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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
It’s hard to believe that we’re already at the end of May and summer is just around the corner. As we continue to patiently wait for our islands to reopen, I want to assure you that every department is actively engaged in preparing to welcome guests back as soon as it’s safe to do so.
The Caribbean has long been one of the top wedding and honeymoon destinations in the world, and our resorts have hosted thousands of heartwarming ceremonies over the years. We’re proud of our fantastic wedding planners and the work they do, and in this issue, we’re sharing details on our wedding packages. Plus, you’ll hear from Divi Vacation Club owners Brenda and Joseph Farmer about their special 35th anniversary vow renewal on Aruba.
As you know, the upkeep of our resorts is a critical part of our business, and this week, we’re shining a spotlight on our Director of Projects on Aruba, Philippe Hese. He’s in charge of looking after our properties and keeping them in tip-top shape.
Speaking of upkeep, have you seen Divi Dive Bonaire’s sleek new website? You can check out our PADI 5-star dive operation’s new look at dividive.com and read on to find out a few fun underwater tips from James Halliwell, our Dive Operations Manager on Bonaire.
Also in this issue, we’re saluting all first responders and essential workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. These Everyday Heroes deserve endless admiration for the hard work they have done day in and day out. We’re recognizing the contributions they’ve made to their communities with a brand new program.
Did you enjoy dancing to last week’s Spotify playlist? We’re back this week a Caribbean playlist courtesy of Pearl Lake, Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort’s General Manager. Check it out!
We’ve had an amazing response to our Divi Vacation Memory – Kid’s Edition Contest and I’ve loved reading all of the wonderful stories we’ve received. There are only a few more days to enter, so don’t forget to have your kids and teens (18 years of age and under) sent in their entry by May 31, 2020. Two lucky families will win a 7-night/8-day all-inclusive vacation to Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort on Aruba or Divi Little Bay Beach Resort on St. Maarten.
And don’t forget Gizmo! She’s found another clever hiding spot in this issue! Can you find her? Search for our Divi Diva and send us a photo of you and your family finding our feathered friend to [email protected].
I hope you enjoy this issue and stay healthy and 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].
CHECK OUT OUR GIVEAWAYS!@DIVIRESORTS | #DISCOVERDIVI | #DIVIRESORTS
GET SOCIAL WITH US!
A CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL WITH A CARIBBEAN TWIST!
This fizzy cocktail is an elegant, tropical delight making it the perfect treat for a special occasion or summer barbecue. Cheers!
Ingredients:3/4 cup fresh raspberries
1/2 cup canned lychees
1 mango, peeled & diced
2-3 tbsp. lime syrup
1 bottle of champagne
Instructions: Add the raspberries, lychees, mango and lime syrup to a food processor or blender and purée until smooth. Pour the mixture into a bowl through a fine-mesh strainer and set aside.
Spoon 1½ tablespoons of the fruit purée into chilled champagne flutes and top off with champagne. Stir the drink, kick back and savor!
Can you give us an overview of your areas of responsibility on Aruba?
Sure! My job involves supervising every aspect of construction and working directly with Marco Galaverna, Divi’s President and COO. I handle budgets and quality control, and I make sure all construction standards are the best they can be, ensuring that materials are received on time and meet or exceed industry standards. I also take care of local purchasing, and I make sure all of our sites and projects are clean and organized. On any given day, you might find me walking around the resorts we’re currently working on, consulting with our Chief Engineers, briefing our construction crews, and working with resort warehouse and maintenance teams.
How are the staff members doing?Our staff members are doing well, and myself, the General Managers, and the Human Resources departments are in touch with all our crews, regularly checking on their wellbeing. At Divi, our team members are like family, and we treat each other as such.
As our resorts have been closed for several weeks, can you give us a little bit of insight into what’s been going on during this time?
When we discovered we had to shut down all maintenance and construction projects, our teams acted extremely responsibly. Each department quickly presented plans on how everything from pools to units, landscaping, resort lighting and more would be handled and maintained until reopening. Most importantly we made sure out properties were secured 24 hours a day.
Are your teams back to work?I am happy to say that we are. Our projects have been brought back up to speed quickly and efficiently, and of course, we are following all of the new health and safety protocols.
How are safety protocols being put into place?We have a talented task force from across all departments reviewing every area of our health and cleanliness procedures for both the front and back of house, and we’re applying best practices resort-wide. These new protocols follow the recommendations of the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministries of Health.
Our Director of Projects on Aruba, Philippe Hese, has worked for Divi Resorts since 2008. We asked him to shed some light on what his job
entails and what plans are being put in place for reopening.
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHTPHILIPPE HESE
SAY “I DO” IN PARADISE!For us, the Caribbean isn’t just any destination — it’s THE destination. Our tropical islands provide the perfect setting for a dream wedding in paradise. Hundreds of
couples every year say “I do” on one of our pristine beaches each year. While beach ceremonies at sunset are always a hit, we also offer tropical gardens and emerald
greens lawns with beautiful landscaping. No matter what type of ceremony or reception you desire, our wedding specialists can make it happen.
And these services aren’t exclusively for newlyweds. You can also renew your vows at our stunning resorts. Whether it’s just the two of you or the whole family, our resorts offer spectacular Caribbean backdrops
perfect for pledging your love for one another once again.
For information, visit www.diviresorts.com/weddings.htm or to request details, visit www.diviresorts.com/wedding-rfp.htm or call 800-801-5550.
Terms & Conditions: Visit www.diviresorts.com/weddings.htm
SAMPLE WEDDING PACKAGEWe offer the following for the couple (with 10+ room reservations):
• Upgrade to a one-bedroom suite
• Wedding night turndown service
• Fresh flowers & champagne upon arrival
• Daily breakfast for two
• 7-night return anniversary stay
• Couples massage
SAMPLE CEREMONY PACKAGEBuild your dream wedding with the following amenities and services:
• Beachfront or indoor ceremony
• Fresh floral bouquet & boutonnière
• Non-denominational minister & service
• On-island wedding coordinator
• Champagne toast
• One-tier wedding cake
• One hour of photography
HONEYMOON SPECIALS We love welcoming honeymooners to our sunny islands, because there’s no
better way to celebrate your recent nuptials than with a romantic and relaxing Caribbean vacation.
5-Night Romance Packages from $538 per person 7-Night Romance Packages from $724 per person
5-Night All-Inclusive Romance Packages from $940 per person, per night 7-Night All-Inclusive Romance Packages from $1,270 per person, per night
Packages include one-bedroom suites, daily breakfast for two, a romantic candlelit dinner, turndown service upon arrival and more. At most of our resorts
we offer both all-inclusive and room only 5- or 7- night stays. Visit www.diviresorts.com/honeymoons.htm to see our special package rates.
We know it’s difficult to make plans right now, so when you’re ready, we’re here for you with our worry-free, cancel anytime resort policy so you can book your
honeymoon with confidence.
FEATURED PRESIDENT’S ELITE MEMBERS
BRENDA & JOSEPH FARMER
Meet our featured President’s Elite Members for this issue, Brenda and Joseph Farmer, from Morningside, Maryland
Speaking to Brenda and Joseph Farmer, you can tell that they are devoted not only to each other, but to quality vacation time together as well. Nine years ago, while walking along Palm Beach, they came across Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort and took a tour. Excited by the idea of a yearly summer vacation, the couple purchased one week in August on the spot, and then for the next six years kept adding to their ownership.
In 2018, the two decided to become Divi Vacation Club President’s Elite Members, giving them the flexibility to enjoy everything they own exactly the way they want it.
“We come every August for multiple weeks,” said Brenda. “It’s our anniversary month and a special time for us. Coming back to Aruba is like coming home and we consider ourselves locals. We sometimes have family join us, but the rest of the time is for the two of us to unwind.”
While they love their one-on-one time, the Famers often share the third week of their stay with friends and family, enjoying quality time together and discovering island attractions. A few years ago when their son got married, they gifted the lucky couple a honeymoon at Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort using some of their points.
For the couple’s 35th wedding anniversary, they participated in Aruba’s Vow Renewal Ceremony on Eagle Beach. Donning all-white attire, the Farmers joined many other couples in the picturesque beachside event.
“It was very romantic,” said Joseph. “We had pictures taken at Divi Aruba Phoenix, then we were taken to the beach where this beautiful ceremony took place with hundreds of couples. Afterwards, they had plenty of food, drinks and entertainment, and there were photographers
to capture the perfect moments. We were even interviewed by Aruba Today and ended up in the local newspaper!”
Joseph said the night ended with a surprise pampering from the wonderful staff at Divi Aruba Phoenix, including a special turndown with rose petals, champagne and candles, and an anniversary cake at one of the restaurants.
The Farmers also plan large family reunions at the resort and often bank their points to save for future vacation so they can invite family members.
“The flexibility of points means that everyone can have their own unit and be comfortable,” said Brenda. “Being a part of the club is the gift that keeps on giving.”
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.
HONORING OUR EVERYDAY HEROES
For over 50 years, Divi Resorts has honored members of the military and all who serve by offering them an additional 20%
discount off our best available rates.
This year we’re extending that discount to include everyday heroes who have been battling COVID-19 on the front lines
and keeping us safe.
When the time is right to travel, everyday heroes will receive an extra 20% off our best available rates for all-inclusive and room only
stays in 2020 and 2021.
This discount can be booked anytime in 2020 for travel through 2021. Visit www.diviresorts.com/everyday-hero.htm to check
availability and make a reservation.
Hospital & Medical Employees Grocery Store EmployeesMail & Delivery Services
Law Enforcement OfficersCorrectional Officers
Firefighters & ParamedicsArmed Forces
Thank you
Have you seen Divi Dive Bonaire’s new website? We’ve given the website for our PADI five-star dive operation located at Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino a complete makeover, and we can’t wait for you to dive in and discover our new
look and convenient features. Enjoy 24/7 access to the best dive packages, registration forms, certification information, and more, all from one site.
Bonaire is one of the world’s top dive destinations and Divi Dive Bonaire, with its fleet of five dive boats, offers one- and two-tank morning and afternoon dives, plus day and night shore diving at the famed Calabash Reef, located right on the resort.
Our Dive Operations Manager, James Helliwell, and his highly experienced team offer comprehensive PADI certification courses for first-time divers and specialty courses like wreck and deep diving for experienced divers.
For more information and specials, visit www.dividive.com, and learn more about Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino at www.diviflamingo.com.
DIVI DIVE BONAIRE’S NEW WEBSITE
What’s the best way to learn how to dive?The best way to learn how to dive is to visit at PADI (Professional Association of Dive Instructors) five-star facility and take an introductory course. At Divi Dive Bonaire, we offer Discover Scuba Diving courses for beginners interested in familiarizing themselves with the sport. Plus, you can also get your Open Water Certification here.
How long do courses take and what’s the minimum age?
Anyone ten and up can learn how to scuba dive. I recommend beginners start with the Discover Scuba Diving course as it’s a half-day experience under direct supervision from an instructor. The class includes one dive session and the use of all required equipment.
The Open Water Certification lasts about four days, but once you’re certified through this course, you can dive anywhere in the world.
Do you actually get to dive with an instructor?Yes, of course! All of our classes are led by highly experienced certificated dive instructors who accompany you on dives. It’s important to remember to never dive alone! For safety reasons, you should have a dive buddy.
What courses does Divi Dive Bonaire offer for experienced and certified divers?
For experience divers, we offer specialty courses, including Wreck Diving, Deep Diving, Night Diving, Multi-Level Diving and more. Divers can also earn other PADI certifications, including Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, and Divemaster, upon request.
LEARN HOW TO SCUBA DIVE WITH DIVE OPERATIONS MANAGER, JAMES HELLIWELL
For more information on Divi Dive Bonaire, visit dividive.com,
or to book your stay, visit www.diviflamingo.com.
If you’re missing the sounds of the Caribbean, we have just what you need! We caught up with Pearl Lake on Aruba to find out what tunes
are on her Caribbean playlist. Check it out and dance along!
open.spotify.com/playlist/7gy3Fci1mcOE7HkcXSlgU6
Want to share your playlist? Send your top ten favorite Caribbean tunes to
PEARL LAKE’S FAVORITE CARIBBEAN SONGS
Lucy Destra
Whole Night King Bubba Fm
Big People Party Farmer Nappy
Splinters Shal Marshall
Caribbean Girl Nadia Baston
All Ah We Peter Ram
Nah Let Go Kes
Hello Kes
Leh We Fete Rikki Jai
Inside the Thing Nfuzion Music, Buddy
Beach Mix 2008 Dushi Band
GENERAL MANAGER PEARL LAKE DIVI ARUBA PHOENIX BEACH RESORT
KIDS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN
DIVI’S CARIBBEAN CROSSWORD
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 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.
LAST CHANCE TO ENTER OUR “DIVI VACATION MEMORY KID’S EDITION” CONTEST!
“Everyone in our dive group agrees, Divi Dive Bonaire is the best in the business. They are fun, knowledgeable and some of the hardest working Divemasters around.”
- Christopher Kenyon
The name of Divi Little Bay’s resident diva parrot
The island that’s home to Divi Southwinds Beach Resort
This island is known for its phenomenal scuba diving sites
Your currency in the Divi Vacation Club
Known as “one happy island”
Fish do this in the ocean
Surfers catch these
What you’ll probably do at The Links at Divi Aruba
Children build this on the beach
Divi Resorts is named after this tree
Divi Carina Bay All-Inclusive Beach Resort is located on this island
Thatch hut you’ll often see on a Caribbean beach
This 1960s supergroup sang about Aruba, Jamaica and the Bahamas
What you’ll probably do when you stay at Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino
Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort is located right on this famous beach
This island is only 34 square miles
Divi’s signature restaurant
This keeps a drink cold
Where you’ll have your toes in the sand
3
5
6
10
11
12
14
15
17
1
2
4
5
7
8
9
10
13
16
ACROSS DOWN
See all of the answers at the end of this newsletter.
CROSSWORD ANSWERS
James Helliwell (left) with members of his team.
3. Gizmo
5. Barbados
6. Bonaire
10. Points
11. Aruba
1. Divi Divi
2. St. Croix
4. Palapa
5. Beach Boys
7. Dive
12. Swim
14. Waves
15. Golf
17. Sandcastle
8. Palm
9. St. Maarten
10. Pureocean
13. Ice
16. Beach
Across Down
