We all know the lovely Boca Catalina, but what is the origin of the name.

It is a standout among local Indian names such as Arashi and Malmok.

In the book of Vi Frank, this is what he says about the little cove:

BOCA CATALINA.

Boca is Papiamento for Mouth or Inlet and Catalina is a woman’s name. This name does not appear on any of the old maps or any other source, although the name does appear on field notations. Before the 1960s, this name only existed colloquially. However, no explanation for this can be obtained upon the origin of this name that has been lost forever.

Vivienno L. Frank authored an important book available in the library and in the archive. The book, Aruba and a selection of her Toponyms, the origin of Aruba’s place names finally revealed, was published in 2019 and translated to English in 2025.

I asked for the help of the amazing Peter Scholing from Arubiana Caribiana archive. He searched Coleccion Aruba and reported the first mention of Boca Catalina is 1954 on a map, before that it was just Arashi or Malmok, for the beaches of the area. A written source first mentions it in 1973.

Then one of my neighbors reported in the neighborhood chat:

“I received the following info from my mom. For context, ‘Padu’ (Vingal) is my great grandfather who passed away in 1981, she said the following. Padu always took us to Catalina to buy watermelons. We bought those round melons from an elderly woman who lived there—her name was indeed Catalina—and the melons simply grew among the rocks wherever there was sand. There were palm trees there, too, as well as those yellow Kibrahacha flowering trees. She lived right by the sea. A small, rustic shack stood there on the rocks. It used to rain so much more in Aruba.

Then another entry popped up in the chat: “About 30 meters off the coast of Malmok, there used to be a small island we would always swim to collect starfish. Padu would get the starfish and my father would make lamps out of them—they were beautiful! The starfish were 25–30 cm in size and a stunning yellow-orange-brown color. When we went to Malmok to pick up starfish, we would also stop by Boca Catalina to pick up melons from the old lady Catalina.”

What do you know about the origin of the name?

Aruba’s adults-only boutique hideaway remains the first and only hotel in the Dutch Caribbean’s ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao) to receive Two MICHELIN Keys.

 Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba has once again been awarded Two MICHELIN Keys in the MICHELIN Guide Hotel Selection 2026, confirming its place among a select global group of hotels recognized for exceptional stays. For Aruba, the award is also a point of pride: a locally rooted, family-run boutique hotel delivering guest experiences distinctive enough to stand beside the world’s leading properties.

MICHELIN described the recognition as a celebration of the “hard work, passion and dedication” of Boardwalk’s team in delivering outstanding guest experiences. In 2026, the Guide’s hotel selection spans more than 9,000 hotels worldwide; 2,832 hotels received Keys, and 657 received Two Keys, the distinction MICHELIN defines as “an exceptional stay.”

A Two Key stay, Aruba-style

Boardwalk is an adults-only hotel with 49 private casitas set in tropical gardens on a former coconut plantation near Palm Beach. At Boardwalk, colorful casita design, lush gardens, original local art, reserved Palm Beach palapas, The Coco Bistro, analog guest rituals and thoughtful service come together to create a stay that feels personal and unmistakably Aruban.

The hotel keeps deepening its commitment to the island through experiences rooted in Aruba’s culture, nature and pace. Boardwalk’s Slow Summer program frames Aruba at its calmest: quieter beaches, an easier island rhythm, complimentary weekly wellness experiences and thoughtful in-room touches that invite guests to slow down and reconnect. One vivid example is the floating ocean sound baths, where guests drift at sunset in the Caribbean Sea as sound bowls guide deep relaxation.

Boardwalk’s year-round Moments Library brings analog discovery into the guest journey with Aruban dominoes, locally curated music, Papiamento phrase cards, art materials, binoculars and Polaroids guests can leave behind as recommendations for the next traveler.

That connection to place also extends through art. Through its Artist in Residence program and Twin Art projects — a nod to Boardwalk’s twin-sister founders — the hotel works with local artists and welcomes visiting creatives to interpret Aruba’s nature, heritage and contrasts through their own lens. The resulting work becomes part of the property and the guest experience, creating a cultural exchange that brings the world to Aruba while carrying new perspectives of Aruba back into the world.

Together, these experiences reflect Boardwalk’s belief in the power of pause: that genuine happiness often begins when guests have space to look up, notice the island and carry the feeling home.

Because of the team

“Being honored with Two MICHELIN Keys for a second year is especially meaningful because this recognition belongs to our team,” says Stephanie Rooijakkers, co-founder of Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba. “It is in the care they bring to the smallest things — beds made with a smile, sharing the garden with passion, coconuts opened like small island rituals, and quietly making sure everything works exactly as it should. That care is what guests feel, even when they don’t see it. They are the reason Boardwalk feels like Aruba.”

Her twin sister and fellow co-founder, Kimberly Rooijakkers, adds: “For us, the guest experience is not about adding more. It is about creating room for what matters: nature, culture, connection, rest and small moments of joy. We want guests to slow down enough to really experience Aruba — and to carry a little of that feeling home with them.”

What do Two MICHELIN Keys mean?

The MICHELIN Key is the Guide’s hotel distinction, awarded to hotels that stand out within its inspected selection.

Two MICHELIN Keys recognize an exceptional stay: a memorable experience in a hotel of character and charm, run with pride and considerable care.

About Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba

Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba is a colorful, adults-only boutique hotel nestled in a lush former coconut plantation near Palm Beach. The hotel offers 49 private casitas with patios, hammocks, BBQs and kitchenettes or full kitchens, surrounded by tropical gardens and vibrant island design. Boardwalk combines privacy, thoughtful service, warm hospitality and meaningful moments in an intimate Caribbean setting. Guests can also enjoy all-day dining, fresh juices and handcrafted cocktails at The Coco Bistro.

The Quality of Healthcare Conference is organized by IVA, Inspectie Volksgezondheid Aruba, every two years, and this time “Risky Business” was the focus, at the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino with over 150 healthcare providers in the audience, all of them local quality officers in healthcare organizations and members of management of healthcare organizations.

According to IVA the conference was sold out in just four hours.

The full day program featured the Inspector General, Dorylee Pappers-Lopez Penha, MBA, ML, LL.M; the Minister Public Health, Social Affairs and Elderly Care and Addiction Care Mrs. drs. M. Wyatt-Ras; Emily Ras, Msc; lan Leistikow, Phd; Sulima Geerman, PhD; Ingmar Ramharakh; Chris Franca, MD, and Carolina Thiel-Span, before lunch, with breakout sessions in the afternoon.

Some of the interesting topics discussed.

What If Tomorrow Doesn’t Go as Planned? Managing Disruption Before It Manages You.

From Human Error to System Resilience: Applying Safety Science in Healthcare.

Flirting with Risk: A Driver for Learning and Change.

From Risk to Results: Keeping It Simple.

Health Risk Management and Colorectal Cancer Screening in Aruba.

And

Walking the Talk: Risk Management in context.

It was a well put together day, and the audience seemed engaged and off their phones. The room was especially quiet for Dr Chris Franca who is a dynamic speaker. He really kept the audience’s attention while speaking about colon cancer, and Fundacion Coresa, ColorectalScreeningAruba.

I walked in right as Ingmar Ramharakh was delivering his remarks. Ramharakh is a Quality & Safety Coordinator at LABHOH. He advocated to keep things simple because complexity in healthcare quality systems creates hidden risks. People take shortcuts, he explained when systems impose too many audits, procedures, and compliance. Complicated systems cause confusion, stress, and pressure. He suggested a fix in the form of simplification paired with a mindset shift.

Overall the speaker acknowledged that quality frameworks already exist, but complexity in those frameworks is by itself a hidden risk. He urged simplifying them into practical, understandable building blocks, so that staffers may feel genuine ownership rather than just the pressure to comply.

The result, he stated, would be safer patient outcomes.

Dr Franca, one of the founders of Fundación CORESA, ColoRectal Screening Aruba, had an extensive presentation, building the case for a national CRC screening program as a model of risk management in healthcare.

CRC incidence in Aruba, he explained, has risen sharply (2010–2021, now ~68/100,000), while average age at diagnosis has dropped (~69 → ~63 years) — meaning it is hitting younger people more often. But CRC is unique: it develops slowly through visible stages (polyp → cancer → metastasis), making it both preventable and curable if caught early.

Franca then presented the CORESA risk management cycle which goes from Identifying to Assessment, Reduction, Monitoring to Improving on the risk management cycle.

In the identification stage, age, family history, genetic syndromes, lifestyle factors, are taken into consideration.

The Assessment phase uses an FIT, a small vile with fecal matter that is used for fecal immunochemical test, as a population-level triage tool. If results are negative the patient gets a routine recall in two years, if results are positive, the patient is sent for colonoscopy.

In the Reduction phase prevention is key, by maintaining a healthy weight, a decent level of activity, no smoking, and a balanced diet. The colonoscopy itself, is both diagnostic and preventive, because if anything is detected it is characterized, then removed which interrupts the progression of the disease and prevents cancer.

In the last phase, the patient is monitored via quality indicators, going through all recommended CORESA phases.

The data collected is used to drive governance, and to focus on the general population’s health, trying to make access to screening easy, and available to all.

The CORESA Model ties it all together, prevention, testing, colonoscopy, treatment, monitoring, and evaluation, contributing to less CRC cases found.

Dr Franka indicated that in the future, AI-assisted lesion detection, individualized risk prediction, EHR integration, and personalized, risk-based, screening intervals, will make the process even better, and more accurate.’

His closing message? Aruba should focus on shifting from only treating the disease to detecting risk early to prevent it, resulting in a healthier Aruba together.

When it first opened as La Cabana Beach & Racquet Club it presented a revolutionary concept, a non-branded large resort, standing proudly on its own, without falling back on true and tried hospitality formulas. It has evolved considerably since opening day, and the Racquet Club in the name was replaced by a successful casino, Glitz, adjacent to the lobby.

Relying on its people and on a vast network of relationships the resort executed a multi-year program of improvements preserving its original spirit, yet modernizing its facilities, and enhancing the vacation experience for its owners and guests. Although the property’s history dates back to the late 1980s, La Cabana officially opened its doors on December 15, 1990.

In his welcome remarks at the cocktail reception general manager Joe Najjar praised the vision, perseverance, relationships, and most importantly, the many people who have helped make the resort what it is today.

Thirty-five years ago, he said, the project began with an ambitious plan, fueled by courage of the Mansur family who believed in its potential. They laid the foundation for something that would become far more than a resort. They created a place that would welcome locals and visitors, provide career opportunities, support local businesses, and become an important landmark for the community.

Najjar continued to say that what began as a dream has grown and evolved through the years, adapting to changing times while maintaining the principles upon which it was founded.

Najjar praised the commitment and loyalty of ownership, whose steadfast support allowed the resort to invest in the long-term future. That enduring commitment and the confidence owners have shown in the property, allowed it to grow and thrive.

In recognition of the Board of Directors, past and present, Jajjar expressed gratitude for their guidance, oversight and insight that helped shape the direction of the resort. He thanked those who have served in the past, and those serving today, appreciating the trust placed in the team and the faith in the future.

Valued consultant Bluegreen Vacations, now Hilton Grand Vacations, received accolades for its knowledge, perspective and continued support that strengthened the resort’s ability to meet challenges, recognize opportunities, and continue moving forward.

Other partners such as companies that provide essential services, to tenants, vendors, suppliers, contractors, were also among those acknowledged and praised as excellent allies in the journey, as well as Aruba’s public sector entities.

Resort associates received most appreciation for their contributions primarily those who have been there from the start, team members celebrating 35 years at La Cabana: Ingrid Bremer, Efigenio Dania, Giovanni Britten, Nilda Girigori, Ninfa Jaranillo, and Susan Estanislao.

The party also recognized long term, now retiring board members. As a special gesture, the board awarded the resort’s not-for-profit association, La Cabana Aportando, a generous donation that will go a long way towards charity initiatives.

Music, cocktails, an address by the Minister of Tourism, words from an outgoing board member, all helped create a spectacular evening under the stars, at the new adult pool, recently inaugurated, at the completion of the most recent phase of renovations.

Here is for the next thirty-five!

Exceptional guest experiences begin at La Cabana Beach Resort & Casino behind the scenes with the dedication, care, and professionalism of the Housekeeping Team. During Housekeeping Week 2026, held from September 14 to September 18, the resort proudly celebrated the remarkable individuals who work tirelessly every day to ensure guests feel comfortable, welcomed, and at home.

Housekeeping professionals are often the unsung heroes of hospitality. Their commitment to cleanliness, attention to detail, and genuine care create the foundation for memorable guest stays and contribute significantly to the resort’s reputation for excellence.

To recognize and thank the amazing team, a week-long series of activities was organized, combining appreciation, wellness, fun, and team bonding.

A Week of Recognition and Celebration

The festivities kicked off on September 14 with an Opening Breakfast & Blessing at the Chit-Chat Café. Team members gathered to enjoy a delicious breakfast, receive words of encouragement, and celebrate the important role they play in our success.

On September 15, energy levels were high as colleagues participated in a lively Zumba Class, promoting wellness, fitness, and team spirit. The event encouraged participants to recharge while enjoying a fun and active afternoon together.

The celebration continued September 16 with a special Arawa Water Park, offering team members an opportunity to relax, unwind, and enjoy Aruba’s beautiful surroundings. The outing provided valuable time for colleagues to connect outside of the workplace and strengthen team relationships.

Friendly competition took center stage on September 17 during the Housekeeping Week Bingo Event, where participants enjoyed games, prizes, laughter, and camaraderie.

The week concluded on September 18 with a festive Bus Trip Celebration, bringing the team together one final time to reflect on a successful week and celebrate its collective achievements.

Recognizing Excellence Every Day

While Housekeeping Week offers a dedicated time for recognition, the contributions of the Housekeeping Team deserve appreciation throughout the year. Their hard work, professionalism, and commitment to excellence play a vital role in creating the exceptional vacation experiences guests have come to expect.

La Cabana Beach Resort & Casino extends its sincere gratitude to every member of the Housekeeping Department for their dedication and passion. Their efforts truly make a difference, and Their commitment helps ensure that every guest stay is an unforgettable one.

Thank you for all that you do. You make guests’ stay extra special every day.

Happy Housekeeping Week 2026!