The Radisson Blu Aruba will be celebrating its third anniversary at the beginning of April recalling past challenges and celebrating present achievements.
The past three years saw the resort coming into full bloom, after its opening without any fanfare in early 2021. Opening a full-service resort that year took courage, vision and optimism, as most of the world was still attempting to recover from a pandemic, and uncertainty hung in the air.
But the resort was in capable hands, under the same management team since opening day, General Manager Luigi Wix, and the Director of Commercial Strategy, Shareska Gutierrez.
It must have been tough, but they persisted and forged ahead with great determination and as Aruba registered 91% hotel occupancy in February 2024, the Radisson Blu was right up there among other famous Palm Beach brands, making guests happy.
The Radisson Blu, a well-established European brand, currently lists 315 hotels and resorts worldwide.
At the Aruba property guests’ profile varies. There are many Europeans among them. They know the brand well and appreciate its comfort and style. The younger hip and restless generations appreciate the proximity to restaurants and clubs, sleeping in until late in the morning, lunching halfway through the afternoon, and staying up to the wee hours. Families enjoy the free form, never-ending, zero entry ground level pools, with shallow kid wading spaces, and adult areas. The elongated warm whirlpool, is also a distinct feature, big enough to accommodate many relaxation seekers.
While a stone-throw away from the beach, the resort offers an exclusive beach area next to Moomba where guests may refresh themselves in the sparkling blue. A free shuttle ride is available from the lobby, down to the beach, graced with lounge chairs and shade. Guests may also spend time on the roof top, in the inviting adult only, infinity pool, with stunning ocean views, ordering cocktails from the Acqua Breeze bar, or having lunch at the Sunset Bistro.
The possibility of working out at the fitness center with the latest in cardio and strength training equipment, is inspiring, with spectacular views through the expansive glass windows. The resort’s shopping gallery, street side, offers quality gift and souvenir and is impatiently awaiting the opening of an upscale Spanish delicatessen store.
The resort offers 156 rooms, they are all modern suites, and guests appreciate the spectacular king size beds, 50-inch HDTVs, with in-room entertainment options, and the spacious feel of the accommodations. Soon, more rooms will be added to the inventory, all one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites with a nicely equipped kitchenette. With a larger room inventory, the resort is hoping to extend its beach allocation, and mix a bit more sand in guests’ vacation memories.
Since opening day, The Radisson Blu used its time wisely to establish its presence in a diverse number of markets and is performing well, under the leadership of a resident owner, an architect, with little hotel background, but very good taste in furnishings and design, also a gift for identifying the all-local leadership team needed to run the show.
Both Wix & Gutierrez look back at the last three years with satisfaction. The resort faced significant employee turnover in the first year, post pandemic. Many wanted to explore entrepreneurship or just stay home and collect a subsidy, but with time they figured a magic formula out in collaboration with the owner that resulted in higher-than-average salaries for employees and so stabilized the resort’s position in the job market.
At Radisson Blu employees get a monthly bonus in addition to their salary. The amount reflects their role’s impact on hotel revenue, and often doubles their take-home wages, acknowledging their effort and incentivizing performance. The resort has also introduced a five-day workweek for all departments, besides educational opportunities, active encouragement of work-life balance superior labor conditions, and most importantly in Aruba, an extra off day on birthdays!
On the environmental front the Radisson Blu is a forerunner. Its building is the only structure on the island to have received the prestigious LEEDS certification, in new construction category. During construction the resort was classified as a ‘green building,’ in which all materials used guarantee energy efficiency, resilience, safety, and well-being for its occupants. Overall, the accommodations prioritize the environment, with energy efficient lighting, superbly insulated water pipes, eco-friendly amenities, AC water reuse for gardening and an exceptional biodiversity in the gardens, growing over 70 different types of indigenous plant species.
The resort’s Food & Beverage offerings now include Senses Fine Dining, an award-winning restaurant, the only one on Palm Beach to offer both an 8-course chef’s table experience and a la carte dining. Clover is a very cute coffee shop, on the ground floor, their Barista is an elegant coffee artist and gracious server, a perfect spot for lunch or all-day noshing.
Prepare to celebrate the resort on April 3rd, reveling in the joyous occasion of its anniversary.
