November 19, 2019 marked a very important day for Aruba’s future! The Parliament of Aruba has officially banned single use plastics and Oxybenzone, a chemical found in many sunscreens that contribute to the
deterioration of coral reefs.

This means that any disposable, single use plastics, such as: plastic cups, straws, utensils, containers, and stirrers are now prohibited.

Starting July 2020, all import, sale and production of any single use plastics or Oxybenzone will be penalized.

The island started to take a great step in the right direction back in 2017, when single use plastic bags were banned. Now, taking it even further with this great achievement, the island can look forward to cleaner and healthier coral reefs, beaches and landscape!

Photo by Artmando Multimedia

Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba officially re-opened on November 15, 2019 with a festive opening ceremony, attended by Aruba’s Minister of Tourism Dangui Oduber, Ronella Tjin Asjoe-Croes, CEO of the Aruba Tourism Authority (A.T.A.), and Tisa LaSorte, CEO and President of the Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association (AHATA). Along with Boardwalk’s hotel owners, the Aruba-born twin sisters Kimberly and Stephanie Rooijakkers, Minister Oduber assisted in the ceremonial ribbon cutting, declaring the expanded property officially open, with the entire hotel staff in attendance.

Minutes later, the very first quests, Kenneth Navarro and Lupe Leito from Curaçao, were checked-in to the brand new property.

The family-owned and operated hotel added 32 new casitas on the lush grounds of a former coco plantation know as Plantage Tromp, along with a multi-experience pool, fitness & spa facility, an inviting Lobby and intimate Lobby Café. The property’s existing 14 spacious casitas were recently refreshed and refurbished. “We have tried our utmost in the design and lay-out of the extended property, to keep our unique Caribbean character and laid-back vibe intact and integrate as much local touches as we possibly could�, says Kimberly Rooijakkers, one of the hotel owners. “All new casitas are so-called Green Houses, constructed with Nudura and Insuldeck insulating materials, using solar panels, ultra-efficient energy management systems and 100% LED lighting. All of this to enhance our eco-friendly hotel operations�, adds Rooijakkers.

The expansion of the Boardwalk Boutique Hotel was realized in two and a half years, at an investment of $10 million US dollars, in collaboration with many local contractors and partnerships such as Coburg Construction (project management), Claudia Ruiz-Vasquez (interior and conceptual design), Fantastic Gardens and Caribbean Drip (landscape design and landscaping services), Ecoled (lighting) and Crystal Pool (pool installation), Banjolux (all bathrooms) and Berloni (all kitchens). Aruba Aloe provides all bathroom products in eco-friendly dispensers and local art by Arte Sano Foundation and other local artists contribute to the casitas’ interior décor.

Guests can stay in various intimate suites called Coco Casita, in oversized One and Two Bedroom Casitas, a stand-alone Private Plunge Pool Casita, and a Palapa-style Lodge offering stunning sea views and a wrap-around terrace. Four Coco Casitas feature one-of-a-kind, hand-painted murals depicting Aruba’s local flora and fauna, as well as outdoor showers just off of the indoor bathrooms.

The boutique hotel’s signature patios, barbecue grills and hammocks are featured with every casita, as well as large living spaces and fully equipped, modern kitchens and kitchenettes. The addition of 32 new casitas extends the Boardwalk’s lush coco oasis, adding more outdoor seating areas for reading and relaxation. The new multi-experience pool caters to the entire family with intimate pool-decks, over-water hammock, water features, a kid-friendly pool entry and daily poolside bar service. A second pool offers secluded indulgence in a lush oasis, while the brand-new gym facilitates wellness options such as yoga.

Boardwalk Boutique Hotel, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, is consistently ranked on TripAdvisor as the #2 Aruba Hotel in Palm/Eagle Beach and in their Top 25 Best Caribbean Hotels for Service. The hotel is family-run and operated by Kimberly and Stephanie Rooijakkers since 2011, and employs 20 local staff members.

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Article written by Boardwalk Hotel Aruba

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