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St. Maarten Island Adventures PAGES 6 & 7
Summer Fun at Divi PAGE 11
A Taste of Divi on Aruba! SUMMER 2019 1
PAGES 12 & 13
FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT Sweet summertime is finally here, and it’s a favorite season for many of our members, owners and guests traveling with their children and families. Our sunny Caribbean resorts are perfect for summer travel, with all-suite accommodations that offer spacious living rooms with plenty of space for everyone to spread out, convenient dining areas and fully-equipped kitchens. Plus, our outdoor BBQ grills are perfect for family cookouts and gatherings with friends. Of course, there’s always the miles of white sand beaches, several freshwater swimming pools to help you cool off, delicious dining options and fun family activities like tennis, basketball, miniature golf, bocce ball, beach volleyball and water sports. And this summer, we’ve got some exciting new activities up our sleeves. Check out page 11 to find out more! Ever since we reopened Divi Little Bay Beach Resort on St. Maarten in December 2018, we haven’t taken our foot off the pedal. Instead, we’re diving right into our next project, renovating and reopening Divi Carina Bay AllInclusive Beach Resort on St. Croix. Conveniently located in the U.S. Virgin Islands, passports are not required for travel by U.S. citizens. A unique beachfront property on the east end of the island, “CB” is secluded in its own bay, close to Point Udall, the most easterly point in the US. You can catch a glimpse of what’s to come on page 10. On Aruba, we recently opened the new Beach Bar, located across the street from Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort. This trendy beachfront restaurant and bar is a fantastic place to watch amazing Aruban sunsets while enjoying a refreshing Caribbean cocktail with the local scene. Our new Fitness Center, situated right above the Beach Bar, has fantastic views of the ocean with its floor-to-ceiling glass windows. It’s the ideal setting to improve your mind and body with mother nature’s stunning beauty laid out in front of you. Check it out on page 8. Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort is working diligently to finish upgrades in Birdie Golf Villa buildings 5, 9 and 10 and Eagle 2 buildings. Plus, several of our restaurants on Aruba now have a refreshed look and new menus. You’ll find more information and photos on pages 12 & 13. At Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino on Bonaire, we recently added new furniture to our restaurants, lobby, pool, beach, pier, sundeck and gardens. We’ve also upgraded resort signage and landscaping. This fall, we will begin upgrading our very popular studios, completely transforming the units with brand new furniture, fixtures, fittings, flooring, patios and more.
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Over the years, Divi Resorts has had some wonderful General Managers and I’ve been honored to work with many of them. Amongst our very best is Mr. Gerrit Griffith, affectionately known by everyone as “Mr. G.” For 43 remarkable years, he has worked at every Divi Resorts destination, and sadly on September 1, 2019, he has chosen to retire, having led the team at Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort for the past 11 years. This August, we will honor Mr. G. all month on social media with special photos and memories from our owners, members, guests and staff. If you’d like to share your story, see page 14 for more details. I’d also like to welcome our freshest face to the team, Mr. Charles Maynard, our new General Manager of Divi Southwind’s Beach Resort. Learn more about Maynard in our Employee Spotlight on page 15. 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. 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 their many owners, members and guests. Every week, Divi Resorts on Aruba, Barbados, Bonaire and St. Maarten host a Welcome Cocktail Party so managers have the opportunity to introduce themselves and members of their staff. We hope you’ll join us!
Top Row: Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino General Manager Celine Van Meer welcomes new employees, Chief Engineer Jack Livingston and Food & Beverage Manager Gonzalo Torres to the resort. Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort General Manager Gerrit Griffith shares a laugh with longtime owners during Happy Hour. Middle Row: Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort and Divi Dutch Village Beach Resort General Manager Patrick Franssen congratulates Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Ardita on their 49th wedding anniversary. Divi Little Bay Beach Resort General Manager Anne-Marie Brooks welcomes Marlon and Tito Jackson to the resort during their recent Heineken Regatta concert. Bottom Row: Divi Southwinds Beach Resort General Manager Charles Maynard introduces himself to guests at his first Manager’s Cocktail Party. Divi Carina Bay All-Inclusive Beach Resort & Casino 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 Out of all the Caribbean islands, President’s Elite Members Tom and Lee Evangelista from Massachusetts say Aruba is by far their favorite. The couple discovered the island 12 years ago, and once they got a taste of the near-perfect weather, the ambiance, the beaches, and the friendly locals, they decided to make the island their second home. We sat down with the Evangelistas to find out more about their decision to become part of the Divi Vacation Club. In 2014, having made the decision that Aruba would become their yearly vacation spot, the Evangelistas began to research their choices and came across the Divi Vacation Club. “We really hit it off with our sales representative who toured us and explained the program,” said Tom, “It was a big step to commit to joining the Club, but I’ve been very pleased with how it’s all worked out. Everything they explained, from how the Club works to the flexibility and quality of the product, has turned out to be true.” The couple quickly fell in love with their vacation choice and decided to upgrade to a President’s Elite Membership for added travel flexibility and additional space. “We wanted to have our vacation the same time every year so we could plan our flights, and we have a large family, so we wanted to make sure they could all come down and stay with us too,” Lee explained. “At this Membership level, we can achieve that goal and know that our entire family can make precious memories together every year.”
“This year, we came on a Sunday, which wasn’t even a day our favorite employees were supposed to be working, and they were there to greet us! We were so taken away with that,” added Lee. Plus, they say the warm weather and endless beaches are just a few of the reasons this is their all-time favorite island. “My wife and I are walkers, and here, we get to walk between three to ten miles a day on these beaches. Plus, there are so many restaurant choices, that we’re still finding new options,” said Tom. “On the resort, pureocean and purebeach are great dining options. We eat there all the time because we love the ambiance, the food and the service.” The two also enjoy planning all sorts of special occasions on Aruba, including their vow renewal, Easter, birthdays, family reunions and more. “My favorite Divi memory was Easter Sunday two years ago when we had 28 family members here, and we had drinks at sunset and dinner in the sand at pureocean,” said Tom. “It was the best time!”
“It’s really a family getaway for us and we mark our calendars and look forward to it all year.” - Tom Evangelista
“We just love the whole package” added Tom. “The Loyalty Benefits Program discounts save us money on food and drinks, activities and the extra touches, and the program really works and does what it advertises. Best of all, my children, who have been coming down to Aruba for over 10 years now, love it too. So, it’s really a family getaway for us and we mark our calendars and look forward to it all year.” Their love for Aruba runs deep, whether it be the miles of white sand beaches for walking, the top-notch on-site restaurants, or the endless amounts of smiling faces they see each time they arrive at the resort. “We couldn’t have asked for a better staff,” Tom said. “Our whole family agrees, everybody here is so wonderful from the managers to housekeeping, concierge, the bellmen, everybody is just so happy and smiling. The staff have become like family to us and when we stay here, we feel so welcome, and that’s not a feeling we’ve gotten from a lot of other places.”
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ISLAND ADVENTURES:
ST. MAARTEN “THE FRIENDLY ISLAND” Lush mountains, blue waters, impeccable beaches and top-notch cuisine - life in the Caribbean doesn’t get any better than beautiful St. Maarten. It’s one half of the smallest country in the world, and with more than 140 different cultures living harmoniously on the half French, half Dutch island’s 34 square miles, it’s no wonder this tropical oasis has been dubbed “The Friendly Island.” Whether you’re an adventure-seeker on the hunt for the next big thrill, or a laid-back beach bum searching for the perfect shore, St. Maarten has something for everyone. We’ve rounded up the top activities and sights to see on and around the island:
RAINFOREST ADVENTURES
Ideal for adrenaline junkies, Rainforest Adventures offers the world’s steepest zip line, The Flying Dutchman, plus breathtaking 360° views of the island. You can also take a leisurely ride on the Sky Explorer chairlift, a thrilling tube ride down the mountain on The Schooner, or a quick zip over the mountains on the Sentry Hill Zip Line. This is one island experience you don’t want to miss! For more details, visit www.rainforestadventure.com/pages/stmaarten.
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@guiamundoafora
DOWNTOWN PHILIPSBURG
Just minutes from Divi Little Bay Beach Resort, Downtown Philipsburg boasts plenty of history and beauty. Take a guided tour of Front Street, shop till you drop at the many duty-free stores, or snap a picture at the iconic courthouse, which is adorned with a wooden pineapple, the international symbol for welcome. AQUA MANIA ADVENTURES
Offering boat tours, sunset sails, scuba diving and snorkeling adventures, jet ski experiences, day trips to surrounding islands and so much more, Aqua Mania Adventures is your one-stop-shop for water-related activities. Soar over waves on a high-speed jet ski, discover uninhabited islands and British territories with a trip to Prickly Pear and Anguilla, or visit the lush island of Saba, known as the “Unspoiled Queen” of the Caribbean for a hike to the top of Mount Scenery, the highest point in the Netherlands! For a romantic evening, book a sunset sail, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the famous green flash as the sun sets. Finally, be sure to check out the nearby underwater dive and snorkel site at Divi Little Bay Beach Resort, where you can find a sunken helicopter, submarine, toilet and more just off shore. For more information, visit www.stmaartenactivities.com. LOTERIE FARM
This hidden gem, where you can wine, dine and relax in blissful peace, is nestled in the hillside of Pic Paradis on the French side of the island. The private nature reserve features plenty of pools, secluded cabanas, fabulous food from their on-site restaurant and bar, and a picturesque setting ideal for soaking up the sun. If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s also zip lines, ropes courses, and hiking trails, and if you seek a lively party atmosphere, be sure to visit on Saturdays! For more information, visit loteriefarm.com.
@luxetourista
PINEL & TINTAMARRE ISLANDS FORT ST. LOUIS & FORT AMSTERDAM
Travel back in time with a visit to historic Fort St. Louis and Fort Amsterdam. Located on the French and Dutch sides of the islands respectively, both of these forts have been restored over the years and feature incredible views of St. Maarten and surrounding islands. Fort Amsterdam is on Divi Little Bay Beach Resort’s property, so guests can easily access this notable landmark. TOPPER’S RHUM & GUAVABERRY EMPORIUM
You can’t visit the Caribbean without trying a bit of rum, and Topper’s Rhum Distillery will quench your thirst with its award-winning rum bottled right on the island. Get your taste buds ready for this delicious experience, where you’ll learn the history of St. Maarten’s rum production and sip on several satisfying flavors of rum. You can also visit the Guavaberry Emporium in Philipsburg to enjoy St. Maarten’s national liqueur, Guavaberry Rum. For more information, visit www.toppersrhum.com or guavaberry.com. PAROTTE VILLE BIRD PARK
Birds of a feather flock together at Parotte Ville Bird Park! Stop by this one-of-a-kind attraction to feed and befriend tons of colorful birds. A sanctuary for several species of parrots, this popular spot also features a playground and a small museum full of the owner’s ancient family heirlooms and household items.
Located off the coast of Orient Beach, Pinel and Tintamarre Islands are two spectacular snorkeling sites. There are a few ways to reach Pinel Island, but we recommend renting a kayak from Caribbean Paddling for a leisurely 20-minute paddle to white sand beaches, two lively restaurants and bars and hiking trails. If you’re hungry for seafood, you can even choose your own lobster right from the day’s catches. Plus, keep an eye out for the many iguanas that call this island home. To reach Tintamarre Island, you’ll need to book a guided tour, but it’s worth the trip, as the waters surrounding the area are teeming with sea turtles. For more information, visit www. caribbeanpaddling.com and www.stmaarten-activities.com. TIJON PARFUMERIE
Treat yourself to a world of delightful smells and grab a lab coat and create your own custom perfume or cologne at Tijon Parfumerie, on the French side of the island. You’ll get a custom bottle with your own unique label and fragrance name. Plus, should you run out of your exclusive concoction, Tijon keeps a record of your formula so you can always reorder your perfect scent. For more information, visit www.tijon.com. MAHO BEACH
One of the most photographed spots on the island, this beach sits directly next to the airport, which has one of the world’s shortest runways. Tourists and locals alike flock here to snap an Instagram-worthy shot of incoming planes flying just a short distance above the ground. While waiting for arrivals and departures, plane spotters can enjoy a refreshing beer and snacks at nearby restaurants and bars. CULINARY CAPITAL OF THE CARIBBEAN
St. Maarten is a foodie’s paradise with a strong culinary community, top-notch chefs and award-winning dining options. When you’re not savoring delicious dishes at Divi Little Bay Beach Resort’s on-site restaurants, stop by Taloula Mango’s for mouthwatering ribs and fantastic views, Emilio’s for award-winning cuisine or Barranco for a taste of fine French food in a Caribbean chic, beachside setting. 7
NEW & IMPROVED New and exciting improvements continue to be completed throughout our resorts on Aruba, Barbados and St. Maarten, and we can’t wait to show off how we’re keeping your favorite resorts in tip-top shape and consistently upgrading your vacation experience. Here’s what we’ve been up to the past few months!
New Beach Bar and Fitness Center on Aruba
Check out BRAND NEW 360° photos of our resorts at kuula.co/DiviResorts 8
Above: Divi Little Bay Beach Resort Below: Divi Southwinds Beach Resort
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CARINA BAY UPDATE Here’s a sneak peek at the NEW Divi Carina Bay All-Inclusive Beach Resort & Casino reopening December 2019 on St. Croix!
New features include: • Open concept lobby with a bar, TV lounge and
gaming area
• New and restyled restaurants, bars and menus, plus
the new Roc Terrace
• Expansive beachfront deck with a pool, bar,
restaurants, cabanas and lounge chairs
• New water sports facility • Completely renovated hotel rooms and timeshare units • Refreshed amenities, activities and entertainment
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SUMMER FUN FOR KIDS & FAMILIES Each of our island destinations is brimming with family-friendly activities and attractions just waiting to be explored. Whatever island you choose, there are countless ways to enjoy the Caribbean with the entire family. From snorkeling and diving through vibrant coral reefs to competitive games of beach volleyball, relaxing nature walks, or exhilarating crab races, there’s always something exciting to do on our islands. Be sure to check in with our Concierge Desk to pick up a weekly activity schedule.
ARUBA DIVI ARUBA PHOENIX BEACH RESORT
BARBADOS DIVI SOUTHWINDS BEACH RESORT
On Barbados, guests can find an endless list of activities, including aquacise classes, beach volleyball, poolside bingo, pool volleyball, line dancing, nature walks, mini golf competitions, movie nights and more.
BONAIRE DIVI FLAMINGO BEACH RESORT & CASINO
Bonaire is packed full of fun activities both above and below the water. Guests can enjoy sunset yoga, dive classes, live music, karaoke and of course, 24/7 diving and snorkeling right from our shore, at the Calabas house reef or from one of our dive boats.
ST. MAARTEN DIVI LITTLE BAY BEACH RESORT
Situated on a picture-perfect peninsula, the resort abounds with entertaining activities. Selections include beach and pool Olympics, crab races, water balloon tosses, mixology demonstrations, bingo, trivia, live music and entertainment, water aerobics, scavenger hunts, movie night, sunrise yoga, kid’s tie-dye, arts & crafts, dance lessons and morning walks, to name a few.
Weekly activities are fun for everyone at this stunning resort on Palm Beach. Choose from water aerobics, bingo, pool volleyball, arts & crafts, beach walks, ping pong and basketball competitions, movie nights and more! DIVI DUTCH VILLAGE BEACH RESORT & DIVI VILLAGE GOLF & BEACH RESORT
Popular summer activities at both resorts include bingo every day with great prizes, water aerobics three times a week at the Seabreeze Pool, a kid’s scavenger hunt Monday mornings at the infinity pool, Fun in the Sun music and entertainment Monday evenings at the infinity pool, and a putting contest Tuesday mornings with polo shirts and prizes at The Links at Divi Aruba.
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TASTE OF DIVI ARUBA Dining on Aruba just keeps getting better and better! From appetizing new dishes to satisfying eateries with spectacular sunset views, Divi dining never disappoints. Check out our delicious new additions!
BEACH BAR
PUREDELI
Our brand new Beach Bar recently opened across the street from Divi Village Golf, and it’s fast becoming THE place to see and be seen with live entertainment, tasty snacks and thirst-quenching cocktails. Catch a dazzlingly colorful sunset and unwind after a long day of exploring the island.
Now enclosed for air-conditioned comfort, this popular dine in or grab and go eatery is THE place for gourmet coffee, breakfast and New York-style deli sandwiches like the Classic Reuben or The New Yorker. Plus, enjoy added surprises like a Bloody Mary bar, incredible gelato and tasty pies!
ND BR A NEW
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AIR
CON
D ITI O
NED
Executive Chef
Executive Chef
ANTHONY DE PALM
DARWIN TORRES
PUREOCEAN
WINDOWS ON ARUBA
Home to the best sunsets on the island, pureocean is the place for a romantic toes-in-the-sand dining experience! Enjoy Executive Chef Anthony De Palm’s savory appetizers like the Lobster Seafood Martini and entrées like the Curried Groper, Tomahawk Pork Chop and Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb. Pureocean also serves an incredible breakfast buffet with an array of hot and cold dishes, all with amazing ocean views.
Whether you’re sampling the satisfying Royal Sunday Brunch with endless mimosas, or taking in the stunning 180° golf course views during a romantic dinner, Executive Chef Darwin Torres always creates a delightful, one-of-akind culinary experience. From the Kobe Tartar Rossini, to Smoked Salmon stuffed with crab and shrimp and even the simple Tomato & Burrata Salad, each dish is NEW a work of art and divinely delicious! CH
BESSETTS SUN
BRUN S ITEM
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ANNOUNCING THE RETIREMENT OF
MR. GERRIT GRIFFITH General Manager, Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort
SEPTEMBER 1, 2019 “Throughout my 43 YEARS with Divi Resorts, I have been truly blessed to meet so many of our wonderful owners, members and guests. Working with my dedicated staff to provide you with the highest level of personal service has been a pleasure. I will always cherish the many friendships, acquaintances and memories we’ve made together. Thank you.”
- Gerrit Griffith
DON’T FORGET! THROUGHOUT AUGUST 2019, WE WILL BE POSTING In August, we’ll be featuring YOUR PHOTOS WITH MR. GRIFFITH ON SOCIAL MEDIA. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE YOUR MEMORIES YOUR photos with Mr. Griffith on PLEASE SEND YOUR PHOTOS TO:
social media, so send your special
SMILES@DIVIRESORTS.COM memories, photos and videos to
SMILES@DIVIRESORTS.COM 14
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT CHARLES MAYNARD A Barbados native with plenty of experience on the island and in the hospitality industry, Divi Southwind Beach Resort’s new General Manager, Charles Maynard is the resort’s freshest face, having joined the team this May to take over the position formerly held by Alvin Jemmott for 12 years. We sat down with Maynard to welcome him to the team and see what he has in store for Divi Southwinds.
What brought you to Divi Southwinds?
I’ve worked on the island for many years, and in the hotel industry for over 30 years, so when I was presented with an opportunity to return to my native Barbados to be with my family, I welcomed the position with open arms. What drew me to Divi Resorts, and Divi Southwinds in particular, is its diversity and casual yet elegant offerings.
What are your duties as General Manager?
I oversee all aspects of the resort’s daily operations from managing staff to achieving targets, revenue management, cost control, human resources, training,
public relations, maintenance and more. My favorite part of the job, besides achieving results, is to develop strong managers and most importantly to deliver outstanding customer service to our owners, members and guests. What are your plans for the future of Divi Southwinds?
My immediate plan is to develop a strategy with clear objectives and tactics to ensure Divi Southwinds has the best customer service on the island. My work motto is, ‘We are what we repeatedly do; excellence, then, is not an act but a habit,’ and I want to make sure we work toward that goal every day.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my free time, I like to engage in physical activities that promote fitness, like going to the gym and practicing Shotokan Karate, when time permits. I also enjoy getting together with friends and family to indulge in traditional pudding and souse!
Could you tell us a little about your family?
I have a wife who works in finance and two daughters. My eldest daughter will be graduating later this year as a doctor and my younger daughter wants to be a chef.
New Divi Southwinds Beach Resort General Manager Charles Maynard strikes a pose with resort staff. 15
DIVI CARES ALL ISLANDS DIVI RESORTS ‘GOES GREEN’ FOR EARTH DAY
Divi Resorts honored Earth Day with a variety of activities, including planting trees on Barbados, shutting off lights to save energy, hosting a beach clean-up and selling t-shirts to donate the proceeds to the Aruba Beach Clean Up and the Lionfish Foundation on Aruba, and a clean-up walk from the beach to Fort Amsterdam on St. Maarten. DIVI RESORTS CELEBRATES EASTER HOLIDAY
Our staff had a hopping good time sharing Easter with our owners, members and guests at all of our Divi Resorts destinations throughout the Caribbean. There were visits from the Easter Bunny, underwater egg hunts, familystyle breakfast, brunch and dinner menus at many of our restaurants, plenty of fun games and arts & crafts.
ARUBA ARUBA STAFF HELPS RENOVATE LOCAL PLAYGROUND
For the fourth year in a row, Divi Resorts’ staff on Aruba volunteered their time to renovate the local Mafiki playground in need of repair. Twenty-nine participants, including employees from landscaping, maintenance, front office, housekeeping and activities were all smiles as they banded together with Aruba Doet, a local volunteer organization, to help level sand, paint recreation sets and make new signs. DIVI RESORTS SUPPORTS WHITE SHARKS 8U BASEBALL
Divi Resorts was proud to offer the local White Sharks 8U baseball team a donation of a weekend stay at Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort on Aruba for the first place winner of their annual fundraiser, which helped send the team to an international competition. In all, the team raised $3,000. DIVI ARUBA PHOENIX CELEBRATES FLAG DAY
Aruban pride was at an all-time high during Divi Aruba Phoenix’s Flag Day celebration, which featured local performers, Aruban food and more.
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BARBADOS CHEF’S COOKING DEMO A TASTY TREAT
In addition to Divi Southwinds Beach Resort’s staff planting trees on Earth Day, resort guests were treated to a wonderful Bajan cooking demonstration and tasting by award-winning pureocean Executive Chef, Henderson Butcher, who served up tasty local favorites for everyone to sample and enjoy. DIVI SOUTHWINDS CHARITY FUNDS DONATION
Divi Southwinds Beach Resort’s Front Office Supervisor, Janice Mason was pleased to present funds to the Alice Laurent Charity, an organization formed in 2017 to assist persons with medical needs. One of the beneficiaries, 20-year-old Hasani Rowe, is the son of a past employee who was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2010. RESORT SUPPORTS BARBADOS HIKING ASSOCIATION
Mason was also thrilled to present Ms. Sandra Archer, President of the Barbados Hiking Association, with funds to help the non-profit organization preserve fast disappearing hiking trails and show Barbadians and visitors alike the beauty of the flora and fauna of Barbados.
BONAIRE SENIORS CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS AT DIVI FLAMINGO
Each year, a group of more than 200 senior citizens is treated to a merry evening of delicious food and friendly faces. This year, Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino once again hosted the annual event, providing the evening’s event space and food and beverage assistance. STAFF HELPS BEAUTIFY LOCAL ANIMAL SHELTER
A group of Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino employees spent the day assisting Bon Doet, a local volunteer organization, with the revitalization of a nearby animal shelter. Volunteers donning their Divi Cares t-shirts, painted all of the dog and cat houses and outdoor furniture. They even matched the colors they were using to paint the shelter!
ST. MAARTEN ANNUAL UNDERWATER EGG HUNT A HUGE SUCCESS
Divi Little Bay Beach Resort’s Underwater Easter Egg Hunt is an island favorite for locals and guests, and all money raised during the event were donated to the St. Maarten Nature Foundation. This year was extra special, as Divi Little Bay once again works towards its Blue Flag certification status, which is how this worldwide organization monitors the waters of St. Maarten and all around the Caribbean. RESORT HOSTS FAMILY DAY FOR EMPLOYEES
Divi Little Bay Beach Resort’s management team organized a successful family fun day for the children of Divi staff members as part of their employee recognition and appreciation program. Kids were full of joy as they played games, jumped in a bouncy house, tie-dyed t-shirts and indulged in food and refreshments.
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2019 EVENTS CALENDAR JULY-SEPTEMBER
32ND ANNUAL ARUBA HI-WINDS
ARUBA
www.aruba.com/things-to-do JULY 32nd Annual Aruba Hi-Winds
Aruba’s trade winds are perfect for the largest amateur windsurfing event in the Caribbean from July 4-8. Exciting windsurfing and kiteboarding competitions are held off Hadicurari Beach. The event also features five days of entertainment, beach parties and activities. For more details, visit www.hiwindsaruba.com. AUGUST Aruba International Regatta 2019
The Regatta features three days of lively parties and two days of exhilarating racing from August 16-18. Experience spectacular yacht races, sunfish races, beach cat races, optimist races, windsurf competitions, kitesurf competitions, miniature boat races, beach parties and much more! For details, visit aruba-regatta.com. 24th Aruba Pro-Am Golf Tournament
Professional and amateur golfers gather August 23-25 at the Tierra del Sol Golf Course to play an exciting two-day, 36-hole golf tournament featuring prizes and special events. One Cool Summer Drag Race
Local and international drag racers compete August 24-27 to raise funds for the Palo Marga International Raceway Park.
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SEPTEMBER 4th Annual Aruba Art Fair
Celebrating its 4th year, the Aruba Art Fair features more than 150 exhibitors with nearly 12,000 visitors and over $20.000 worth of art sold last year alone. For more details, visit arubaartfair.com. Fiesta di Cunucu
Travel back in time to view an authentic Aruban Cunucu house decorated with antiques from the community museum to give visitors an impression of how Arubans once lived. Visitors can also enjoy a local farmers’ market and a cultural program with traditional Aruban music and folkloric dances. Turibana to Santa Cruz 10K Race
A unique way to experience a stunning Aruban sunrise, this 10K race starts bright and early at 5:30 a.m. on September 8 at Panaderia del Campo in Noord and finishes at the Betico Croes Sports Complex in Santa Cruz. For more details, visit www.facebook.com/IBiSAAruba 12th Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival
Celebrate top-notch jazz artists at this weekend festival taking place September 21-22, which also showcases a wide variety of theatrical performances, arts and food. For details, visit caribbeanseajazz.com. Aruba’s Annual Reef Care Project
Join more than 800 volunteers on September 22 for the island’s largest volunteer initiative. Help keep your favorite beaches and dive sites free of trash and raise awareness for a clean marine environment.
BARBADOS
www.visitbarbados.org/things-to-do JULY Dive Fest Barbados
Whether you prefer to swim, float, dive or to soak up some sun on the beach, this festival has something for everyone! Dive Fest Barbados, happening July 2-7, features water awareness programs, scuba and freediving demonstrations, beach cleanups, conservation tips, lionfish hunting and tasting, as well as scuba dives all over the island. For details, visit www.divefestbarbados.com. Sir Garfield Sobers International Schools Cricket Tournament
Named after the Barbadian cricketer and national hero Sir Garry Sobers, this annual tournament, happening July 7-22, brings school teams together to compete with their local, regional and international rivals. Flow Soca On De Hill 2019
The best Bajan Soca superstars and a few regional and international acts come together on July 21 for one big bad calypso party. For more details, visit www.socaondehill.com. Crop Over Festival
This six-week festival invites locals and tourists alike to celebrate a 200-year-old tradition honoring the end of sugar cane season. Running through August, this festival features dusk till dawn parties, arts & crafts markets and culinary-driven street fares. For more details, visit www.barbadoscropoverfestival.com.
BONAIRE FLAG DAY
AUGUST Bridgetown Market
One of the biggest street fairs during the Crop Over summer festival, this free event, happening August 4-6, covers a long stretch of highway in Bridgetown and offers a wide range of food, arts & crafts, jewelry and fine art for sale, along with wonderful entertainment. Grand Kadooment Day
Celebrating the end of Crop Over on August 5, masquerade bands make their way to Spring Garden Highway, followed by dancing locals dressed in sequin costumes adorned with colorful feathers, jewels and bright accents. It’s a vibrant event you do not want to miss! Animekon Expo
The Caribbean’s best comic-con convention, this four-day celebration of all things pop-culture and entertainment includes anime, comics, gaming, film, television and cosplay, all with a heavy dose of Caribbean charm. Unleash your inner superhero or villain at this exciting event happening August 29-September 1! For details, visit www.animekonexpo.com. 34th Barbados Hockey Festival
The biggest annual field hockey event on the island, the Barbados International Hockey Festival brings teams from all over the world to compete and enjoy island cruises and beach parties from August 18-24. For details, visit www.barbadoshockey.org.
BONAIRE
www.tourismbonaire.com JULY Taste of Bonaire 2019
Visitors and locals alike have the opportunity to experience food, culture and local crafts at this exciting event happening July 6, August 3 and September 28. For more details, visit tourismbonaire.com/taste-of-bonaire. 2019 Cleanup Dive
Dive in for a good cause on July 27! Dive Friends Bonaire’s quarterly cleanup dive encourages locals and tourists alike to keep the ocean and beaches clean. Cultural Market ‘Nos Zjilea’
This market happening July 27, August 31 and September 28 brings together local arts & crafts, delicious food, presentations and live music to celebrate the culture of Bonaire. SEPTEMBER Bonaire Flag Day
A local holiday to celebrate the island’s heritage, Bonaire Flag Day on September 6 brings together locals and visitors to dance, eat and drink outdoors with live entertainment. The motorcycle event is one of the major highlights of this day, where over 400 participants from around the world take a tour of the island for the national Flag Day ceremony.
BASTILLE DAY
ST. MAARTEN JULY Bastille Day
The entire island celebrates this traditional French holiday on July 14 with fireworks, food and drink. Schoelcher Day
Locals and tourists alike participate in boat and bike races on July 21 to honor Victor Schoelcher, a Frenchman who fought against slavery in the 19th century. AUGUST Assumption Day
Assumption Day is a public holiday on August 15 that commemorates the Virgin Mary’s entrance to heaven in the Catholic tradition. Sandy Ground Festival
Held on Assumption Day, this festival celebrates island culture with traditional games, food and music. SEPTEMBER World Tourism Day
Celebrated on September 27, St. Maarten’s tourist authorities recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the island’s tourism and hospitality industry for World Tourism Day.
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