The Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino (pictured) recently wrapped soft renovations of all its 411 guest rooms
The reasons to meet in Aruba can seem as numerous as the grains of white sand on the Caribbean island's spectacular beaches. There is the easy airlift, with nonstop flights from 18 North American gateways (as well as preclearance from U.S. Customs, smoothing out the process further). There is the range of cultures -- a blend of English, Dutch, Spanish, and native Papiamento influences blending together -- and it sits outside the Hurricane Belt.
"Aruba offers exciting activities on the land and sea, as well as boasts some of the best nightlife in the Caribbean with a dynamic culinary scene, vibrant clubs and bars for all tastes, along with fun gaming available at the resort casinos," says Hal Davis, sales manager, North America, for the Aruba Convention Bureau. "Add in trade-winds that keep you cool and comfortable along with Aruba being outside the Hurricane Belt and you can see why Aruba needs to be your next event destination."
It also boasts world-class hotels and meeting facilities ideal for groups of all sizes -- a number of which have recently wrapped renovations. The 368-room Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino completed a multimillion-dollar renovation, converting from a Radisson, updating all restaurants, opening up the lobby, and revamping the design to better reflect the property's Palm Beach history. The 373-room Barceló Aruba has also undergone millions of dollars in renovations and offers more than 9,000 square feet of meeting space. Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino recently relaunched its Fresco restaurant, complementing the property's six other dining venues, as well as its more than 22,000 square feet of event space.
Last year, the Hyatt Regency Aruba renovated all its suites and its Balashi pool bar, while completing a renovation of its tennis court and adding high-efficiency LED lighting throughout.
The Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino recently wrapped soft renovations of all its 411 guest rooms, while refreshing or reimagining its lobby bar, two-level fitness center, Ruth's Chris Steak House (one of 10 F&B options), and lobby. It added a Happy Zone Hammock Garden and relocated its Tradewinds Club to the ground level, just steps from the adults-only H2Oasis pool.
WHERE TO…
PLAY - Aquatic Adventures
From snorkeling to kayaking to parasailing, watersports complete a visit to Aruba. Organizations like Eco DMS offer catamaran outings where attendees can do some deep-sea fishing in the area's sealife-rich waters, or just hang out on the boat and take in the sunset.
SHOP - Downtown Oranjestad
Whether looking for local souvenirs or high-end jewelry, Oranjestad is the must-visit shopping destination for visiting groups. Attendees can pick up the latest fashions at Eva Boutique, unique jewelry at Royal Jewels & Diamonds, or some local spirits at La Ronda Rumshop.
SEE - Arikok National Park
This natural preserve is an ideal place to explore the natural attractions of Aruba, with tropical flowers, birds, iguanas, and exotic cacti living in harmony. Explore lava formations, an old Aruban "cunucu" house, or take a hike up one of the two tallest hills on the island -- Arikok hill (577 feet tall) or Jamanota (617 feet).
Last month, the property hosted a six-day event for the financial services firm McGill & Hill Group. The 80 attendees took part in seminars with guest speakers in the Grand Ballroom, enjoyed a cocktail reception in La Vista (the property's Italian buffet option), and took part in a group utility terrain vehicle (UTV) excursion through the lush Arikok National Park.
UTVs, which can carry multiple riders more comfortably than a traditional all-terrain vehicle, are one of the island's most popular outings, according to Wichita Villacres, president and CEO of Eco Destination Management Services, which creates what she calls "life experiences" for groups visiting Aruba. Eco will take groups out to the countryside, making stops where, "we provide the groups with something exciting that they can learn," says Villacres. That includes elements of the natural environment, such as the healing and edible aloe vera plants growing throughout the island.
Hands-on cooking classes, building to a feast, is another favorite for groups. While these classes used to be popular for two to four attendees, "now it's groups of 12 that want to do cooking classes," says Villacres. To help accommodate these larger groups, Eco hosts the event in the Aruban home of Casa Di Wichi, which has been renovated to allow for big gatherings.
"Everyone has a cutting board and learns how to make sausage, fish, and funchi (a European-influenced dish similar to polenta)" says Villacres.
She adds that while the culinary traditions and natural beauty of the island make it attractive for groups, the biggest draw may be its people.
"People are very caring and friendly and make the island welcoming," says Villacres. "They greet you, no matter who you are -- if you lose something on the street, people will turn it in to the hotel."
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This article appears in the February 2018 issue of Successful Meetings.