The return to travel is underway with sage advice from the world’s trusted hospitality experts at the World Travel & Tourism Council’s Global Summit 2021. Ewald Biemans, owner and CEO of Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort in Eagle Beach, Aruba, spoke on the mainstage session yesterday as a panelist.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) themed this year’s event “Uniting the World for Recovery” for its 20th Global Summit. Taking place April 25-27 in Cancun, Mexico, the highest-level industry leaders are meeting with key government representatives to take action on the biggest and most important issues across the international agenda. This year, the Global Summit is exploring challenges ahead and providing a platform for the recovery of the sector.

Yesterday’s panel was “Travel in the Fast Lane: Safe & Seamless Travel.� The discussion centered on the current sentiment that 45% of passengers are ready to discard their paper passports and use biometric identification instead. Digital identity and biometric identification are rapidly rising in importance. This is combined with an acceleration of innovations in health and safety, ranging from thermal imaging to electrostatic sprays. As the sector redoubles its efforts to provide a safe and seamless traveler experience to rebuild traveler confidence, the discussion focused on new health requirements and integrate testing ahead of a vaccine, while ultimately moving towards a contactless traveler journey.

The discussion was moderated by Peter Greenberg, the travel editor for U.S.-based CBS News. Panelists
shared their in-depth experience and views. The panel included:

• Ewald Biemans, Owner/CEO, Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, Aruba
• Sean Donohue, Chief Executive Officer, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
• Kelly Craighead, President & Chief Executive Officer, CLIA
• Jose Ricardo Botelho, Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director, ALTA
• Andrew Wingrove, General Manager, Aviation, CLEAR

Introduced as conquering the ambitious achievement of CarbonNeutral® certification for his own Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, Biemans elaborated on Aruba’s success in providing a seamless, healthy, quick and forward-thinking environment to provide a safe place for travel and tourism. Moderator Peter Greenberg recounted his visit to Aruba years ago and discussions with the Aruban government about becoming carbon neutral. Biemans recounted the challenges and how the government has overcome them to renew their commitment and plans to become free of fossil fuel dependency by 2030 and carbon neutral by 2050.

A link to yesterday’s discussion can be found here at the 5:28:30 mark.

Learn more about Bucuti & Tara Aruba Beach Resort here.

Article written by Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort

On April 10th, 2021 beachgoers and other spectators witnessed an unusual daytime leatherback sea turtle nesting event, taking place on the beach in front of Casa del Mar Aruba Beach Resort. According to the Turtugaruba Foundation, this female leatherback sea turtle has visited the shores of Aruba before, back in 2015. During the 2015 nesting season, it is reported she laid a total of six nests.

Leatherback sea turtles are the largest sea turtle species and are known to be the most migratory, crossing both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. They usually lay their eggs during nighttime, making this daytime nesting event rather astonishing.

If you are ever to come across sea turtle tracks or nests on the beach, please keep your distance and contact the Turtugaruba Foundation or Aruba Reef Care Foundation, so that they can be properly protected and monitored.

For more information on sea turtles contact the Turtugaruba Foundation.

Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort is the proud host of the German delegation of engineers, architects, and other experts on sustainability solutions who were in Aruba to present at the German Green Technology Conference 2021, Smart Buildings for Sustainable Caribbean Islands. Distinguished speakers and experts gathered on the island on March 24th to discuss the possibilities and energy-saving potential of sustainable buildings.

“We are honored to be chosen to host this prestigious group, with each speaker a success story and expert achiever in sustainable solutions that can be applied in Aruba and globally,� shares Ewald Biemans, Owner/CEO of Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort. “Sustainability is no longer an option in our current state of global heating and it is important that we have the opportunities to learn how to protect our environment for future generations.�

Biemans, who is widely recognized as one of the Caribbean’s most noted eco-pioneers, was a speaker at the conference. He shared the journey to becoming the first, and still only, certified Carbon Neutral-Hotel in the Caribbean. As the visionary of the Caribbean’s most eco-certified hotel, Biemans spotlighted the environmental benefits it provides both locally and globally.

The conference focused on technology perspectives for hotels, offices, airports, and residential buildings. Participants could hear expert panel discussions and join in one-to-one networking sessions with attendees, government officials, world-class experts, and leading companies from Germany and the Caribbean.

Learn more about Bucuti & Tara Aruba Beach Resort and their Sustainability and Environmental program.

Article written by Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort

A feast of traditional Arubanand Caribbean flavors and ingredients overlooking gone of the most spectacular beaches in the world.

Elements Restaurant, located at Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, proudly reveals its Authentic Aruban & Caribbean Buffet, available every Monday through Saturday from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM for $24.50 per person. On Sundays, the restaurant continues with its famous Sunday Brunch.

“We wanted to create an authentic Aruban menu that, with each bite, will take you back-in-time to your childhood home. We want you to relive the nostalgic flavors of the stews and desserts your parents and grandparents prepared. For our international customers, we want them to enjoy a traditional and culturally enrich the dining experience.� Ewald Biemans, owner/CEO of Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, explains.

Executive Chef Marc Giesbers, Director of Food and Beverage, and his team of local & Caribbean chefs have been working hard and testing out different dishes to reimagine your lunch dining experience. The rotating menu has everything from local cornbread to polenta sticks, plantains, corn patties, Aruban ceviche, seafood salad, sulz, pickled pork, blood sausage, cucumber or papaya stoba, beef or chicken stews, fish or chicken soup, jerk chicken, Caribbean seafood paella, a pasta station, and a dessert tasting of flan, cashew cake, local fruit cake, and much more!

“Our team is incredibly diverse, and our buffet assortment highlights this. Besides our traditional local dishes made by our Aruban chefs and cooks, we also offer various Caribbean dishes created by our Jamaican, Dominican, Haitian, Colombian, and Venezuelan chefs and cooks. Each chef or cook concentrates on making an authentic dish from their region, highlighting the delightful palettes they remember from infancy.� Chef Marc explains. “It is also important to us to support our local farmers as much as possible. Our assortment rotates to include ingredients that are in season, and we source as much as we can locally or from nearby regions.�

The award-winning and adults-only beachfront restaurant will also continue to offer their regular a-la-carte menus, which cater to all dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets. Don’t forget that the restaurant also offers its ultra-romantic private dinners for two in one of our their famous beach cabanas.

Guests can enjoy their meal and a Caribbean cocktail or cocktail overlooking the spectacular Eagle Beach on Elements’ outdoor seating deck. Reservations are recommended and be mindful that the restaurant does not seat groups larger than six persons and does not take cash (all major credit and debit cards are accepted).

Learn more about Elements Restaurant.

Article written by Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort

The people of Aruba have a generous spirit and a strong sense of community. That innate willingness to lend a hand found ample opportunity to shine during the pandemic.

The Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino has been a big supporter of the island’s local food bank, Fundacion pa Nos Comunidad. Team Members have been volunteering since March 2020,  receiving food items in bulk from generous sponsors, local and international suppliers, and repacking them into smaller boxes design to feed single households. The work is ongoing, 7 days a week, and at the height of the Covid19 lockdown, the food bank provided essentials to 4,200 families. It couldn’t have met its target without the active participation of the Hilton’s Team Members. 

Norma Lacle, part of the Hilton Team, dedicated every single day since September 2020 to the food bank and its clients. Norma put her apron and hairnet on in the early morning each day and didn’t stop till the last box was filled and delivered.

Both the resort, represented by its Director of Human Resources Glenn Farro, and Norma Lacle, were recognized as  VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR, as honors were bestowed at an intimate, yet socially distanced ceremony at the Drive-In Theater. 

CEDE ARUBA,  a local center for community development supported by funds from the Dutch Kingdom, has helped acknowledge and recognize volunteerism on the island for several years

Each of Aruba’s not-for-profit organizations was asked to submit their Volunteer of the Year candidates, and awards were delivered to recipients’ cars by director Daniel Tecklenborg, the head of this super-efficient entity working in collaboration with a Dutch Royal Foundation on community projects.

The slogan and the hashtag #HaciBonPasaBon, do good and feel good, is promoted by CEDE Aruba year-round. Volunteerism is now more important than ever, says Tecklenborg. 

The resort and Norma, have been the backbone of our much-needed operation, says Gianaika v/d Biezen, at the head of the Food Bank.

CEDE ARUBA also organizes Aruba Doet, the largest volunteer event on the island, annually, asking individuals and organizations to help social causes, working with friends, colleagues. The Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino, participates each year, and has contributed to many projects.  

View more information on Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino.

Article written by Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino

It’s that time of year again; travelers have voiced (or rather clicked) their opinion via TripAdvisor when it comes to the world’s best beaches! While much of the world has been urged to stay home and put their travels on hold for most of 2020, TripAdvisor has adjusted their methodology for 2021 to better determine the world’s best beaches.

So what are the results based on? Not only is the ‘Traveler’s Choice Best of Best Awards for Beaches’ based on the quality and quantity of reviews and ratings of TripAdvisor travelers across six countries, but now, they are also based on the amount of “saves” for beaches by TripAdvisor users. Users can “save” their travel plans, whether they include accommodations, restaurants or things to do. This reflects the idea that many travelers throughout the world were stuck at home, aspiring to travel, explore, and daydreaming of sitting at their top beach of choice!

We are very proud to report Aruba’s Eagle Beach has made the list once again! The popular soft white sand beach, with crystal clear turquoise water and a constant warm breeze, has come in at no. 7 on the list of the world’s best beaches.  Not only is this beach breathtaking but its widespread space allows for easy social distancing.

Get an up-close look at this favorite Caribbean white-sand beach for yourself:

While the beauty of Eagle Beach and other beaches worldwide is evident, it is up to us as humans to take good care of them. Do the right thing:  pick up after yourself or others who have left trash behind, and join beach or environmental cleanup efforts wherever and whenever possible. There are numerous local beach cleanups to join in Aruba, such as the annual efforts AHATA’s Annual Coastal Clean-up.

View more information about Eagle Beach and other beaches in Aruba.

This Valentine’s Day, Boardwalk Boutique Hotel spreads the love especially amongst singles and friends, introducing a Besties Escape Package that includes perks an add-on to accommodations for two. It’s a way for the hotel to spoil those friends that were trapped during this pandemic with some Aruban sunshine and barefoot luxury.

Boardwalk’s private and lush oasis with two pools, a dedicated beach, fitness facilities and casitas offering spacious bedrooms with separate queen beds is the perfect spot for a Caribbean retreat, celebrating friendship with your bestie. The Besties Escape Package includes a selection of local beers upon arrival, a fruitalicious pineapple bowl from Eduardo’s Beach Shack, Taco’s & Tequila at Lola’s and an exclusively curated ‘Besties Trip to Aruba Guide’ with best places to visit on island on Boardwalk’s Instagram Guide feature. 

The Besties Escape Package is available at an additional fee of $75 p.p. and will remain available year-round. Blackout dates may apply. Based on double occupancy; casitas featuring two queen beds to be booked separately; bedding upon request and based on availability. 

View more information or make your reservation with Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba.

Article written by Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba

On January 7th Minister van Engelshoven of Education, Culture and Science of The Netherlands announced that the project Island(er)s at the Helm: Co-creating sustainable and inclusive solutions for social adaptation to climate challenges in the (Dutch) Caribbean is one of two projects awarded with funding from the NWO Caribbean Research programme. 

The Island(er)s at the Helm project is chaired by Dr. Francio Guadeloupe (University of Amsterdam/KITLV), with co-applicants Prof. dr. Corinne L. Hofman (Leiden University/KITLV), Dr. Antonio Carmona Báez (University of St. Martin), and Prof. dr. ir. Filomeno A. (Boey) Marchena (University of Curaçao). 

Since the first occupation of the islands, hurricanes and the devastation of coastal areas have significant ecological and social implications for the (Dutch) Caribbean. These are deeply impacting the basic living conditions (water, food, shelter) and heritage of the island inhabitants. This requires immediate action! Island(er)s at the Helm brings together researchers and societal partners to combine technical, traditional, and contemporary knowledge practices to co-create sustainable and inclusive strategies for social adaptation to these climatic challenges. A trans-Atlantic academic platform will be developed fostering research-based education on climate challenges for the six islands. Moreover, a regional expertise center on climate challenges, where the Dutch Caribbean researchers can find employ, is one of the end objectives of this programme. This center will be jointly managed by the University of St. Martin, University of Curacao, University of Aruba (Dr. Eric Mijts of the SISSTEM project), and the Caribbean Netherlands Science Institute. These institutions have committed to working towards this integration by offering joint courses in cooperation with institutes in the region and the wider Kingdom of the Netherlands.

From 2 to 13 March 2020, a team of researchers and societal partners travelled to the six Dutch Caribbean islands to organize outreach seminars and bring together researchers and local stakeholders to discuss the initial ideas and set-up of the NWO programme Island(er)s at the Helm. The main objective of the seminars was to discuss the climate change challenges that face the Caribbean island(er)s; to define common goals of interest towards social adaptation to climate change; to broaden and consolidate the prospective network of partnerships; and to start off discussions to co-create questions and approaches to shape the full proposal. These conversations contributed to the final Island(er)s at the Helm programme.

The emphasis within this NWO programme is on the structural strengthening of the knowledge system and the embedding of scientific research in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. NWO wants to achieve this goal by means of two large multidisciplinary research programs that are carried out and anchored in the region itself. The research programs focus on issues of great social and scientific importance to the Caribbean region and promote the transfer of knowledge through education and outreach. Never before has NWO funded programs of this size in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom.

“This project is about NWO truly investing in research that benefits our islands. Climate change is real. We know this from Irma and the rise of the frequency of hurricanes in our region. We know this from the heavy rainfall and droughts on the ABC islands. We know this from the rise in earthquakes and now a volcano waking up in the wider Caribbean. There is absolutely no time to waste on cooperating Kingdom-wide, even if some of us rightly attend to the colonial past. That righteous attention must not deter us from recognizing that by paying their taxes, the hardworking Caribbean diaspora in the Netherlands have partially contributed to the funding of this programme�, said Guadeloupe, who also recognized the hard work of those who inside NWO pushed for a fair distribution of funds among kingdom partners (stmaartenagriculture.com).

Corinne Hofman, co-applicant and professor of Caribbean Archaeology at Leiden University and senior researcher at the KITLV: “It is fantastic to be part of this transdisciplinary programme, which will study social adaptation to climate challenges from a long-term perspective, bridging the past and the present. Culture and climate adaptation are inextricably and indispensably connected to each other and we will focus on how heritage can contribute to resolve societally relevant questions, in this case how to approach and adapt to climate challenges, thereby strengthening cultural identity and a sense of belonging. I am particularly looking forward to the collaborations in the trans-Atlantic academic platform. This platform is one of many ways in which stakeholders (GOs, NGOs, local communities, and researchers) across the Kingdom will connect, undoubtedly resulting in successful and sustainable embedding and implementation of the project’s results in local and regional education.�

President of the University of Sint Martin and co-applicant of the project Antonio Carmona Báez also made public his remarks: “This is the most significant thing that has ever happened to USM, we can now become a full-fledged developmental university sponsoring research-based teaching that is essential to the sustainable progress of our Caribbean people. Together with other institutions of higher education in our region and our brothers and sisters in the diaspora, we can move forward by putting knowledge at the service of our islands. By co-creating solutions with historians, artists, archaeologists, anthropologists, urban engineers, farmers and students we can start to build that sustainable future looking inside and around us. No longer will research agendas be dictated from abroad and from now on the results of research that is conducted in our region will serve the people of the six Caribbean islands. This is about emancipation and empowerment.�, Carmona said (stmaartenagriculture.com).

Prof. dr. ir. Filomeno (Boey) Marchena, co-applicant and Head of the UNESCO Chair on Sustainable Water Technology and Management at the University of Curaçao: “This major research program is great news for the Caribbean. We are really looking forward to collaborate with the research team crossing the boundaries between the social sciences, humanities, technological sciences and the natural sciences. We can further strengthen the collaboration between the Caribbean islands and The Netherlands and focus on Caribbean-research and research-talents. This in co-development with GOs, NGOs, grassroots organizations, and local communities of the Dutch Leeward and Windward islands. Using innovative tools and practices in the critical areas of integrated water resource management, foodways, and architectural practices. These innovative tools and practices will contribute toward sustainable living that may reduce fossil-based energy use. Alternative designs and models of the water, food, shelter nexus (WFS-nexus) will be created by engineers who will be working with students and staff from the universities of The Kingdom. These designs and models will include the desires and needs of local populations, as well as mitigate the ideological reservations of decision makers on the islands regarding sustainable urban planning and design. It will therefore have big societal impact, like the improvement of life quality through creation of more livable communities and positive environmental impact�; a sustainable added value to our Caribbean communities.

Dr. Charissa Granger (University of the West Indies) says: “Island(er)s at the Helm reframes climate change research in the (Dutch-) Caribbean for the way it engages transdisciplinarity and especially the space it offers for thinking sustainability and knowledge through visual and performing arts. In so doing, this project shifts the axis of climate change studies to acknowledge the critical need for cultural practices. Such a research endeavor invites us to not only see, but feel; revealing an entirely new avenue for approaching water management, thinking of the water, food, and shelter-nexus, and making sense of the relationship between cultural heritage and the social adaptation of the island(er)s to climate challenges and catastrophes. The provocatively rich role aesthetics plays in a comprehensive understanding and awareness of climate challenges and ways to mitigate these throughout the (Dutch) Caribbean, moves us to consider and imagine other possibilities for responding to climate challenges, for thinking at the intersection of sustainability, heritage, and traditional knowledge practice. We are hereby invited to stretch our imagination to grapple with the audacious resources, available to us within the Caribbean, with the island(er)s at the helm.� 

For questions or requests for interviews with researchers, please contact Emma de Mooij (demooij@kitlv.nl).

*Article and photos by Island(ers) at the Helm project

In a year where the world faced unparalleled challenges due to the pandemic, good news is welcomed more than ever at Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort. Top American media outlet US News & World Report and global travel and rating sites Booking.com, Expedia and AAA have each honored the Eagle Beach resort with their annual accolades.

“We are always grateful to receive award recognition from US News & World Report, Booking.com, Expedia and AAA and particularly this year, we thank guests who are researching and making highly selective vacation decisions as they now factor in the type of COVID-19 wellness and safety protocols in place at Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort,� shares Owner/CEO of Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort. “These awards are a testament to our hard-working Bucuti Associates who continue to rise to the occasion, one like never before, and deliver a world-class vacation.�

U.S. News & World Report

American media outlet U.S. News & World Report unveiled its 2021 Best Hotels rankings today. Bucuti & Tara a coveted Gold Badge once again ranking at the No. 1 Best Hotel in Aruba and among the Top 25 Best Resorts in the Caribbean.

The 11th annual Best Hotels rankings evaluated more than 30,000 luxury hotels worldwide. US News & World Report editors use a methodology that combines dozens of data points including a hotel’s rating, expert and guest sentiment, awards from distinguished travel publications in using an unbiased approach to calculate the rankings. The highest honor – the Gold Badge – was awarded to just 10% including Bucuti & Tara.

Booking.com –Traveller Review Award 2021:  reveals cleanliness more important than ever

Major online reservations platform Booking.com honored Bucuti & Tara with a Traveller Review Award 2021. With a near-perfect score of 9.6 out of 10, this year’s ratings revealed that global travelers appreciate staff, cleanliness and location most. On average, winners had a cleanliness score that was 17% higher than the average cleanliness score for non-winners, highlighting that hygiene is a key component to great guest experiences, such as Bucuti & Tara’s COVID-19 safety protocols, now more than ever.

“As trips became fewer and further between, each and every trip meant more to travelers than ever before, and it has become even more important to celebrate the outstanding service that the Traveller Review Award winners displayed during a year like no other,� said Arjan Dijk, SVP and Chief Marketing Officer for Booking.com.

Expedia

Expedia, one of the world’s two largest full-service online travel sites, has ranked Bucuti & Tara the No. 1 Resort on Aruba. The score of 4.8 out of 5 notes that the adults-only enclave is “Exceptional.�

AAA Award of Excellence: Housekeeping

Four Diamond designated Bucuti & Tara also has been recognized with the 2020 AAA Inspector’s Best of Housekeeping Award, granted to hotels that earn the highest possible cleanliness and condition scores.

While cleanliness has long been a key quality standard, the pandemic has made it paramount with travelers. Those who have vacationed at Bucuti & Tara throughout the pandemic have continued to highlight its COVID-19 safety and wellness protocols on platforms including Tripadvisor, Expedia, Booking.com and AAA.

To learn more and book a vacation, visit Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort.

Article written by Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort

The Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino takes great pleasure in reporting that it recently made a donation to FPNC, Fundacion Pa Nos Comunidad, and the island’s food bank.

The donation presentation was attended by the resort’s Executive Team and FPNC’s management team. The donation made to the organization was collected from guests, hotel partners, clients, and employees during the recent holiday season.

In the spirit of the season, the resort chose to forgo the traditional holiday décor in favor of creating a “Tree of Giving,� made with poinsettia plants purchased by guests and employees. This Tree of Giving allowed locals and guests alike to unite for a greater cause and contribute directly to Aruba’s food bank, and FPNC.

As the check was handed over this week, Gianaika v/d Biezen thanked the resort wholeheartedly. “January has been tough on many families in Aruba,� she reported, “as a number of additional local businesses closed and funds received from the Dutch kingdom are dwindling. The donation by the Hilton, will come in handy, and allow FPNC to continue to support 4,200 registered families with food donations and care packages,� she stated.

She also praised the resort for the many volunteer hours freely given to her organization as 10 to 12 Hilton employees have been showing up daily at the food bank to help prepare packages distributed to the needy. “The resort has been the backbone of our foodbank operation,� she said.

Resort Team Members have been volunteering at the food bank, managed by FPNC, at Club Kibrahacha, since September 2020.

Since its founding in 2009, FPNC’s mission is to fight and end poverty, emotional distress, and social exclusion on the island. Prior to the pandemic, the food bank supported approximately 200 Aruban families per month with food baskets. This number has risen exponentially with the economic and financial downturn, following the pandemic. FPNC’s colossal food drive, wouldn’t have been possible without the financial support of generous individuals and organizations.

At the informal ceremony, the resort handed over 100% of the funds collected and committed to continuously provide FPNC with the necessary manpower.

The effort was coordinated by members of Hilton’s Blue Energy committee, a global cultural initiative led by Hilton.

“FPNC,� explains v/d Biezen, “has no paid employees and relies 100% on the goodwill of the community.�

Pictured here, Blue Energy members, management, and FPNC representatives at the check presentation.

To donate:

Donate your time, at Club Kibrahacha, strong arms needed to move boxes, and a sweet smile to greet clients.

Make a monetary contribution:

Bank Information Aruba Bank 1000;
Banco di Caribe 100 000 500 001 800 01;
Caribbean Mercantile Bank 60001000;
RBC Royal Bank 77000 000 44195025

Tel.: 588 0002 and 562 4205

Info@FPNC.aw, go to the website to register for aid.

Kvk #S1070
Persoonsnummer #5026599

Contact Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino for more information.

Article written by Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino