The “Authentic Peruvian Cuisine” certification is an initiative of the University of San Ignacio de Loyola (USIL), in partnership with PromPerú and supported by Marca Perú. Its mission is to preserve the cultural and culinary value of Peruvian gastronomy worldwide, promote the use of Peruvian products abroad, and ensure that diners experience the true essence of Peruvian cuisine.

Internationally, this prestigious recognition has been granted to acclaimed Peruvian restaurants in Washington, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Santiago de Chile, Tokyo, San Salvador, São Paulo, Madrid, Santo Domingo, Orlando, Düsseldorf, San Francisco, Lisbon, and Moscow.

On October 1st, Así Es Mi Perú Aruba proudly joined this distinguished list during a special ceremony held in Lima, Peru.

Sandra Zubieta, Dean of Faculty of Hospitality Management, Tourism and Gastronomy, USIL presented Roxanna Salinas, owner of Así es mi Perú Aruba, with the official plaque certifying the restaurant’s authenticity. Dean Sandra Zubieta emphasized that Así es mi Perú Aruba successfully fulfilled all the certification requirements, including the use of genuine Peruvian ingredients, adherence to traditional recipes, and a presentation that honors the country’s rich culinary heritage.

Chef Olga Castro, Director Culinary Arts of the examining panel, together with Alejandra Longa, Coordinator and faculty member of the Faculty of Hospitality Management, Tourism and Gastronomy, highlighted that the evaluation committee was particularly impressed not only by the restaurant’s exceptional culinary standards but also by its vibrant Peruvian décor, curated selection of Peruvian beers and wines, and the inclusion of the iconic Inca Kola among its beverage offerings,complementing classic Peruvian dishes such as ceviche, chupe, lomo saltado, and pescado a lo macho.

This recognition positions Así Es Mi Perú Aruba as one of the leading ambassadors of authentic Peruvian cuisine worldwide, showcasing the richness and diversity of Peru’s culinary traditions on the global stage. https://blogs.usil.edu.pe/novedades/asi-es-mi-peru-primer-restaurante-peruano-en-aruba-con-la-certif…

The Asi Es Mi Peru restaurant staff celebrated the accomplished with a sumptuous breakfast in Aquarius of the Renaissance hotel.

On a lively afternoon in late November, the ballroom at La Cabana Beach Resort & Casino was transformed into a vibrant hub of excitement and anticipation. Associates gathered for the Q4 Annual General Meeting, themed “Pool Party,” a befitting tribute to the remarkable renovation progress that has been shaping the resort’s future.

As the clock struck two, Tessely Koolman, HR Director, welcomed everyone with warmth and enthusiasm, setting up the tone for an afternoon of celebration and reflection.

Joe Najjar, our General Manager, took the stage to officially introduce Lillian Britten as the new Assistant General Manager. Lillian’s heartfelt words resonated with the team, marking the beginning of a new chapter.

The excitement continued as Joe presented the much-anticipated renovation update. Associates listened intently to insights on Phase 2B and the vision for 2026. The highlight of this segment was a playful raffle—one lucky associate earned the honor of being the first to slide down the dazzling double-loop slide, officially opening the new main pool. Laughter and friendly competition filled the room as names were drawn, and dreams of poolside fun came closer to reality.

Human Resources took center stage next, with Tessely Koolman, HR Director; Sudi Guda, HR Manager; Carine Cratz, HR Assistant and Kisairis Gomez, HR Agent, sharing a heartfelt recap of all the celebrations of 2025 and unveiling upcoming events.

The energy soared as the 35th anniversary logo and jingle were launched, culminating in a live performance by Gareth Rosa and. Mathilde Benito that had everyone tapping their feet and singing along.

But the surprises did not end there. Tessely returned to announce a special guest star, Altaniro for the upcoming Christmas Party and 35th year anniversary of the resort; she then continued with generous raffle prizes—including $20 cash awards and coveted tickets to see singer/entertainer Juan Luis Guerra live, the following week.

The spirit of celebration and gratitude was palpable, as associates eagerly participated in trivia for a chance to win the raffle. Questions tested their knowledge of company values, past treats, and renovation milestones, with the critical sequence for reopening the pool—applying the Diamond Bright, filling the pool, and turning on the pumps—serving as the final challenge.

As the Q4 General Meeting ended, Human Resources expressed heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the resort’s ongoing success. The event ended on a high note, with the anniversary jingle echoing through the ballroom, and the halls.

The Q4 AGM was more than just a meeting; it was a celebration of progress, people, and the promise of even greater things to come.

Every work anniversary is more than a number, at La Cabana Beach Resort & Casino, it represents a chapter in the associates’ shared history.

In 2025 at the recent anniversary celebration honorees commemorated not just years, but significant moments, friendships, and dedication, which shaped the resort into a remarkable model of Aruban hospitality.

According to General Manager Joe Najjar, team members have poured their hearts into every guest experience, and each career milestone is a testament to their commitment to the industry, and to their island.

Among those showered with gifts and appreciation Elouise “Liesje” Weyman, Romy Ras, Samir Hernandez, and Stella Herrera, each marking 5 years of personal growth and teamwork.

Gregorio Milton and Gareth Rosa, have kept spaces safe and welcoming, for ten years.

Stephanie Maduro, completed 15 years of service excellence.

Miguel Rasmijn, Evens Bastien, and Michael DaCosta, invested 20 years in building, fixing, and protecting the facility.

Maria Valero, Seferina Figueroa, Tessely Koolman, Alexandra Croes, and Miguel Martinez, dedicated 25 years, to caring and nurturing associates and guests.

Jeanette Brooks, delivered 30 years of wisdom, and leadership.

Three remarkable individuals stand out as leaders of the resort’s success. Hector Hernandez, Susan Estanislao, and Ninfa Jaranilla, hired 35 years ago, have been the heart of La Cabana. Their journey began long before many other associates, and through every challenge and triumph, they have shown what it means to be truly dedicated. Their legacy is woven into every corner and every department of the resort.

Together, these career milestones add up to an incredible 375 years, weaving a tapestry of memories, achievements, and dreams. Each honoree has played a unique role in making La Cabana Beach Resort & Casino a place where guests feel at home and colleagues become lifelong friends.

Thank you, team, for every smile, every late night, and every moment you have given. You are the reason La Cabana Beach Resort is more than a resort—it is an extended family.

Here’s to the stories we have written and the chapters yet to come.

The week of November 3rd to 10th celebrated Engineering Appreciation Week at La Cabana Beach Resort & Casino, recognizing the hardworking, dedicated professionals employed by the resort for their passion and commitment to their maintenance craft.

Their focus on the resort guest units, and the overall physical property, their quick response to guests’ needs, their creativity and out of the box thinking, facilitates the creation of memorable vacation experiences, for guests, year-round.

Engineering Week was kicked off on Monday, with heartfelt words of appreciation and an inspirational message from their department head, the Chief Engineer. On Tuesday, the team enjoyed breakfast at the “Chit Chat Café.”

This was followed on Wednesday by a fun midweek surprise activity, outdoors, where the team was able to bond and unwind at Mangel Halto, outside the workplace.

They got to take a midday break on Thursday, over delicious Engineering Lunch, and an afternoon of speed, at the BUSHIRI Karting Speedway in an atmosphere of camaraderie and fun.

The department wrapped up festivities at the Primavera restaurant, on Friday, where over dinner the team discussed future project and plans, motivated to keep serving external and internal guests with excellence.

A big thank you to the Engineering professionals for all they do at the resort every day.

Fundacion Diabetes Aruba (FDA) hosted a half-day awareness and screening event focused on “diabetes in the workplace” at the resort on November 14, 2025 encouraging team members to “know more and do more.”

The purpose of the event was to educate team members on diabetes prevention and management through practical, workplace-focused sessions and on-site health screenings. Participants were empowered with knowledge and tools to help maintain a healthier work environment and make informed lifestyle choices.

Throughout the morning, team members took part in five, expert-led, 20-minute interactive sessions. These sessions covered topics such as workplace exercises to improve circulation and overall health; foot care, including recognizing early warning signs and preventing diabetic foot complications; smart eating strategies that can be applied during busy shifts and demanding personal schedules; and stress management, with a focus on understanding the connection between work-related stress, irregular hours, and blood glucose levels.

In addition to the educational sessions, team members had access to a range of health checks and screenings, including blood sugar, blood pressure, waist circumference, weight, and BMI measurements. Eye screenings for early detection of complications were also offered, along with foot and shoe assessments and personalized one-on-one consultations with a dietitian and physical therapists.

The overall event was a great success with team members actively participating and showing genuine interest in the topics presented. Team members gained valuable insights and practical tips they can apply in their daily routines.