The reveal of the entrance sign signaled the addition of the Courtyard by Marriott Aruba Resort to our island’s room inventory, after an extensive renovation project of the former Mill Resort & Suites.
This was the fourth opening this month, a sign that our tourism industry is growing, first with the Hyatt Place Airport Hotel, then the Boardwalk Hotel, the groundbreaking of Secret in San Nicolas, and the official opening of what is dubbed as Palm Beach’s Best-Kept Secret, the brand new Courtyard by Marriott Aruba Resort.
A modest reception, with just a handful of top tourism representatives, and fewer Marriott brand-colleagues, marked the occasion.
The owner, a cheerful Venezuelan businessman in a black leather bomber jacket, Dr. Carlos Alaimo, of Trust Hospitality, whose name was omitted from the press release, gave an enthusiastic and personal account at the opening, how Aruba has always been his ideal vacation get-away destination, and when the opportunity presented itself, he ventured into business here. He seemed pleased with the results of his labor.
In his discourse, the MinTour touted his own horn, a total of 2,100 Marriott rooms, across 6 Marriott brands: Our tourism industry is growing under his stewardship.
With the rebranding and reflaging complete, I believe it’s time to change the phone greeting from Welcome to the Mill resort & Suites to Welcome to the Courtyard by Marriott Aruba Resort.
Here is the official announcement:
PALM BEACH—On December 2, 2019, Courtyard by Marriott officially opened its first resort property in the Caribbean. The Courtyard by Marriott Aruba Resort, ideally situated in the heart of Palm Beach and just steps away from the sugar-white sands and clear turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, features 200 guest rooms centered around an oasis of tropical gardens and pools.
Formerly known as The Mill Resort, the new Courtyard by Marriott Aruba Resort is operated by Trust Hospitality, a top boutique and resort hotel management company. A $25 million investment in upgrading the existing property brings to life a contemporary design and approach to cater to today’s savvy travelers. A soothing palette inspired by nature—soft tones of green, beige, brown, gold, and cream, with infusions of natural textures like wood and marble—set a decidedly fresh and modern tone that welcomes calm and relaxation.
All guest rooms and suites are undergoing a complete transformation with new bathrooms, tile, furniture, bedding, and décor (more than 75% of rooms have been fully renovated). Two saltwater pools—the only resort saltwater pools on the island—grace the courtyard area, and a chic swim-up bar is also featured. Families traveling with children can take advantage of the new dynamic and engaging Kid’s Club, located adjacent to the pool area. Anchoring the pool and garden space is the Allegra Bistro, an on-trend, al fresco bistro that will have a soft opening in late August.
Newly-appointed general manager, Vicky Perez, is thrilled to be a part of this ground-breaking endeavor, pointing out that investors, after a global search, decided that Aruba would be the ideal location for a Courtyard by Marriott-branded resort. Shares Perez, “Our island has some of the best beaches in the world, exciting activities, and world-class dining and shopping, but Aruba’s best asset is its people—hospitality is not just a job here, it’s our way of life.”
