latest insider info on beaches, resorts, timeshares, condos & real estate

Divi Residences
For the last few years Divi Resorts have been very busy in consolidating its position as a major player in the local hospitality industry, as it has been expanding regionally as well. Major investments in Aruba include the construction of 9-hole golf course The Links and the construction of condo village The Residences.
Divi Resorts dominates the scene in the low rise area, especially on of Aruba’s best beaches, Druif Beach. With Divi All Inclusive, Tamarijn All Inclusive, Divi Dutch Village, Divi Village & Golf Beach Resort and now with The Residences condos.

Nice week-day buzz at Druif Beach
A few weeks ago officials revealed alarming figures about the bookings to Aruba for the months ahead. According to the local tourism association booking fell with at least a quarter, in comparison to the same period last year. Needless to say, that this is a significant amount. Especially tourism from North America is expected to reduce significantly.
Back in October I wrote about the potential effect of the economic situation on Aruba travel. I speculated that incentives where going to be offered to travelers, and it happened. There are a lot of last-minute deals to be found in the time of year.

Ketball new in Aruba
Last weekend the installation of the third Ketball-court/pool was finished at Surfside Beach, also known as Havana Beach. This sport has its origins in Utrecht, The Netherlands. After opening in Valencia, Spain, now Aruba is the third location in the world with this sport.
This sport is a mix of beachball and racquetball, making it a very interesting combination. It is a mix of athleticsm, entertainment, cardio and cooling, all at the same time. Now you don’t have to worry about the pesky beach sand in your nostrils or direct sun on your skin.

Clouds around sunset
Officially on the 30th of November current Hurricane Season is over. Experts believe that the ocean has cooled enough in November that formations of cyclones are highly unlikely. Start of next Hurricane Season is on Monday 1st of June, 2009.
The month of November has been wet. Rain fell in abundance, at times seemingly more than usual. However, I’ll wait for official figures in the next few days to know for sure. November wasn’t nearly as wet as October when a storm brushed the island.

The Village Construction
The Village is a small shopping project being developed at Palm Beach Boulevard (name dubbed by me, it’s not official), just across Radisson Resort and near Riu Palace. Neighboring are two other retail projects.
On an earlier occasion I’ve stated how much I like The Village project. The reasons for that is the fact that this project is nothing seen thus far in Aruba in terms of the theme, colors and size. More pictures after the jump.

Oceania Condo
Construction of Oceania Condo continues to progress in a good pace forward. Current construction consists out of three additional phases which are expected to open to the public next year as scheduled.
Oceania Condo is some sort of an icon in condo development here in Aruba as the construction of the first two phases (above picture) seemingly happened without a glitch. Furthermore, it’s location at Eagle Beach is convenient, being steps away from the beach and nearby all important facilities such as major grocery stores.
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