Sir Ewald Biemans Accepts International Luxury Hospitality Honor in London as Aruba’s Celebrated Romantic Retreat Enters a New Era of Luxury, Wellness and Culinary Excellence

EAGLE BEACH, ARUBA – November 3, 2026 – Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, Aruba’s internationally acclaimed adults-only luxury resort, has won for the Best Service in North America (USA & The Caribbean) at the 2027 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence, adding another prestigious distinction to its longstanding reputation for exceptional hospitality, romantic getaways and personalized luxury.

Founder and Owner Sir Ewald Biemans personally accepted the award on behalf of the resort during the November 2 ceremony at Montcalm Mayfair in London, England, where distinguished hoteliers and hospitality leaders gathered to celebrate excellence in luxury travel.

The Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence are among the luxury hospitality industry’s respected international distinctions, honoring exceptional hotels, resorts and spas within its carefully curated global collection. Winners are selected through a process incorporating guest feedback, online voting and assessments by experienced hospitality experts, recognizing properties that consistently deliver outstanding service, quality and memorable guest experiences.

For Bucuti & Tara, the recognition celebrates both an extraordinary legacy of romantic hospitality and an exciting new chapter of investment and innovation under the leadership of Managing Director Crescenzia Biemans, granddaughter of the resort’s visionary founder.

A Legacy of Award-Winning Romance and Luxury

Nestled along the pristine white sands of Aruba’s celebrated Eagle Beach, Bucuti & Tara has established itself as one of the world’s most acclaimed destinations for couples seeking romance, relaxation and meaningful time together.

Its impressive collection of international accolades includes Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice awards with Bucuti & Tara currently #1 in the Caribbean and #8 in the world, nine consecutive

years of recognition in Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious Readers’ Choice Awards, alongside honors from Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards, and Forbes Travel Guide.

With its intimate, adults-only atmosphere, exceptional personalized service, tranquil beachfront setting and thoughtful attention to every detail, Bucuti & Tara has become a sought-after sanctuary for honeymoons, anniversaries, romantic escapes and couples simply wishing to reconnect.

“We are deeply honored to receive this recognition from Condé Nast Johansens,” said Sir Ewald Biemans, Founder and Owner of Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort. “This award is a tribute to our extraordinary team, whose genuine care and dedication make every guest experience special. Our vision has always been to create a peaceful, beautiful sanctuary where couples can reconnect, celebrate their relationships and enjoy the very best of Aruba. It is especially rewarding to see this vision carried forward by the next generation, as we continue to invest in exceptional experiences for our guests.”

A New Generation Elevates the Guest Experience

The resort’s remarkable success was built upon the vision and pioneering spirit of Sir Ewald Biemans, whose commitment to personalized hospitality, environmental responsibility and continuous innovation helped establish Bucuti & Tara as a leader in Caribbean luxury tourism.

Today, that legacy is being carried forward under the leadership of his granddaughter, Managing Director Crescenzia Biemans, who is spearheading significant investments to further elevate the resort’s acclaimed guest experience while preserving the intimate, romantic atmosphere that has become its hallmark.

Among the most notable enhancements is a comprehensive renovation and modernization of the resort’s accommodations, bringing refreshed contemporary design, elevated comfort and thoughtful new details to its luxurious rooms.

The resort has also expanded its culinary appeal with the introduction of Terra by Jeremy Ford, bringing an exciting new dimension to the Bucuti & Tara experience. The restaurant, associated with acclaimed chef Jeremy Ford, offers discerning food lovers an elevated dining experience that complements the resort’s reputation for exceptional hospitality and romantic beachfront escapes.

Wellness is another cornerstone of this evolution, with Bucuti & Tara aspiring to become the Caribbean’s premier destination for romantic wellness retreats. Its enriched program offers up to five daily activities, including yoga, meditation and fitness, complemented by personalized guidance from a dedicated Wellness Concierge. Guests can seamlessly combine rejuvenation, relaxation and meaningful time together within their luxury getaway.

Together, these investments represent a thoughtful evolution of the Bucuti & Tara experience, blending the timeless qualities that have earned decades of guest loyalty with a fresh vision for the future of romantic luxury.

A Visionary Legacy of Responsible Hospitality

Sir Ewald Biemans’s vision of luxury in harmony with environmental responsibility helped make Bucuti & Tara the Caribbean’s first Certified CarbonNeutral® resort in 2018 and earned international recognition, including the United Nations Global Climate Action Award.

In April 2026, Biemans was appointed Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau, a royal honor conferred by His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands for his contributions to Aruba, sustainable tourism and society.

About Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort

Located on Aruba’s world-famous Eagle Beach, Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort is an internationally acclaimed, adults-only luxury retreat specializing in romance, wellness and personalized hospitality. Recognized among the world’s finest resorts through numerous prestigious international awards, Bucuti & Tara offers an intimate beachfront sanctuary where couples can reconnect, relax and rejuvenate. Its exceptional dining, comprehensive wellness program, dedicated service and peaceful atmosphere complement its longstanding leadership in responsible tourism. In 2018, Bucuti & Tara became the Caribbean’s first Certified CarbonNeutral® resort.

For more information, visit www.bucuti.com.

About Condé Nast Johansens

Condé Nast Johansens is an internationally respected collection of luxury hotels, resorts, spas and exclusive properties, with more than four decades of experience in identifying and recommending exceptional hospitality experiences. Properties are selected and regularly assessed by experienced hospitality professionals. Its annual Awards for Excellence recognize outstanding achievements in luxury hospitality, exceptional service and memorable guest experiences.

For more information, visit www.johansens.com.

APA hosts a morning of connection, collaboration, and valuable industry insights!

It was a self-congratulatory event at the Embassy Suites with a handful of people in attendance. I was not there. Not invited.

The government was absent too.

The minister of tourism? I do not think he made it.

So while people of common sense are asking APA to hold back, it is a government company and as such must make money.

Bottom line, they are forging full speed ahead.

The following is what they reported during the conference.

Do not get mad at me, I am just the messenger.

The Aruba Ports Authority reported on Cruise Performance and its outlook as it marked its 45th anniversary. It presented a strong picture of cruise tourism at the conference, with 2026 on track to be the first year above one million passengers.

Yes, the first year above one million passengers.

Welcome to tee shirts stands, broken sidewalk, and heavy traffic.

The conference presented an enhanced year-end projection of 1,070,186 passengers, about 28.7% above the 2019 pre-pandemic high of 831,399. You should know the pandemic low in 2021 was 135,953 passengers.

The following figures are copied off APA’s presentation: October brought 86,329 passengers across 28 ship calls, up 48.03% on October 2025 and 19.3% above budget. Year to date, 779,567 passengers have arrived (+9.58% versus 2025, +13.7% versus budget) across 288 calls (+8.7% versus 2025, +9.9% versus budget).

Volume, cheers to volume. I naively thought we are going to measure results differently.

I continue to quote: APA forecasts 1,071,530 passengers and 375 calls, in 2027, flat on 2026 (+0.1% in passengers) but 10.4% above 2025 actuals, with calls level (-0.3% versus 2025).

Among the companies visiting our shores, Royal Caribbean’s share rose sharply from 24% in 2025 to 33% in 2026 year to date, overtaking Carnival (28%, down from 27%, stable). Princess (9%), Celebrity (7%), Norwegian (6%, down from 10%) and others (17%, down from 21%) all lost share, indicating increasing concentration among a few lines.

Pay attention to that, Royal Caribbean is growing pushing other operators away. It is a premium mainstream line, which offers value for money rather than luxury, third tier level. And that is where the growth lies, the line with the largest share, does not have the highest per passenger spend.

The conference revealed on island spend and dazzled conference goers with average spend that is $190 per person across all lines. With Carnival passengers spend the most ($252), followed by the “all others” group ($201) and Royal Caribbean ($191), while Norwegian passengers spend the least ($158). Spending is led by onboard-prepaid tours ($43), local crafts ($25), food and beverage ($24) and on-island tours ($24), with casinos and jewelry at $13 each. Public transportation ($1) and electronics ($2) are at the bottom.

To wrap up the conference APA highlighted community and downtown initiatives, including fund raising for worthy causes.

It is business as usual at APA. How much is too much.

We heard the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino just rolled out its new Asian Bites menu at the Shore Club Rooftop Terrace, which is an interesting addition to the resort’s offerings, and decided to spontaneously head that way for kibra siman happy hour. Girlfriends like more casual, shareable foods served in a rooftop setting, you know.

The trip through the resort’s gardens is always a visual treat. It was an overcast day, and the soft light filtered through the clouds made everything brighter and greener.

The birds in the Parrot Garden whistled appreciatively as we walked by.

The Shore Club is the phoenix rising out of the memories of Gilligan’s Seafood Shack — that place changed names a few times in the past, but this time it was stylishly rebuilt, between the pool deck and the beach walkway. The main Shore Club, on the first floor, is an open-air beachfront restaurant and bar, with an all-day dining menu. The Shore Club Rooftop, has its own identity, it is more of a sunset happy hour and evening destination, with a sushi and cocktail menu. The panoramic spectacular view over palm tree, palapas, a manicured beach and boats, is perfection.

The new Asian Bites menu offers small, yummy plates. We were immediately attracted to the Salmon Tartare Tacos, the Hamachi Crispy Rice and the Short Rib Bao Bun, a Korean Japanese inspired selection that went well with our Buena Vista cocktail, a Lychee spritz, with Rose Prosecco and strawberry. We asked it to be light on sweetness and received a flawless concoction. The vegetarian cauliflower tempura is also a welcome menu item, for next time.

Bartender Aron, came over personally to check on our next order. He is a delightful master mixer and has been working at the Shore Club since opening last year. His favorite cocktail, both mixing and drinking is a Chocolate Martini. He makes a perfect one, he explained. I filed the information, for next time.

The roof top is a destination in its own right, and while we were there two other unannounced, but very welcome girlfriends showed up, which proves the point, that the word is out, the Shore Club is worth a visit. The combination of sunset, cocktails, sushi, and small plates is enticing.

Julien Schreiner the charming restaurant director confirmed the chef, a female, came to the Hilton Aruba from Nobu in Mexico. Claudia Ramirez joined the culinary specialists last year, adding to the international appeal of the resort’s contemporary menus. Saul Garcia, the Executive Chef oversees all resort restaurants, since 2025, including the Sunset Grille.

The Hilton also features Terrace on 10, an exclusive adults-only rooftop experience located at the new luxury tower, The Westerly, reserved for resort guests. The equally gorgeous Shore Club Rooftop Terrace is open every day and welcomes walk ins, from 5:30 pm to 10 pm. (We got a local discount.)

Last night’s business brew brought together CUA members in the restored courtyard of The Alba Quarter, developed by Interior & Architectural firm INARCH NV, with four members of the Profet family working together on the project.

Over the last few years CUA went from a merchants’ association to being the voice for Aruba’s business community. With over 250 members, it is today a platform, giving the island’s entrepreneurs a voice in discussions about the island’s economic future.

CUA’s growing public presence, especially its decisive recent stand against linking minimum wage to the subsistence minimum, suggests that it wants to be more than a lobby group defending commercial interests. It wants to be a constructive participant in shaping Aruba’s economic direction. And the jury is still out on the issue whether GOA is prepared to listen and enter a dialogue, that will redefine the relationship between the public and private sector here.

You must have noticed CUA’s recent invitation to lunch by the Dutch Secretary of State during a visit to the island. The association was given an opportunity to bring forward the issues occupying the minds of local merchants and entrepreneurs. The invitation acknowledged that the business community is an important stakeholder, at least for the Dutch, not simply a passive sector following government policy.

If you recall, CUA, Comerciantenan Uni di Aruba, was born out of frustration with the implementation of BBO at the border. Under the leadership of co-presidents Frans Ponson, and Francis Saladin, CUA introduced additional board members last year, and is today frequently commenting on, and meeting with government officials over issues such as the purchasing power of locals, the cost of doing business, taxation, delay in obtaining permits, the gray economy, short term rentals, employment, government efficiency, fair competition and the overall business climate, with the cost of living, as a central concern. The association also believes government must examine its own expenditure, revenues, and contribution to the cost structure of the island. In other words, CUA’s evolution went from narrow to wide, it is today connected to all consumers and our society as a whole.

Saladin invited fellow merchants to also raise their voice, and honestly share what is on their minds without fear of retaliation.

Alba Quarter, was the perfect venue for the business brew. Located on the corner of Oode Schoolstraat and Nieuwstraat, it is a mixed-use property with several event spaces, now open for bookings, weddings, meetings, and parties. Alba Quarter occupies a 125-year-old mansion in the process of being restored to its original grandeur. The property was owned by the entrepreneurial Dr Arends, who used part of his asset as a warehouse, for his imported goods, and part for residence. With phase I of the restoration complete, Alba Quarter is now fully functioning, with renters finalizing their retail and food & beverage offerings, to be available soon. Phase II of the project will include a bridal suite, some short-term vacation rentals, a fitness center with steam room, sauna, icy plunge pool and roof top terrace bar.

Alba Quarter will be incorporating a social club, within its walls, with memberships available for 125 lucky residents. A membership includes access to the pool, the restaurant, the club house/lounge, with many extra options and services. Club 125, will be offered for a modest monthly fee, and will deliver the opportunity to meet like-minded people in a social setting, while the kids jump in and out of the pool. I understand that membership #001 and #007 are already spoken for.

The best part is the 85 years mango old tree, intact, proud, the perfect symbol of renewal and resilience, the gorgeous post-colonial floors, with ornate colorful tiles, the mud walls with pieces of coral sticking out defying gravity, thick and strong, the aged wooden beams, the low doorways, the cistern, all architectural elements that were beautifully incorporated into new construction.

WOW.

INARCH, N.V. an Interior and Architectural Design firm, has been active since 1984. The staff consists of Interior Designers, Architects and Structural Engineers, which allows them to undertake ambitious projects. It is a family business. With a young, educated, and ambitious generation driving the bus, Xena and Thais, and a proud dad overseeing the action, Carlos. They are all working for mom, Millie, says Xena.

The group is confident it will also be able to also restore the Lucky Strike building on Wilhelminastraat and develop a lovely Art Deco boutique Hotel.

OIG, Oranjestad Investor Group and WIG, Wilhelmina Investor Group, are working on urban revival for our capital.

Give it five years.

Sincere gratitude extended to The Alba Quarter, Balashi, Arion Wine Company N.V., and H&H Fine Wines & Spirits for their generous support in making this event possible

One of my friends forwarded information relevant to Aruba’s dependence on HFO, the history of hedging and the challenge ahead, as described in a recent 24Ora news item.

Here it goes, in everyday terms:

Aruba’s water and electricity supply remains heavily dependent on imported Heavy Fuel Oil, HFO. For WEB Aruba, who is responsible for producing both essential utilities, the price and availability of fuel are therefore matters of national importance. The history of fuel hedging illustrates how difficult it is to balance price security, financial risk, and political accountability.

Following the closure of the Lago refinery in 1985, Aruba increasingly became dependent on imported petroleum products. Over the years, WEB invested in more efficient generation technology, including RECIP engines, wind energy, solar installations, and battery storage. These investments significantly reduced fuel consumption. Whereas Aruba required approximately 6,180 barrels of HFO daily in 2004, consumption gradually declined to around 3,000–3,400 barrels per day in 2026. Nevertheless, HFO remains essential to maintaining a reliable electricity and drinking water supply.

What we call hedging is a financial strategy that protects against international fuel-price increases by securing prices in advance. It does not necessarily mean physically purchasing and storing the fuel, it just guarantees a fixed price, for a fixed time.

I remember that the island experienced a major controversy in 2014 when WEB entered into fuel-price agreements at approximately US$90 per barrel for a period of two years. When international oil prices subsequently dropped, the contracts became financially disadvantageous. The estimated cost of cancelling the agreements was reportedly between AWG 100 million and AWG 130 million. The episode raised serious questions about management decisions, government oversight and the risks of committing to long-term fixed prices.

A second important moment came in 2021. WEB’s existing hedging arrangement expired on December 31, but no new agreement was concluded. In 2022, international fuel prices increased sharply following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The decision not to hedge became politically controversial, as Aruba was exposed to rising fuel costs, contributing to pressure electricity and water tariffs.

According to a report published by 24ora on November 1st, WEB currently has price protection at approximately US$68 per barrel, but this arrangement expires on December 31, 2026. No new hedging agreement for 2027 has yet been concluded.

International reference prices reported at the end of October ranged from approximately US$94 in Houston to US$138 in Singapore. Although these are not necessarily directly comparable with WEB’s delivered fuel costs, they illustrate the potential financial exposure when the current protection expires.

Aruba consumes approximately 3,000–3,400 barrels daily, equivalent to roughly 1.1–1.24 million barrels annually. Every US$10 increase per barrel could add approximately US$11–12.4 million to annual fuel expenditure, assuming consumption remains unchanged.

WEB reportedly has sufficient inventory to limit the immediate impact in January 2027, but purchases at new market prices could begin affecting costs in February and March.

So hence, my friend’s declaration, that it is a horror story and that it might even get worse before it gets any better. Aruba needs a balanced, transparent, and long-term fuel purchase strategy. My friend suggests that rather than hedging 100% of its requirements for several years, WEB could consider securing a portion of anticipated consumption through staggered contracts, while retaining some flexibility to benefit from falling prices. Hopefully.

Equally important are adequate physical fuel reserves, diversified suppliers and continued investment in renewable energy and battery storage.

The proposed Eagle LNG project, announced in 2021 as an alternative to HFO, also deserves renewed interest, not with the same iffy players. The current LNG status and the government’s alternative plans should be made public, if there are any.

Ultimately, electricity and drinking water are essential services, not ordinary commodities. Aruba must avoid repeating the expensive mistakes of the past, while ensuring that it does not leave itself unnecessarily exposed to international fuel-price volatility. The public deserves clarity about WEB’s hedging strategy, fuel reserves, purchasing costs and the potential consequences for household and business tariffs.

The central question is not simply whether Aruba should hedge, but how it can protect the country against unpredictable energy markets while maintaining financial discipline and affordable utilities.