New York, NY – (June 28, 2011) – Aruba’s efforts to preserve its pristine beaches and crystal blue waters continue this July 2 and 3 with the 18th annual Aruba Reef Care Project. With over 900 participants last year, this clean-up of the One happy island’s most popular beaches, dive and snorkel sites is the Caribbean destination’s largest volunteer environmenta initiative.

Locals and tourists are invited to participate at one of the many sites along the coast from Baby Beach all the way north to Arashi Beach beyond the high-rise hotels. Volunteers collect garbage along the island’s white sand beaches while snorkelers and divers plunge into the depths to retrieve trash and debris to protect the diverse marine life and to ensure that Aruba, which hosts more than 40,000 divers each year, continues to hold its spot as the No. 1 Wreck Diving and No. 3 Advanced Diving destination in Scuba Diving magazine’s Reader’s Choice Awards.

The Aruba Reef Care Project, which started as an initiative to raise awareness of the island’s precious marine environment and the importance of its protection, is supported by the Aruba Tourism Authority as well as the island’s various resorts, which provide lunch boxes and raffle prizes for volunteers. This annual event encourages locals and visitors alike to participate in the project so that they can continue to enjoy Aruba’s picturesque beaches and turquoise waters for years to come.

Aruba’s commitment to environmental preservation can also be seen through island-wide programs that include the reforestation of Arikok National Park, the use of the Wind Energy Park at Vader Piet to reduce its dependency on oil, a $6 million project to receive the ‘Blue Flag’ certification at Aruba’s most popular beaches and the efforts by various resorts to work with Green Globe/Earthcheck in order to attain sustainability, with 8 hotels already receiving certification.

For more information on Aruba, please visit online at www.ARUBA.com or call 1-800-TO-ARUBA.

Aruba – February 8, 2011 - Building on the success of the inaugural Aruba International Film Festival (AIFF) last June, which attracted stars and films from around the world and entertained thousands over the course of a week, it has been confirmed that the island nation of Aruba will host a second edition of the AIFF this June (June 10-16). Initial details surrounding the 2011 Film Festival were unveiled today at a press conference by AIFF Founders and Producers Giuseppe Cioccarelli and Jonathan Vieira.

Actors, directors, producers, writers, industry executives and foreign media will once again be invited to converge on the island to experience firsthand why AIFF is on its way to becoming the film industry’s “must-attend” summer event. Local festival goers will be able to see a wide variety of films from around the world and experience an exciting, one-of-a-kind event that brings Hollywood and worldwide cinema to their home.

Viera welcomes the support of the Aruban government saying “AIFF is a good example of how government money is used to support local businesses and to promote the tourist industry on the Island. The festival generated tremendous worldwide publicity for Aruba last year. The great press throughout North American, Europe and South America is a testament not only to the festival but the entire local community who participated and brought it to life as the international media looked on.”

Centered once again at the Paseo Herencia Entertainment Center, the second edition of the Aruba International Film Festival aims to be even bigger than last year’s inaugural event, which showcased 25 films from 16 different countries and attracted an array of notable film industry names such as legendary leading man Richard Gere, Oscar® and Golden Globe® nominee writer and director Guillermo Arriaga (“Babel” “21 Grams”, “The Burning Plain”), multiple Academy Award® winning editor Thelma Schoonmaker (“The Departed” “Goodfellas” “The Aviator”); Academy Award® nominated actress Patricia Clarkson (“Pieces of April” “Shutter Island” “Lars and the Real Girl”); Oscar® nominated actor, director and producer Griffin Dunne (“Game 6” “My Girl” “Johnny Dangerously”), popular Venezuelan actress Rudy Rodriguez, actor Alfonso Herrera and famous Indian choreographer Longinus Fernandes (“Slumdog Millionaire”).

Distinguished writer, director and producer Claudio Masenza, a revered member of the international film community for over 30 years (bringing with him years of experience as a member of the selection committees for the world renowned Venice Film Festival and Rome Film Festival) is reprising his role as AIFF Artistic Director. He will again be selecting films that reflect the cultural diversity that epitomizes the island of Aruba.

Commented Masenza, “I was truly impressed with the love, passion and curiosity shown by the people of Aruba for the selection of international movies – the Italian selection, the Indian selection, and so on.” Masenza said he intends to again focus on finding international variety in the selections.

Encouraged by strong local support last year, AIFF plans to expand its popular “Spotlight” series, which was created to showcases movies from Aruban and Caribbean filmmakers. Having proved its popularity among locals, extra resources will be applied to create a broader experience for the series.

This year’s festival will also have a strong focus on “Green” initiatives as it looks to play an active role in preserving and protecting the ecosystem that defines the beautiful island and implement pro-environmental practices throughout the festival to minimize the ecological impact of the week-long event.

According to Cioccarelli, “The film industry has become increasingly aware of its responsibility to the environment. We want to continue to find ways to reduce the carbon footprint of our Festival through conservation and the use of eco-friendly technologies.”

Sponsored by the Aruban Government and generous donations from local businesses, the inaugural AIFF brought over 40 foreign media outlets to the island, sowing new seeds for the promotion of destination tourism.  The 2011 edition of the festival promises to expand that market even further.

Tickets for AIFF 2011 will be available in a variety of price ranges, from a simple movie ticket to packages of multi–event attendance.

About the Aruba International Film Festival

The breathtaking Caribbean island of Aruba provides the backdrop for the film industry’s newest “must-attend” event, taking place June 10-16, 2011, with an inviting atmosphere, suited like none other, to attract actors, directors, filmmakers, and film lovers.

AIFF stands to further global awareness for the Island of Aruba as a center of art, culture and creativity and serve as a platform to promote the understanding and appreciation for the art of cinema and filmmaking. With participants enjoying a relaxed Aruban ambiance and a casual interaction between filmmakers and audience.

The annual AIFF will bring people from around the world to view a wide selection of films, join in discussions and attend special parties and events.

AIFF has a mission to encourage, educate and activate young Aruban filmmakers. Throughout the Festival, notable film professionals will be conducting master classes on all facets of filmmaking and the creative process.

For more information please visit the Aruba International Film Festival website at www.arubafilmfest.com

WESTON, Fla. – May 1, 2010 – Select Marriott and Renaissance Resorts in the Caribbean and Costa Rica are offering up to 40% off leisure rates. The “Grab Life by the Beach” vacation package can be booked May 1 – 31, 2010 for travel from June 1 – October 31, 2010. Rates start as low as $98 per night at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort and The Royal Beach Casino and just $119 at the Curacao Marriott Beach Resort & Emerald Casino. Savings equal up to $296 off per night at the Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort and up to $90 off per night at the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino.

“The summer is a great time to travel south to the Caribbean and Costa Rica. Escape the city heat in exchange for a lounge chair on the beach,” said Michelle Bozoki, Director of Marketing Communications for Marriott and Renaissance Caribbean & Mexico Resorts. For more information or to book Caribbean or Costa Rican vacation visit ParadiseByMarriott.com, contact your travel agent, or call toll-free 1-888-PARADISE. Request code LLF when making reservations. Participating resorts include the Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort, Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort, Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino, Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, Curacao Marriott Beach Resort & Emerald Casino, and the St. Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino. The offer is not valid for groups of ten rooms or more. Blackout dates or other restrictions may apply. Promotion cannot be combined with any other offer, sales promotion, or prior purchase/reservation.

Boasting an array of exciting resort activities, superb restaurants and dining options, state-of-the-art amenities and luxurious accommodations, each of the Marriott and Renaissance Caribbean & Mexico Resorts offer a distinct and extraordinary vacation experience in spectacular oceanfront settings. For a full list of Marriott and Renaissance Caribbean & Mexico Resort locations and for more information on the current packages and promotions, please visit www.ParadiseByMarriott.com.

MARRIOTT AND RENAISSANCE CARIBBEAN & MEXICO RESORTS is an integrated sales and marketing organization that was formed in 1997 to combine the sales and marketing efforts of several resort properties in the Caribbean and Mexico. Today, the group consists of a select portfolio of nine oceanfront resorts that are owned and/or managed by Marriott International. Representing the most spectacular resort properties throughout the Caribbean and Mexico, including Aruba, Curaçao, St. Kitts, St. Thomas, Grand Cayman, Cancun and Puerto Vallarta, each Marriott and Renaissance Caribbean & Mexico Resort captures the charm of its distinctive locale, while providing renowned

Sometimes a girl needs a little time to herself. That was exactly why I headed to the Divi Village Golf and Beach Resort in Aruba. Nothing like a little island R & R.

The best part about staying at the Village, for me, was that I literally got to have it all. I had a gorgeous one-bedroom apartment with a lake and golf course view. I could get a lift to the beach with one phone call or enjoy the ten-minute walk from the Village to either Tamirjn or Divi Aruba (sister resorts that are across the street and on the beach complete with much needed palapas). And the place wasn’t mobbed despite there being lots of guests there.

With my all-inclusive package (an optional add-on at the Village), I could eat at any of the resorts’ restaurants I chose and I could use the spa, pools, work-out room, you name it. In my mind, that is the way to go.

The rooms at the Divi Beach and Golf Resort are comfortable and beachy. You know, with rattan furniture and blue accessories. And because I had the one bedroom, I also had two full baths and a fully loaded kitchen – right down to plates, glasses, and utensils. It was quite comfortable and pretty.

The staff was friendly, capable, and available without being hovering. They remembered my name and inquired about my day. And if someone couldn’t answer a question, they pointed me to someone who could.

I had a fabulous meal at the Tamarijn’s Asian style restaurant Ginger. But the best meal I had was at Windows, which is the Divi Village’s newest restaurant. It is not part of the all-inclusive. But it is certainly worth checking out. The food was plated beautifully and was equally as yummy.

The highlight of the trip was a golf lesson with the resort’s hunky golf pro. I had never before picked up an iron or a club (save for miniature golf) and by the end of the lesson I was driving balls straight across the range and down the center. Now, if only I had time to practice…

I did leave the property to go downtown to shop (mostly jewelry stores and souvenir shops) just minutes from the resort. I also ventured out to Palm Island, which I would definitely recommend. You can hang at the beach, snorkel with the giant, bright blue parrotfish, or try out their sea trek, where you “walk” underwater. Very cool.

This resort would be equally good for couples or families – not to mention traveling alone or hosting a girls’ weekend – because there is so much to do. All non-motorized sports are included (when you sign on for the all-inclusive package) which means wind-surfing, kayaking, and snorkeling. The most surprising activity they offer is an indoor rock climbing wall. I myself wasn’t brave enough to try it, I’m afraid.

Divi is still busy building away at the Golf and Beach Resort and are scheduled to premiere shiny new time-shares at their Phoenix Resort, which is just a few miles down the road. (I spent a lovely day at their beach too.) That’s one renovation I’m very excited to see since the new resort design includes building up the beach to meet the edge of their new restaurant that will be surrounded on all other sides by water.

It’s an interesting concept, the non all-inclusive resort that’s all-inclusive. What makes it so appealing is that you can have all the perks of the all-inclusive with none of the downside (that is, less fancy rooms and big crowds, generally). Not that the other properties are anything to sneeze at. I just really appreciated the comfort and space. And I liked that the all-inclusive package was an option as opposed to a requirement, which means you get to choose based on your vacation style. Like to eat on property? All-inclusive is the way to go. Like to go out or to cook? Then don’t add the package and simply pay as you go at the various hotel restaurants.

For travel starting March 1, 2009 through December 23, 2009,  suites are available from $139 per night at Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort; from $179 a night at  Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort; and from $125 a night at Divi Dutch Village Resort. The coolest thing I think, in terms of price, is that with the all-inclusive at the Golf and Beach Resort, kids 17 and under stay and eat free and adults get unlimited golf after 3:00 p.m.

The Divi Village Golf and Beach Resort in Aruba was a perfect fit for my solo escape needs. But I look forward to bringing the whole family to enjoy it next time. It was the kind of place that could be as romantic or as family oriented as you choose. And isn’t choice what vacationing is all about?

www.diviresorts.com 1.800.367.3484.

Jenny Block is the author of “Open: Love, Sex, and Life in an Open Marriage” (Seal Hardcover, June 2008 and Seal Paperback, March 2009), which has been nominated for a Lambda Literary Award. She writes a weekly column for the Dallas Morning News publication Quick called “Sex Talk with Jenny Block” (quickdfw.com). Jenny holds both her BA and her MA in English from Virginia Commonwealth University and taught college composition for nearly ten years.

Maryl meets Zena of Aruba Tourism at the Los Angeles Time Adventurers Travel Expo to learn a little more about the Dutch island in the Caribbean. She tells us about beaches, accommodations and the popular nightlife scene on Aruba. For more on Aruba at ITKT. This podcast was produced by Wayfarer Digital for In The Know Traveler. To see our great videos and interviews you need Quick Time 7.0 or better.

Or subcribe to In The Know Traveler on iTunes!

Aruba is outside of the hurricane belt!

A consistent 82F weather all year round.
Cooling trade winds keeps the humidity and bugs away!

Incredibly high standard of living.

Aruba is exceptionally clean and there is virtually no homelessness or crime.

Our people are known for their friendliness and hospitality.
Caribbean Travel and Life voted Aruba as having the friendliest people in the Caribbean.

No language barrier. Arubans are proficient in four languages-Dutch, Papiamento (our native tongue), English and Spanish.

The US Dollar is widely accepted.

We have over 200 restaurants with award winning international and local cuisine. Look into dine-around and wine-around programs at www.arubadining.com!

Aruba has exciting nightlife options from Las-Vegas style dinner shows to romantic sunset sails. Caribbean has voted Aruba as having the Best Nightlife in the Caribbean in the past!

Drinking water is as pure as can be-we have on of the largest desalination plants in the world.

Excellent shopping: incredible savings on European linens, jewelry, and perfumes.

Aruba offers a unique multicultural experience-we have many European customs coupled with a thriving Latin influence.

Easily accessible with numerous US carriers such as American, Continental, United, US Air, and even Jet Blue!

Great family destination with various kids’ programs and child-friendly activities such as the Ostrich Farm and the Butterfly Farm.

We have a PGA championship 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. as well as a 9-hole golf course.

Our Queen Beatrix Airport has US Customs & Immigration pre-clearance!

**Beginning January 23 all U.S. citizens and foreign nationals are required to carry a passport to enter or re-enter the U.S. from vacation or business travel anywhere in the Caribbean**

For more on Aruba at ITKT