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10 REASONS TO VISIT BARBADOS! PAGES 6 & 7
NEW & IMPROVED PAGES 8 & 9 NEW RESTAURANTS TO EXPERIENCE PAGES 12 & 13 SPRING 2019
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FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT Spring greetings to all of our owners, members and guests! We are only a few months into the year, but Divi Resorts has already gotten off to an impressive start. We kicked off 2019 with the introduction of several new restaurants and completed renovations at many resorts. On St. Maarten, at Divi Little Bay Beach Resort: • Grand opening of the new pureocean Pool &
Bar – This expansive oasis has multiple pools that spill into one another with a stunning ocean view, soothing waterfalls, a central fire pit, a swim-up bar, hot tub, cabanas and comfortable seating on several terraces.
• Grand opening of 2 brand new restaurants – The
Shack, with a Caribbean inspired grab and go menu featuring BBQ, Jerk and Roti dishes, and pureroc, with a selection of proteins served on a sizzling hot lava rock, paired with original and creative “roctails” and mouthwatering sides.
• New tables, chairs and umbrellas have been added
to the pureocean terrace.
• Beachside food and beverage service is now
available from Gizmo’s Bar & Grill.
• BBQ grills and picnic-style benches have been
added close to the Infinity Pool so guests can enjoy yet another dining option.
• Road repairs and landscaping improvements have
been completed around the resort.
On Aruba: • Grand opening of the Beach Bar – Located
across the street from Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort, this fun new beachside restaurant and bar is a fantastic place to watch stunning Aruban sunsets while enjoying savory snacks and creative cocktails.
• Fitness Center above the Beach Bar – The fitness
center for guests at Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort and Divi Dutch Village Beach Resort, which now sits above the new Beach Bar, has been completely rebuilt.
Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort: • Completed renovations to puredeli, which includes
enclosing the eatery for air-conditioned comfort and updating the menu with New York deli inspired sandwiches like the Classic Reuben (1/2 pound of corned beef topped with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and Thousand Island dressing on marbled rye) and The New Yorker (corned beef, pastrami and Swiss cheese with spicy brown mustard on marbled rye).
Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort: • Work continues to upgrade units in Birdie Golf
Villa buildings 5, 9 and 10 and Eagle 2 buildings.
• Mulligan’s Golf Café & Bar’s menu was refreshed
with delicious new dining options for lunch and dinner.
On Barbados, at Divi Southwinds Beach Resort: • Completed upgrades to landscaping and lighting
around the resort.
On Bonaire, at Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino: • Renovations have begun on Studio units, which
includes new appliances, furnishings, electronics, bathrooms and screened-in balconies.
• Completed upgrades to all resort signage and
landscaping.
We look forward to seeing you on island soon, and remember, we always appreciate reading your comments and feedback. I personally read many of the reviews on TripAdvisor and social media, so please keep them coming. You can connect with us anytime on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest using our handle @diviresorts, and share our pages with friends and family. We also love seeing your wonderful vacation photos and videos. You can share them with us anytime by emailing smiles@diviresorts.com, posting them to Instagram with the #divismiles hashtag or submitting them online at www.diviresorts.com/smiles.htm. Don’t miss your chance to be featured! Our goal is and will always be to consistently exceed your vacation expectations, no matter the season. Sincerely,
Marco Galaverna President & COO, Divi Resorts
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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A DIVI GM
Top Row (left to right): Gerrit Griffith, Divi Phoenix General Manager; Paul Franssen, Patrick’s father; Patrick Franssen, Divi Dutch & Village Golf General Manager Celine Van Meer, Divi Flamingo General Manager; Mirna Arrindell, Divi Flamingo Front Desk Agent; Joseph & Laura Casey, 25year Divi owners Middle Row (left to right): Sebastian Suarez, F&B department Supervisor and 2019 Supervisor of the year; 2018 Employee of the Year; Milca Erasmus, Aruba Human Resources Manager; Gerrit Griffith, Divi Phoenix General Manager Pearl Lake, Rooms Manager and 2018 Divi Aruba Manager of the Year; Alex Nieuwmeyer, Divi Aruba Managing Director Bottom Row (left to right): Alex Nieuwmeyer, Divi Aruba Managing Director; Marin Bijl, Divi Tamarijn & Divi Aruba AI General Manager; Maria Geerman, Aruba Human Resources Director; Gerrit Griffith, Divi Phoenix General Manager; Carol Jansen, Divi Dutch & Village Golf Assistant General Manager; F. Javier Del Egido, Project Director; Patrick Frassen, Divi Dutch & Village Golf General Manager Beverley David, Divi Resorts Corporate Director of Marketing; Joan Samson, Divi Little Bay Sales Manager; Stuart A. Johnson, St. Maarten Minister of Tourism; Anne-Marie Brooks, Divi Little Bay General Manager; Marco Galaverna, Divi Resorts President & COO; May-Ling Chun, St. Maarten Director of Tourism 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
The unofficial dancing king and queen of Aruba, President’s Elite Members Cynthia and Gary Ruoff have been waltzing their way around the island for more than 30 years. Hailing from the Great Lakes state of Michigan, where they say there’s more clouds than sun, this dancing duo are committed to quality vacation time, vowing to visit their beloved Aruba year after year. After three decades of jet-setting to Aruba for peaceful stays in paradise at Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort and Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort, Cynthia and Gary Ruoff decided to upgrade to a President’s Elite Membership. “What we wanted more than anything, and the reason we picked the Divi Vacation Club, is that we could vacation on Aruba and stay at the same location during the same time of year, every year,” Gary explained. “My wife’s a teacher and I’m a physician, so we have very specific weeks when we can travel and that’s what cemented the deal.” “We said, ‘This is it. We’re going to be committed to coming back to enjoy the island each year,’ and we’ve never been disappointed,” added Cynthia. Aruba’s warm and sunny weather year-round is just one of the reasons Cynthia fell head over heels for the island many years ago. “We just love coming here,” said Cynthia. “Of course for the sun, the sand and the smiling faces, but also the wonderful music! Every place we go they play beautiful music and we love to dance so that keeps us going.”
The happy couple says their favorite Divi pastime is celebrating special milestones like birthdays, anniversaries and Valentine’s Day at their most treasured spots on the island. “We just keep coming back because of the whole atmosphere on the island and we really enjoy the food, especially at pureocean,” said Gary. “There are many places you can eat on the beach, see the sunset every night and have wonderful food, but our absolute favorite is right here at Divi Phoenix. The menu, the staff and the ambiance can’t be beat!” Now the two get to share their love for Aruba and Divi Phoenix with loved ones, cherishing family time spent together and creating lasting memories.
“We just love it here at Phoenix. It is absolutely our favorite place.” - Gary Ruoff “It’s great that with the Divi Vacation Club, we can always use our points to add another unit so everyone is comfortable,” said Gary. “We have two children and four grandchildren, and they love it here! There’re so many activities, even for the children. Our granddaughters play Bingo every time they come, and they always win!”
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10 REASONS TO VISIT BARBADOS Home to famed singer Rihanna and Mount Gay Rum (the rum that invented rum), this surprisingly large island with a British heritage offers endless amounts of fun and adventure both on land and below the water. Our corporate Communications Specialist, Alyssa Smith recently experienced the island for herself and we followed along to find out what makes Barbados so special.
➊ ENDLESS ACTIVITIES
Whether you’re longing for leisurely days lounging beachside or seeking a thrilling new adventure, there’s something for everyone on Barbados. Delicious food, lush landscapes, friendly faces and striking landmarks you have to see to believe, are in abundance on this island. Fun for the whole family or romantic island bliss for two lovebirds, Barbados checks all the boxes for a perfect Caribbean paradise.
➋ MONKEYS GALORE
They are everywhere, and they are adorable! Originally brought to the island 350 years ago from West Africa as pets, these quick-moving mammals are a joy to watch in their natural habitat. While you can see Green Monkeys anywhere on the island, the best place to catch a closer look is at the Barbados Wildlife Reserve, where not only can you see hundreds of monkeys doing what they do best – monkeying around, but you can also watch as unique species of deer, tortoises, peacocks, caimans, iguanas and more roam freely throughout the 4-acre forest. Insider tip: arrive a little before 2 p.m. so you don’t miss feeding time, where all the animals gather to grub out. For details, visit www.barbadoswildlifereserve.com.
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➌ BEAUTIFUL BEACHES
Warm sand, turquoise water and sunny skies are always on the menu on Barbados! With more than 70 miles of both pink and white sand beaches, there’s a shore for every occasion. Check out Bathsheba for the coolest rock formations, Browne’s Beach for stellar snorkeling and Dover Beach for the ultimate in relaxation, located right on Divi Southwinds’ property.
➍ FOODIE HEAVEN
If you’re a culinary connoisseur, a gastronomy guru or just a traveler who loves to chow down, Barbados is the island for you. Stop by Divi Southwind’s on-site restaurant, pureocean to savor award-winning Executive Chef Henderson Butcher’s perfectly fried flying fish and and rich macaroni pie, both local delicacies you have to try. And if you want to experience the island’s best fusion of food, entertainment and culture, stop by Oistins Bay Gardens for the famed Oistins Fish Fry every Friday night. Oistins is open every night of the week, but the seafood market really comes alive Friday nights with sizzling seafood, energetic music and a bustling crowd of locals and tourists ready to devour the most authentic Barbadian dishes. The locals swear by Pat’s Place & Uncle George’s, but be sure to arrive early to avoid long lines.
➎ STELLAR SURFING (FOR ALL SKILL LEVELS)
If you think surfing is not for you, think again! Barry’s Surf Shop will have you shredding waves like a pro in no time. Open to all skill levels, a beginner surfing lesson with Barry’s includes a quick beachside class to learn how to properly stand up on the board, and then you’re off. With a stand up success rate of 99%, you’re bound to discover why the sport is so addictive, and who knows, maybe you’ll find out you missed your true calling in life! To book your lesson, visit www.surfing-barbados.com.
➑ HARBOUR LIGHTS BARBADOS ➏ SWIM WITH TURTLES
Dive into an underwater world where turtles, fish and colorful sea creatures abound. Climb aboard Tiami’s 60-ft catamaran to spend the day snorkeling and swimming side-by-side with turtles and a variety of exotic fish, a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. Back on the boat, enjoy a fully stocked bar, delicious snacks and a full lunch, all served up by an attentive, upbeat crew. To book your tour, visit tiamicatamarancruises.com.
➐ No matter where you look, you’re bound to find abundant LUSH LANDSCAPES
greenery, majestic towering trees and vibrant flowers, and there’s no shortage of sanctuaries dedicated to preserving the island’s flora and fauna. Bask in the natural beauty with a scenic drive up Cherry Tree Hill or a stop at the ever-popular Flower Forest, Hunte’s Garden or Andromeda Botanic Gardens. For more details, visit flowerforestbarbados.com, huntesgardensbarbados.com and andromedabarbados.com. You can also book a full-day island excursion with Glory Tours to uncover even more of the island’s remarkable sights. For tour details, visit www.glorytours.org.
Think dinner and a movie, but a million times better! Harbour Lights Barbados’ Beach Extravaganza Dinner Show is a must while on the island, happening on Mondays and Wednesdays only. Enjoy a night full of lively entertainment from bands, dancers, stilt walkers, acrobats and even a fire performer. Add great music, an upbeat party environment with dancing and balloons, flowing drinks and a traditional Bajan style BBQ, and you’ve got an ideal night out on Barbados. For more details, visit www.harbourlightsbarbados.com.
➒ ST. NICHOLAS ABBEY
What do you get when you mix history with rum? The St. Nicholas Abbey! No, it’s not an actual abbey, but it is filled with 350 years of history and Barbados’ finest aged rum, just waiting to be sipped. Originally a sugarcane plantation, this now museum, working rum distillery and plantation home has a cafe, tropical birds, vibrant gardens, mahogany forests, tropical gullies, a steam mill, a courtyard and more, all on its 400-acre property. For more details, visit www.stnicholasabbey.com.
➓ COOL CAVES
Prepare for a journey far below the ground into mystical caverns to explore the island’s most popular attraction, Harrison’s Cave. This natural wonder features fascinating grottos, dripping stalactite formations that look like glistening chandeliers, huge echoing caverns and underground waterfalls. Marvel at the formations as you wind through the caves by tram or book the Eco-Adventure Tour where you get down and dirty to discover the caves by foot, and sometimes by hand and knee, for even more excitement. For more details, visit www.harrisonscave.com. Another sweet spot to visit is the Animal Flower Cave, the island’s only accessible sea cave, located on the north side of Barbados. Named for its many sea anemones, this is a popular destination for locals and tourists thanks to its spectacular views, natural swimming pool inside the cave and restaurant overlooking the crashing waves. 7
NEW & IMPROVED 2019 is off to a great start and we’re thrilled to show off some of the exciting changes and transformations at our beautiful resorts on St. Maarten, Barbados and Bonaire from the past few months.
Divi Little Bay Beach Resort
Experience the excitement of our GRAND REOPENING PARTY at www.diviresorts.com/grand-reopening.htm! 8
Above: Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino Below: Divi Southwinds Beach Resort
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CARINA BAY NEWS Here’s a sneak peek at the NEW Divi Carina Bay All-Inclusive Beach Resort & Casino on St. Croix, reopening fall 2019! New features include: • Open concept lobby with bar, TV lounge and gaming
area
• New and restyled restaurants and menus, plus the new
Roc Terrace
• Expansive beachfront deck with pool, bar and
restaurants, cabanas, palapas and chairs
• New water sports facility • Completely renovated hotel rooms and timeshare units • Refreshed amenities, activities and entertainment
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EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT DIEGO CONCHA You might have seen him out and about on our islands working hard to keep our resorts in top-notch shape. With more than 25 years of hospitality management experience around the world, Divi’s newest Senior Regional Director of Resort Operations, Diego Concha, is bringing fresh and innovative ideas to the forefront to enhance and improve the Divi Resorts experience. We sat down with this globe-trotting Colombian native to learn more about his role at Divi. What brought you to Divi Resorts?
I’m deeply attracted to the Caribbean’s multiplicity of cultures, and last year, Divi offered me the opportunity to expand my horizons by working closely with their exemplary teams, who are dedicated to delighting guests with their unique blend of style and authentic island culture. Destiny has its ways and I was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time to join Divi’s great journey.
What does your job entail?
I’m responsible for leading our resort operations teams, promoting positive guest-centric experiences, guiding staff to reach their full potential and creating a path to the smooth running of our properties. In a nutshell, myself and my team strive to implement authentic island experiences and create extraordinary memories for our guests that last a lifetime.
Where are you from and how does that influence you?
I was born in Colombia, the land of the Gabriel Garcia Marquez, a literary Nobel Prize winner. Because of him, the country learned about “magic realism,” which transformed us into dreamers. I have also been exposed to many different cultures from around the world including South America, the Caribbean, North America and South Asia because of the nature of my work.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I have always been passionate about sports and I love football (soccer), basketball, tennis, hiking, running, swimming. I’m now paying the price, but I still push through. I also like spending time with my wife, Cynara and my two children, Alex and Nadeska.
From left to right: Paul Melskens, Divi Little Bay Food & Beverage Manager; Diego Concha, Senior Regional Director of Resort Operations; Jamaal Solomon, Divi Resorts Landscape Superintendent Operations 11
TASTE OF DIVI ARUBA
ST. MAARTEN
BEACH BAR
PUREOCEAN
It’s five o’clock somewhere! Spend your happy hour at Divi’s brand new Beach Bar, a lively new restaurant and bar located right across the street from Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort. Serving up delightful snacks and thirstquenching cocktails with a side of entertainment, it’s the perfect place to unwind, hang out with a drink and watch an amazing Aruban sunset.
A culinary staple on St. Maarten, this signature restaurant led by new Executive Chef Octavio Verhelst features a refreshed modern look with sleek furniture and décor, expanded indoor seating and completely revamped menus full of delicious classics and tasty island favorites. Dine in air-conditioned comfort or experience fabulous al fresco seating on the pureocean outdoor terrace.
ND BR A NEW
Open daily for buffet or à la carte breakfast from 7-11 a.m., dinner from 5:30-10 p.m. and Sunday brunch from 11 a.m.2 p.m. Check out the new menus online at www.pureoceanrestaurant.com/st-maarten and make your reservation by calling 721-542-2333 ext. 3477.
NEW K& LOO U ME N
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THE SHACK
PUREROC
If you’re looking for authentic Caribbean jerk flavors you’ve found the spot! The Shack’s grab and go menu can be enjoyed on the pureocean terrace, by the pureocean pool, on the beach, or just about anywhere. Featuring traditionally prepared BBQ, Jerk and Roti dishes with a little kick, your taste buds will thank you after every meal.
For a uniquely “hot” dining experience like no other, stop by pureroc to sample a mouthwatering selection of fresh meat and seafood served on a sizzling hot lava rock. Paired with creative “roctails” and accompanied by satisfying sides, guests become chefs, cooking their meat and seafood to taste, so it’s always done to perfection! This new eatery, with a romantic nighttime ambiance, is located on the pureocean terrace.
ND BR A NEW
ND BR A NEW
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DIVI CARES ARUBA SPECIAL TREATS DONATED TO ELDERLY HOMES
The Divi Impact Foundation was honored to donate hams and turkeys to local elderly homes. Recipients were all smiles as volunteers delivered the special gifts to SABA San Nicolas, Stichting Thuiszorg and spots in Savaneta and Oranjestad. CHILDREN’S BOOKS SPONSORED FOR SCHOOL KIDS
An advocate for education, especially amongst children, Divi Impact was thrilled to sponsor books for local children on Aruba, providing valuable learning resources and entertainment for students.
BARBADOS DIVI SOUTHWINDS HOSTS PARTY FOR CHILDREN’S ORPHANAGE
Children from a local orphanage were overjoyed as they were treated to a festive day of fun at Divi Southwinds. The resort hosted a party for the kids complete with with snacks and lunch, face painting and a clown.
ST. MAARTEN FOUR EMPLOYEES EARN HOSPITALITY CERTIFICATION
FUNDS RAISED IN THE FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER
Divi Little Bay is proud to announce that four front office staff members recently received certificates for passing the American Hotel & Lodging Association course, which recognizes individuals who deliver exceptional service by engaging with their guests and creating memorable experiences. Recognized worldwide, this is the highest acknowledgment of awarding-winning guest service for employees in the hospitality and tourism industry.
Divi Impact joined in the fight against breast cancer by hosting a highly successful t-shirt sale, which raised $10,000 Aruban florins (nearly $6,000 USD) for the Mary Joan Foundation, an organization that supports breast cancer patients, survivors and their families. Staff members were pictured throughout the fundraiser sporting their blue “Support the Fight” t-shirts.
DIVI LITTLE BAY DONATES MONEY FOR FOOD BASKETS
BONAIRE DIVI FLAMINGO SUPPORTS KIWANIS CLUB
The resort supported the newly-formed Kiwanis Club of Kralendijk, Bonaire by donating the use of its Peter Hughes meeting room for their charter ceremony. Kiwanis International is a global organization dedicated to improving the lives of children one community at a time. 14
The resort recently donated $1,000 to the Filipino Community of Sint Maarten to provide food baskets for locals in need. MANAGEMENT & STAFF HOST CLEAN-UP SESSION
In an effort to keep St. Maarten’s beaches and the ocean free of trash, resort management and staff hosted a cleanup session to pick up and properly dispose of small trash and bottles that were blown onto the resort. The event was a huge success thanks to the help of staff volunteers who spent the day cleaning up and beautifying the resort.
50 TH
ST. MAARTEN’S CARNIVAL CELEBRATION
Carnival is hands down one of the most exciting times of the year in the Caribbean! The vibrant colors and lively spirit of the event continues for several weeks, with plenty of parades, upbeat music, costume contests and celebratory food and drink. This year on St. Maarten, the island celebrates its 50th Carnival season from April 20 – May 7. Originated back in 1969, Carnival is a way to celebrate the life of the island, its traditions and its people, and we don’t want you to miss out on any of the fun! Check out all of the festivities planned for this year: MARCH 16 – APRIL 20
During the month leading up to Carnival season, you’ll find “jump-ups” (fabulous street parties) and entertaining events all over the Dutch side of the island, including colorful parades, the highly anticipated Carnival Queen elections and friendly competitions.
notes for a chance to win $10,000 and the title of best Groovy or Power Soca at the annual Soca Rumble. APRIL 28 & APRIL 30
Join hundreds of spectators for the peak of this year’s Carnival at the Junior Carnival Parade and Cultural Showcase on April 28 and the Grand Carnival Anniversary Parade on April 30. Follow along as animated participants decked out in vibrant glitter, colorful feathers, sparkling sequins and elaborate headdresses dance through town. MAY 1 – MAY 4
Soak in the sweet sounds of the Caribbean for three nights of lively back-to-back performances from the Noche Latina, International Soca and One Love Reggae concerts. MAY 7
Time to pack up the colorful beads and feathered costumes. May 7 marks the official end of the 2019 Carnival season on St. Maarten with an exuberant closing ceremony and the traditional burning of King Momo, a firey spectacle for all.
APRIL 20
This is the official start of Carnival on St. Maarten, marked by the opening of the Carnival Village in Phillipsburg. The celebration includes sizzling street food, live music and fun activities for the whole family. APRIL 24
The heart and soul of any Caribbean Carnival revolves around traditional music, including the island’s popular Soca style. On April 24, watch as Soca artists hit the high
For more information on St. Maarten’s 50th Carnival celebration, visit www.sxm-carnival.com or ask the Concierge Desk for an event schedule. 15
DIVI DIVE BONAIRE Have you heard the exciting news? Divi Dive Bonaire, our PADI 5-Star dive facility located at Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino, has a brand new website and we can’t wait for you to dive in and discover our new look and convenient features. Enjoy 24/7 access to the best dive packages, registration forms, certification information and more, all from one site! Bonaire is one of the world’s top diving destinations and Divi Dive Bonaire, with its fleet of five dive boats, offers one- and two-tank morning and afternoon dives, plus day and night shore diving at the famed Calabash Reef, located right on the resort. Serge de Groote, Divi Dive Bonaire’s 20-year veteran Dive Operations Manager and his highly experienced team offer comprehensive PADI certification courses for first-time divers and specialty courses like wreck and deep diving for experienced divers. For more information and specials, visit www.dividive.com. Learn more about Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino at www.diviflamingo.com.
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“Everyone in our dive group agrees, Serge and his team at Divi Dive Bonaire are the best in the business, and Serge is by far one of the most fun, knowledgeable, and hardest working divemasters around.” - Christopher Kenyon
DIVI EXTRAS INTERNATIONAL JOURNALISTS & INFLUENCERS VISIT DIVI LITTLE BAY Divi Little Bay and St. Maarten recently hosted a large group of international journalists and influencers from around the world, including Holland, Belgium, Canada, USA and South America. They spent the week exploring our beautiful resort, visiting the Dutch and French sides of the island and enjoying the wonderful food, fun and adventures St. Maarten has to offer.
LEARN GOLF OR IMPROVE YOUR GAME ON ARUBA! For a limited time, enjoy The Links at Divi Aruba’s Spring Specials at Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort: • $10 Kid’s Golf Lessons (ages 5-18), Saturdays
from 10 a.m.-11 a.m.
• $150 Adult Lessons, includes 9-holes for 2, club
rentals and green fees
For more information and tee times, visit www.divilinks.com or call 297-581-4653 to sign up.
DIVI SMILES A picture is worth a thousand words and at Divi Resorts, we love seeing your vacation photos and videos! Keep an eye out for our Divi Smiles signs throughout your favorite resorts and strike a pose with your best beaming smile. Don’t forget to send your photos and videos to smiles@diviresorts.com, submit them online at www.diviresorts.com/smiles.htm or post them on Instagram with #divismiles for a chance to be featured! WHO KNOWS? YOU MIGHT SEE YOURSELF HERE!
GET SOCIAL WITH US! Follow and like us on social media for the latest offers, news and giveaways. Plus, share our pages and posts with friends and family to spread Divi vacation joy!
@DIVIRESORTS #DISCOVERDIVI #DIVIRESORTS CHECK OUT OUR GIVEAWAYS!
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2019 EVENTS CALENDAR APRIL-JUNE
ARUBA’S SOUL BEACH MUSIC FESTIVAL
ARUBA
www.aruba.com/things-to-do APRIL Easter Celebrations Experience the island’s Easter traditions firsthand, including Easter egg hunts, BBQs, beach camping and much more.
Copa Cees Bossers Tournament Local and international players meet on a sandy soccer field to showcase their talents in this annual beach soccer tournament.
King’s Day Celebrate Dutch King Willem Alexander’s birthday on April 27 with sports competitions, kite flying contests and family-friendly festivals.
59th International Boulevard Race This 10K happening April 27 is Aruba’s most popular race, with more than 200 competitors from around the world.
MAY Soul Beach Music Festival Held each year during Memorial Day weekend, this show-stopping festival will ‘wow’ you with jaw-dropping performances from top soul and R&B artists and comedians, plus sultry day and night parties. This year’s performers include John Legend and Ella Mai. For more details, visit www.soulbeach.net.
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JUNE Dera Gai (St. John’s Day) Dera Gai, which translates to “burying of the rooster,” is an annual harvest festival and cultural celebration with traditional song and dance in remembrance of the apostle San Juan Bautista.
KLM Aruba Marathon Soak in the beauty of Aruba during the KLM Aruba Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and 5K, happening June 2. Run alongside participants from around the world on a course to Palm Beach, the California Lighthouse and Eagle Beach. For more information, visit www.arubainternationalmarathon.com.
33rd Aruba International Olympic Triathlon Athletes from around the globe descend on Aruba to compete in this prestigious triathlon happening June 30. Beginners can also test their endurance on a separate course. For more details, visit www.arubatriathlon.com.
Aruba Summer Music Festival One of the largest Latin music festivals in the Caribbean, the 5th edition of this two-day festival happening June 28 & 29 features live performances from top artists. Past performers include Ozuna, Nacho, Victor Manuelle and Fonseca. For more details, visit www.arubasmf.com.
BARBADOS
www.visitbarbados.org/things-to-do APRIL Vujaday Music Festival Now in its 2nd year, this upbeat music festival, happening April 3-7, features a lineup of house and techno artists, internationally renowned DJs and local favorites. For more details, visit www.vujadaymusicfestival.com.
4th Annual Barbados Chocolate, Pastry & Wine Festival A sweet and savory chocolate, culinary and wine experience, this festival on April 6 features plenty of ways to taste, learn and celebrate chocolate, pastries and wine. For more details, visit www.barbadoschocolatefestival.com.
Barbados Reggae Festival Now in its 15th year, this annual festival on April 27 celebrates local, regional and international Reggae acts featuring a lively beach party with top-notch musical entertainment. For details, visit www.thebarbadosreggaefestival.com.
National Heroes’ Day This holiday on April 28 celebrates historical figures for their contributions to the island’s culture and government.
MAY Barbados Turf Club Horse Racing The Barbados Turf Club kicks off its 2019 summer season with several races held at the Garrison Savannah. For more details, visit www. babadosturfclub.org.
BONAIRE DIVE WEEK
Gospelfest Barbados The Caribbean’s premier gospel music and arts festival, Gospelfest Barbados, happening May 18-26, is celebrating its 28th year with several events including choral music, jazz, comedy, dance, theatre and cricket. For more details, visit www.barbadosgospelfest.com.
Barbados Restaurant Week Sample a wide variety of authentic Bajan cuisine at local restaurants during Barbados Restaurant Week, happening May 18-26. For more details, visit www.barbadosrestaurantweek.com.
JUNE Whit Monday This national holiday is celebrated on June 10, the Monday after the Christian religious feast of Pentecost.
SOL Rally Barbados Known as the most dynamic three days of rally driving on Barbados, SOL Rally Barbados, the Caribbean’s biggest annual motor sport event, now in its 30th year, attracts drivers from around the world to go head to head for a chance to place first. For more details, visit www.rallybarbados.net.
Crop Over Festival This six-week festival invites locals and tourists alike to celebrate a 200-year-old tradition of honoring the end of sugar cane season. Kicking off at the end of June, this event features dusk till dawn parties, arts & crafts markets and culinarydriven street fares. For more details, visit www.barbadoscropoverfestival.com.
BARBADOS TURF CLUB HORSE RACING
BONAIRE
ST. MAARTEN
APRIL Simadan (Harvest) Festival Rincon This traditional celebration of the growing season’s harvest takes place on Easter Monday, April 22. Families and friends gather to help harvest crops, while farmers supply food and drinks for the party.
APRIL 6th Underwater Easter Egg Hunt Celebrate Easter diving into warm tropical waters as you hunt for Easter eggs to win big prizes. Swimmers and snorkelers of all ages are invited to join the fun on Easter Monday. Plus, all proceeds from this event support the St. Maarten Nature Foundation.
King’s Day
St. Maarten’s 50th Carnival Season
www.tourismbonaire.com
Witness an official government ceremony on April 27 to honor Dutch King Willem Alexander’s birthday followed by celebrations in Kralendijk.
Dia di Rincon Locals and visitors gather in Rincon on April 30 to celebrate this special cultural heritage day, which marks the end of Simadan (harvest), with authentic cuisine, local music and traditional dances.
MAY Bonaire Dive Week Experience exhilarating guided dive excursions, seminars, workshops, BBQs, beach parties and more during Bonaire Dive Week, May 15-18 and discover why Bonaire is one of the world’s premier dive locations. For more details, visit www.bonairediveweek.nl. JUNE Miss Tourism Bonaire 2019 Participants compete to win the title of Miss Tourism Bonaire 2019 in this local pageant happening June 8. The winner will be the face of Bonaire and a representative of the island for 2019.
Experience Carnival on the Dutch side of the island with thrilling parades, colorful festivals, over-the-top parties, pictureperfect pageants and so much more. For details, visit www.sxm-carnival.com.
MAY Fish Day This quirky event celebrates all things fish with cooking demonstrations, food tastings, live music, entertainment and more! Bring the whole family along to savor delicious seafood, listen to local music and learn more about the fisherman culture. JUNE Billfish Tournament This deep sea fishing tournament is one of the largest in the Caribbean, inviting locals and teams from neighboring islands to compete for big prizes. For more details, visit www.billfish-tournament.com.
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