Courtesy of: The Morning News
After much anticipation, last week The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. introduced its sixth luxury resort in the exclusive Caribbean & Mexico portfolio with the opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba. Situated on the island’s pristine Palm Beach, the eagerly anticipated oceanfront hotel officially welcomed its first guests while ushering in a new level of luxury travel experiences to the beautiful island nation.
The magnitude and impact the Ritz-Carlton is expected to have on Aruba’s tourism product, demanded that ten scissors be issued for the international executives and island dignitaries enjoying the honor of cutting the ribbon during the official opening event.
“We are thrilled to bring The Ritz-Carlton brand to Aruba, a unique island paradise in the Caribbean known for its beautiful sun-kissed beaches, arid landscape and diverse cultural heritage which can be found no place else.”
Officially welcoming them to the new resort was General Manager Roberto Grisi. He was very pleased to join them, along with Governor Fredis Refunjol, Prime Minister Mike Eman, Minister of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Primary Sector, Otmar Oduber and the President of Parliament Marisol Lopez-Tromp, as they all stepped up to simultaneously cut the ribbon and to declare the resort open.
The unveiling of luxury resort was tastefully done, a reflection of the understated elegance of the facility. The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba’s 320 stylish guestrooms, including 55 suites, all boast private balconies with sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea and design elements that blends the island’s relaxed aesthetic with incomparable Ritz-Carlton character. Two Ritz-Carlton suites deliver panoramic oceanfront views with outdoor showers, while the expansive Club Lounge sits atop the building on the seventh floor with 34 rooms and an endless array of cuisine, beverages and personal service throughout the day to a backdrop of Aruba’s extraordinary seascape framed by floor to ceiling glass windows.
Personally on the island to welcome guests for the opening event was Executive Chairman of Marriott International, Mr. Bill Marriott, who elaborated on the hospitality chain’s commitment to Aruba.
Also present was President and COO for Ritz-Carlton, Herve Hunter and Marriott International’s President for the Caribbean and Latin America Region, Craig Smith, and Walter Stipa, developer and builder of the facility along with his family.
“Our Ritz-Carlton customers have long awaited this luxury property and we are confident The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba will help to put this destination on the map for luxury travelers and further enhance the memorable travel experiences available for guests from around the world,” said Herve Hunter.
Mr. Bill Marriott referred to the environmental curriculum they have tailored to Aruba for 5th and 6th grade primary school students and a program to introduce youth to leadership skills through the Ritz-Carlton “Succeed Through Service” program. “We support the government’s vision for a tourism institute that will be a magnet for hospitality professionals hoping to pursue careers in the growing Caribbean and Latin America tourism economy,” he told the gathering. He was also very proud of the fact that of their staff of 450 associates staffing the resort, 90% were recruited from the local work force. Combined with Marriott’s three other facilities on the island, it makes the hospitality chain Aruba’s largest employer.
For an unrivaled retreat of relaxation and pampering, The Ritz-Carlton Spa will be the largest on the island revealing a 15,000 square foot tranquil oasis complemented by 13 intimate treatment rooms, salon, boutique and a variety of naturally-influenced indigenous services.
The hotel’s culinary offerings display a selection of four savory fine dining experiences that reflect Aruba’s oceanfront backdrop coupled with authentic dishes and rich flavors. Madero Argentinian Grill features an assortment of specialty cocktails, light bites and poolside seating overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Solanio offers an all-day trattoria with outdoor terrace seating or dramatic open-air kitchen views, Les Crustaces pays homage to impeccably prepared seafood in a fine dining setting, while hand-crafted cocktails and flavorful small bites are presented at Divi Bar & Lounge, the resort’s lobby lounge bar named for Aruba’s windswept Divi Divi trees unique to Oranjestad and the island.
The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba introduces exceptional meeting, corporate retreat, and special event space with a selection of indoor and outdoor venues, including a 7,500 square foot ballroom divisible into three salons, three meeting rooms and a selection of outdoor locations, including poolside decks, manicured lawns and a beachside reception area. The beach resort also features a 24-hour 15,000 square foot vibrant casino in an island paradise paired with an assortment of casino games ranging from traditional table favorites to over 300 slot machines.
Guests are invited to experience The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba and its acclaimed collection of luxury amenities with rates starting at $649 USD per night. Reservations can be made on www.ritzcarlton.com/aruba or by calling (297) 527-2222. Connect with us on Facebook at www.facebook. com/RitzCarltonAruba.
