Travel Agent - May 12, 2008 - (Page 50)

DESTINATIONS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 48 American Steakhouse features classic American steakhouse fare with island flavors unique to Aruba and the Caribbean. The Lobby Bar offers a wide selection of wines and cocktails. You should also encourage your clients to book a reservation at Azull, a favorite among guests and locals alike. A sumptuous four-course dinner is prepared beneath tiki torches at intimate Adventure was never far away: The resort tour desk, in the lower lobby, offered a little of everything. Water sports topped our list and we were astounded by the number of activities available: snorkeling, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, wind surfing, kite surfing, sailing, kayaking, and rides on wave runners and jet skis. One outstanding feature of the Westin’s service was its daily Y.E.S. newsletter (Your Experience Schedule), which The Westin Aruba’s 8,500-square-foot, free-form pool offers a break from the heat Westin Kids Club at a 2-for-1 rate, and a family photograph taken by a professional photographer. This package starts at $309 per night. If your clients are in search of a massage, direct them to the Westin Aruba Resort’s Intermezzo Spa, which features a full-service beauty salon and signature spa services with Caribbeaninspired elements such as facials, body wraps, scrubs, and massage techniques including aromatherapy, accu-pressure and hot stone massage. Spa treatments can be booked ahead of time through Spa General Manager Chris Smith (intermezzogm@setarnet.aw). In addition, the 3,500-square-foot health club is complimentary to all guests age 16 and over and is open 24 hours a day. Cardio machines, free weights, weight machines and aerobic classes are all available, and personal trainers can be hired for a fee. Off-Site Options Heading off property, we had a choice of local attractions, such as the Aruba Aloe factory, the old stone California Lighthouse, the island’s Butterfly Farm (go in the morning when the butterflies are just emerging from their cocoons), the serene Alto Vista Chapel, and historic gold mill ruins. We chose to explore the island with a tour guide on a 4x4. De Palm Tours (www.depalm.com) offers an Aruba Safari Jeep Adventure that we enjoyed immensely, as we were able to see the island through the eyes of a local who knew his homeland intimately. Ask specifically for “Papa Alfred”— he drove us to little-known beaches, pointed out hidden coves and caves, and alerted us to basking iguanas and baby owls on the island’s rocky coast. Families will also enjoy a visit to De Palm Island, a private island where guests can snorkel, lounge, enjoy spa treatments or find fun at the Blue Parrotfish Water Park (297-582-4400, info@depalmtours.aw). Sunsets are breathtaking on Aruba; suggest a sunset cruise on a catamaran (Pelican Adventures, 297-587-2302, www.pelican-aruba. com). Bring your camera and make sure to wear something you can climb around the boat in—it’s an especially windy adventure. A trip to downtown Oranjestad offers CONTINUED ON PAGE 52 beachfront tables where guests dine barefoot in the sand. Hands down, this is the most romantic spot in Aruba, and the food is magnificent. (Note: It’s an Aruban custom for restaurants to add a service charge to the check. The 17 percent service charge is distributed among all the staff.) At this resort, guests can choose from a European meal plan or an all-inclusive option. When it was time to (literally) test the waters, it was difficult to make a choice—the pool looked just as inviting as the sparkling blue Caribbean, both of which were just a few steps away from the lower lobby of the hotel. Numerous lounge chairs were placed on both the beach as well as the pool deck, and shade was easy to come by when needed. The 8,500-square-foot, free-form pool offered a welcome respite from the heat, which was tempered by the constant trade winds that blew. Keep an eye out for the wildlife: iguanas and other lizards roam freely! 50 | TravelAgent May 12, 2008 outlined hour-by-hour the activities available on property. For information, contact Felisiano Hanley, head concierge (felisiano.han ley@ westin.com). He’s also the one to contact if your guests want to plan something extravagant, such as a romantic package that includes dinner in the ballroom with private butler service, or a fireworks display on the beach. Families are welcome at this resort, as evidenced by its kid-friendly pool, a playground nearby and an extensive list of activities through the Westin Kid’s Club. Scavenger hunts, sandcastle building, seashell hunting and crafts are just a few of the activities kids ages 4 to 12 can enjoy. Contact Marielle Smeets with any questions (297-526-4464, marielle.smeets@westin.com). Encourage clients to take advantage of the Family Treasure Package, available through December 19, 2008, which offers two connecting rooms, a Family Treasure Hunt, daily buffet breakfast, http://www.depalm.com http://www.pelican-aruba.com http://www.pelican-aruba.com

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Travel Agent - May 12, 2008 Online Now Contents Contributors From the Editor From the Publisher Europe: Bruges Might be One of Belgium’s Best-Kept Secrets Hawaii: Condo Resorts Provide a Plethora of Vacation Choices Pacific/Asia: Manila has Plenty to Offer Visitors of Every Taste Alaska: Icy Strait Point Offers Authentic Alaskan Adventure Pacific Northwest: Airplane Buffs and Wine Aficionados Enjoy Washington Las Vegas: Let Your Hair Down at Some of these Casual Bars Central & South America: History and Culture Beckon in Guatemala Caribbean & The Bahamas: Recent Renovations Have Made the Westin Aruba Resort a Jewel of the Island Cruises: A New Musical is Making Waves on Disney Wonder San Diego Becomes a Major Cruise Port Cover Story: Top Tips for Selling in a Down Economy Rail Travel: Sightseeing and a Gourmet Meal on the Royal Livingstone Express Hotels: There is Plenty to Do at Ski Resorts in the Summer Tours: Photos from the 33rd Annual Mountain Travel Symposium Agent: Eric Ardolino has Won the Technology War Customer Relations: Ensemble Agents use CRM tools Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Luxury Travel Expo Jamaica Will License Casinos Enormous Cruise Ships are Planned ResortQuest Hawaii Continues to Grow 2008 TMU Conference Recap In the Spotlight Agent Access Classified Marketplace Editorial Index Advertising Index Trendwatch

Travel Agent - May 12, 2008

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