Ewald Biemans, owner/CEO of Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, was delighted with a surprise award this week with a 2019 Phoenix Award from the prestigious Society of American Travel Writers (SATW).

Founded in 1955, the esteemed group’s goal is to inspire travel through responsible journalism. Its members include more than 1,000 travel writers, photographers, editors, broadcast/video/film producers, bloggers, public relations experts and hospitality industry representatives from the United States and Canada.

The Phoenix Award is SATW’s highest recognition bestowed to individuals, businesses, organizations and communities who have demonstrated exceptional efforts in preserving, conserving, beautifying or protecting the historic, cultural and natural resources of an area. These tangible results enhance the economic, socio-cultural heritage, and/or environmental benefits to the destination and its value to tourism. This year’s honorees were announced Monday, during the SATW Annual Convention in El Paso, Texas. Biemans was the only individual among the three winners. His leadership in driving Bucuti & Tara to become the first and only certified carbon-neutral hotel in the Caribbean was a highlight during the event.

“In 1969, long before the term ‘eco-tourism’ became a buzzword, SATW created an award to recognize conservation and preservation efforts around the world. Fifty years later, the Society’s members continue to nominate individuals, communities, and organizations that have contributed to a quality travel experience through their conservation, preservation, beautification or environmental efforts. SATW’s Board of Directors is proud to honor this year’s three outstanding winners,â€� said David Swanson, SATW President.

“I am overwhelmed and truly grateful to be honored with the 2019 Phoenix Award from the dedicated professionals of the Society of American Travel Writers,� shares Ewald Biemans, owner/CEO of Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort. “In particular, I’m thankful to writer Bob Curley who nominated me and has long helped share Bucuti’s story and that of Aruba with the world.�

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Article written by Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort

After months of preparation and renovation, we are ready to welcome you to a brand new casino where ‘Island meets modern Dutch’; Wind Creek Seaport Casino. The Grand Opening takes place on Saturday, October 26th starting at 10 AM with 12-hours of nonstop fun, music, food, drinks and $20.000 in cash prizes!

Grand Opening
You are cordially invited to the Grand Opening of Wind Creek Seaport Casino on Saturday, October 26th starting at 10 AM. The opening starts with a local brass band presentation to kick off the big celebration by dancing on this contagious Caribbean rhythm followed by a traditional folkloric dance of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians from Alabama representing the blessing for a new beginning. After the official opening ceremony, the celebration continues with 12-hours of nonstop fun, music, food, drinks and $20.000 in cash prizes!

Nonstop Celebration!
Be part of our big celebration with free play and drawings held every hour from 10 AM till 6:30 PM. You’ll receive one entry ticket for every 75 base-points earned at both Wind Creek Crystal Casino and Wind Creek Seaport Casino from 7 AM on Monday, October 21st through 6 PM on Saturday, October 26th. On Saturday starting at 2 PM, all the fun moves to Wind Creek Seaport Casino, where you’ll earn double the entries for the grand prize cash giveaway. Drawings begin at 7 PM with prizes every hour and at 10 PM we ring the bell and conclude this celebration where one lucky player will be walking away with $10.000 cash!

We start the celebration at 11 AM with special musical performance by Bambu Band till 2 PM. After Bambu Band we take you to the Caribbean with some steelpan tunes and give you the chance to explore and discover the new Wind Creek Seaport Casino with the latest in new gaming machines and technology, table gaming, lights effects and much more. Starting at 8 PM at the side stage of the Renaissance Marketplace, NFuzion Band will be performing live till 11 PM.

More chances to win
To make this grand opening even more special, we’re giving you extra chances to earn more entries so that you can walk away with the grand prize of $10.000 cash. With every $50 spent on Saturday at Renaissance Mall, Renaissance Marketplace, L.G. Smith’s Steak & Chop House, Aquarius, Okeanos Spa or Fresco, you handover your receipt at player services, become a Wind Creek Casino Member with a chance to win the grand prize. Entry ticket is valid for every drawing on the hour starting at 7 PM. Last call for entries is at 9:30 PM. In order to qualify and participate in the drawing, you must be present and be actively signed in into your rewards account.

Join us Saturday, October 26th and be part of this Grand Opening of Wind Creek Seaport Casino. Don’t forget to visit the ‘Player Services’ of Wind Creek Casinos Aruba to sign up and receive your free rewards card and start earning points. Wind Creek Crystal Casino is open 24-hours and Wind Creek Seaport Casino opens at 10 AM thru 4  AM.

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Article written by Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino

Lonely Planet has just revealed their annual “Best in Travel” lists comprised of 10 top countries, cities, regions, and best value destinations to visit in the next year ahead.

The lists include best destinations, journeys and sustainable travel experiences for the year 2020.

We are excited to announce that our little happy island of Aruba has made the top countries list, coming in at number four!

View Lonely Planet’s full “Best in Travel 2020 Top Countries” list.

The reputable travel guide not only mentioned Aruba’s breathtaking, pristine beaches but also the colorful, thriving and culture-filled city of San Nicolas, also known as “Sunrise City”.

In addition to the island’s sought out beaches and offered cultural experiences, Aruba’s contribution and action towards renewable energy solutions and sustainability was recognized.  As recently, it has been announced by Prime Minister, Evelyn Wever-Croes that Aruba has plans to be a platform for multiple countries to test and demonstrate different sustainable solutions.

Discover all you need to know about your travel and stay in Aruba!