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ON ISLAND TIMEn e w s & v i e w s f r o m u n d e r t h e d i v i t r e e
PATRIOTS CHEERLEADERS
VISIT ST. MAARTEN PAGES 14 & 15
WELCOME BACK DIVI
LITTLE BAY! PAGES 8 & 9
FALL 2018
ARUBA ISLAND ADVENTURES!PAGES 6 & 7
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• Redesigned Fort Amsterdam Cafe (formerly Bayview Café), and opened a new restaurant, The Shack. We’ve also upgraded Seabreeze Restaurant & Bar and Gizmo’s Bar & Grill
• New beach seating and beautiful landscaping around the resort
Just as exciting, Divi Little Bay on St. Maarten was proud to have been chosen as the resort and island to host the New England Patriots Cheerleaders as they shot their Official 2019 Swimsuit Calendar and video production. It was a wonderful testament to the resilience and beauty of the island and its friendly people. Over a seven-day period this summer, 34 cheerleaders and their crew of 17 photographers, videographers and staff enjoyed nonstop hospitality that included visits to both the French and Dutch sides of the island. We’ve captured many of their experiences on pages 14 & 15.
We continue to focus our attention on rebuilding Divi Carina Bay All-Inclusive Beach Resort & Casino on St. Croix with the goal of reopening summer 2019. This resort will have a “Caribbean Chic” look and feel with incredible new eateries and bars, completely redesigned rooms, an improved main pool area and much more!
As always, we look forward to seeing you on our islands soon, and don’t forget, we always appreciate your feedback. I personally read many of your reviews on TripAdvisor and comments on social media, so please keep them coming.
Sincerely,
Marco GalavernaPresident & COO, Divi Resorts
Our improvements on Aruba have centered on the completion of Divi Dutch Village Beach Resort, which underwent a resort-wide renovation. Every unit, all three pools and the grounds were completely redesigned and improved. We added a swim-up bar, moved the resort’s restaurant to the center of the property and built a brand new check-in building with concierge services to improve our guest experience.
At Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort, we completed renovating units in buildings A, B, C and D, added new lobby furniture and redesigned puredeli, enclosing it for air-conditioned comfort and rebranding it as a New York style deli with a great new menu.
At Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort, we’ve started phase 3 and 4 renovations to Eagle and Birdie units, refurbished our Pro Shop and enclosed Mulligan’s Golf Café, Bar & Restaurant for air-conditioned comfort, while still retaining the amazing views of the 9th hole and the ocean beyond.
On Barbados, Divi Southwinds Beach Resort has finished a year-long renovation, which included complete unit refurbishments, refreshing the main pool, adding new pool and beach furniture, replacing all elevators and updating resort signage.
Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino on Bonaire has replaced much of its oceanfront wood decking and updated chairs and tables at pureocean Beachside Bar. They also created a beautiful new wall mural at Chibi Chibi Restaurant, added a cornhole set, an outdoor movie screen and a chess board to their fun activities, and improved the plants, vegetation and signage around the resort.
Lastly, we are thrilled to have Divi Little Bay on St. Maarten back open and busy with owners, members and guests flocking to the island to enjoy our jewel nestled on a private peninsula. Almost immediately after Hurricane Irma, we committed to reopening in May, and just eight months after the storm hit, we made it happen. I am so proud of all of the changes we’ve made so far, the incredibly hard work of our staff and the overwhelmingly positive guest feedback. Just some of the many upgrades include:
• Completely renovated hotel units and suites
• New main pool and bar, plus renovated Seabreeze and Infinity Pools
FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENTIt’s hard to believe that 2018 will soon be coming to an end. Divi Resorts has faced an incredibly challenging but productive year, introducing enhancements across all of our properties, and reopening Divi Little Bay on Saint Maarten after last year’s hurricane.
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No stranger to the Divi family or the Caribbean, Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino’s newest General Manager, Celine Van Meer, comes to Bonaire after twelve years on St. Maarten, six of which were spent as the General Manager of Divi Little Bay Beach Resort. Now, she’s ready to hit the ground running, building relationships with her new team members and guests, refreshing the resort and exploring everything there is to love about Bonaire!
What changes and improvements have you made at Divi Flamingo?
There have been many exciting updates, including:
• Upgrading the entire resort’s landscaping and creating a large garden terrace
• Adding a big screen TV for movie night, plus games and a playset to provide more kid’s activities
• Purchasing an additional dive vessel for Divi Dive Bonaire’s fleet
• Replacing all guest room entrance doors and adding new electrical locks
• Creating a laundry facility
• Upgrading our dive terrace with new furniture and installing new dive stairs
• Updating our banquet rooms and fitness center
• Enhancing Chibi Chibi Restaurant and updating all restaurant menus
• Replacing all resort signage
• Replacing all pool furniture and pureocean Beachside Bar’s furniture
• Adding new day beds and rocking chairs scattered around the resort for ultimate relaxation
• Upgrading the bell staff room
• Painting around the resort to keep colors bright and vibrant
• Focusing on guest satisfaction through staff training
What brought you to Divi Flamingo on Bonaire?I lived on St. Maarten with my family for over twelve years, until the unfortunate passing of Hurricane Irma, which had a major impact on all of us. During the short time Divi Little Bay Beach Resort was closed, the GM position at Divi Flamingo became available. My family had visited Bonaire before and we knew that the island was beautiful, but the welcoming faces and our amazing resort location made taking the job an easy choice!
How has Divi Flamingo and the island of Bonaire been treating you and your family so far?
When I arrived at Divi Flamingo, I was warmly welcomed by our loyal, enthusiastic team, which made me feel very comfortable! Divi Flamingo’s property is a bit smaller than Divi Little Bay, with fewer rooms and different amenities, like the very successful Divi Dive Bonaire operation and the popular casino, providing me with plenty of opportunities to learn about different departments. Plus, my husband and daughter are also enjoying the island! When we first arrived, we were amazed that literally everyone we encountered greeted us warmly, and that the ocean is like swimming in an aquarium with the most unique colorful fish.
What do you love about Bonaire?Bonaire is very peaceful and quiet, and it’s the best destination for shore diving! The island is so colorful and has beautifully preserved nature both below and above the water, plus a truly Caribbean feel, which islanders take great pride in. It’s also very kid-friendly and rich in culture.
What are your favorite hot spots and hidden gems on the island?
Our favorite spots are Sorobon Beach, with its shallow water and great surfing, Te Amo Beach with the best food truck, Lac Cai to watch the mangroves and spot sea turtles, Washington Slagbaai Park, an ecological reserve with beaches, wildlife and snorkel stops, and the famous salt pyramids, where the shades of bright pink and turquoise blue surround the white salt mountains – something so unique, you have to see it for yourself.
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A DIVI GM
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LEARN MORE ABOUT DVC TODAY!
If you are staying at a Divi Resort on Aruba…Guests at Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort – Call ext. 7002 or 7004. Hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Guests at Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort – Call ext. 4652 or 4653. Hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Guests at Divi Dutch Village Beach Resort – Call ext. 793. Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
If you are staying at Divi Little Bay in St. Maarten...Visit our concierge for more information.
STOP BY OUR LOBBY CONCIERGE DESKS TO LEARN MORE!
Earlier this year, Divi Vacation Club added exciting new features to your Member Site, allowing you to Make a Reservation, Bank, Borrow, or Rent Points, Check Your Points Balance and Update Personal Information all from one convenient online location, 24 hours a day! For more information go to https://bit.ly/2qV1WgT 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!
IMPORTANT UPDATE!
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/2Hrjatl.
THE 2018 LOYALTY BENEFITS GUIDE IS PORTABLE! 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.
BANKING POINTS
DIVI VACATION CLUB
If you are not staying on Aruba or St. Maarten...
Please call 1-888-863-6822/1-919-419-3484 or visit www.divivacationclub.com.
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With more than 30 years of Divi vacations under their belts, President’s Elite Members Edward & Carol Bauman are experienced travelers, who’ve explored the world throughout their 47 years of marriage, but say Aruba is their one and only true vacation destination. We caught up with them on their recent trip to Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort to discover more about what makes Aruba their island oasis.
This traveling duo have been coming to Aruba since 1987, when they took a cruise out of Jamaica and spent some time at the Divi Aruba All-Inclusive Resort.
“We were given a presentation of Divi Dutch Village Beach Resort, which only had phase 1 completed, with phase 2 under construction and phase 3 just blue print plans at that time! We were really impressed but we didn’t purchase until the following March,” said Edward. “Over the years, we’ve come to enjoy every moment of that decision, buying additional time and upgrading our unit size over several years to accommodate vacationing with our children and, for the past ten years, our grandchildren. It’s been a special place for us, where we’ve made lifelong memories from a simple commitment to vacationing every year.”
Three years ago, the couple converted to two President’s Elite Memberships in the Divi Vacation Club to meet their growing family’s vacation needs, and gain more unit size and travel flexibility.
FEATURED DVC MEMBERS
“The people, the weather, the palm trees, the breeze - we’re just used to Aruba. It’s where we want to be”
- Carol Bauman
“Over the years, our needs have changed and some of our fixed week contracts were no longer the weeks we really wanted to travel. We owned a total of twelve contracts and they were expiring, so we decided to become double President’s Elite Members,” Edward explained. “Divi’s very experienced Vacation Sales Specialists made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. So, for us, it was an easy decision. We get what we want, when we want it, so you can’t ask for more than that!” “The people, the weather, the palm trees, the breeze – we’re just used to Aruba. It’s where we want to be with each other and with our family,” said Carol.
The Baumans say they love the familiarity that Divi Resorts gives them, allowing them to see the same friends and their favorite staff members year after year. Plus, it would seem Edward lives by the famous motto, “happy wife, happy life.”
“Why do we come here? Because my wife loves to come here,” said Edward. “Right dear?”
“Yes, we love to come here, and we love Mr. Griffith, the General Manager, and all of his staff,” Carol exclaimed.
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Aruba is the land of unbelievably blue waters and pure white sand beaches, with a surprising desert terrain. The island is known for its vibrant culture, delicious international cuisine and incredibly friendly people. It’s no wonder it’s lovingly nicknamed “One Happy Island.” If you’re lucky enough to visit this enchanting island, here are four fantastic tours you must try, as told by our Communications Specialist, Alyssa Smith, who experienced the island for the very first time this summer.
Clear your day, buckle up and prepare for a bumpy yet thrilling ride through Aruba’s rugged desert terrain to visit the island’s coolest spots! You will be amazed by the sheer amount of remarkable historic and cultural landmarks you get to admire during this full-day tour. Highlights include the site of the famous natural bridge, which sadly collapsed years ago but a smaller natural bridge still stands, the Bushiribana Historic Gold Mines with picture-perfect views, a quick pit stop on the side of the road for natural sea salt straight from the land, the serene Alto Vista Church with neat finds like the Peace Labrythn (a pebble rock formation, which is a place for silent and respectful contemplation), the California Lighthouse, the magnificent natural pools, perfect for a quick dip, the Fontein Caves with native Arawak drawings, a natural fish pond to dip your toes in for a free spa treatment, so to speak, an abandoned plantation home and finally Baby Beach for some amazing snorkeling. Ideal for adventurers of all ages! For more information, visit www.abc-aruba.com.
If you love food and history, this is the tour for you! The Downtown Oranjestad tour consists of 80% food and 20% history. We met downtown in the evening and walked the streets, stopping at various monuments and historic sites along the way to discuss the heritage of Aruba and fun facts about the island. Our first food destination was the restaurant, Cafe the Plaza, for some delicious Dutch snacks and a very refreshing local Balashi Beer. We enjoyed a plate of Dutch goodies, which included frikandel, Gouda cheese, bitterbalen and chicken satay with peanut sauce, while listening to live music playing outside. Our next stop was Cuba’s Cooking for a very tasty, Ropa Vieja, one of the national dishes of Cuba, and some delicious grouper ceviche, all accompanied by a refreshing mojito, which we learned how to make. Later, we stopped by the West Deck Restaurant for Johnny cakes with jerk chicken, fresh homemade lemonade and funchi hasa with carne mechada - all of which were bursting with flavor. Our final stop was the popular Italy in the World restaurant for a sweet taste of Italian cuisine with a light dessert wine paired with freshly made tiramisu, a real treat! This mouthwatering tour is great for couples, groups and friends looking to learn more about the island, while savoring delicious local dishes. For more information, visit www.arubawalkingtours.com.
Beware, this tour is for adults ONLY and not for the faint of heart. Picture this if you will, you’re riding on a very colorful bus with an equally colorful host, a lively bus driver, endless maracas, upbeat party music and drinks galore as you stop by bars around town. While you tour Aruba’s nightlife, you drink and drink, and then drink some more! Our tour started with a lovely sunset champagne toast and dinner before descending into the party madness. We had five stops total, and at each location, we were given a drink ticket to redeem at the bar. If you wanted to drink more, you could purchase a “sippy cup,” making it cheaper to refill and bring your libations on the bus. We danced and shook maracas all night long, and a few stops had colorful party hats and carnival accessories you could wear while dancing, plus free colorful temporary tattoos. When you’re done dancing the night away, the bus drops you off at your hotel so you can hop right into bed, sleep it off and feel refreshed for your next exciting day on Aruba. For more information, visit www.kukookunuku.com, and be sure to request the bus with Mama if you want an extra fun time!
ARUBA ISLAND ADVENTURE
ABC TOURS ISLAND ULTIMATE SAFARI:
FUSION OF THE WORLD FOOD TOUR:
KUKOO KUNUKU:
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A truly unique way to experience parts of the island not easily accessible by car, Rancho Loco is one of the best ranches to book your horseback riding adventure. From the moment you step onto the property, you’re greeted by several majestic horses and adorable cats and dogs who call this ranch home. We were assigned horses and off we went through Arikok National Park and up the third highest mountain on Aruba for spectacular views of the island. We then followed the trail down to beautiful Moro Beach on our way to the famous natural pool, where we had a very refreshing swim and saw a variety of unique fish. Bring your swim goggles so you can do the same! After quality time admiring the scenery and taking Instagram-worthy pictures, we took a leisurely ride back to the ranch. Our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly, helping our group explore Aruba’s unique terrain with ease. Plus, Rancho Loco is perfect for families, as children as young as three can ride with an adult. For more information, visit www.rancholocoaruba.com.
RANCHO LOCO NATURAL POOL TOUR:
We offer special pricing on many of these exciting adventures! Stop by
our Concierge Desk to find out more!
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NEW & IMPROVEDWELCOME BACK DIVI LITTLE BAY!Only eight months after Hurricane Irma, Divi Little Bay Beach Resort and the island St. Maarten have bounced back to life! Newly reopened in May, with renovations anticipated to be completed by the end of this year, Divi Little Bay features great new amenities, plus the stunning bay and beach you love! Here are just a few highlights from around the resort.
Completed Renovations & Updates:
• Units have been completely refreshed from top to bottom
• Updated Seabreeze and Infinity Pools
• Fort Amsterdam Cafe (formerly Bayview Café) has been transformed with gourmet coffee and a new menu
• Beach and pools have received new chairs and fun areas to sit and relax
• Gizmo’s Bar & Grill has new tables, chairs and umbrellas
• The dock has been restored and boat trips have resumed
• Brand new restaurant menus
• Beautiful new landscaping and lighting throughout the resort
Still to Come in 2018:
• A stunning new main pool called the pureocean pool (formerly the Casitas pool) will be enlarged with waterfalls, a new pureocean pool bar and an expansive seating area
• A new eatery, The Shack, serving Caribbean BBQ, Jerk Chicken, Roti and more
• Expanded pureocean Restaurant and added new terrace furniture and lighting
• New kid’s space and game room
Our loyal staff, including Divi Little Bay’s new General Manager, Anne-Marie Brooks, and of course, Divi’s resident diva, Gizmo are thrilled to see our owners, members and guests flocking back to this beautiful resort and stunning island.
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What brought you to Divi Little Bay and what are your plans for the future?
I was attracted by the opportunity to become a trendsetter on the island at one of the first resorts to reopen after the hurricane. I want every guest to have a unique and memorable experience with every bite, so I plan on incorporating new elements to entice guests and build a following for our restaurants.
What types of foods do you enjoy cooking with?My specialties are Caribbean and Mediterranean cuisine, but I find great joy anytime I get to work with fresh produce and exotic foods. I believe that each ingredient has a great story behind it.
EXECUTIVE CHEF OCTAVIO VERHELSTDivi Little Bay’s freshest face, Octavio Verhelst, comes to St. Maarten from the beautiful island of Curaçao to whip up delicious dishes and decadent desserts as the resort’s brand new Executive Chef. With more than 14 years in the industry, Verhelst is excited to bring his culinary skills and style to the table at the newly reopened resort. We caught up with him to find out what motivates him to cook up mouthwatering creations each and every day.
What is your culinary experience?I’ve worked in this industry for 14 years now, with the last six years spent traveling internationally and working on cruise ships to hone my skills and grow as a chef. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to learn from and experience many different cultures and food trends. I’ve also educated myself to become a better cook and transform myself into a strong chef and leader. The great thing about cooking for me is that it’s my hobby, my passion, and I get paid for doing what I love.
What is your favorite dish to make? This is like asking me which one of my kids I love the most! I think every bite one takes is living or reliving a memory. Food gives us great comfort and in every dish, there is an element that brings us to “umami,” which can best be described as an explosion of flavor.
How will St. Maarten’s culture influence your cooking?As I’m getting to know the culture, I’ve seen a lot of diversity in the people, the town and the types of cuisines, so it’s an exciting challenge for me to incorporate all of these elements into my dishes.
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FROM OUR TABLE TO YOURS
Ingredients:
• 2 tbsp. soy sauce
• 1 tsp. rice wine vinegar
• 1 tsp. toasted sesame oil
• 1 tsp. sesame seeds, plus extra for garnish
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 lb. sushi-grade ahi tuna, cubed
• 2-3 scallions, thinly sliced
• 1/2 avocado
• 3 oz. seaweed salad
• 5 oz. cooked white rice
• 1/2 tbsp. pickled ginger
AHI TUNA POKE
Instructions:
1. Whisk together soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, sesame seeds and red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl. Add cubed tuna and scallions and gently stir together to dress the tuna. Marinate for 5 minutes.
2. While the tuna marinates, pit and cube the avocado and cut into medium-sized cubes, more or less the size of the tuna.
3. To serve, scoop rice into bowls, top with tuna poke, avocado, seaweed salad and a few pieces of pickled ginger, to taste. Garnish with leftover scallions and remaining sesame seeds and enjoy!
*Serving note: This dish can also be served on tortilla chips as a bite-sized appetizer, as shown in the photo.
“Poke is a dish made with marinated fish or shellfish served raw with seasonings. I became a fan of this dish way before it became popular and I find it’s a healthy and refreshing choice for lunch, perfectly paired with a nice glass of chardonnay. Come and try it for yourself at Seabreeze Restaurant!”
- Executive Chef Octavio Verhelst
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DIVI EXTRAS
Thank you to all of our loyal fans who submitted the best Divi vacation photos and videos for our #PICKMEDIVICONTEST and #PICKMEDIVISUMMER giveaways to win free 7-night Caribbean vacations. There were so many amazing submissions, we couldn’t choose just two winners! Check out the winning entries to the right and be sure to check back for more exciting giveaways at www.diviresorts.com/divi-giveaways.htm.
DIVI’S #PICKMEDIVICONTEST GIVEAWAY
Don’t forget to follow or like our pages for the latest offers, news and giveaways!
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA!
#DIVIRESORTS#DISCOVERDIVI@DIVIRESORTS
There’s not many Divi loyalists that don’t know our feathered “superstar” and resident Divi Little Bay diva, Gizmo! She’s 25 years young and going strong, showing her resiliency during last year’s hurricanes and subsequent renovations. Now, she’s holding court once again at her namesake, Gizmo’s Bar & Grill, providing hours of enjoyment for guests, preening for the cameras and showing she’s true Divi royalty!
Never one to shy away from the spotlight, Gizmo was recently caught on camera showing off and making her presence known with a dramatic shake of the feathers. Check out the videos for yourself! https://bit.ly/2vWpHsi
FRONT COVER DIVA
A picture is worth a thousand words and at Divi Resorts, we love seeing your vacation photos, which is why we’ve posted Divi Smiles signs throughout your favorite Divi Resorts. Keep an eye out for these signs and strike a pose with your best beaming smile. Don’t forget to send your photos to [email protected], post them on Instagram with #divismiles or submit them online at www.diviresorts.com/smiles.htm for a chance to be featured!
DIVI SMILES
Congrats to our Winners!
@carolineschossler
@i_travel_east_in_kaleidoscope
@mypixelperfectworld
WHO KNOWS? YOU MIGHT SEE YOURSELF HERE!
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DIVI CARES
PHILLIES YOUTH BASEBALL TEAMAs part of the Phillies Youth Baseball Team’s fundraiser for their upcoming tournament in Miami, Divi Flamingo donated a grand prize to entice the community to take part in the fundraiser. Divi Flamingo also offered the team a meeting room to baptize their shirts and a boat tour so the boys could relax and bond before the tournament.
DONATIONS TO FOUNDATION COCARI & FOUNDATION TUR MAN HUNTUDivi Flamingo happily donated linens, towels, chinaware, tablecloths and clothes hangers to support Foundation Cocari and Foundation Tur Man Huntu. Now in its 38th year, Foundation Cocari provides an activity center for elderly Rincón residents to come together five days a week for activities and meals while their families are at work. Foundation Tur Man Huntu, which is supported by a large group of enthusiastic volunteers, assists the elderly in Bonaire by organizing day trips for routine errands and various activities. These worthy causes enhance the lives of Bonaire’s elderly citizens and create an environment that promotes healthy living, togetherness and positive social interactions.
BLUE FLAG AT DIVI LITTLE BAY While the Patriots Cheerleaders were on the island to shoot their annual swimsuit calendar, they took time away from their busy schedules to meet with Blue Flag representatives at Divi Little Bay to learn about the program and gather water samples so the resort can once again qualify for the world-renowned Blue Flag Certification. This program, temporarily stopped after the hurricanes, is an important monitoring system to ensure the purity of the waters around St. Maarten.
THE NEW START FOR CHILDREN FOUNDATIONThe cheerleaders also volunteered their time to visit the New Start for Children Foundation to deliver and serve BBQ lunches for the children, their foster parents and caregivers. Attendees were also treated to a lively cheer performance and the ladies were all smiles as they played games with the children. The kids also shared a great afternoon with the cheerleaders on the beach at Divi Little Bay later in the week, playing water games, making sandcastles and enjoying a delicious lunch.
BONAIRE
ST. MAARTEN PATRIOTS CHEERLEADERS
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PATRIOTS CHEERLEADERSPATRIOTS CHEERLEADERS VISIT DIVI LITTLE BAY, ST. MAARTENThat’s a wrap! It was a whirlwind week of exhilarating adventures, cultural experiences and a whole lot of red, white and blue as Divi Little Bay hosted the famed New England Patriots Cheerleaders to shoot their ever-popular annual swimsuit calendar and video production. In-between shoots, the ladies explored both the Dutch and French sides of the island, greeting fans, learning about St. Maarten’s history and sampling local dishes.
Highlights include:
• Perfume Experience at Tijon Parfumerie
• Lunch at Loterie Farm
• Guided Tour of Front Street in Philipsburg that included visits to:
}} Philipsburg Courthouse
}} Guavaberry Emporium
}} Gelateria Milano
}} Majesty Jewelers
• Topper’s Rhum Distillery Tour
• Welcome Cocktail Party to meet local dignitaries and business leaders
• Karaoke Night at Divi Little Bay
• New Start for Children Foundation visit (see page 13)
• Aqua Mania Adventures Sunset Cruise
• Blue Flag Environmental Project (see page 13)
• Interactive Chef Cooking Experience with Executive Chef Octavio Verheist making Ahi Tuna Poke (see page 11)
• A fun ride down the World’s Steepest Zip Line at Rainforest Adventures
• Beach BBQ Party at Divi Little Bay
A huge thanks to photographer Laszlo Tarko for capturing every magical moment. Take a look at all of the fun these lovely ladies had on St. Maarten!
For access to even more photos, visit https://bit.ly/2MG97pO and be on the lookout for the Official 2019 Swimsuit Calendar, which will be available to purchase online later this year.
Plus, if you want to experience the fun for yourself, you’re in luck! We offer special pricing on many of these exciting adventures, so simply stop by your Concierge Desk to find out more and book your tours.
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“I’m a firm believer in what goes around comes around. I do river cleanups with my family, spending weekends picking trash out of the river and helping make Mother Earth happy. What you give out, you get back. And we have a son that passed away and I can’t help but think that maybe he had a little something to do with this,” Tammy explained.
And even though the Kenyons hit a bump in the road with their flights, they say they wouldn’t change a thing.
“On the day we were meant to fly to St. Maarten, our flight was suddenly canceled. It was 4 a.m. and I was devastated. I sent an email off thinking no one at Divi would respond. Boy, was I wrong,” explained Tammy. “They called me right away, and with the help of JetBlue, they rerouted us to New York and found two seats on the same flight as the cheerleaders. Upon arrival in St. Maarten, we were transported with the cheerleaders to the resort! It was phenomenal!”
While on the island, the couple had the opportunity to mingle and dine with the cheerleaders to get to know them better and celebrate Bill’s 60th birthday.
“It’s been a wild experience,” said Bill, “I can assure you, it will not be 28 years before we’re back again!
“We’re glad to be one of the first people to return to Divi Little Bay since they reopened,” added Tammy. “I tell you all, come to Divi Little Bay, you will not be disappointed! Treasure it and soak in every second. As we like to say, live the life you love and love the life you live.”
Nearly 30 years ago, when the Kenyons choose Divi Little Bay on St. Maarten for their honeymoon, they gushed about the amazing experience they had to friends and family. The couple had hoped to visit the island again in the future, but it never worked out until this year, when they won their free trip!
“We are just so lucky. It’s unbelievable,” said Tammy. “I had been following Divi on social media for some time and I saw this contest and entered.”
Little did Tammy know, she was about to win the trip of a lifetime!
“I was talking to my daughter about how if you do good, then good comes back to you. Seconds later, I checked my email and said, ‘Oh my god, I think I just won a trip,’ and I was crying tears of joy.”
Tammy credits the big win to her good karma and believes her son, who passed away, had a hand in her winning.
“JOIN THE PARTY” GIVEAWAY WINNERS
Divi fans Tammy and Bill Kenyon of Hope, RI were the lucky winners of our “Join the Party” 7-night stay with airfare from JetBlue during the week the Patriots Cheerleaders were on the island. The Kenyon’s relationship with St. Maarten goes way back, 28 years back to be exact, when the couple celebrated their honeymoon at Divi Little Bay. Plus, the two are New England born and bred and huge Patriots fans. We checked in with the Kenyons to follow up on their once-in-a-lifetime experience and found out what makes St. Maarten so special to them.
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A VERY CARIBBEAN CHRISTMAS
Christmastime on Aruba is extra special for children, who get treated to not one, but three days of gifts! On December 5, the children of Aruba welcome Sinterklaas, the Dutch version of Santa Claus, who gives them presents and sweets if they have been good all year. Then, on December 25, Santa Claus comes to town and leaves gifts under the Christmas tree. Finally, the Three Kings visit the children on January 6 to place presents around the Nativity scene. These three days of gifts are the result of Aruba’s fusion of cultures from around the world.
Fun Fact: A historic Aruban Christmas tradition is to hang three pieces of aloe bound with bright red ribbon above the windows and doors of your house to welcome the spirits of peace and harmony into your home.
St. Maarten’s famous island liqueur, Guavaberry, plays an important role in one of the island’s classic Christmas traditions. In the 1950s, it became customary for carolers to go door to door during the Christmas season and sing in exchange for a shot of Guavaberry Liqueur. While this practice is not as common today, Guavaberry is still recognized as the most popular drink during the holiday season.
Fun Fact: Decorating your house with Christmas lights is so popular on St. Maarten that the local electric company holds an annual competition, giving a prize to the most festive home.
A Christmas celebration on Barbados wouldn’t be complete without three signature dishes on the table: great cake, jug jug and baked ham. Great cake is similar to fruitcake in that it contains various dried fruits and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, but it also contains various liquors, including rum, port wine and falernum. Jug jug is similar to Scottish haggis, influenced by Barbados’ Scottish and British heritage. The baked ham is studded with cloves and is often glazed with pineapple. Many Barbadians think the crispy fat (called “crackling”) is the most delicious part of the dish.
Fun Fact: Many Barbadians are big fans of country western music, so the Christmas albums of country stars like Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers and George Strait are popular around the holidays.
The holiday season is full of music on Bonaire with the Bari Festival, which lasts from late November until the New Year. During this festival, musicians celebrate the tradition of sharing stories through music by playing traditional bari drums, named for the rum barrels they are made from.
Fun Fact: New Year’s Eve is celebrated in a big way on Bonaire, with impressive community firework shows lighting up the night sky.
ARUBA
ST. MAARTEN
BARBADOS
BONAIRE
Every island has its own holiday traditions, and we thought it would be fun to share our favorite Christmas customs on Divi’s islands!
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ARUBAwww.aruba.com/things-to-do
OCTOBEREat Local Restaurant MonthThis month-long culinary event features more than 65 restaurants highlighting authentic Aruban cuisine and the island’s rich culinary heritage, including Windows on Aruba at Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort and pureocean at Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort. For more details, visit www.restaurantweek.aruba.com.
Aruba Art FairThis cultural event happening October 5-7 highlights Aruba’s vibrant and diverse heritage through art. For more details, visit www.arubaartfair.com.
Halloween CelebrationGrab your best costume and join the spooktacular Halloween festivities at local bars, restaurants and resorts throughout the island.
NOVEMBERNational Coastal CleanupSponsored by the Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association, all are welcome to join this national cleanup day, which focuses on keeping Aruba’s beaches pristine. Gloves, collecting bags and refreshments are provided.
Aruba Beach Tennis OpenBeach tennis professionals and amateurs travel from around the world to compete in this premier tournament on Eagle Beach. For more details, visit www.arubabeachtennisopen.com.
Aruba Love FestivalFeaturing lively house music with the goal of delivering high quality tunes in a unique, energetic and relaxed environment, the Aruba Love Festival is not to be missed. The weekend-long event also boasts pool and beach parties with live DJs.
DECEMBERAruba Fashion WeekThis annual fashion, entertainment and lifestyle event, happening December 14-16, features fashion shows, social events, cocktails, the latest fashion trends and a Fashion Conference. For more details, visit www.arubafashionweek.com.
Sinterklaas CelebrationsJoin the children of Aruba as they welcome Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas) in this Dutch Caribbean tradition. Sinterklaas makes several appearances at daytime events throughout the island.
Dande FestivalRing in the New Year with Aruba’s biggest traditional music event, featuring a variety of musicians performing songs composed in the Dande style.
New Year’s CelebrationEnjoy an endless night of fireworks, fun and festivities to welcome the New Year on Druif Beach, close to Divi’s All-Inclusive Resorts.
BARBADOSwww.visitbarbados.org/things-to-do
OCTOBERBarbados Jazz ExcursionHappening October 4-7, this weekend-long event celebrates all things jazz with several concerts from performers including host Elan Trotman, Najee, Maysa, Karen Briggs and much more. For more details, visit www.barbadosjazzexcursion.com. Barbados Food & Rum FestivalTantalize your taste buds at this year’s Barbados Food & Rum Festival happening October 18-21, featuring Divi’s very own Chef Henderson Butcher. For more details, visit www.foodandrum.com.
NOVEMBERHarrow Barbados Darts Festival 2018Now in its 16th year, this festival invites darts players of all skill levels to compete in tournaments and socialize with fellow players.
Barbados Open Water FestivalThis open water swim festival happening November 7-11, features several events, from 2K practice runs to 1.5K, 5K and 10K races, plus evening celebrations around the island. For more details, visit www.swimbarbadosvacations.com.
Barbados Sunshine Music FestivalThis week-long music festival happening November 2-10, offers exciting parties, concerts and events throughout the week and features the original soul giant, Alistair Rapattac, plus popular DJs.
EAT LOCAL RESTAURANT MONTH
2018 EVENTSCALENDAROCTOBER-DECEMBER
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DECEMBERRun BarbadosOne of the island’s premier sporting events, Run Barbados, happening December 7-9, consists of exhilarating races, including a fun run, 5K or 10K and half or full marathon.
Rugby Barbados World 7s 2018Held at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, this tournament from December 8-9, features 32 men’s and women’s teams from around the world competing over two action-packed days in both the ‘Elite’ and ‘Open’ tournaments. For details, visit www.rugbybarbadosworld7s.com.
Old Year’s NightThe Barbadian name for New Year’s Eve, Old Year’s Night is celebrated with festive local entertainment and a vibrant fireworks show in downtown Bridgetown and around the St. Lawrence Gap, close to Divi Southwinds Beach Resort.
BONAIREwww.tourismbonaire.com
OCTOBER51st Annual Bonaire Sailing RegattaSailors and vessels from around the world descend on Bonaire for three days, from October 10-13, to compete for the championship in their class. For more details, visit www.bonaireregatta.org. Dive Friends Clean Up Dive The public is encouraged to join Dive Friends Bonaire as they host their quarterly Clean Up Dive to keep the coral reefs and beaches trash-free. For more details, visit www.divefriendsbonaire.com.
NOVEMBERCultural MarketThis free market, open the last Saturday of every month, features a fusion of local arts & crafts, fresh produce and educational presentations. Sample delicious Bonairean food while listening to talented local musicians. For details, visit www.bonaireculturetours.com.
DECEMBERSinterklaas’ Birthday CelebrationCelebrated exclusively on Dutch Caribbean territories and the Netherlands on December 5, eager children leave out a shoe filled with grass for Sinterklaas’ horse in hopes that Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas) will bring presents.
Bonaire Christmas Shopping NightSavor local Christmas dishes, shop till you drop in a winter wonderland and meet Santa Clause at this festive event taking place December 22 at Kaya Grandi.
ST. MAARTENwww.vacationstmaarten.com
OCTOBERTropical Shipping Duathlon 2018Join runners and bikers of all skill levels as they compete to win this action-packed duathalon happening October 7, which consists of a 5K run, 20K bike ride and another 2.5K run.
51ST ANNUAL BONAIRE REGATTABARBADOS JAZZ EXCURSION
5th Annual Food, Fashion & Beauty ExpoShop, taste and socialize at St. Maarten’s 5th Annual Food, Fashion & Beauty Expo happening October 27. This unique event promotes local businesses and provides an opportunity for them to showcase their latest products and services.
NOVEMBERSt. Martin’s Day CelebrationThe entire island commemorates its discovery by Christopher Columbus on this day in 1493 with ceremonies, live entertainment, music, food and cultural heritage events.
DECEMBERChristmas HouseVoted the island’s best tourist attraction for the holiday season, this festively decorated house is open for the entire month of December and features seasonal music, delicious drinks and themed snacks.
Grand Case Night Lights ParadeCelebrate the holidays with this annual parade of bright and colorful floats passing through Grand Case Boulevard.
New Year’s CelebrationEach year, residents and tourists alike flock to Philipsburg to watch the magnificent fireworks display over Great Bay and ring in the New Year.
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