News
News
Island Report
Island Milestones
News, events, and happenings around Aruba...
It seems that 2017 is a milestone year. Several of Aruba’s famous establishments are celebrating big anniversaries. May they enjoy many more years of well-deserved success!
One Happy Island gets happy new beer
Just when you thought it couldn’t be any more pleasurable to spend time on Aruba, the Balashi Brewery owned by the Tropical Bottling Company has added another exciting brew to their lineup of quality local beers. It’s called “HopiBon” meaning “very good” in Papiamento, and this high premium pilsner was created to cater to beer connoisseurs, while maintaining the local flavor using Aruba’s fresh, clear desalinated seawater! Look for their signature green iguana logo island-wide and more exciting new beers to come!
Driftwood celebrates three decades
New island-wide ban on plastic bags!
Pabien to Pelican Adventures!
As of January 1, 2017, Aruba has officially banned the use of all plastic bags in retail stores. The historic move passed easily in the government due to the profound effect it will have on preserving the environment. An island-wide campaign using a logo that states, “My bag is reusable,” is the call-toaction to alert the public and visitors alike on the new law. Decorative reusable bags are now already available for purchase in many stores, and they also make great souvenirs. Good job Aruba!
Pabien is Papiamento for congratulations on Aruba, and we want to extend our very best wishes to one of the island’s premier water and land tour companies on their 30th anniversary. Pelican Adventures is a top-flight, family-run enterprise that delivers fabulous sailing cruises, exhilarating land adventures, as well as first-rate diving excursions. Their Pelican Pier beach bar and unique dining spot is famous for some of the best food, drink, ambience, and surfside party revelry on the island. Cheers to many more years!
Get social in the happy zone
San Nicolas landmark celebrates 75
Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino recently introduced a hammock garden called The Happy Zone with happy signs created by local artist Maja Lepsanovic. The signs are painted in bright colors reflecting special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, and honeymoons. Guests who take selfies there, tag the resort, and post them online can win great prizes! The garden backdrop is photoperfect Palm Beach! So get into the zone and start snapping, or just go relax in those heavenly hammocks by the sea. 18 Nights
Top photo courtesy of the Tropical Bottling Company. Bottom photo courtesy of the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
We congratulate Driftwood Restaurant on reaching their 30th anniversary this year. The friendly Merryweather family and their charming staff have turned a simple, rustic restaurant into a culinary landmark on this island. They are famous for their “catch and cook” outings where guests can join Driftwood’s award winning team to fish and later have their own catch prepared for dinner. A unique experience on Aruba! They also serve fabulous meat, seafood, and poultry dishes. Here’s to another 30 successful years!
You’ve not really been to Aruba until you’ve visited famous Charlie’s Bar in San Nicolas, which is still going strong since its founding in 1941! The interior is packed full of bits and pieces from far and wide left behind by those who have passed through over the generations; it’s like a living museum! The legendary landmark bar and restaurant is still familyrun with the grandson of its founder, Charles Brouns, at the helm still welcoming all with first-rate hospitality, killer shrimp, and superb cocktails. Top to bottom, photos courtesy of Driftwood Restaurant, Pelican Adventures, and Charlie’s Bar
Nights 19