I received much information from Gijs de Rooij yesterday, he his Mickey’s dad of Micky’s foundation who has been living with a child severely impacted from a neurological trauma, for the past 16 years. He is passionately about the subject, he knows how hard it is, and he would love to continue to give families on the island a break, in for form of professional pediatric physiotherapy treatments.

The information I got explains the decision of Micky’s Foundation to discontinue its pediatric physiotherapy program in Aruba as of January 1, 2026, after more than eleven years of continuous voluntary service. Founded in January 2015, the initiative began when 15 children, including the founder’s son Micky, started receiving pediatric physiotherapy. The positive impact was immediate and profound. Even after Gijs relocated to the Netherlands in 2017, the foundation continued its mission to provide free therapy to children with severe neurological conditions and to support their families.

Over the years, Micky’s Foundation filled a major gap in Aruba’s healthcare system. In total, the foundation delivered more than 25,000 hours of therapy across pediatric physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and pre-verbal speech therapy to approximately 220 children, supported by 72 highly qualified therapists. Specifically, around 14,000 hours of pediatric physiotherapy were provided to about 140 children by roughly 40 specialized pediatric physiotherapists. Many children required repeated annual treatment due to their inability to develop at a normal rate. All services were offered free of charge, fully volunteer-driven, and funded through donations, with total project budgets exceeding one million florins, without any government subsidies.

The foundation emphasizes that while it was created by parents, for parents, the structural responsibility for pediatric rehabilitation lies with the government, hospitals, and AZV, our local sickness insurance. From the start, Micky’s Foundation never intended to permanently assume this responsibility. Numerous attempts were made to transfer the program to local institutions, including the Dr. Horacio Oduber Hospital (HOH), local therapists, and AZV. These efforts failed due to stalled collaborations, lack of qualified local professionals, and slow, non-committal political processes.

The foundation formally notified AZV and HOH in June 2025, and later the Minister of Health and the Prime Minister in November 2025, of its intention to stop pediatric physiotherapy. Despite extensive communication, no concrete action followed. Planned transition projects—including training a local pediatric physiotherapist and developing a new rehabilitation center—were ultimately discontinued or stalled. A proposed disability allowance planned for June 2026 offers no immediate or guaranteed solution.

Beyond therapy, Micky’s Foundation also provided orthopedic equipment—often unavailable in Aruba—and supported families emotionally and practically. The lack of comprehensive healthcare, rehabilitation services, adaptive education, and financial support has forced some families to consider relocating to the Netherlands. Over the years, the founder has personally counseled 13 families who ultimately emigrated for their children’s future.

Gijs would like to stress that Aruba has ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, including Article 23 on children with disabilities, but has failed to implement it effectively. The foundation now calls on parents and the wider community to apply pressure on the Minister of Health to ensure a sustainable, government-led solution for Aruba’s most vulnerable children. While pediatric physiotherapy will end, limited occupational therapy and pre-verbal speech therapy will continue at a reduced level.

The decision to stop is described as painful but necessary, intended to force accountability and create lasting systemic change.

So now you understand why the outrage. The former minister of health jumped on the band wagon; he is an opportunist but helped bring attention to the issue. The Prime Minister and the Minister of Health came out with a declaration, that law proposal has been prepared, but as you know, the road to a fix is still long.   Step in a good direction.

Questions: The Pan American Health Association (PAHO) designed a strategic 5-year plan in the field of rehabilitation for Aruba. Every important stakeholder was invited, to safeguard the interests of children with strategic objectives for the near future.

The plan clearly stated that the foundation aims at a new era where government initiatives would govern the interests of this very deserving group.

Why did DVG sit on the plan from April 2025 to December 2025, before handing it to the minister?? She only just received it.

The Marriott management team toured a group of media personalities, yesterday, through its three properties on Palm Beach, following at least six months of renovations.

It is all coming to conclusion this week, Friday, when the resorts expect 97% occupancy, every room counts, all finishing touches must be applied with urgency — snowbirds are coming, got to be ready!

The 300-room Lighthouse Tower, at the Surf Club, built first 21 years ago, received a total renovation, and was freshly painted from head to toe, a yummy shade of pink/coral. The spacious rooms welcomed comfortable furnishings in a style best described as coastal chic, meets contemporary boho. The space is a symphony of neutral white, ivory, sand, beige, and soft blue. The wall panels talk to the drapes, the carpet to the sofa, in a muted language of comfort and tranquility. The king size beds are three sheets layered, in cool, crisp white. The modern bathrooms hit all the right notes, with a minimalist layout, walk in showers, separate bathtubs, rainfall showerheads, soft lighting, and a spa-like feel. The kitchen is brand new, with full size everything.

It is all very elegant, and light filled, decorated with natural materials, the ocean in full view through the oversize glass panels.

I was sipping Villa Sandi Prosecco so did not register EXACTLY everything, but I am sure sustainability and smart functionality played a big part in the planning, and that the latest technology was paired with the most desired features.

Even the elevators are new, and we liked the undulating waves on the corridor’s carpet. It seems to me that Pantone color of the year Cloud Dancer, a soft, airy off white, adds to the calm and freshness of the walls and doors.

The Ocean Club received a new pool environment, a stylish and relaxing outdoor space with turquoise and white lounge chairs and umbrellas. The building was painted head to toe, with turquoise as the accent color. The area introduced a new water element design, an elongated string of whirlpools, complementing the mature landscaping. At the heart of the courtyard, an elevated deck with waterfalls, it replaced the dated rock formation. The raised platform with private cabanas, offers those in pursuit of the ultimate luxury, even more comfort and privacy.

While the Ocean Club is a family friendly resort, a small area of the new pool environment is designated Adult Only. The waterfalls will be turned off in the afternoon, not to disturb guests snoozing in the quiet area.

At the resort, we visited the Governor’s suite. The view is everywhere, the wraparound terrace ushers the sunsets right in. The resort brides love that location that guarantees great pictures and serious pampering. The Marriott Aruba Resort & Stellaris Casino with over 400 rooms, fully upgraded and spiffy, is prepared to receive high season guests, and maintain its leading position as a premier vacation destination.

It was a group effort, a huge undertaking, of engineers, housekeepers, local contractors, Customs, and all other service providers. Usually the resort replaces soft goods every five to seven years, with high use items more frequently. Then full renovations with deeper updates every 7 to 12 years, and total replacement and overhaul after 15 plus years. The effort made this year to the tune of many millions, will pay off, until the next round.

Two more towers of the Surf Club will be renovated in the coming years and a new breakfast outlet is expected at the resort, a pancake house, serving Dutch pancakes from 7am to 11am, at the Atardi location.

Thank you, Raoul Lemmerling, Raymond Habibe, Pedro Vargas, Ryan Bareno, Joop Bangma, Nataly Wever and Niharika Trivedi, for your hospitality which included an informative guided tour, inside stories, a few elevator rides, bottomless flutes of Prosecco, a delicious cheese plater, shrimp taco, a pear and prosciutto canape, and for dessert irresistible Bonbons and Pavlova!

The resort’s seaside restaurant just received a complete re-imagining, opening last week as the Shore Club highlighting its ocean front location and club like lifestyle appeal, associated with seaside luxury.

The Shore Club offers a charming all day dining terrace, overlooking the beach, an oversize fully stocked bar and a second-floor event deck with spectacular views.

The Shore Club’s vibrant atmosphere goes well with its exciting cocktail list, both shaken and frozen offerings, in addition to Hilton classics such as Aruba Ariba, the cocktail born at the Aruba resort in 1963, Jungle Bird, created in 1973 at the Hilton Kuala Lumpur, and world-famous Pina Colada, concocted for the first time at the Caribe Hilton in San Joan.

I intend to try all three libations. Hopefully not in the same seating.

Since my visit at the just-revealed Shore Club included lunch, I gravitated towards an elegant, cool, alcohol-free, pink delight called Balance, made with peach, lavender, agave, and lime.

Restaurant Manager Julien Schreiner wanted me to know the Shore Club has the biggest wine-by-the-glass selection on the island.

I immediately pledged to check it all out. Hopefully not in the same seating

Resort guests and walk-ins are now invited to linger beachside and explore an extensive menu of signature spritzers, shareables, salads, bowls and freshly rolled sushi.

The kitchen boasts a full sushi bar with a dedicated sushi chef, rolling the Baja Sur Tuna Currican – indicating the fish was caught trolling — the Avocado Salmon, Rainbow Roll, and Spicy Tuna Hosomaki, a thin, delicate roll, all made to order. The Mango Tuna with shrimp tempura, asparagus, spicy mayo and ponzu soy, comes highly recommended.

We tried the Mexican inspired Shrimp Ceviche, a slightly sweeter cousin of the Peruvian delicacy. It was a standout; the Focaccia Stracciatella, loaded with salsa, cherry tomatoes, pesto, and olives disappeared as soon as it was served; and the Soft-Shell Crab, a rare treat, since it doesn’t appear on many menus on the island, arrived a bit crispy, served with avocado cream, tartare sauce, wakame, pickled onions, and spicy Japanese mayo.

Chef Maarten who is the restaurant’s enthusiastic chef, was recruited from the Netherlands where he worked for almost a decade at the Hilton Schiphol airport, catering to global business travelers, a discerning international clientele. True to his cosmopolitan world view he spiced up the menu with an Indonesian Chicken Satay smothered with peanut red curry, and Thai cucumber relish. He then picked some Mexican favorites, three diverse types of taco dishes including Korean beef, Baja Fish, Al Pastor, and Quesadillas with chicken, shrimp or steak. I saw Aruba’s popular Funchi Fries make an appearance, with cajon seasoning and sriracha mayo, I bet they will be a hit.

You did notice I left the chef’s last name out. For a good reason. I had to finish lunch first, before tackling the last name spelling challenge: Horzelenberg.

The Shore Club menu is a compilation of all our favorite food. Lobster roll, a la Coney Island, on a homemade brioche bullet, side by side with a comforting classic, an updated Grilled Cheese sandwich, with Cheddar, Swiss and Italian Prosciutto, dijonnaise, balsamic and caramelized onions.

Meat lovers will delight to find a perfect Angus beef burger, and the popular hot dog, in an avant-guard presentation, as a bacon wrapped sausage with pica di papaya mayo, pickled vegetables, pulled pork and house BBQ dressing.

In the salads and bowl department the menu lists a power poke bowl, a watermelon and feta salad, and a vegetarian Tropical Bowl. Caesar salad? Of course, in all its variations.

If all this is not enough, lovely desserts and Italian espresso, seal the deal. I consulted Deep Seek regarding the origin of the Malva cake, South African, and the Banoffee Pie, Great Britain. Both incredible easy to love.

Bar service 10am to 7pm

Food service 11am to 6pm

Happy Hour 3pm to 5pm

Live entertainment 3pm to 6pm

Have a seat, relax, order a drink, you have arrived at an excellent destination!

The resort also recently concluded some upgrades at eforea spa, redesigning the light filled open air inner courtyard perfect for pre and post treatment, wind down, dolce far niente.

The spa also streamlined all treatment protocols, to include a wide variety of 50- and 80-minute treatments designed to leave guests relaxed and rejuvenated.

The spa services incorporate wellness packages, different massages such as deep tissue, stress relief, relaxation, prenatal, and hot stone massages, body, face and holistic treatments, and a couple’s menu delivering an opportunity for romance and refreshed connection in a serene retreat.

Spa amenities include a steam room, sauna, and a cold plunge pool.

The spa experience combines well with the delicious food offered by its neighbor the Shore Club, for a true Caribbean holiday getaway.

We are in full anticipation mode for the Westerly’s debut, the Hilton’s new ocean front tower and its wrap around roof top Terrace on 10.

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The 2025 edition of Aruba Fashion Week (AFW) has officially come to a close, and organizers are proud to announce that this year’s event has been a resounding success. The continued growth and evolution of AFW were evident not only in the elevated presentation of each show, but also in the expanding reach of the platform—drawing unprecedented attention from the local community, international press, and global fashion enthusiasts.

From Thursday, December 11 to Sunday, December 14, Aruba became the epicenter of glamour and artistic expression as fashionistas, designers, media representatives, and invited guests gathered to celebrate creativity, craftsmanship, and Caribbean elegance. The organizers expressed deep satisfaction with the overwhelmingly positive reactions received from partners, designers, and the public, reaffirming AFW’s position as one of the region’s premier fashion events.

Aruba Fashion Week extends its heartfelt appreciation to the Aruba Tourism Authority (A.T.A.) for its continued support. A.T.A.’s commitment to fostering local talent within the Orange Economy and positioning Aruba as a leading luxury and lifestyle destination has been fundamental to the success of this initiative.

A special word of thanks goes to the management and staff of JOIA Aruba by Iberostar for their impeccable cooperation and hospitality. Their majestic facilities served as the perfect backdrop for this year’s edition, providing a seamless experience for designers, guests, and production teams. Gratitude is also extended to Shiva’s Jewelers for entrusting AFW with the opportunity to highlight their exquisite jewelry collection during the festivities.

Aruba Fashion Week further recognizes Informa Models for their exceptional execution and coordination of all runway production elements—from castings and fittings to rehearsals and backstage management. The event also celebrates the remarkable contributions of all Aruban and international designers who shared their artistic visions with the platform.

The AFW team, volunteers, and loyal audience played an essential role in making this edition unforgettable, demonstrating once more the community’s passion for the arts and creative industries. Huge thanks to our trusted partners: Aruba Tourism Authority, JOIA Aruba by Iberostar, Zim Rooftop Bar, Shivas Jewelers, Departamento di Cultura Aruba, Kerastase Paris, Revlon, Santa Margherita, Pepe Margo Distillery, Testarosa Motors, Elite Productions & Entertainment, Procolombia, Haagen-Dasz, Caribbean Print, First Class Experience, Avianca, ID Realty Group, Alma Treats, Carolina Herrera, Paco Rabanne, Casamigos Car Rental, Penha Duty Free, Aruba Airport Authority, and Verbum Works.

As AFW looks toward the future, organizers are excited about the ripple effects this year’s edition will generate in promoting Aruba worldwide. The fashion community eagerly awaits the announcement from FDLA/NYFW revealing which local designer will represent Aruba at New York Fashion Week in February 2026. Throughout the coming year, AFW will continue working with its alliances to propel Aruban talent onto international stages.

See you at Aruba Fashion Week 2026.

This year, One Love Foundation Inc. approached Giving Tuesday with a mission that was both simple and deeply meaningful: spread cheer across the island by supporting the organizations and individuals who show up every day for Aruba’s animals.

Rather than focusing on a single fundraising message, One Love Foundation Inc. proudly donated $1,000 each to eight of their rescue and welfare partners:

In addition, the foundation contributed $8,000 to Stimami Sterilisami to support island-wide FREE sterilization efforts, a vital initiative that will be generously matched dollar-for-dollar by Bucuti and Tara Beach Resort. This matching gift will double the life-changing impact for Aruba’s animals and help curb the cycle of suffering for years to come.

A Giving Tuesday Dedicated to Hope

One Love Foundation Inc. also chose to highlight a story that embodies everything this day represents — compassion, resilience, community, and second chances.

Her name is Hope.

Hope’s journey is one of the most powerful reminders of why animal welfare work matters. When rescuers first found her, she had survived the unimaginable. Her spine had been shattered in seven places months earlier, and despite intense trauma and neglect, she held on. Even more incredible — she still trusted. She still loved. She still had Hope.

Nisi Canis Heart of Gold Foundation (KvK# S1474) embraced her into their hospice care, giving her safety, tenderness, and a chance at healing. When One Love Foundation Inc. shared her story with their supporters, the community stepped forward immediately. Donations poured in to help fund her holistic therapies, including the chiropractic treatments giving her a real shot at walking again.

Last Tuesday, influencers @eric.and.joey joined One Love Foundation Inc. for one of Hope’s beach therapy walks — followed by a joyful visit to Luna Foundation Aruba Inc. to meet the resident goats. Watching Hope light up, play, and even run in her wheels was one of the most unforgettable moments the team has shared on the island.

Her spirit is pure triumph — and a living example of the reason One Love Foundation Inc . chose to focus their Giving Tuesday on Hope.

Continuing Hope’s Healing

Hope has already come so far, but her journey isn’t over yet.

She needs several more chiropractic treatments, each costing $45, to give her the best chance of walking again.

On Giving Tuesday, One Love Foundation Inc asked its community for one thing: Hope.

And it’s not too late to join that mission.

Every treatment funded brings Hope one step closer to ditching her wheels — and one step closer to inspiring and helping another animal in need.

Wrapping Up the Week With Celebration and Purpose

To close out this impactful week, One Love Foundation Inc. hosted its 2nd Annual Holiday Cruise for the Cunucus aboard the Jolly Pirates.

With breathtaking views, festive energy, and a boat full of animal lovers, the event was more than a celebration — it was a fundraiser with purpose.

💯 of the proceeds from the cruise go directly back to animal welfare efforts on the island, supporting rescue partners, medical care, and sterilization initiatives that save lives year-round.

A Message of Gratitude

“One Love Foundation is deeply grateful for every person who donated, shared, supported, or simply cared,” the organization shared. “Hope’s story is now a story of community. A story of compassion. And a story still being written — thanks to you.”

About One Love Foundation Inc.

One Love Foundation Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and registered and registered foundation with the Chamber of Commerce in Aruba, dedicated to improving the welfare of dogs and cats in Aruba through rescue support, community partnerships, and accessible sterilization efforts. The foundation works hand-in-hand with local rescues, volunteers, and global supporters to bring hope, healing, and humane solutions to the island.

For media inquiries, partnership opportunities, or to donate to Hope’s continued care, please contact:

One Love Foundation Inc.

OneLoveFoundationInc@yahoo.com