Courtesy of: The Morning News
ORANJESTAD — Rudy and Dorothy Wilhelm began visiting Aruba in 1972, long before timesharing had come to the island. Like many, they found the seclusion and informality of the Divi and Tamarijn Resorts in the Manchebo Beach area were just what they sought in their island escape, and have returned to the island 44 times since then. “We have been coming here so long, the first place we stayed was the Sheraton…can you imagine?” asks Dorothy. Then, good friends of theirs recommended they try the “low rise” area with them, and their fantasy vacation destination got even better.
Their daughters Trudi, and Laraine, along with Laraine’s husband and daughter George and Kera, couldn’t agree more. Since the family matriarch and patriarch purchased timesharing back in 1987, they have all vacationed here regularly. Kera, who is only ten -years -old, has already visited Aruba seven times, thoroughly enjoying this quality time with her grandparents.
The Wilhelms originally purchased 40 weeks at the Dutch Village, but soon used up their time. Now they own 4 weeks in January at Divi Village and two weeks in November, so they can accommodate their family whenever the young ones get off from school. “We just found it harder and harder to leave,” observed Rudy, “so we kept buying more time. As you get older, it is great to escape those winters we have in Albany, New York, for as long as possible.”
The Wilhelms have particular kudos for the “friendliest staff on Aruba,” which they have found at the Divi resort and timeshare facility.
“Over the years, we have formed such special relationships here. We are sad to see Gerrit Griffith move up to managing the Divi Phoenix.
Even though it is a great move for him, we miss his cheering countenance and daily greeting. Others, like Hubert, Miguel and Christie, still make our visits more than memorable.”
“Before Aruba, we had traveled to other Caribbean destinations,” recalls Dorothy, “Nassau, Dominican Republic and Antigua come to mind. Once we vacationed on Aruba, however, that was it for us. We felt no need to venture anywhere else in the region.”
“Out of curiosity, we did a trip to Hawaii a few years ago,” recalls Rudy. “I can understand its appeal for West Coasters, but we found it a very long, exhausting journey to and from upstate New York, and expensive.”
“We had three overnight layovers,” cites Dorothy. “With your kids in tow, that is tiring for everyone, and it took us days to get our energy back, once we arrived home. It was expensive, and honestly, though pretty, we didn’t find anything there that we don’t have on our favorite island of Aruba.”
For three generations of Wilhelms, Aruba is the place to be for a great winter getaway!
