ON ISLAND TIMEn e w s & v i e w s f r o m u n d e r t h e d i v i t r e eRESORTS NOW OPEN ON
SINT MAARTEN & ARUBA
FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT
We’re happy to report that Divi Little Bay Beach Resort on St. Maarten is now open to locals and those traveling from Canada, Europe, and select Caribbean islands. The St. Maarten airport remains closed to all U.S. flights until August 1st. Also reopening on August 1st is Divi Southwinds Beach Resort on Barbados. On Aruba, Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort, Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort and Divi Dutch Village Beach Resort on Aruba are now open and welcoming back guests, owners, and members. I think I speak for everyone when I say we have truly missed your smiling faces on our islands!
Can you believe that it’s been a year since we celebrated our 50th Anniversary? This was a special milestone for us and each of our resorts celebrated in their own unique fashion. From cakes to cocktails, sweet treats and fun activities, there was something for everyone. It was a truly memorable day and it wouldn’t have been possible without your continued support, and of course, our dedicated staff. As we head into our 51st anniversary, on behalf of everyone in the company, we thank you for your loyalty to Divi Resorts and our Divi family.
Did you know that the island of St. Maarten is famous for its foodie scene? You do now! The French side of the island, and specifically Grand Case, are meccas for epicureans from around the world. In this issue, we’re sharing a small taste of the unique food culture on St. Maarten.
Plus, we’ve got another great story from our Divi Vacation Club members Tanya and Barry Battle about their time at Divi Little Bay Beach Resort on St. Maarten.
Time to get your game face on! This week’s newsletter features another Caribbean crossword puzzle. Can you solve it?
And you can’t forget Gizmo! She’s found a new hiding spot in this issue. Can you find her? Search for our Divi Diva and tell us where she’s located at [email protected].
We hope you enjoy this issue and stay safe!
Marco GalavernaPresident & COO
STAY IN TOUCHWhile our owners, members and guests are away, we’re sharing our favorite Divi memories of the islands and providing a bit of fun for the whole family on social
media and online at www.diviresorts.com/divibreak.htm.
Plus, be sure to check in daily for our soothing “Divi Break” videos and share your vacation memories with us at [email protected].
We’re happy to report that Divi Little Bay Beach Resort on St. Maarten is now open to locals and those traveling from Canada, Europe, and select Caribbean islands. The St. Maarten airport remains closed to all U.S. flights until August
1st. Also reopening on August 1st is Divi Southwinds Beach Resort on Barbados. On Aruba, Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort, Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort
and Divi Dutch Village Beach Resort are now open.
Before you visit these islands, please make sure to read the new travel protocols:
Aruba: www.aruba.com/us/traveler-health-requirements
Barbados: www.visitbarbados.org/covid-19-travel-guidelines-2020.
St. Maarten: www.stmaartenupdates.com
It is essential that every incoming guest review new travel requirements and comply with all mandatory protocols prior to
arrival and upon entry to the island.
WELCOME BACKARUBA & ST. MAARTEN NOW OPENBARBADOS REOPENS AUGUST 1ST
Our Resorts Are Ready!At of all our resorts, there’s plenty of room to spread out on our
white sand beaches and sparkling pools. You’ll find all areas of the resort are less crowded with social distancing between chairs and tables. Our restaurants and bars provide both open-air and indoor
dining, as well as takeout and delivery to your room. Our exhilarating activities, amenities and island experiences will round off your
memorable vacation.
Our Clean Check Program is designed to prioritize the health and safety of our guests and staff. These new safety measures follow the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). For more information, visit www.diviresorts.com/clean-check.htm.
Aruba Health & Happiness Code
On Aruba, all of our resorts have passed and meet the standards for the island’s new ‘Aruba Health & Happiness Code’ program created
by Aruba’s Department of Public Health and the Aruba Tourism Authority to ensure travelers that the island upholds the highest
health and safety protocols throughout their entire stay.
A LOOK BACK AT OUR 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US! ON JULY 20, 2020, WE TURN 51 YEARS YOUNG
Last year’s 50th Anniversary was very special to us and to commemorate the day, we asked bartenders at each of our resorts to create the perfect Caribbean
cocktail for the celebration. Want to make the winning drinks at home? Visitbit.ly/38fR2Hw to view the recipes.
Here’s a look down memory lane from last year’s celebration!
Not only did we celebrate this milestone occasion, but we also said farewell to Mr. Gerrit Griffith, the beloved General Manager of Divi Aruba Phoenix
Beach Resort, who worked with the company for 43 remarkable years and retired on August 31, 2019.
Even now, we receive questions about how Gerrit’s doing, and we are
very happy to report that he’s doing great! Since retiring, Gerrit has kept himself busy doing charity work and spending time with his beloved
granddaughter as well as his lovely wife, two sons and daughter.
A GOURMAND’S TOUR OF ST. MAARTEN
Foodies often call St. Maarten “the culinary capital of the Caribbean,” with French and Dutch influences merging to create a Caribbean cuisine like
no other. Chefs and food-lovers alike flock to this small island to taste the unique food fusion.
When visiting the island, if you only have just a few hours to burn, or if you’re looking to add a bit of excitement to your leisurely vacation, we recommend taking a Culinary Road Tour with Flavors of St. Maarten Food Tours. You’ll experience a full range of foods St. Maarten has to offer as the signature 4-hour tour takes you to the French and Dutch sides of the island.
Bring your appetite and prepare to chow down at four different restaurants where you’ll enjoy appetizers, entrées, cocktails and desserts. The tour begins at Carousel Gelateria in Simpson Bay, and from there, you board an air-conditioned coach to head to four locations for local specialties served up by the best cooks, bakers and bartenders on both sides of the island. You’ll gain insight into the island’s fascinating history while you travel through cities, countryside, and beaches, finishing your tour on a sweet note.
While the tour does not cater to vegans, or anyone with allergies to onions, bell pepper or cilantro, they can accommodate vegetarians, pescatarians, gluten-free and dairy-free diets and nut allergies. However, they cannot not guarantee 100% free cross-contamination.
The tours consist of only small groups, and everyone is asked to wear a mask, wash hands frequently before and after stops, and maintain physical distancing at all times. Right now, you can book your tour for only $129.99 for adults and $99 for children. Private tours and a 2-hour walking tour are also offered. For more information or to book a tour, visit stmartinfoodtours.com.
We’re thrilled that a few of our resorts have reopened and we can’t wait to welcome you back soon!
DIVI DOSE OF VITAMIN SEA
ENJOY THIS CARIBBEAN CROSSWORD
Dine right on the beach at this Divi restaurant
Island lizard
Known as the “One Happy Island”
“Welcome” in the Aruba and Bonaire language of Papiamento
The name of Divi Little Bay’s resident parrot
You don’t have to dive to see underwater life; you can also do this
How many colors does the official Divi Resorts logo have?
Don’t forget this at the beach!
The social media hashtag for Divi Resorts
Name of the only Divi Resort on St. Maarten
The island home of Divi Flamingo
The island known as the culinary capital of the Caribbean
Major music festival held on Aruba each May
After a round of golf, stop by this Divi restaurant on Aruba
Capital city of Aruba
Swim here for a change from the ocean
Play tennis here
St. Maarten’s Carnival starts in this month
Jimmy Buffett likes these and walks in the rain
Divi’s kids activities: “_____” of the Caribbean
How many Caribbean islands are home to at least one Divi Resort?
4
6
7
11
12
14
15
16
19
20
21
1
2
3
5
8
9
10
13
17
18
ACROSS DOWN
See all of the answers at the end of this newsletter.
CHECK OUT OUR GIVEAWAYS!@DIVIRESORTS | #DISCOVERDIVI | #DIVIRESORTS
GET SOCIAL WITH US!
CROSSWORD ANSWERS
4. pureocean
6. Iguana
7. Aruba
11. Bon Bini
12. Gizmo
14. Snorkel
1. St. Maarten
2. Soul Beach
3. Mulligan’s
5. Oranjestad
8. Pool
15. Four
16. Sunscreen
19. Discover Divi
20. Little Bay
21. Bonaire
9. Court
10. April
13. Piña Coladas
17. Treasures
18. Five
Across Down
FEATURED DIVI VACATION MEMBERS
TANYA & BARRY BATTLE
Meet our featured Divi Vacation Club members for this issue, Tanya and Barry Battle from Richmond, Virginia. Almost five years ago, the Battles learned of the many benefits of a Divi Vacation Club Membership during a presentation on Aruba and decided to take the leap and join.
We caught up with the Battles while on vacation at Divi Little Bay Beach Resort in St. Maarten to find out why they became DVC members.
“We signed up for the club because we love to travel as a family,” Barry said. “The Divi Vacation Club gives us the travel flexibility we need.”
The Battles have three children, all of whom are involved in sports and other activities. The flexibility of the points system allows them to choose the unit size, time of year, and length of stay, depending on when their children can travel with them.
The Battles, who have traveled to Aruba many times, took a tour while on the island, learning more about the Loyalty Benefits Program and the ability to visit worldwide destinations through the Divi Exchange Network.
“We really loved it,” Tanya said. “They showed us around, and it wasn’t a pushy sales environment. The vacation experts talked to us about how Pure Points work, and we actually own another timeshare in Virginia Beach, so we were somewhat familiar with vacation clubs.”
“The points system really works for us,” Barry added. “We can extend or reduce our vacation
time based on our needs. Aruba is one of the places I love to visit the most, so this program makes it a breeze come back again and again.”
The Battles also plan to take advantage of other Divi Club Destinations in addition to Aruba and St. Maarten. Tanya’s family has roots in Barbados, so they hope to visit Divi Southwinds Beach Resort in the future.
“With the points system, we can split our time between islands, spending the first few days in Aruba and the next few days on another island,” Barry added. “The program basically sold itself.”
Plus, they say their first trip to Divi Little Bay on St. Maarten was a huge success and full of exciting adventures and lasting memories.
“We love St. Maarten and Divi Little Bay Beach Resort,” Tanya says. “Everyone we meet is so friendly, and we’re really glad we joined the Divi Vacation Club family.”
Would you like to be in our next newsletter? We’d love to hear from
you! Send your testimonial to [email protected] and
include your best vacation photos and videos.
For more information on the Divi Vacation Club, visit
www.divivacationclub.com.