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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 e
FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT
MEET FERRY ZIEVINGERGENERAL MANAGER
DIVI DUTCH VILLAGE BEACH RESORT & DIVI VILLAGE GOLF & BEACH RESORT, ARUBA
It’s time for another edition of our digital “On Island Time” newsletter to keep you up to date on all of the latest news and views from under the Divi tree. Take a peek and relish in a little bit of Divi joy from the comfort of your couch!
In this issue, you’ll discover four fun adventures on Bonaire to check off your bucket list, and you’ll get to know Ferry Zievinger, our General Manager at Divi Village Golf and Divi Dutch Village on Aruba. And while you’re stuck at home, whip up a taste of the islands with our Sweet & Spicy Mango Margaritas recipe. Break out the blender because it’s five o’clock somewhere, and you’re going to love this tasty tropical treat. Cheers!
Our Divi Diva is back at it again! We’re thrilled to update you on how our fabulous cover model is doing without ger favorite guests. Plus, Gizmo has once again concealed herself in the pages of this issue and she thinks this week’s hiding spot is sure to stump you! Think you can find her? Try your luck and tell us when you’ve located her at [email protected].
Don’t forget, we’re still accepting submissions for our Divi Vacation Memory Contest – Kid’s Edition! We want to hear from the kids and teens in your life about their favorite Divi vacation memory. Two lucky kids will win an all-inclusive family vacation to Aruba or St. Maarten! To enter, simply have them submit an essay about their favorite Divi vacation memory with photos or videos to [email protected] by May 31, 2020. We’ve truly enjoyed reading the submissions we’ve gotten so far, and we can’t wait to receive even more wonderful stories!
As always, we want you to know that we care about you and we’re doing everything we can to keep our resorts in tip-top shape and prepare your beloved “home away from home” for your return. We look forward to being together again soon.
Stay safe and healthy.
Marco GalavernaPresident & COO
An Aruba native with more than 35 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Ferry Zievinger is the freshest face to join the Divi family as the General Manager of Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort and Divi Dutch Village Beach Resort on Aruba. We recently caught up with Ferry to find out how he’s settled into his leadership role since joining the team last September.
Remind us, what brought you to Divi Resorts?The decision to come back to Aruba and work for Divi Resorts was really inspired by my wife Indra. She wanted to return after being away for 14 years and I am a smart man, so I listened to her. We returned to where I was born and raised right here in Oranjestad, Aruba, and when I started to look for employers, Divi Resorts came to mind. Divi’s roots are in Aruba and the company has been a great partner to the island since its inception 50 years ago. Most importantly though, I appreciate that Divi provides great opportunities for development and career advancement for its employees.
What plans have you put in place for the future of Divi Village Golf and Divi Dutch Village?
I have started to align my 35 years of experience with the company’s vision and expand beyond that to incorporate fresh ideas when it comes to the daily running of the resorts. From strengthening policies and procedures to reviewing food and beverage offerings and setting a new expectation of our high level of customer service, I think we’ve made great strides in the last few months, and hopefully we will continue with these efforts in 2020.
What is your favorite part of hospitality?
That’s an easy one – I love to engage with guests and employees. I enjoy finding out what is important to them and getting their opinions on how we can improve. It’s a never-ending process, but I love learning new things and sharing my experience with guests and staff.
What do you like to do in your free time? Free time is for family, hiking and relaxing with delicious food, a nice bottle of wine or rum, a cigar and good company. During my travels, I’ve also developed a love for photography. So I’ve incorporated all of these things into my life and enjoy them with family and friends.
Take a break from the ordinary and explore the extraordinary on the unspoiled island of Bonaire! Good things come in small packages and this bite-sized island
packs a punch when it comes to activities that thrill and sweet spots to chill. Here’s a small taste of some of the big adventures guests can enjoy when visiting Bonaire
and Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino.
Even though we can’t host your stay right now, we want you to know that our islands and resorts remain beautiful and we are awaiting your return!
Enjoy this view from Divi Little Bay Beach Resort on St. Maarten.
BONAIRE BUCKET LIST
DIVI DOSE OF VITAMIN SEA
Visit www.DiviResorts.com and www.DiviDive.com for more information.
Kayak Through Lush Mangroves Glide through crystal clear waters to discover the mangrove forest of Lac Bay, where you’ll see three types of mangrove species, plenty of fish, vibrant coral, upside-down jellyfish and so much more! With clear bottom kayaks, you won’t miss a moment of underwater action as you navigate through romantic mangrove tunnels and open waters. Once you’ve worked up a sweat paddling with your partner, you’ll have the opportunity to cool off with a peaceful snorkel through one of the mangrove channels.
Learn to Scuba Dive Discover a whole new underwater world when you learn to scuba dive at Divi Flamingo Beach Resorts’ very own PADI five-star dive operation, Divi Dive Bonaire. Friendly instructors ease you into the water with a comprehensive educational class, underwater practice and a relaxing guided dive of the famed Calabas Reef, located right next to the resort. Once you’ve experienced this exhilarating sport, you’ll be hooked for life!
Drink a Cactus Sip on a refreshing new treat invented right on the tiny island of Bonaire – world’s only cactus liquor! Created by a husband and wife duo, the Cadushy Distillery is a peaceful slice of paradise where you can take an educational tour to learn more about the liquor-making process and sample several types of cactus liquor. Afterward, you can order a tasty cactus cocktail from the bar and relax under the shade of Calabash trees in the distillery’s tranquil gardens where parrots and other tropical birds abound.
Swim with Turtles Hop aboard and sail through the Caribbean’s bluest waters with Woodwind Cruises to explore three unique spots near Kline Bonaire, a small uninhabited islet off the west coast of the island. Snorkel alongside colorful coral reefs where you’ll discover an abundance of awe-inspiring fish and magnificent sea turtles, all pointed out to you by an expert guide. Back on board, you’ll enjoy drinks, snacks and a delicious local lunch to keep you energized throughout the day.
Instructions:
Add all of the drink ingredients into a blender and blend until creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust the sweetness or strength of alcohol as desired.
To chill, either blend in a large handful of ice cubes to create a frozen margarita or transfer half of the mixture into a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice and shake vigorously.
Wet the rim of your serving glasses with a lime wedge and immediately dip it into the chili salt mixture (you can also substitute with salt or sugar), and fill with ice cubes, if desired. Pour the margarita mixture into the glass and garnish with a lime wedge.
Makes 3 servings Ingredients: Drink Mix
1 ripe mango, cubed (or 1 cup frozen mango chunks)
1 cup orange juice
2 small limes, juiced
2.5-3 oz. silver tequila (to taste)
1 oz. triple sec or orange liqueur
1 dash hot sauce (optional)
1-3 tbsp. agave nectar or maple syrup (to taste)
Chili Salt Rim1 lime wedge for rimming
1 tsp. chili powder
½ tsp. sea salt
Tangy and sweet with a surprise kick, this refreshing treat is a guest favorite at Divi Southwinds Beach Resort on Barbados. One sip of this sunshine-inspired
margarita and you’ll be instantly transported to a beach chair with the sound of the waves crashing in the background for the ultimate relaxation!
Use frozen mango (or another fruit of your choice) for a blended frozen
margarita, or use fresh mango if you like your margaritas served on the rocks.
For a little heat to balance out the sweetness of the mango, add a dash of hot sauce and chili powder on the rim. If spice is not your thing, simply omit those
ingredients and enjoy the fruity flavor all on its own.
Take a picture of your creation and let us know how you like it by tagging #divibreak on Instagram or sending it to [email protected]. Cheers!
SWEET & SPICY MANGO MARGARITAS
FRONT COVER DIVA!
DIVI CARESFEBRUARY 2020
STAY IN TOUCH!
If you’re a Divi loyalist, chances are you know this edition’s featured “superstar” and resident Divi Little Bay diva, Gizmo! But what you might not know is that Gizmo was bought to the island of Sint Maarten many years ago by Marco Galaverna, Divi Resorts’ President and COO when he was the General Manager at Divi Little Bay Beach Resort. This fabulous feathered friend of ours is 27 years young and going strong. She’s showed her resiliency during hurricanes, renovations and all sorts of changes to the resort. You can find her almost any day strutting her stuff at her namesake Gizmo’s Bar & Grill, providing hours of entertainment and enjoyment for guests and preening for the cameras to show that she’s true Divi Royalty.
Young Artist Gifts Painting to Divi Phoenix12-year-old Aruban native Ajoni Illidge loves tosketch and paint, and earlier this year, he giftedone of his paintings to Divi Phoenix’s GeneralManager Pearl Lake, who was overjoyed toshowcase his art at the resort.
Resort Teams Up with Filipino Community Divi Little Bay Beach Resort recently partnered with the Filipino Community of Sint Maarten to donate baskets overflowing with goodies to those in need in their community in honor of the Filipino New Year.
Divi Flamingo Joins in Fight Against Cancer Employees of Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino united in the fight against cancer by walking together at the 2020 Ride, Sail, Swim or Walk for the Roses Bonaire event.
While our owners, members and guests are away, we’re doing our best to keep you entertained at home with fun activities, trivia, games and more
on social media and on our website at www.diviresorts.com/divibreak.
Plus, check in daily for our relaxing “Divi Break” videos and share your Divi memories, photos and videos with us at [email protected].
CHECK OUT OUR GIVEAWAYS!@DIVIRESORTS | #DISCOVERDIVI | #DIVIRESORTS
GET SOCIAL WITH US!
We know many of you have a special bond with Miss Gizmo and want to know how she’s doing during these times when guests aren’t around to check in on her. Rest assured, Gizmo takes it all in her stride in true diva fashion, and she’s always taken care of, fed, bathed, played with and looked after by her loving handlers. Never one to shy away from the spotlight, Gizmo was recently caught on camera playing security guard and patrolling the resort. Check out the video to instantly brighten your day: vimeo.com/413296110.
KIDS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN!
Calling all parents and grandparents – we want to hear from the kids and teens in your life about their favorite Divi vacation memory. Simply have your child or grandchild (18 and under) submit an essay (500 words or less) telling us about their favorite Divi vacation memory with photos and videos to [email protected] and make sure to label it with “Divi Vacation Memory Contest” so we know it’s for this contest. We will pick TWO winners from all of the entries received by May 31, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Each winner will enjoy a 7-night/8-day, all-inclusive family vacation to Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort on Aruba or Divi Little Bay Beach Resort on St. Maarten for up to two adults and two kids in a luxurious one-bedroom suite. Winners will have up to 12 months to enjoy their vacation.
ENTER OUR “DIVI VACATION MEMORY KID’S EDITION” CONTEST TODAY!
