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

KIDS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN!

To keep you in touch with your favorite Caribbean islands and resorts, here’s another edition of our virtual “On Island Time” newsletter just for you packed full with news and views from under the Divi tree. Enjoy a taste of the islands from the comfort of your home and let yourself be virtually transported to the Caribbean!

In this issue, we’re shining the spotlight on our youngest travelers or “Divi Treasures,” as we like to call them. We know this is an especially hard time with the kids at home missing school and their friends. And keeping the little ones entertained all day is a tough job, so we’ve come up with a few ideas to help jumpstart their imagination and provide a bit of educational fun for kids of all

ages at www.diviresorts.com/divibreak.htm. There you’ll find a fun activity book just for kids (or adults who are kids at heart) filled with pictures to color, crosswords, word searches, mazes and more! Print the pages and let your kids go wild with their creativity. And don’t forget to share their final masterpieces with us at smiles@diviresorts.com.

And that’s not all – we want to hear from the kids and teens in your life about their favorite Divi vacation memory for a chance to win an all-inclusive family vacation to Aruba or St. Maarten! We’re asking all Divi kids and teens to submit an essay about their favorite Divi vacation memory with photos or videos to smiles@diviresorts.com by May 31, 2020. We can’t wait to read all of the wonderful stories! Plus, Gizmo wanted to join in on the newsletter fun, so she’s hidden herself somewhere in this issue! Can you find her? Search for our Divi Diva and tell us where you found her at smiles@diviresorts.com. Bonus points if you send us a photo of you and your family finding Gizmo!

We hope you enjoy this issue and remember, your Divi family is here for you and we can’t wait to welcome you back to our beloved resorts soon! Stay healthy and safe.

Marco GalavernaPresident & COO

Out of all the Caribbean islands, President’s Elite Members Tom and Lee Evangelista from Massachusetts say Aruba is by far the favorite place for family vacations. The couple discovered the island 12 years ago, and once they got a

taste of the near-perfect weather, relaxed ambiance, pristine beaches, and friendly locals, they decided to make the island their second home.

A vacation wouldn’t be complete without yummy food for the whole family! At Divi Resorts our Executive Chefs know that kids can be picky, so they’ve created several kid-tested and approved dishes that are sure to please. We

also have a kid’s menu available at most of our restaurants.

DIVI VACATION CLUB BRINGS FAMILIES TOGETHER!

BEST ISLAND BITES FOR KIDS

STAY IN TOUCH!While our owners, members and guests are away, we’re doing our best to highlight your favorite Divi vacation memories and provide a bit of

entertainment for you and your family through social media and on our website at www.diviresorts.com/divibreak.

Check in daily for a calming “Divi Break” and share your Divi memories, photos and videos with us at smiles@diviresorts.com.

CHECK OUT OUR GIVEAWAYS!@DIVIRESORTS | #DISCOVERDIVI | #DIVIRESORTS

GET SOCIAL WITH US!

ENTER OUR “DIVI VACATION MEMORY KID’S EDITION” CONTEST TODAY!

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 smiles@diviresorts.com 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.

KID’S ACTIVITY BOOK Download a copy: bit.ly/2V0CW6U

MEET PEARL LAKEGENERAL MANAGER

DIVI ARUBA PHOENIX BEACH RESORT, ON ARUBA

If you’ve stayed at Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort, chances are you already know Pearl Lake! A local Aruban with a heart of gold, Pearl has over 20 years of hospitality experience with nearly 19 of those years spent at Divi Resorts. She took over the General Manager position last August when Gerrit Griffith retired after 43 years with Divi Resorts. We caught up with Pearl to find out how she’s enjoying her leadership role so far.

How has it felt to take over such an important role at Divi Aruba Phoenix?

I was honored to take over the leadership role last fall and I’ve continued my efforts to expand on our great tradition of top-notch service and customer care. For many years, I greeted our owners, members and guests at the front desk and around the resort as the Rooms Division Manager, and I continue to do so every day in my current role. One of my goals in life is to make a positive impact on the lives of those around me, helping them realize their full potential and assisting in their skill development. This has always been my focus, and now as General Manager, I have been able to broaden this reach.

You’re one of only a handful of female Arubans to hold the position of General Manager on the island. How does that feel?

It is a great accomplishment to be a General Manager. It’s a male-dominated position, and that’s no secret, but the fact that Divi Resorts now has three female General Managers says a lot about the company and the opportunities available to women on the team. Being a female General Manager shows us that we can achieve anything we set our minds to, and I’m excited to lead the way here to show the female staff that if they work hard, they can get here too. Anything is possible! I have a young daughter, and it means the world to me that she gets to see her mother achieving this huge goal.

What new plans do you have for the future of Divi Aruba Phoenix?

I knew I had big shoes to fill when I took over the General Manager role previously held by our beloved Mr. Griffith, but I love a good challenge and I’ve made great headway with many of the goals I set last year. I’m happy to report that I’ve led with my heart and moved the resort forward with new ideas on customer service, expanded green technology, updated food and beverage outlets and new training for staff, among other things. Mr. Griffith created a great foundation that I’m proud to build on, all while adding my own feminine touches here and there, of course!

ARUBAMulligan’s Backyard BBQ Burger for the Win!The kids might have to fight off Mom & Dad for this one! Our Backyard BBQ Burger at Mulligan’s Golf Café, Bar & Restaurant is quite simply the best burger on Aruba. Topped with melted cheddar, crispy bacon, fried onion rings and house-made BBQ sauce, this burger is big enough to fill up any teen!

BONAIREItalian Buffet Wins The Day!Our Italian buffet night at pureocean is always a hit with the kids! Featuring plenty of pasta, sauce and topping options, our pasta station is ideal for kids of all ages, allowing them to customize their creation just to their liking.

BARBADOSpureocean’s Kid-Approved Maxx Steel Hot Dog!A kid’s menu favorite at Divi Southwinds Beach Resort, this loaded hot dog is served on a Bajan roll with fries and ketchup on the side. A classic and tasty choice for kids!

SINT MAARTENGizmo’s favorite Pizza! Kids and adults alike love Gizmo’s Bar & Grill’s delicious made-to-order pizza topped with fresh ingredients like crowd-pleasing pepperoni or plenty of veggies. It’s cheesy goodness for all and hands down the #1 requested dish from kids at Divi Little Bay Beach Resort. Grab a pie next time you’re on the island to find out what the hype is all about!

In 2014, having decided that Aruba would become their yearly vacation spot, the Evangelista’s began to research their choices and came across the Divi Vacation Club. “We instantly hit it off with our sales representative who gave us a tour and explained the program,” said Tom. “It was a big step to commit to joining the Club, but I’ve been very pleased with how it’s worked out. Everything they explained, from how the Club works to the flexibility and quality of the product, has turned out to be true.” “We wanted to have our vacation the same time every year so we could plan our flights, and we have a large family, so we wanted to make sure they could all come down and stay with us too,” Lee explained. “At the President’s Elite Membership level, we can achieve that goal and know that our entire family can make precious memories together every year.” “We just love the whole package,” added Tom. “The Loyalty Benefits Program saves us money with discounts on food and drinks, activities and extra touches. The program really works and does what it advertises. Best of all, my children, who have been coming down to Aruba for over ten years now, love it too, so it’s become a family getaway for all of us. We mark our calendars look forward to it all year long!”

“It’s become a family getaway for all of us. We mark our calendars look

forward to it all year long!”

– Tom Evangelista

“We couldn’t have asked for better staff and our whole family agrees,” said Tom. “Everybody here is so wonderful from the managers to housekeeping, the concierge staff, bellmen, and everyone in-between! The staff has become like family to us and when we stay here, we feel so welcome and at home.”

“One year, we came on a Sunday, which just happened to be our favorite employees’ day off, but when we arrived, they were there to greet us! We were so taken by that,” added Lee. Tom and Lee enjoy planning all sorts of special occasions on Aruba, including their vow renewal, Easter, birthdays, family reunions and more. “My favorite Divi memory was Easter Sunday a few years ago when we had 28 family members on the island. We had drinks at sunset and a delicious dinner in the sand at pureocean restaurant,” said Tom. “It was the best time!”

Would you like to be in our next newsletter? We’d love to hear from you! Send your testimonial to smiles@diviresorts.com

and include your best vacation photos and videos.

Even though we can’t host your stay right now, we want you to know that our islands and resorts remain beautiful and we can’t wait to welcome you back soon!

DIVI DOSE OF VITAMIN SEA

OUR FAVORITE FAMILY-FRIENDLY ISLAND ADVENTURES

SINT MAARTEN

KIDSVisit Colorful Parotte Ville Bird ParkBirds of a feather flock together at Parotte Ville Bird Park. Bring your flock to this one-of-a-kind attraction and you’ll find yourselves smiling from ear to ear as you feed and become best friends with hundreds of colorful parrots. If you’re feeling extra friendly, you can even let these vibrant birds land on your head for a unique picture you’ll cherish forever. Not only is this delightful attraction a sanctuary for several species of exotic parrots, but it also features a kid’s playground, a garden full of local plants and a small museum highlighting the owner’s ancient family heirlooms and household items. For more information, visit stmaarten.guide/item/parotte-ville-bird-park.

TEENSRide World’s Steepest Zip Line Teens searching for an adrenaline rush on vacation – get excited, because Rainforest Adventures offers world’s steepest zip line, aptly named The Flying Dutchman. You and your family will love taking in the stunning views of St. Maarten during your leisurely ride to the top of the mountain on the Sky Explorer chairlift. Once at the top, you’ll enjoy even more breathtaking 360° views of the island before you zip down The Flying Dutchman. For even more fun, take a thrilling tube ride down the mountain on The Schooner, or fly through the sky on the Sentry Hill zip line. Whichever adventure you choose, a visit to Rainforest Adventures is one island experience you do not want to miss! For more information, visit www.rainforestadventure.com.

BONAIRE

KIDSFeed 700+ Donkeys at the Donkey SanctuaryDonkey’s need love too, and on Bonaire, you’re always invited to provide some serious TLC and tasty treats for hundreds of donkeys at the Donkey Sanctuary. Bring the kids and get ready to snap some seriously cute photos of this heartwarming experience where you’ll hand-feed hungry donkeys alongside your car or out and about on foot. And if you bring a few bags of carrots with you, these affectionate animals will become your best friends in no time! You can also meet a few flamingos and other animals inside the gates of the sanctuary. For more details, visit www.donkeysanctuary.org.

TEENSLearn to Scuba Dive at Divi Dive BonaireDiscover an incredible underwater world when you learn to scuba dive at Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino’s very own PADI 5-star dive operation, Divi Dive Bonaire. Our friendly instructors will ease you into the water with a comprehensive educational class, underwater practice and a relaxing guided dive of the famed Calabas Reef, located right at the resort. It’s a skill and sport you’ll enjoy for a lifetime. For more information on classes, visit www.dividive.com.

BARBADOS

KIDSHang with Monkeys at the Wildlife ReserveOn Barbados, wild monkeys are everywhere but the best place to catch a closer look and actually hang out amongst them is at the Barbados Wildlife Reserve. Not only can you see hundreds of these quick-moving mammals playing, relaxing and doing what they do best, monkeying around, but you can also watch as unique species of deer, tortoises, peacocks, caimans, iguanas and more roam freely throughout the 4-acre forest. Insider tip: arrive a little before the 2 p.m. feeding time so you can see all of the animals gather in one place to grub out. Insider tip: arrive a little before the 2 p.m. feeding time so you can see all of the animals gather to grub out. For more information, visit www.barbadoswildlifereserve.com.

TEENSSwim with Turtles with Tiami CruisesDive into an underwater world where turtles, fish and colorful sea creatures abound. Grab the family and climb aboard Tiami’s 60-foot catamaran to spend the day snorkeling and swimming with turtles and a variety of exotic fish. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience your family won’t forget. Back on the boat, enjoy delicious snacks and drinks (non-alcoholic beverages for our young sailors of course), and a full lunch, all served up by an attentive, upbeat crew. For more details and to book your tour, visit www.tiamicatamarancruises.com.

@guiamundoafora

ARUBA

KIDSSplash & Play at De Palm IslandA visit to De Palm Island for the day is sure to please every member of the family! The island offers endless fun and relaxation, including private beach cabanas, all-inclusive food and drinks, exciting slides, a kid’s water park, banana boat rides, snorkeling and more. For more information, visit depalmisland.com.

TEENSGo on an Off-Road Island Safari with ABC ToursIf your teen is itching for adventure, this thrilling tour is for you! Buckle up for a bumpy ride through Aruba’s rugged desert terrain to visit the island’s top attractions, including the Bushiribana Historic Gold Mines, the serene Alto Vista Church, the California Lighthouse, the Fontein Caves and so much more. You’ll end the day with a final stop at Baby Beach for some amazing snorkeling. For more information, visit www.abc-aruba.com.