BY OUR LOBBY CONCIERGE DESKS TO LEARN MORE!
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If you are staying at Divi Resorts on Aruba…
If you are staying at Divi Little Bay on St. Maarten...
Guests at Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort – Call ext. 7002 or 7004. Hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Visit our concierge for more information or call ext. 2401.
Guests at Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort – Call ext. 4652 or 4653. Hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
If you are not staying on Aruba or St. Maarten...
Guests at Divi Dutch Village Beach Resort – Call ext. 793. Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Please call 1-888-863-6822/1-919-419-3484 or visit www.divivacationclub.com.
FEATURED DVC MEMBERS Vacationing on Aruba is a family affair for Beverley and Larry Anderson, who have been visiting the island two to three times a year for 20 years. Married for 28 years, it was one of the Anderson’s five sons who introduced them to ownership, helping them discover the perfect place to make lifelong memories. We caught up with the happy couple to explore what it’s like to be a President’s Elite Member and why they joined the Divi Vacation Club.
“Converting to the Divi Vacation Club and being a President’s Elite Member helps us plan our vacations in a better way. We can make reservations well in advance and add weeks later on with ease,” added Beverley. “We’ve taken other beach vacations to the Jersey Shore, Maine and Florida, but there’s nothing like Aruba and the experience we have here as President’s Elite Members. The consistency and predictability make it a very positive experience and we are never disappointed. Plus, the flexibility of the Divi Vacation Club program means we can adjust the accommodation size we need and decide which weeks we want to travel, so we never waste any of our membership points and precious vacation time.”
Hailing from Staten Island, NY, the Andersons first visited the island 20 years ago after their son convinced them that Aruba and Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort were the perfect fit for the couple, having become a Divi Timeshare Vacation Owner himself.
“We’re able to invite family, friends, and even neighbors, always with the confidence that once they arrive, they will have a wonderful time. And that has never changed in the 20 years we’ve been coming here,” Larry added. “With the perfect year-round weather, vast amenities, friendly people, safe location and the best beach on the island, you can’t beat Aruba and Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort. There is something for everyone on Aruba and it truly lives up to its nickname as the one happy island!”
“A year after our son became an owner, he gave us his bonus week so we could experience the island for ourselves, and after that trip, we fully understood why he bought a timeshare vacation ownership with Divi,” said Beverley. “We started buying units for ourselves, and when one week wasn’t enough, we kept upgrading so we could come when we wanted to, stay longer and also bring our five kids and three grandkids.” As time went on, the Andersons ended up with nine units, so when the opportunity arose to convert from Divi Timeshare Owners to President’s Elite Members in the Divi Vacation Club, they jumped at the chance. “One of the most exciting moments was when we purchased at Divi and made a commitment to vacation on Aruba for years to come, knowing that in the future our sons and grandchildren would also enjoy it,” said Larry. “And everything has worked out the way we hoped it would when we made that first investment.”
“One of the most exciting moments was when we purchased at Divi and made a commitment to vacation on Aruba for years to come, knowing that in the future our sons and grandchildren would also enjoy it” - Larry Anderson
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ISLAND ADVENTURES:
BONAIRE BUCKET LIST Take a break from the ordinary and explore the extraordinary on the unspoiled and unforgettable island of Bonaire! Good things come in small packages and this bite-sized island packs a punch for activities to thrill and chill. In fact, Bonaire probably checks off more than a few of your bucket list items, so to help you find out which ones, we’ve created our very own Bonaire Bucket List! Now next time you visit, you’ll have plenty of items to cross off your list. Plus, send us photos and videos of your experiences for a chance to have them featured on social media!
KAYAK THROUGH LUSH MANGROVES
Glide through crystal clear waters to discover the mangrove forest of Lac Bay, where you’ll find three types of mangrove species, plenty of fish, vibrant sponges and coral, upside-down jellyfish and more! With clear bottom kayaks, you won’t miss a moment of underwater action as you navigate through romantic mangrove tunnels. Once you’ve worked up a sweat paddling with your partner, you’ll have the opportunity to cool off with a peaceful snorkel through a calm mangrove channel.
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EXPLORE BONAIRE WITH A LOCAL
Discover the beautiful island of Bonaire in air-conditioned comfort with the help of a knowledgeable local guide from Tropical Travel Bonaire. Stops include 1000 Steps, a popular diving destination and beach, and Goto Lake, where you can often spot a flock of flamingos. You’ll also visit Museo Chich’i Tan, a 130-year-old Bonairian home and heritage museum where you’ll enjoy a local snack and lemonade prepared by the homeowner, and a tour of the residence. Rounding out this full island experience are stops at the colorful salt pans, historical slave huts, and Jibe City, the best spot on the island for windsurfing. SWIM WITH TURTLES
Hop aboard and sail through the Caribbean’s bluest waters with Woodwind Cruises to explore three unique spots near Klein Bonaire. Snorkel through colorful coral reefs where you’ll discover an abundance of awe-inspiring fish and magnificent sea turtles, all pointed out to you by an expert guide. Back on board, enjoy drinks, snacks and a delicious local lunch to keep you energized. RIDE HORSES THROUGH THE DESERT
It sounds like the start of a great western movie, but it’s real life! Saddle up with Rancho Washikemba for a leisurely horseback ride through Bonaire’s pristine desert terrain, spotting donkeys, parrots and iguanas along the way. Plus, if conditions allow, you might even have a chance to swim with your horse in the gorgeous Blue Lagoon Bay.
FEED 700+ DONKEYS
Yes, you read that right! Do yourself a favor; buy a bunch of carrots and stop by the Donkey Sanctuary. You will not regret this heartwarming experience where you can hand-feed hundreds of hungry donkeys alongside your car. Animal-lovers rejoice – if you bring tasty treats, these affectionate asses will instantly become your best friends. SCOOT OR CYCLE AROUND TOWN
What could be better than a leisurely open-air drive around town with the wind blowing through your hair? We’re honestly not sure! Enjoy this experience with a single or double scooter or a traditional Dutch bicycle and prepare to travel throughout the island in style. DRINK A CACTUS
Sip on something completely new that you can only find on Bonaire – cactus liquor! Born and bred on the island, a visit to the one-of-a-kind Cadushy Distillery includes an educational tour, as well as a sampling of several types of the world’s only cactus liquor in a relaxed, laidback environment. Afterward, enjoy a cactus cocktail under the shade of Calabash trees in the distillery’s tranquil gardens where parrots and other tropical birds like to play. LEARN TO SCUBA DIVE
Discover a whole new underwater world when you learn to scuba dive at Divi Flamingo’s very own PADI 5-star dive operation, Divi Dive Bonaire. Friendly instructors will ease you into the water with a comprehensive educational class, underwater practice and a relaxing guided dive of the famed Calabas Reef, located right next to the resort.
WINDSURF AT JIBE CITY
The mecca for windsurfing on the island, you simply cannot ignore the colorful sails as they glide across the water with ease at Jibe City’s Sorobon Beach. Perfect for newbies and pros alike, Jibe City is THE place to learn this thrilling sport, and when you’re ready to take a break, grab a lounge chair by the water and relax with a cold drink. GO FOUR-WHEELING TO BAT CAVES
If you like to go fast and you’re not afraid of getting a little dirty, you’ll love this quad tour, which not only takes you to the Bolivia Caves, home to hundreds of bats and ancient Indian drawings, but also to the Spelonk Lighthouse, where you’ll enjoy a beautiful view of waves crashing into the jagged coastline. MEET A FLOCK OF FLAMINGOS
Pretty in pink, these birds of a feather flock together throughout the island. You’re most likely to spot these blushing beauties near the salt flats or at Goto Lake, but you can also get a closer look at a few flamingos in a special section of the Donkey Sanctuary.
To reserve your stay on Bonaire, visit www.DiviResorts.com. To book your scuba diving experience, visit www.DiviDive.com For more information on Bonaire adventures visit www.TropicalTravelBonaire.com. If you’re staying at Divi Flamingo, simply stop by the Concierge Desk. 7
NEW & IMPROVED New and exciting improvements continue to be completed throughout our resorts on Aruba, Barbados, Bonaire and St. Maarten. Here are a few pictures to show off how we’re keeping your favorite resorts in tip-top shape and consistently upgrading your vacation experience.
ARUBA
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BARBADOS
Check out BRAND NEW 360° photos of our resorts at Kuula.co/DiviResorts
BONAIRE
ST. MAARTEN
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WINDOWS ON ARUBA HOSTS THE CARIBBEAN’S LARGEST
MICHELIN POP-UP DINNER Our very own Windows on Aruba restaurant played host to one of the Caribbean’s largest Michelin pop-up dinners. The sold-out evening events included cocktails, amuses and an extravagant 5-course dinner with wine pairings from Pepia-Est Aruba, prepared by top chefs from the Netherlands.
SOLD OUT!
ERIK VAN LOO
FRANÇOIS GEURDS
JERMAIN DE ROZARIO
EDWIN VINKE
Parkheuvel Rotterdam
FG Restaurant Rotterdam
De Rozario Helmond
De Kromme Watergang
FG Food Labs Rotterdam
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Hoofdplaat
TEAM BARBADOS NAMED CHTA’S
2019 CULINARY TEAM OF THE YEAR Team Barbados has done it again! Led by Divi Southwinds Beach Resort’s award-winning executive chef, pureocean Restaurant’s Henderson Butcher, the national team has once again been dubbed the 2019 Taste of the Caribbean Culinary Team of the Year, a huge achievement and honor for this stellar group of gastronomy gurus.
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EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
PEARL LAKE
If you’ve visited Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort, chances are you already know Pearl Lake! An Aruban local, Pearl has over 20 years of hospitality experience with nearly 19 of those years spent at Divi Resorts. She’s been the driving force behind the scenes as the Rooms Division Manager, but now she’s the resort’s newest General Manager, taking over the position formerly held by Gerrit Griffith for 11 years. We caught up with Pearl to find out how she feels about her new starring role at Divi Aruba Phoenix.
PEARL LAKE How do you feel about being promoted to General Manager?
I am ecstatic and honored to take over the leadership role at Divi Aruba Phoenix and continue my efforts to expand on our great tradition of top-notch service and customer care. For many years I have greeted our owners, members and guests at the front desk and around the resort and I look forward to continuing to do so as the resort’s newest leader. One of my goals in life is to make a positive impact on someone’s life, helping them realize their full potential and assisting in developing their skills. This was always my focus as the Rooms Division Manager. Now as the General Manager, I have the opportunity to broaden this reach.
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You’re one of only a handful of female Arubans to hold this position. How does that feel?
It is a great accomplishment to be promoted to General Manager. It’s a male-dominated position, that’s no secret, and the fact that it’s happening tells us that the dynamics are changing – in fact, Divi Resorts now has three female General Managers! Being a female General Manager shows us that we can achieve anything we set our minds to! I’m excited to lead the way here and let the female staff know that if they just keep working hard, they can get there – it’s not impossible. And for the young ladies out there, I have a young daughter who’s 16, and it means the world to me that she gets to see her mother achieving this huge goal.
What are your plans for the future of Divi Aruba Phoenix?
I’ve got big shoes to fill with Mr. Griffith retiring after 43 years with Divi Resorts, but I love a good challenge and I am excited to make a positive impact here for years to come. I plan on moving the resort forward in the direction Mr. Griffith set, leading with my heart, just like he did in his many years here, and making sure my staff and guests know that I care about them and that I am always here for them. I’ll also be adding my own little feminine touches here and there!
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
FERRY ZIEVINGER An Aruba native with more than 35 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Ferry Zievinger is the freshest face to join the Divi family as the new General Manager of Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort and Divi Dutch Village Beach Resort. We sat down with Ferry to learn more about his plans as the newest member of our Aruba management team.
What are your plans for the future of Divi Village Golf & Divi Dutch Village?
I’m looking forward to aligning my 35 years of experience with the company’s vision and pushing this vision to its boundaries. I want to make sure that when someone plans a trip to Aruba, our resorts are always considered first, and that we excel as a hospitality company that’s trusted to create flawless vacations.
What is your favorite part of working hospitality?
That’s an easy one - I love to engage with guests and employees, finding out what is important to them and getting their opinions on how we can do things better. It’s a never-ending process, but I love learning new things and sharing my experiences with guests and staff.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Free time is for family, hiking and relaxing with delicious food, a nice bottle of wine or rum, a cigar and good company. During my travels, I’ve also developed a love for photography. I am a Getty Images photographer and I designed my own photography website, while also managing my Instagram account.
FERRY ZIEVINGER What brought you to Divi Resorts?
I was born and raised in Oranjestad, Aruba in the part of the city called Socotoro, but I left the island 14 years ago for work. Recently, my spouse Indra said that she wanted to come back home and I am a smart man, so I listened to my wife! When I started to look for employers, Divi Resorts came to mind. Divi’s roots are in Aruba and the company has been a great partner to the island since its inception 50 years ago. Most importantly though, I appreciate that Divi provides great opportunities for development and career advancement for its employees.
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DIVI RESORTS CELEBRATES MILESTONE 50 TH ANNIVERSARY! Happy Birthday to us! 50 years ago, on July 20, 1969, we opened our first location on Aruba, and now just half a century later, we have nine successful resorts on five stunning Caribbean islands.
To celebrate this special occasion, we asked bartenders from each of our resorts to create the perfect Caribbean cocktail for our big day, and we loved sharing the winning drinks with our guests! If you didn’t get a chance to try our delicious, limited-time 50th Anniversary cocktails, don’t worry! You can make all of our winning drinks at home by visiting bit.ly/2GREVnO. And don’t forget to share a picture of your creation with us on social media for a chance to be featured!
50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
COCKTAIL WINNERS 14
50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
COCKTAIL WINNER
CREATED BY
SHAMAR PAYNE Divi Southwinds Beach Resort
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DIVI CARES ARUBA Staff Beautifies Beaches for AHATA’s 18th Coastal Cleanup
Staff members banded together to support an important environmental cause, volunteering their time to clean up beaches on the south side of the island for AHATA’s 18th Annual Coastal Cleanup. The cleanup was a huge success in helping keep Aruba’s beaches pristine and free of trash. Divi Aruba Phoenix Donates Linens to Families in Need
When Divi Aruba Phoenix received a call from the Minister of Social Affairs office asking for help providing local families in need with bed linens, towels and pillows, the resort was happy to assist! Housekeepers gathered the requested items and delivered them personally to the Minister’s office for distribution to those in need.
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BONAIRE
BARBADOS
Divi Flamingo Staff Read to Local School Children
Divi Southwinds Sponsors Lunch for Education Organization
Staff members, including Divi Flamingo’s General Manager Celine Van Meer, had a great time volunteering to read to children with special educational needs at Het Koraal for Bonaire’s Reading & Writing Foundation.
Lunch is on Divi Southwinds! The resort recently sponsored lunch for EQ Barbados, a local organization with a mission to facilitate the development of a critical mass of 50,000 highly emotionally intelligent young Barbadians by 2025. Divi Southwinds’ General Manager Charles Maynard also presented a donation check to Ms. Lisa Gale, the team lead for Public Education at EQ Barbados.
ST. MAARTEN Resort Hosts Food Drive for Local Foster Home
Staff and guests at Divi Little Bay Beach Resort were all smiles as they hosted a food drive for the local New Start Foundation foster home. A variety of non-perishable food items were gathered throughout the week and donated to the foster home to help the children in their care. The recipients expressed their sincere appreciation, saying that these food items will go a long way to fill their needs.
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2019 EVENTS CALENDAR OCTOBER-DECEMBER
BARBADOS JAZZ EXCURSION
ARUBA
www.aruba.com/things-to-do OCTOBER Eat Local Restaurant Month
Featuring more than 65 restaurants, this month-long culinary event highlights authentic Aruban cuisine and the island’s rich culinary heritage. Divi’s own Windows on Aruba and pureocean restaurants are two of the many participating eateries. Halloween Celebration
Grab your scariest costume and join the spooktacular Halloween festivities at local bars, restaurants and resorts throughout the island. NOVEMBER Aruba Love Festival
Featuring lively house music in an energetic and relaxed environment on Eagle Beach, the Aruba Love Festival is not to be missed. This unique weekend-long event from November 1-6 includes pool and beach parties with live DJs. Aruba Beach Tennis Open
Beach tennis pros and amateurs from around the world travel to Aruba to compete in this premier tournament on beautiful Eagle Beach from November 9-17. For more details, visit www.arubabeachtennisopen.com. Aruba Art Fair
Celebrating its 4 year, this cultural event highlights Aruba’s vibrant and diverse heritage through art. Happening November 22-24, this 3-day event is filled with talented artists, colorful performances, th
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innovative talks and tours, hands-on workshops, kid’s activities, live music and more. For more details, visit www.arubaartfair.com. DECEMBER Aruba Fashion Week
This annual fashion, entertainment and lifestyle event happening in December features fashion shows, social events, cocktails, the latest trends and a fashion conference. Sinterklaas Celebrations
Join the children of Aruba as they welcome Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas) during this Dutch Caribbean tradition on December 5. Throughout the day, Sinterklaas makes appearances at several events around the island. Dande Festival
Known as Aruba’s largest traditional music event, the Dande Festival on December 27 features a variety of musicians performing songs composed in the Dande style. New Year’s Celebration
Enjoy an endless night of fun, festivities and fireworks to ring in the New Year on Druif Beach, just steps away from Divi’s resorts.
BARBADOS
www.visitbarbados.org/things-to-do OCTOBER Barbados Jazz Excursion
Happening October 10-14, this weekend-long event celebrates all things jazz with performances from top artists, including Jeffrey Osborne,
Avery Sunshine, Mike Phillips and many more. For more details, visit www.barbadosjazzexcursion.com. Barbados Food & Rum Festival
Tantalize your taste buds at this year’s Barbados Food & Rum Festival happening October 2427. This delicious event features Divi Southwinds’ very own Chef Henderson Butcher. For more details, visit www.foodandrum.com. NOVEMBER Harrow Barbados Darts Festival 2019
Now in its 17th year, this festival happening November 3-13 invites darts players of all skill levels to compete in tournaments and socialize with fellow players. Barbados Open Water Festival
This open water swim festival takes place November 6-10 and features 2K practice runs as well as 1.5K, 5K and 10K races and evening celebrations around the island. For details, visit www.swimbarbadosvacations.com. DECEMBER Run Barbados
One of the island’s premier sporting events happening December 6-8, Run Barbados includes several exhilarating races, including a fun run, 5K, 10K and half or full marathon. Rugby Barbados World 7s 2019
Held at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown on December 13 & 14, this rugby tournament features 32 teams from around the world competing over two action-packed days in ‘Elite’ and ‘Open’ tournaments. For details, visit www.rugbybarbadosworld7s.com.
52ND ANNUAL BONAIRE REGATTA
Old Year’s Night
Barbados’ version of New Year’s Eve, this holiday is celebrated with festive local entertainment and a vibrant fireworks show in downtown Bridgetown and the St. Lawrence Gap, just minutes from Divi Southwinds Beach Resort.
BONAIRE
www.tourismbonaire.com OCTOBER 52nd Annual Bonaire Sailing Regatta
EAT LOCAL RESTAURANT MONTH
DECEMBER Sinterklaas’ Birthday Celebration
32nd Round the Island Relay Run
This Dutch holiday is celebrated on December 5 when eager children leave out a shoe filled with grass for Sinterklaas’ horse in hopes that Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas) will bring special presents and treats.
Grab your fastest race pals and get ready to circumnavigate the island during this challenging island event. Happening November 11, this race is fun for all ages and features special prizes for the winning teams. For more details, visit www.trisportsxm.com.
Bonaire Christmas Shopping Night
14th Annual Sol Optimist Championship
Savor local holiday delicacies, shop till you drop, and meet Santa Clause at this festive winter wonderland event on December 21 along Kaya Grandi.
Sailors and vessels from around the world descend on Bonaire from October 9-12 to compete for the championship in their class. For more details, visit www.regattabonaire.com.
ST. MAARTEN
Dive Friends Clean Up Dive
Join Dive Friends Bonaire on October 19 to help keep the island’s coral reefs pristine and beaches clean from trash. For more details, visit www.divefriendsbonaire.com.
Shop, taste and socialize at St. Maarten’s 5th Annual Food, Fashion & Beauty Expo happening October 27. This unique event promotes local businesses, giving them an opportunity to showcase their latest products and services.
NOVEMBER Cultural Market
10th Annual SXM Wahoo Tournament
A free event on the last Saturday of every month, Bonaire’s Cultural Market features a fusion of local arts & crafts, fresh produce and educational presentations. Sample authentic Bonaire dishes while listening to talented local musicians. For details, visit www.bonaireculturetours.com.
www.vacationstmaarten.com
OCTOBER 5th Food, Fashion & Beauty Expo
Happening October 25-26, this annual fishing tournament boasts big prizes for the biggest catch and more. For more details, visit www.sxmsportfishing.com. NOVEMBER St. Martin’s Day Celebration
Join the Sint Maarten Yacht Club November 9-10 for this fun-filled sailing regatta featuring prizes, trophies and more! For more details, visit www.smyc.com. DECEMBER Christmas House
Voted the island’s best tourist attraction for the holiday season, this special holiday home is decked out in Christmas decor and features seasonal music, delicious drinks and themed snacks the entire month of December. Grand Case Night Lights Parade
Celebrate the holidays with this festive annual parade of colorful floats that light up the night as they pass through Grand Case. New Year’s Celebration
Each year, residents and tourists alike flock to Philipsburg to watch a magnificent fireworks display over Great Bay and ring in the New Year with a bang.
Join in the island-wide celebrations as St. Maarten commemorates its discovery by Christopher Columbus on November 11, 1493 with ceremonies, live entertainment, music, food and cultural heritage events.
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KEEP IN TOUCH DIVI website: www.diviresorts.com
DIVI VACATION CLUB website: www.divivacationclub.com interval international: www.intervalworld.com
CONTACT reservations: 800-367-3484 or 919-419-3484 reserve@diviresorts.com guest services: guest.relations@diviresorts.com owner services: 888-863-6822 ownerrelations@diviresorts.com groups: 800-801-5550 groupsales@diviresorts.com account services: 800-649-2853
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