The first Radisson Blu, a European brand, to open in the Caribbean was in Anse Marcel on the French side of St. Martin, in 2010. It was flagged the Radisson Blu Marina & Spa, St Martin, with veteran hotelier, Jeff Lesker as General Manager. How do I know? Because I went to visit the investment of $1.5 billion designed to ‘advance the tiered brand strategy and further establish Radisson in the upper-upscale hotel segment.’
Today the brand lists 315 hotels and resorts – much was accomplished in 14 years.
The Radisson Blu in Aruba just invited us for its 3rd anniversary celebration. And you know what it means. Opening in 2021 took courage, as most of the world was recovering from a pandemic, and uncertainty hung in the air.
But the resort was in good hands, under the same management team since opening day, handsome General Manager Luigi Wix, and the always-gorgeous, now Director of Commercial Strategy, Shareska Gutierrez.
It must have been tough, but they persisted and as Aruba registered 91% hotel occupancy in February, the Radisson Blu was right up there among other famous Palm Beach brands.
Guests’ profile at Radisson Blu 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.
All 156 rooms are modern suites, and guests adore the spectacular king size beds, 50-inch HDTVs, with in-room entertainment options, and the spacious feel of the accommodations. In the near future, more rooms will be added to the inventory, all one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites with a nicely equipped kitchenette.
It is apparent, that 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 Luigi & Shareska look back at the last three years with wonder. 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 consequently 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!
While removed from the beach, the resort offers a designated beach area next to Moomba where guests may refresh themselves in the sparkling blu. A free shuttle ride is available from the lobby, down to the beach, equipped with lounge chairs and shade. In the near future, along with more rooms, the resort is hoping to expand its beach allocation, and meanwhile guests may spend more time on the roof top, in the inviting pool, with stunning ocean views, ordering cocktails from the Acqua Breeze bar, or having lunch at the Sunset Bistro.
The possibility of working off all the weight gained 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 Food & Beverage offerings now include Senses Fine Dining, an award winning restaurant, the only restaurant 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, in an enchanting atmosphere of sophistication and reveling in the joyous occasion of its anniversary.
