On Island Time: Winter 2019 Newsletter

ON ISLAND TIME news

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BONAIRE ISLAND ADVENTURES! PAGES 6 & 7

NEW & IMPROVED PAGES 10 & 11 STAYING HEALTHY ON VACATION PAGES 14 & 15 WINTER 2019 1

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT Happy New Year to our wonderful owners, members and valued guests! I hope you have enjoyed a safe and pleasant holiday season.

When I look back on all we’ve achieved in 2018, it’s amazing to see the amount of work we’ve completed upgrading and beautifying so many of our resorts. I’m very pleased and gratified by all of the wonderful comments, helpful suggestions and overwhelmingly positive responses I’ve personally heard from owners and guests when visiting the islands, and read on TripAdvisor and social media.

Most notably, the reopening of Divi Little Bay Beach Resort just months after the devastating storms of 2017, was the highlight of the year for me. We’ve completely renovated the resort from top to bottom, so don’t miss out on visiting St. Maarten and this jewel, situated on its own peninsula, in 2019. You can book online anytime at www.diviresorts.com for the best pricing and availability.

I want to offer my congratulations to the staff at Divi Little Bay for all of their hard work getting the resort open and maintaining such high standards of service. To the more than 2,000 staff members employed by Divi Resorts on five islands, thank you for your dedication and for making 2018 an extraordinarily successful year. We couldn’t do it without every one of you.

Check out pages 10 & 11 to see many of the “New & Improved” areas of our resorts on Aruba, Barbados, Bonaire and St. Maarten.

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As 2019 begins, we aren’t taking our foot off the pedal! It’s full steam ahead as we focus our attention and resources on the reopening of Divi Carina Bay All-Inclusive Beach Resort & Casino on St. Croix. While Hurricane Maria took its toll, we are staying focused on the positives, and completely renovating this resort from top to bottom.

Here’s even more scheduled resort improvements for 2019: • Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort - work will

continue on upgrading units in Birdie Golf Villa buildings 5, 9 and 10.

• Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino - we will

completely renovate all studio units, which will include new appliances and furnishings, upgraded electronics, updated bathrooms, new screened balconies and more!

We hope to see you on one of our islands soon – and keep those TripAdvisor reviews and social media comments coming! Also, please remember to like our posts, follow us and leave comments on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest. Simply search for @diviresorts and share us with friends and family.

Sincerely,

Marco Galaverna President & COO, Divi Resorts

From left to right: Alex Nieuwmeyer, Managing Director at the Divi All Inclusives on Aruba; Patrick Franssen, General Manager at Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort on Aruba; and Marco Galaverna, President & COO of Divi Resorts, enjoying the Aruba International Pro-Am Golf Tournament opening ceremony at The Links at Divi Aruba.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A DIVI GM

From left to right: Divi Southwinds/Divi Heritage GM Alvin Jemmott with guests; Divi Little Bay GM Anne-Marie Brooks with the Patriots Cheerleaders; Divi Flamingo GM Celine Van Meer at a housekeeping staff appreciation event; Divi Carina Bay GM Andreas Conhoff overseeing construction and renovations; Divi Dutch Village/Divi Village Golf GM Patrick Franssen enjoying local entertainers with guests; Divi Aruba Phoenix GM Gerritt Griffith having a fun day with timeshare owners.

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DIVI VACATION CLUB IMPORTANT UPDATE! Last 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/2CniGo5 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!

THE 2019 LOYALTY BENEFITS GUIDE IS PORTABLE! 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/2NKfhBW.

BANKING POINTS 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.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DVC TODAY! STOP BY OUR LOBBY CONCIERGE DESKS TO LEARN MORE!

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If you are staying at Divi Resorts on Aruba…

If you are staying at Divi Little Bay in St. Maarten...

Guests at Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort – Call ext. 7002 or 7004. Hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Visit our concierge for more information.

Guests at Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort – Call ext. 4652 or 4653. Hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

If you are not staying on Aruba or St. Maarten...

Guests at Divi Dutch Village Beach Resort – Call ext. 793. Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Please call 1-888-863-6822/1-919-419-3484 or visit www.divivacationclub.com.

FEATURED DVC MEMBERS

Meet our featured President’s Elite Members for this issue, James and Brenda Dubilzig from Perrysburg, Ohio.

The Dubilzigs became Divi Vacation Club Members back in February 2016, converting their traditional Divi Vacation ownership weeks to Pure Points. The couple travels twice a year to Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort, often bringing along their adult son, daughter and their significant others, so they were looking for more flexibility.

On one of the Dubilzigs’ recent trips to Aruba, we sat down with them to learn why the Divi Vacation Club fits their needs so well.

“The flexibility is truly a great benefit for the whole family,” James said. “We enjoy being able to choose different room sizes depending on how many people we have traveling with us. It’s also convenient for us to take advantage of midweek arrivals. We often choose to travel Wednesday to Wednesday, for example.”

The Dubilzigs have visited Divi Little Bay Beach Resort on St. Maarten, which Brenda says is so beautiful, and Aruba, where they enjoy playing golf at The Links at Divi Aruba, the 9-hole golf course surrounding Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort. But they say Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort is still their true home away from home.

“Phoenix has everything you want, without being a huge, touristy spot,” said Brenda. “The beach is right there, the pool is right there, and you really get to know the staff.

When we’re here, we love just relaxing, reading, trading stories with the family and going out to nice restaurants.”

Divi Aruba Phoenix’s upscale, chef-driven pureocean Restaurant is a favorite, especially when the Dubilzigs want to dine in and enjoy the sunset right from the beach.

When visiting in the fall, the family enjoys watching college football from the swim-up bar at purebeach, the resort’s casual dining restaurant.

“It’s become a family tradition to watch the Michigan-Ohio State game here on Aruba every year,” James said. “Since our children went to the University of Michigan and we live in Ohio, the famous rivalry makes the game an absolute must-see for our entire family, especially on vacation, and the staff at purebeach is always more than happy to devote one of their TVs to the big game.”

“Phoenix has everything you want, without being a huge, touristy spot. The beach is right there, the pool is right there, and you really get to know the staff.”

- Brenda Dubilzig 5

ISLAND ADVENTURE With so many exciting activities to discover during your Caribbean vacation, we’re happy to offer great ideas and insights into learning something new, or exploring a sport you already love! For this issue, we’re making a splash with a sport that’s been around for more than 70 years and can be enjoyed at virtually any age, scuba diving. We know the best places to enjoy this experience on Bonaire and our other islands. Let’s dive in!

How do the two courses differ?

With our Discover Scuba Diving course, you’ll get a short theory session and learn how to perform basic skills in shallow water, before enjoying a beautiful dive of our house reef with a maximum depth of 40 feet. The nice thing about our intro class is that in the event you fall in love with diving, you can decide to get certified later on.

The Open Water Certification contains full classroom lectures, five confined water sessions and four training dives. This certification is the scuba diving standard and is valid worldwide.

Do you actually get to dive with the instructors?

SERGE DE GROOTE’S EXPERT DIVING ADVICE We’ve asked Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino’s highlyexperienced PADI five-star dive operation manager, Serge De Groote for his expert advice. Divi Dive Bonaire, located on Bonaire, has a full-service dive shop that specializes in instruction for all experience levels. The shop also supplies all necessary rental gear and has a fleet of five dive boats, making it easy to enjoy one of the world’s most renowned dive locations.

What’s the best way to learn the great sport of scuba diving?

The best way to learn how to dive is to visit a PADI (Professional Association of Dive Instructors) fivestar facility and take a course. Divi Dive Bonaire offers Discover Scuba Diving courses for beginners interested in familiarizing themselves with the sport. You can also get your Open Water Certification here.

How long do courses take and what’s the minimum age and cost?

Anyone ten and up can learn how to scuba dive. I recommend beginners start with the Discover Scuba Diving course as it’s a half-day experience under direct supervision from instructors. The class, which includes one dive session and the use of all required equipment, costs $97.50. The Open Water Certification lasts about four days, but once you’re certified through this course, you’ll be able to dive anywhere in the world. This package includes classes, four open water dives and the use of all necessary equipment for $495.

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Yes, you do! All of our classes are led by highlyexperienced certified dive instructors, who accompany you on all class dives. It’s important to remember to never dive alone! For safety reasons, it’s vital that you always have a diving buddy.

Anything else we should know?

Many of our customers are photography enthusiasts.

All of our custom dive boats are equipped with large camera tables and freshwater camera buckets, making it a breeze to capture the perfect shot. Additional features such as comfortable dive ladders and wide swim platforms, make diving from our boats accessible for those with limited mobility.

Exclusive dive packages are available year-round at Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino, which currently offers a seven-night stay, daily breakfast, 11 boat dives, unlimited shore diving, round-trip airport transfers and free Wi-Fi for as low as $1,070 per person. All-inclusive packages are also available. For more details, visit www.diviresorts.com/dive-divi.htm or call 800-367-3484.

What does Divi Dive Bonaire offer to those who have some experience or are already certified?

For experienced divers, Divi Dive Bonaire offers specialty courses, including Wreck Diving, Deep Diving, Night Diving, Multi-Level Diving and more. Divers can also earn other PADI certifications from Divi Dive Bonaire, including Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, and Divemaster, upon request.

After you have your certification, what types of dives do you recommend on Bonaire?

One of the most beautiful dive spots on the island, the Calabas Reef, is just 20 yards from Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino. It’s very special and rare to be able to dive right from the shore, and you can access our house reef both day and night! Plus, Divi Dive Bonaire’s boat diving options are just as extensive. From Klein Bonaire to Karpata, and even down south, we cover all of the best dive sites. Our fleet of five dive boats range in size from 36 to 42 feet, making them some of the largest on Bonaire.

For more information on Divi Dive Bonaire or to book your stay at Divi Flamingo visit www.diviresorts.com!

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FRESH FROM THE GARDEN When you stay at Divi Southwinds Beach Resort on Barbados, a small garden plays a big role in the meals you eat. Executive Chef Henderson Butcher grows most of the herbs, and some fruits and vegetables that flavor the pureocean menu right on the resort.

Chef Henderson believes that fresh, locally grown herbs and produce are far more flavorful than anything that’s been shipped in from elsewhere. The proof is in the pudding, as they say, and he’s tasted it countless times to prepare his meals. He’s also a strong believer in the farmto-table concept.

“Every morning, our employees go out to the garden and gather only what they need for the day,” Chef Henderson said. “It’s best to keep it simple, and use what we have right here.”

Chef Henderson’s garden changes with the season, but no matter the season, you can always find a diverse array

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of herbs, including thyme, marjoram, rosemary, basil, lemongrass and chives. He also grows spinach, a key ingredient in some of pureocean’s vegetarian offerings, as well as several varieties of lettuce.

“We’re growing a few different kinds of hot peppers now, too,” Chef Henderson said. “Scotch bonnet peppers are a common ingredient in Caribbean cuisine and we keep a patch of those. We also grow ghost peppers, which are some of the spiciest peppers on record, and we use them more than you might think. We make a pretty mean jerk sauce that’s got quite the kick!”

In his recipes, Chef Henderson also makes use of fruits and nuts that grow around the property, including mangos, breadfruit and almonds. He even uses the resort’s sea grape tree leaves for recipes, and whenever possible, makes an effort to source his ingredients locally.

“It’s good for our budget, but most importantly, everything tastes better when it’s fresh and straight out of the ground,” he said.

FROM OUR TABLE TO YOURS CHEF HENDERSON’S PUDDING & SOUSE

Pudding & Souse (pork served with sweet potatoes) is a staple of traditional Bajan cooking. Chicken or fish can be substituted for those who don’t eat pork.

Born and raised on Barbados, Divi Southwinds’ Executive Chef Henderson Butcher has a large repertoire of traditional Barbadian recipes he’s perfected, and we asked this an award-winning culinary master to share one of his favorites.

His choice, Pudding & Souse, is a delicious pork and sweet potato dish commonly served for Saturday lunch.

SOUSE

PUDDING

Ingredients:

Ingredients:

2 lb. pork shoulder, or the traditional ear, snout and tongue, cut into bite-sized pieces 1 large onion, diced 2 cucumbers, grated 1 scotch bonnet pepper, finely diced, to taste

“It’s a perfect blend of flavor and heat that reminds me of growing up here on Barbados.”

- Chef Henderson

Juice of 3 limes (or lemons) Chopped fresh parsley Fresh thyme Instructions:

Pickled green bananas as a side dish? Yes! Pickled green bananas are actually a common dish in the Caribbean. You can make them by boiling green bananas and then marinating them overnight in a vinegar-based sauce. They’re full of sharp, tangy flavor.

½ tsp. thyme 1 tsp. marjoram 1 tsp. chives, chopped 1 scotch bonnet pepper, finely diced, to taste Pinch of sugar Pinch of salt 2 tsp. oil 2 oz. butter (or margarine) Coloring (optional)

1. Boil the pork in water flavored

with fresh thyme, onion, salt and diced peppers until tender.

2. Combine the cooked pork with,

Tip from Chef Henderson:

2 lb. grated sweet potato

onion, pepper, lime juice, parsley and cold water to pickle. Add salt to taste. Refrigerate and serve cold with the pudding.

3. Sliced sweet potatoes or pickled

breadfruit is usually served on the side. Chef Henderson also likes to serve pickled green bananas as a side dish.

Instructions: 1. Combine all ingredients in a

mixing bowl. Optional gravy browning gives the pudding a dark brown color.

2. The pudding can be steamed

over a pot of boiling water, or in a baking dish in the oven with a steam bath.

3. Serve and enjoy!

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NEW & IMPROVED

2018 was a very busy year for us with the reopening of Divi Little Bay on St. Maarten and the many improvements we made at all of our resorts!

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Clockwise from top left: Divi Little Bay Beach Resort, Divi Dutch Village Beach Resort, Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino, Divi Southwinds Beach Resort, Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort and Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort.

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DIVI CARES DIVI IMPACT FOUNDATION BACK-TO-SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR LOCAL CHILDREN

Since the start, Divi Impact on Aruba has been helping provide local kids with back-to-school supplies and uniforms, and this year was no different. Divi Impact helped contribute to the success of 150 local school kids by donating and providing funds for essential back-to-school supplies.

In addition, Divi Impact partnered with the Family First Foundation for the sixth year in a row to sponsor a backto-school program for 50 kids.

SPECIAL COMPUTERS FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED STUDENTS

Two special computers, designed to help blind and visually impaired students communicate and learn, were donated to FAVI. FAVI is an organization that helps and guides the visually impaired and the blind, with the purpose to contribute to their happiness, personal development and integration.

SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO SIX STUDENTS

Six local students were awarded scholarships from the Divi Impact Scholarship Fund to assist them with their continuing education at Colegio Arubano, EPI and the University of Curaçao.

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NEW UNIFORMS FOR CHILDREN’S BASEBALL TEAM

New uniforms were donated a local children’s baseball team, the Team Centro di Bario Noord Eagles. The team had a great time showing off their new uniforms as they competed for the championship.

DIVI IMPACT SPONSORS JUPI CAMP, DONATES FOOD

Divi Impact proudly sponsored a one-week camp organized by partners in the community and the Ministry of Social Affairs, by providing meals for 80 children. The kids enjoyed a week full of fun activities and learning experiences at the Jupi (meaning hooray) Camp.

DIVI VILLAGE GOLF FURNITURE DONATION TO LOCAL FAMILY IN NEED

When a local family lost their home in a fire, Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort stepped up to the plate, donating furniture to help get the family back on their feet.

Thank you to all of our wonderful and generous staff members who work tirelessly on behalf of Divi Resorts to give back to their local communities. We couldn’t make the Divi Cares program successful without your help!

CARINA BAY NEWS Here’s a sneak peek at the NEW Divi Carina Bay All-Inclusive Beach Resort & Casino on St. Croix, reopening fall 2019!

New features include: • Open concept lobby • New lobby bar, TV lounge and gaming area • Revamped restaurants and menus, plus the new Roc

Terrace

• New pool bar and renovated pool area • Updated outdoor seating around the pool and beach

with new cabanas, palapas and chairs

• New water sports facility • Completely renovated hotel rooms and timeshare units • Refreshed amenities and entertainment program • Updated fitness center

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NEW YEAR, NEW YOU!

KEEPING YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION THE DIVI WAY Don’t put your New Year’s resolution for improved health and fitness on the back burner just because you’re on vacation! All Divi Resorts destinations are wellequipped with healthy dining options and a variety of fun activities to help you break a sweat and stay active during your vacation!

DIVI ARUBA PHOENIX BEACH RESORT - ARUBA Beach Walk

Mon., Wed., Fri

7:00 a.m.

Meet at Villas BBQ Area

Water Aerobics

Monday - Friday

10:00 a.m.

purebeach Pool

Pool Volleyball

Monday - Friday

4:00 p.m.

Villas Pool

Basketball Competition

Wednesday

9:00 a.m.

Basketball Court

DIVI VILLAGE GOLF & BEACH RESORT / DIVI DUTCH VILLAGE BEACH RESORT - ARUBA Merengue Class

Monday

4:00 p.m.

Divi Village Seabreeze Terrace

Free Tennis Clinic

Mon., Wed., Fri

9:00 a.m.

Divi Village Tennis Courts

Bike & Snorkel Tour

Tuesday

8:00 a.m.

Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive Resort

Golf Putting Contest

Tuesday

9:00 a.m.

Divi Village Putting Green

Rock Wall Climbing

Tues., Thurs., Sat

Golf Tournament

Wednesday

2:00 p.m.

The Links at Divi Aruba

Health Club

Daily

7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive Resort

Bike Rentals

Daily

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive Resort

Water Aerobics

Daily

10:00 a.m.

Seabreeze or Infinity pool

Tues. & Sat. 9 - 11 a.m.

Thurs. 2 - 4 p.m.

Divi Village Rock Wall

DIVI SOUTHWINDS BEACH RESORT - BARBADOS Aquasize

Mon. & Fri.

9:30 a.m.

Main Pool

Beach Volleyball

Mon. & Fri.

11:00 a.m.

Beach Volleyball Court

Miniature Golf Contest

Thursday

3:00 p.m.

Miniature Golf Course

Tennis Clinic

By appointment

By appointment

Tennis Courts

DIVI FLAMINGO BEACH RESORT & CASINO - BONAIRE Aqua Stretching

Tuesday

7:30 a.m.

South Pool

Salsa Lesson

Tuesday

5:30 p.m.

pureocean

Kid’s Zumba

Tuesday

10:00 a.m.

Capture 2

Sunset Yoga

Tuesday

6:30 p.m.

pure Sundeck

Zumba

Wednesday

6:00 p.m.

pure Sundeck

DIVI LITTLE BAY BEACH RESORT - ST. MAARTEN Scenic Walk/Hike

Monday

7:00 a.m.

Water Aerobics

Tues. & Thurs.

10:00 a.m.

Beach Olympics

Wednesday

2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Cornhole

Wednesday

10:00 a.m.

Yoga

Wed. & Fri.

7:00 a.m.

Seabreeze Pool

Visit our Concierge or Front Desk for this week’s activity schedule! *All resorts: Fitness centers are accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with your resort room key.

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GET YOUR FIT ON THE DIVI WAY

At Divi Resorts, we truly believe dining should be both nutritious and delicious, and we pride ourselves on being your healthy escape in the Caribbean. We recently caught up with Windows on Aruba Executive Chef Darwin Torres, to learn more about how he and other Divi Resorts chefs create menus that ensure nutritious choices are always available.

“We are committed to making healthy eating easy for guests at Divi Resorts,” said Torres. “I’ve done a great deal of research on eating and cooking habits for healthier living, and with that knowledge, I’ve developed delicious and wholesome recipes that are friend and family approved. The key is to surround yourself with nutritious products.”

Torres says using assorted fruits, spices, vinegars, marinades, mustards, herbs, exotic roots, grains and natural sweetness in his recipes helps “kick it up a notch” without

the added calories or fat. Cooking with “good” oils like olive, canola, avocado and safflower also keeps his dishes nutritious.

For his low-carb recipes, Torres swaps out white rice and other empty carbohydrates with whole grains and legumes to keep blood sugar levels normal.

“Changing the way you cook your food also makes a difference,” Torres said. “We roast instead of fry, and grill for flavor using low-fat or no-fat sauces and dressings.”

Torres’ healthy selections include his flavorful Citrus & Herb Cajun Salmon Salad, exotic Soba Noodles with mixed veggies, mouthwatering Vegetarian Burger and many gluten-free items, among others.

“We think you should feel refreshed, reinvigorated and full of energy after every meal, knowing you’ve made healthy choices even on vacation,” said Torres. “It’s never too late to fulfill your New Year’s resolution for nutritious eating, and we’re here to help satisfy your appetite with tasty island cuisine that packs a healthy punch!”

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EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT When he’s not jumping from one of our five Caribbean islands to the next, Regional Operations Director, Jan ten Have uses his multifaceted experience and talents to work closely with our operations teams on many areas of day-to-day resort management. We caught up with this very busy man to learn more about his past experience and what it’s like to be an island-hopping Director with Divi Resorts.

Where are you originally from?

I’m originally from the Netherlands, and up until 1987, I lived, studied and worked around “The Hague.” It’s a beautiful city that’s well-known because the Dutch government, the Royal family, most foreign embassies and the International Peace Court are all located there.

The city has so much to explore, from forests to parks, lakes, canals, beaches and more. It’s also very modern, with wonderful shopping centers, boutiques, open-air markets, a vibrant nightlife and a tiny, but authentic Chinatown.

What’s your past experience in the travel industry?

I’ve had many years of experience at various resorts and also in the airline and cruise industry.

As a Regional Operations Director, you travel a lot, so where do you call home base?

Aruba is where I live and call home. I moved here from Holland in 1987 on a one-year contract to assist with the reopening of the Aruba Caribbean Hotel, now called the Hilton. That contract was extended for another year and then I moved on to a new position setting up an airline catering plant at the Aruba airport. After five years working in that industry, I got in contact with Divi Resorts, and here I am 23 years later.

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What role did you start with at Divi Resorts and how did you progress over the years?

In 1995, I started as the Food & Beverage Manager, then moved on to property management at the Alhambra Casino & Shops. After that, I was asked to help out on various assignments at the resorts on Barbados, Bonaire and St. Maarten, and in 2001, I assisted with the opening of Divi Carina Bay All-Inclusive Beach Resort & Casino on St. Croix. My latest role has me focusing on elevating our staff, systems and services to the next level and training employees to meet and exceed our guests’ expectations.

We have a strong leadership team, so my goal is to bring those resources together to ensure we work as efficiently and effectively as possible.

What is your favorite part of the job?

Seeing the smiling faces of our staff when they accomplish difficult tasks and seeing our guests enjoying their vacations to the fullest. I also appreciate that there’s always a new challenge, and all of the islands are different, so I’ve learned to adapt to better assist each resort team.

What are your favorite activities on your days off?

It used to be scuba diving, snorkeling, running and going out, but nowadays, a perfect day off starts with a morning swim in the ocean, followed by a relaxing breakfast on the beach. I leave the rest of my day open for anything exciting that comes along.

What are your hobbies and interests?

I love to travel to different countries with my lovely partner, Irma, and although we’ve been to many places around the world, there’s still so much to explore.

What is a fun fact about you that would surprise people?

I took a break from Divi Resorts on my 50th birthday to work on cruise ships again. I hadn’t done that since I was 22 years old, and it was great. After four years, I decided to rejoin Divi Resorts, and I am so happy I did!

DIVI EXTRAS DIVI CARINA BAY CASINO REOPENS Great news on St. Croix! In September 2018, Carina Bay’s Casino reopened with a lively ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring local musicians and great food! We celebrated with Susan Varnes, Chief Operating Officer (in red) and local island dignitaries. We’re thrilled that the casino’s entertainment can once again bring joy to tourists and locals alike.

2019 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS CHEERLEADERS CALENDAR Want to see all of the fun the lovely New England Patriots Cheerleaders had at Divi Little Bay Beach Resort on St. Maarten? You’re in luck! Their official 2019 Swimsuit Calendar is on sale now! Purchase yours today: http://bit.ly/2OLwcJ1

DIVI SMILES A picture is worth a thousand words and at Divi Resorts, we love seeing your vacation photos and videos, 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 and videos to smiles@diviresorts.com, post them on Instagram with #divismiles or submit them online at www.diviresorts.com/smiles.htm for a chance to be featured!

WHO KNOWS? YOU MIGHT SEE YOURSELF HERE!

GET SOCIAL WITH US! Follow and like us on social media for the latest offers, news and giveaways. Plus, share with friends and family to spread Divi vacation joy!

@DIVIRESORTS #DISCOVERDIVI #DIVIRESORTS CHECK OUT OUR GIVEAWAYS!

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2019 EVENTS CALENDAR JANUARY-MARCH

34TH ARUBA INTERNATIONAL HALF MARATHON

ARUBA

www.aruba.com/things-to-do JANUARY

New Year’s Plunge

Join hundreds of participants on Moomba Beach for a plunge into the ocean to usher in the New Year.

65th Aruba Carnival Season

Held in the weeks leading up to Lent, Aruba’s Carnival is a massive islandwide celebration with dozens of competitions, events and parties.

The Lighting Parade

This evening parade in Oranjestad kicks off Carnival season by incorporating thousands of tiny lights into the costumes and floats of participating Carnival groups, creating an impressive, vibrant display.

Betico Croes Day

Happening January 25th, this celebration honors the father of the Aruban nation with cultural sports and musical activities.

FEBRUARY

Carnival Queen’s Election

Celebrate in style as the Aruba Carnival Queen is elected to lead the Carnival parades and represent Aruba throughout the year.

MARCH

Aruba’s Grand Carnival Parade

Enjoy the island’s largest Carnival parade, the Grand Parade, held in 18

Oranjestad on March 3rd, marking the end of Carnival. Witness the vibrant spectacle of colorful, exuberant costumes, creative floats and lively music.

34th Aruba International Half Marathon

Happening March 24th, local and international runners alike can participate in Aruba’s longest foot race from San Nicholas to Eagle Beach.

Flag and Anthem Day

Happening March 18th, this celebration commemorates the adoption of Aruba’s national anthem and flag with sporting events and activities for all ages.

BARBADOS

www.visitbarbados.org/things-to-do JANUARY

Barbados Sailing Week

Now in its 83rd year, Barbados Sailing Week is an island tradition, happening January 16th to 24th, with three days of coastal racing and an ocean passage race to Antigua.

Barbados Independent Film Festival

Enjoy a unique selection of feature films, shorts and documentaries, plus celebrity appearances, workshops, panel discussions and special events during this film festival happening January 11th to 20th. For details, visit www.barbadosfilmfest.org.

Honey Jazz Barbados Festival

Happening in late January, the Honey Jazz Barbados Festival features performances by local artists, poetry readings and workshops. For details, visit www.honeyjambarbados.com.

FEBRUARY

Holetown Festival

This annual festival commemorates the anniversary of the first British settlement on Barbados in 1627.

Highlights include local arts & crafts, exhibitions, street parades, music and plenty of local food. For details, visit www.holetownfestivalbarbados.org.

MARCH

Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup

The Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup is a thoroughbred horse race that has taken place on the first Saturday in March every year since 1982. It’s the most popular horse race in the Caribbean, with spectators coming from around the world. For details, visit www.barbadosturfclub.org.

Cricket Tournaments

Come to the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown to see an exciting match and discover why cricket has been one of Barbados’ most popular sports for more than 120 years. For more details, visit www.kensingtonoval.org.

SANDY LANE BARBADOS GOLD CUP

BONAIRE

www.tourismbonaire.com JANUARY

New Year’s Day Maskarada

On New Year’s Day, locals celebrate this Bonairian tradition by dressing in colorful disguises and dancing outside the Lieutenant Governor’s home and other locations to bring joy to the island and wish everyone a happy New Year. At the end of their final performance, the Maskarada are unmasked, revealing the festive performers.

Bonaire International Fishing Tournament

Now in its 31st year, this exciting fishing tournament features food, fun and of course, first-rate fishing, with great prizes awarded for top catches.

Dive Friends Cleanup Dive

The public is encouraged to join Dive Friends Bonaire as they host their quarterly Clean Up Dive to keep the island’s coral reefs and beaches trashfree. For more details, visit www.divefriendsbonaire.com.

FEBRUARY

Tumba Contest

As part of Bonaire’s Karnaval, this musical competition features local bands and singers vying for the title of Tumba King or Queen with their original music and lyrics.

ARUBA’S NEW YEAR PLUNGE

Karnaval Grand Parades

Both Rincon and Kralendijk celebrate Karnaval with colorful parades and family-friendly activities. The Grand Parade is held the Sunday before Ash Wednesday in Kralendijk and features lively music, vibrant costumes and spectacular floats – a “must see” for any tourist.

MARCH

Cultural Market

This free market, open the last Saturday of every month, features a fusion of local arts & crafts, fresh food, educational presentations and live music to celebrate the unique culture of Bonaire. For more details, visit www.bonaireculturetours.com.

Simadan (Harvest) Festival Rincon

This traditional celebration of the growing season’s harvest takes place on Easter Monday and features music and dancing, plus local food and drinks.

ST. MAARTEN

parades, vibrant festivals, exciting jumpin celebrations, delicious barbecues and colorful pageants. In Marigot, locals congregate at “Carnival Village” as the sun sets for concerts and events, including the crowning of the Carnival King and Queen. For more details, visit www.sxm-carnival.com.

39th Heineken Regatta

Participants from around the globe descend on St. Maarten for a weekend of competitions, celebrations and of course, ice cold Heineken beer during this worldrenowned sailing event, happening February 28th-March 3rd. For details, visit www.heinekenregatta.com.

MARCH

SXM Festival

This popular music festival, happening March 13th-17th, features talented artists, exhilarating day and night parties and enchanting venues.

Previous performers include Richardo Villalobos, Black Coffee, Ame, The Martinez Brothers and more. For details, visit www.sxmfestival.com.

www.vacationstmaarten.com JANUARY

St. Martin Carnival

Sing, dance and make music during Carnival on the French side of the island in January.

FEBRUARY

Carnival Events

Carnival reaches the peak of its popularity in February with elaborate 19

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