The Westerly Debuts on Palm Beach

https://batibleki.wheninaruba.com/the-westerly-debuts-on-palm-beach/

Reader’s Opinion: The Role of the Prime Minister

https://batibleki.wheninaruba.com/readers-opinion-the-role-of-the-prime-minister/

Safer Digital Dutch Caribbean

https://batibleki.wheninaruba.com/safer-digital-dutch-caribbean/

Its been five years

https://batibleki.wheninaruba.com/its-been-five-years/

A tour of the Westerly with General Manager Jerome Luciani

https://batibleki.wheninaruba.com/a-tour-of-the-westerly-with-general-manager-jerome-luciani/

Protect Your Creativity, Own Your Future

https://batibleki.wheninaruba.com/protect-your-creativity-own-your-future/

I attended You Inc., by Roteract club of Aruba, in San Nicolas on Friday, featuring guest speaker Lincoln “Dello” Gomez, Attorney, Entrepreneur, and Business Advisor. His talk focused on Intellectual Property and Business Experience. The evening was emceed by Jonathan Trinidad, University of Aruba.

The program was interesting, with two panels, one main speaker, Johnny cakes during the break, and healthy doses of social interaction.

Derchlien Dijkhoff, Culture and Creative Industry Specialist, moderated both panels skillfully, in the Aruba Bank parking lot, which turned out to be a perfect location for a get together.

You Inc., a program run by Roteract targets all professionals wishing to develop skills and accelerate their careers. The get together was deigned to hear from professionals with diverse backgrounds, share knowledge and exchange experiences.

The first panel featured the younger set, including Mauro Caralps, Podcaster, Cos Ta Hot, who is interested in Business Development, Julissa Ras, owner of Paper Sisters, Designer of Products and Experiences, Shark Gario, Podcaster, Influencer, Socialite, and Rocco Franken Heartthrob, Singer, and Actor.

They all shared their frustration with the public and the government for not taking the Orange Economy seriously. Because of their abundant creativity, people assign no value to their work, as it comes easy to them. The Orange Economy is often viewed as a fun hobby, and not a fulltime profession, which should be monetized.

As a panelist Mauro shared that he practiced his podcasting skills for a few years before charging clients for his good work on their behalf. Julissa lamented that her original designs are often shamelessly copied with just minor changes, and that there is no respect for original products. Shark professed that collaboration is the key, he saw success as soon as he found the right creative partner. Rocco expressed gratitude to collaborators, as well, those who guided him as far as pricing his work and lending his image to corporate clients.

All young entrepreneurs wrestled with the how much question, how much to charge for their work and commented on the need for business guidance and help in setting up their independent organizations.

Lincoln “Dello” Gomez’s address fit perfectly into that context. He reminded his audience that a song can be worth millions and that an idea can change lives, only if creators hold on to their work and own it.

He urged his audience to create, make sure they own their work, that must be protected via Intellectual Property. Only then can they continue to grow. He gave a few examples from his own work and made it clear that solid contracts prevent disputes, and that creativity has value, and should not be given away, but owned and protected.

The second panel of seasoned influencers, businesspeople, and creators, featured Singer, Cultural Entrepreneur, Organizer Edjean Semeleer, Fashion Designed, Evert Organizer Ronchi de Cuba, Art Fair Aruba Founder Tito Bolivar, and Painter, Photographer Armando Goedgredrag

Their comments were enlightening. Ronchi declared he is totally self-sufficient, and not expecting any government help, because throughout his career it was never available. (He thanked government officials for showing up and confessing interest in the Orange Economy, then looked around, ooops, no officials were present.)

Edjean was hopeful. He is currently attempting to organize the Orange Economy by taking inventory, how many, and who does what. He is convinced that mapping would contribute to better government collaboration. He reported that with each change of government, he has to start from scratch, negotiating for a budget for the Orange Economy. Tito recounted that on his first year, when the Art Fair received support from the government which backfired during the following eight years since the government changed and his affiliation was questioned.  Armando shared that as an artist his future is shaky, going from project to project with no stable employment prospect. He was asked to go work abroad but his loyally to the island is strong, albeit the economic insecurity.

While the first panel was at the begging of the road, the second one was midway and disillusioned. Nevertheless forging forwards.

Congratulations Project Leader Karel K Arends and Project Co-Leader Endrick Leon

General Manager Luciani celebrated one year on the island the day we toured the Westerly wing of the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino together. He is enthusiastic about the visual impact of the building and appreciative of the effort that went into introducing a more elevated, refined, and personalized guest experience while honoring the warmth, beauty, and spirit that make the resort and the island so special.

The wing was just declared open, as the ribbon was cut, last week at an elegant pool side party, though it has been hosting guests since April, in a soft run phase.

The new building was integrated nicely into the 15-acre property, along the passive pool, leading to the lazy river and the pond, alongside Laguna restaurant.

Two massive wooden doors open quietly, like the doors of a medieval castle as you walk in to find a small desk with a smiling concierge.

Everything about the architecture and interior design exudes the air of rich, carefully put together, modern luxury, so I went to the websites of the two companies credited with creating the space and found that the developers of the project, the Aruba Growth Fund/Reverence Capital’s Investors entrusted their dreams to two world class firms. No wonder the place looks so spectacular.

New York based Jeffrey Beers International and London headquartered SB Architects were tasked with honoring the heritage of the Aruba Caribbean Hotel, with its original 1959 design by famed architect Morris Lapidus, while creating a fresh, contemporary style that echoes the historic identity of the resort but suits the sophisticated tastes of today’s guests.

The vision by ownership group representatives Milton Berlinski and René Kan must have been detailed and challenging and the back-and-forth communication focusing on each detail, from terrazzo floors, to murals, carpets and bathroom fixtures must have been overwhelming.

No wonder Rene Kan in his speech called it a ‘journey that tested us all.’

But the result is gorgeous.

I visited one of the 143 king or double queen rooms and one of the 18 suites. The suites all boast full oceanfront views — the lower floor ones enjoy their own oversize plunge pools.

While we have beautiful hotel rooms on the island, tasteful and comfortable, this takes modern luxury a notch higher, with layered, and detailed interiors, in a subtle color palette and refined retro textures. The beds are the focal point of the guestroom. Framed by an Art Deco inspired installation, with rounded corners, in warm wood finish, it offers a padded headboard and side tables, hugging a very inviting, triple-sheeted soft and gleaming-white sleeping area. The recessed ambient lighting, hidden within the structure, casts a cozy glow for a sexy atmosphere. Silky sleep masks and a fragrant pillow spray, guarantee Best Rest. Best of all, the views, since beds face the door, opening to the large terrace in full view of Palm Beach. You may sit in bed, sip a cup of coffee, and watch the activity below on the white sand, the De Palm Tours pier, and the endless blue ocean, without moving a limb.

Now that you know about the beds, imagine what the bathrooms looks like with a double vanity, and colossal tub, Royal Aruba Aloe products and privacy in the space where even kings rule alone. So spacious, you could host a cocktail party, right in your bathroom.

We rode the elevator to the tenth floor. As the door opens, a mural by Dutch street artist Leon Keer features realistic Delft Blue pottery, in 3D, so perfect and striking. Keer also designed two other murals, one of three adorable wise bears, see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil, at the side of the bar, and one of some more fragile Delft Blue dishes on another wall.

The Delft Blue murals, take us back to the old lobby of the Aruba Caribbean Hotel and the spectacular First Salute tile wall, that was demolished, in the year 2000, during renovations. The wall of world famous blue and white tiles with animal designs, in the style of the 1600s, featured a large center design significant for the American Revolution, depicting an American ship firing its guns in salute, in the harbor of Statia, Sint Eustatius, in celebration of the United States break from British rule, and recognition of its sovereignty. That wall was lost to history, but the resort reproduced just one tile, in the style of the original ones, and presented it boxed as a souvenir from the opening to all guests.

Terrace on 10 has a lovely restaurant, bar, sundeck, and lounge chairs available for the exclusive use of guests staying at the Westerly wing. The terrace is offered as an upgrade to their vacation experience.

I could continue to tell you about the spectacular artwork, and exclusive services, such as a customized mini bar, but then you won’t be surprised when you book a stay and find out for yourself.

At the opening ceremony, Luciani took a moment to recognize and sincerely thank the resort’s incredible team, present and past. He was grateful to every department, every leader, every team member behind the scenes and on the front lines, thanking them for taking care of guests and for creating memorable stays, even with construction ongoing. The achievement of reopening a visually impactful, glamorous resort belongs to them, and the company is incredibly proud of what it had accomplished together. It has written another page in the history book of the resort, and he could not think of a better team to convey the Hilton founder’s vision, the late Conrad Hilton, the vision of filling the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality.

Every year, Op is Op raffles a “one-minute shopping spree” as a token of appreciation for its clients, in honor of its anniversary. This year, the chain celebrated its 9th anniversary, with a special shopping spree. This time the winner could increase their shopping time by collecting stickers spread around the store, each worth 10 seconds of additional shopping time.

The winner, Jullisa, made excellent use of her time and successfully collected Awg 1,400 worth of products during her spree.

OP=OP is thrilled with the outcome and remains committed to continuously improving its services, introducing new products, and maintaining competitive prices. The public is invited to stop by and see what the stores have to offer.

Additionally, OP=OP extended operating hours to better serve customers: Monday through Saturday from 8:00AM to 8:00PM, and Sundays from 9:00AM to 1:00PM.

OP=OP is excited to share that it launched a customized big shopper bag inspired by the Curaçao soccer team as players head out to the World Cup, a great way for customers to show their support.

Please stay tuned, as more big news is coming soon.

Congratulations Chef Teddy Bouroncle for celebrating Lima Bistro’s 5th anniversary. The chef posted a reel in honor of the occasion with his own voiceover recounting the story of the restaurant’s success and credited it all to his crew.

Teddy has been our Peruvian food ambassador since 2014, determined to introduce us to contemporary Peruvian cooking. Mission accomplished. We speak ‘Peruvian’ fluently, ceviche, lomo saltado, aji de gallina, causa, anticucho, mazamorra morada – I am fluent, as you can see.

At the time Teddy told me he was invited to work here when former, award-winning general manager Tom Calame decided to seriously upgrade his F&B operation at the Marriott Aruba Complex. Teddy who worked with Tom previously at the JW Marriott in Lima, accepted the offer and together with his culinary colleagues revolutionized food concepts at his new home hotel, increased food revenues and barraged locals and visitors with exciting gastronomic events, which we miss. They orchestrated pop ups, master series and celebrity chef events, Teddy went on to win the 2015 Iron Chef Aruba Competition, and transitioned from executive chef at the resort to director of F&B. But two years into an intense corporate career he decided to spread his wings. He was going to consult one of his culinary fans, Harbor House developer Alberto Perret Gentil, on the creation of a seafood concept, in Oranjestad, at the Harbor Walk, when the pandemic nixed all plans, personal and professional.

But both Albert and Teddy did not let a good crisis go to waste. Teddy retired from the corporate world, and together with Albert agreed to do ‘something on a smaller scale,’ that would allow Teddy to express his soul.

That’s Lima Bistro, beautifully decorated by Veronica Van Der Dys. Teddy planned on having 50 diners a night, but his popularity soared and the night we were there to honor the June 3rd opening five years ago the place was hopping, both dining room and terrace filled with happy diners.

Teddy explains that as a child his parents had the mindset to always promote the country first. So every vacation they would travel around different parts of Peru and experience the diverse gastronomic influences around that immense country. He also explained that his father’s family is from Arequipa which is the city with the best local gastronomy. In his childhood home, his grandmother was the one who cooked every Sunday, and the entire family would sit around the table to enjoy her hearty meals.

That unforgettable legacy fuels the chef’s passion, supported by his own family, wife, and kids.

Besides being chef/proprietor of the best, one of the most popular restaurants in town, Teddy runs an informal, culinary academy. He teaches his people and shares his vast knowledge with those working in his kitchen. Many of them go on to have solid careers in other addresses, and independent food businesses. He single-handedly raises generations of culinary wizards by virtue of being him.

We caught Teddy with his wife on date night, June 3rd, Lima’s anniversary. Teddy shared he is heading across the pond to Curacao to open ‘something on a smaller scale,’ in Pietermaai, Willemstad, which should be a good reason to visit our neighboring island, before that restaurant becomes a book-six-months-in-advance destination.