ORANJESTAD, Aruba -- Aruba Sonesta Resorts is no longer two hotels
here. The properties are now one resort with two towers, a
repositioning that took place in May.
What were once known as the Aruba Sonesta Resort and Aruba
Sonesta Suites have been joined together to form the Aruba Sonesta
Beach Resort at Seaport Village.
The name change and repositioning reflect a move to "help
individual travelers, travel agents and meeting planners better
understand the property and all we have to offer," said Anabela
Paterson de Sousa, the resort's vice president of sales and
marketing.
"The new name better reflects our stature as the only resort in
Aruba that offers an entire village, plus a secluded island with
the only private beaches in Aruba."
As part of the repositioning, the resort is upgrading the
property with additions and improvements to existing
facilities.
The refurbishments include revamping the atrium in the Beach
Tower, a makeover of the water canal at the Marina Tower and
improvements to Sonesta Island, the resort's private island located
a 10-minute boat launch away.
The canal and its surrounding area, designed to look like a
natural cave, will be lined with natural rocks and waterfalls.
Over the summer, the property will begin a planned laser show at
the boat dock, as well, according to Marusca Harms, the Aruba-based
director of sales for the U.S.
Boats depart the Marina Tower every 20 minutes for Sonesta
Island between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Once on Sonesta Island, guests are greeted by a handful of green
iguanas that call the island home and a bird sanctuary featuring a
variety of colorful parrots and other tropical birds.
Also on the island are a fitness center, tennis courts, a Red
Sail Sports desk with water-sports equipment rentals, two beaches
and the outdoor Seabreeze Restaurant & Bar, serving light food
until 4:30 p.m. and drinks until 6 p.m.
An addition to Sonesta Island is Honeymoon Cove, a secluded area
hidden among the mangrove trees that can be rented by a couple for
the day.
The cost for renting Honeymoon Cove is $150 per couple, per day,
and covers butler service for continental breakfast and unlimited
mimosas all day long.
The butler will visit the couple at scheduled times and also
serve an a la carte lunch with one frozen cocktail per person.
The cove features an oversized hammock, two beach chairs, a
picnic table, water floats and snorkel equipment.
The resort also plans to open a full-service spa and fitness
center this summer.
The spa will offer wraps, treatments and massages.
Rates valid through Dec. 22 in the 254-room Beach Tower
(formerly the Sonesta Suites) range from $215 to $320 per room,
single or double.
Rates in the 300-room Marina Tower (formerly Sonesta Resort)
range from $155 to $400 per room, single or double.
Aruba Sonesta Beach Resort at Seaport Village
Phone: (800) SONESTA
Web: www.sonesta.com
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