Prevue May-June 2017 - 60

Archaeological Museum (photo credit: Aruba Tourism Authority)

Aruba
A robust inventory of quality resorts and DMC's await planners
[ON LOCATION] REGINA BARABAN

he surprising differentiator about this tiny Dutch
Caribbean island, located just 15 miles north of
Venezuela, is its harmonious multi-cultural vibe and
creative culinary scene. Aruba's roughly 110,000 residents
represent more than 80 nationalities and speak three languages
taught in school-English, Spanish and Dutch, plus the local pidgin
Papiamento. People are friendly and peaceful, and attendees won't
encounter hawkers on world-famous Palm Beach.
"I believe what really separates Aruba from other Caribbean
Islands is the overall safety of the island," says Hal Davis, North
America sales manager for the Aruba Convention Bureau. "This
allows groups to get out and explore the destination on their own,
and has led to a dynamic culinary, shopping and nightlife scene."

THE MELTING POT
Aruba's food scene thrives not only in the island's more than 200
restaurants, but also in hotel foodservice (and even on luxury
boats). Groups should try traditional Aruban specialties such as
keshi yena, made by filling the rind of an Edam or Gouda cheese
wheel with spiced meat, then baking or steaming until bubbly.
One of the most popular group activities at the Aruba Marriott
Resort & Stellaris Casino is a cooking class where chefs teach
attendees how to prepare keshi yena, ending with some serious
chowing down. We enjoyed traditional and chef-driven fusion food.
One standout was a delicate yet spicy tomato-based bouillabaisse
prepared by chefs from the Renaissance Aruba Resort &

60 | prevuemeetings.com

Casino. Delicious fare at our host hotel The Ritz-Carlton,
Aruba-where the executive chef works with the island's local
culinary school to train new talent for the resort's kitchen-subtly
integrated island ingredients with international cuisine. And a
seven-course gourmet brunch prepared and served by chefs on the
Montforte 111 luxury sailing ship blew us away with its artful, tasty
plates that showcased local flavors and ingredients.

OFF THE BEATEN PATH
For an island less than 20 miles long and six miles wide, there's
much to explore. That's due in part to an unusual topography that
includes coastlines ranging from tranquil to rugged, and a desertlike interior filled with cacti and other-worldly rock formations. Our
group loved the high-adrenaline jeep ride that ventures into the
wildest Aruban landscape. Groups may also like Arikok National
Park, a pristine environment with 29 miles of hiking trails and the
remarkable Fontein Cave. There are venues for group events within
the park, and also at the dramatic Casibari rock formations. On the
more populated south coast, we experienced an amazing evening
of local culture in the courtyard of Fort Zoutman, a restored 1868
fort and clock tower in the capital city of Oranjestad that now
houses the Aruba Historical Museum. Groups should also check
out the Archaeological Museum in Oranjestad, a marvel in its
own right.
arubaconventionbureau.com

http://www.arubaconventionbureau.com http://www.prevuemeetings.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Prevue May-June 2017