ORANJESTAD (November 11, 2018) – Once a week, on Sundays I write about the most relevant and interesting happenings on the island in my weekly newsletter.
This weeks edition features the top news headlines in Aruba.
Subscribing to my newsletter is an ideal way to stay up to date with what’s going on in Aruba – whether you’re living on the island, miles away or your first visit!
If this is your first time reading my newsletter – welcome!
Malmok Boardwalk Project Soon a Reality
Tourism Minister announced there’s a conceptual design for the a new boardwalk at Malmok after announcing the beautification project a few weeks ago.
The actual conceptual design for the new boardwalk will be presented to public at a later date, after approval from different stakeholders.
The new boardwalk will start from Fishermans Hut until Boca Catalina.
According to the minister, the boardwalk project will stimulate locals community (and visitors) to participate in more physical exercise alongside this scenic road.
The existing road will be moved to create more space for biking and running trails. And new landscape will be added with beautiful foliage next to the boardwalk.
Malmok is not only a beautiful beach, but it’s a popular area for locals as well as visitors who like physical exercise.
Construction of the boardwalk project will start in the first quarter of 2019.
Marine Park in Aruba Almost Complete
The marine environment in Aruba is facing increasing pressure from climate change,
invasive species (for example lion-fish), over-fishing, shipping traffic, land-based sources of pollution and extensive usage for recreation and tourism.
In order to protect the future of Aruba’s marine environment, the government will establish a multi-use marine park.
The marine park will provide a range of benefits for fisheries, local economy and the marine environment by conserving and protecting biodiversity and ecosystems including critical breeding, nursery and feeding habitats for fish populations. It will also increase the opportunities for marine tourism (better snorkeling spots).
The marine park will cover four key biodiversity areas:
- Beaches within National Park Arikok
- Spanish Lagoon
- Sero Colorado
- Mangel Halto until Isla di Oro
A management plan for each of these key biodiversity areas will be developed to guide the maintenance and restoration of their ecosystems, biological diversity and ecological processes along with climate adaptation project plans.
The marine park should be finalized in 2019.
Be Aware of Plastic Ban Soon in Aruba
The Government updated the local community on the upcoming ban on single use plastic this week after announcing the news a few months ago.
During a public conference, infrastructure Minister reminded the community that a ban will be implemented on single use plastic as of January 1, 2019.
As of this date it will be illegal to import or produce single use plastic products in Aruba.
The Government will implement a one year grace period to get everyone on board, with no sanctions. In 2020 single use plastic will become completely prohibited.
From plastic straws, forks, spoons and plates to all foam boxes.
Not only will single use plastic be banned, but also sunscreens that contain oxybenzone, which is dangerous to our corals (and the human skin).
According to the Minister, the use of sunscreens that contain oxybenzone is six times higher compared to the rest of the world.
As an island that wants to protect its environment, banning these harmful substances like oxybenzone and single use plastic is of great ecological importance.
The Government is considering alternative products that can be used for replacing the single use plastic.
Beach Tennis in Aruba
This entire week in November is going to be all about beach tennis in Aruba.
It’s the biggest beach tennis tournament in the entire world.
This year is the 10th anniversary of Aruba Open.
Over 3.000 people visited the Aruba Open daily last year. And this year it’s going to be bigger than ever with over $65.000 in prize money.
There’s going to be over 10 countries participating in this years tennis tournament. And more than 1100 players, from beginners to world class professionals.
Aruba beach tennis open will be from November 11-18, 2018, right on Eagle beach.
If you’re on the island, come watch the best tennis players in the world play, enjoy the festivities around the competition and have a lot of fun!
The atmosphere while watching beach tennis players in Aruba is hard to describe in words. You have got to experience it for yourself.
Entrance is free.
Crossing 4 Hope “From Venezuela to Aruba”
Five swimmers are doing what some people call impossible – they are swimming from Venezuela to Aruba.
They’re swimming for a good cause – to collect funds for the Dutch Cancer Society in Aruba (Koningin Wilhelmina Fonds).
They journey will start from Piedras Negras in Venezuela all the way to Aruba near Zeerovers, in Savaneta. The swimmers are not allowed to touch the boat, hang on to anything or use any floatation devices during their swim across the ocean.
Each swimmer will be accompanied by boats and experts to stimulate them along the way and provide medical assistance if needed. It’s likely to be an 8 hour swim and they’re expected to reach Aruba around 3:00 PM.
The event takes place 11 November, 2018 from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM in Savaneta, close to Zeerovers.
There’s going to be music, food, drinks and activities for kids (and possibility to donate).
If you’re on the island, you’re invited to this one of a kind experience with locals.
Legends Festival in Aruba
Carnival season will officially start with a torch parade in the first week of 2019, but there’s a kick off event on November 11, 2018.
I’m talking about the “Legends Festival”.
There’s going to be live music from the best known carnival bands, DJ’s, brass bands, steel pans and carnival dancing shows.
The event will take place at Carnival Village (located in San Nicolas). It starts at 6:00 PM until 12:00 AM, November 11, 2018.
If you’re on the island and looking for something to do that’s unique, this is one of those activities that’s a must experience to get a feel for Aruba’s carnival.
Delta Airlines Adds Flight
Delta Airlines adds second weekly flights from Minneapolis to Aruba for the upcoming mid-winter season in 2019. And they extended their year round flight service from Boston.
The second weekly flights starts on February 19, 2019 until March 26, 2019, every Tuesday. This means an additional 960 seats for visitors who want to escape the cold weather in sunny Aruba.
Flights to Minneapolis from Aruba will leave every Saturday, starting December 22, 2018 until March 30, 2019.
There’s more good news.
Delta’s current non-stop weekly seasonal flight from Boston to Aruba for the winter season 2018 – 2019 will be operated year-round. Flights out of Boston will start December 22, 2018.
According to the CEO of Aruba’s airport, this is exciting news for visitors and locals who now have additional options for traveling to and from one happy island.
Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner At Hilton Resort
What are your plans for thanksgiving in Aruba?
Hilton resort is preparing a Thanksgiving feast at the Sunset Grille Restaurant from 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM on November 22, 2018.
Thanksgiving menu at Sunset Grille starts off with two appetizer options:
- Pumpkin Soup – Caribbean Lobster, Crispy Pancetta and Fresh Thyme.
- Signature Martini Salad – Chopped romaine lettuce, hearts of palm, sliced eggs, tomatoes, blue cheese bacon, sweet pepper and creamy ranch dressing.
The main course features two dishes:
- Roasted Vermont Turkey – sausage sage stuffing with turkey gravy, garlic mashed potato and baby vegetables.
- Grilled Salmon with Dill Beurre Blanc – forbidden rice, charred brussels sprouts and bacon.
When it comes to dessert, there’s a trio combination of mini pumpkin cheesecake with spiced chantilly crème, old fashioned apple pie and southern pecan pie.
There’s also going to be wine pairings available (or dial extension 6612).
Thanksgiving dinner at Hilton costs $45.00 – for reservation visit the concierge at Hilton Aruba resort & Casino.
Beach side Thanksgiving at Matthew’s Restaurant
Matthew’s beachside restaurant is also offering a delicious Thanksgiving dinner.
Thanksgiving at Matthew’s includes a 3 course menu that includes two choices for appetizers:
- Pumpkin soup
- Caesar salad with parmesan cheese and croutons.
The main course features 3 dishes you can choose from:
- Sliced maple butter glazed turkey breast, au gratin potato, green bean casserole, cranberry relish, turkey gravy
- Honey orange glazed ham, candied yams, buttered vegetables, and raspberry myers rum sauce
- Grilled beef tenderloin, au gratin potato, steamed buttered vegetables
When it comes to dessert, you have two options:
- Homemade pumpkin pie with cinnamon ice cream
- Warm apple pie with vanilla ice cream
Coffee or tea for beverages.
Thanksgiving at Matthew’s takes place on November 22, 2018 – price: $42,95 (excluding 15% service charge + tax)
Offer only available with reservation in advance, call +297 588 7300 to reserve.
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