news & views fr om under th e divi tre e

fall 2014

on island time

from the desk of the president

On behalf of our entire team, I would like to thank you

for being a valued owner with Divi Resorts. Your loyalty to our company continues to be an inspiration for us as we strive to constantly improve your vacation experiences at our resorts. We make all of our advancements with you in mind, continuously focusing on enhancing your home in the Caribbean.

This year has certainly been a busy one for Divi Resorts. Each property has seen some sort of change; whether it’s a new restaurant or a new lobby, renovations are happening company-wide. (Read more about these enhancements on pages 3 and 4!) One of our goals in 2014 was to upgrade our resorts to improve our guests’ experience, and we have worked toward this goal with every renovation we’ve completed.

Another exciting progression was the launch of the brand new Divi Resorts website in early October 2014. The website features gorgeous new photography, extensive resort details, activities and entertainment guides and more, making it easier - and much more fun - for you to plan your next vacation with Divi Resorts. This new website is the ultimate platform for us to showcase all of the wonderful enhancements our properties have undergone over the past year, and you can enjoy clicking through the site to see what’s new. Visit the new website today at

www.diviresorts.com and check back regularly for exciting updates.

2014 has been an exciting year so far, and there’s much more still to come! 2015 will bring even more enhancements to all of our resorts, along with exciting new benefits for our owners. The entire Divi Resorts team remains committed to creating a one-of-a-kind travel experience for all of our owners and guests. We hope you continue to enjoy your ownership experience with us.

Come visit us soon to see what’s happening on your favorite island!

Sincerely,

Marco GalavernaPresident and COO

Marco Galaverna is the President and Chief Operating Officer for Divi Resorts. A Divi veteran, Marco has served in various roles since joining the company in 1992. His first position with Divi was as Director of Food and Beverage Operations at Divi Little Bay Beach Resort, followed by serving as General Manager for the resort from 1993 to 1995. He was then promoted to Corporate Director of Food and Beverage and Purchasing and served in this role for two years, then assumed the role of Corporate Director of Resort Operations until 2000. From 2000 until 2003, Marco served as Vice President of Resort Operations and Construction before leaving to manage three boutique properties for Decatur Hotels in New Orleans. Marco then returned to Divi in 2005 and reassumed the role of Vice President of Resort Operations and Construction. Earlier this year, he was promoted to President and COO of Divi Resorts.

Marco began his career in the hospitality industry in operational roles at luxury properties throughout Europe and the Caribbean. He has three decades of experience in the hospitality industry and provides valuable insight into hotel operations, project management, construction and resort development. Marco is a native of Italy and attended Gloucestershire College in England.

Some of Marco’s hobbies and interests include cooking, architecture and interior design. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and 11-year-old son and traveling to new places.

get to know marco

president’spromise

“as a valued owner, you’ll get 20% off our nightly rate anytime!”

1

*subject to availability

From top left: Divi Village GM Patrick Franssen and assistant GM Carol Jansen participating in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge; GM Franssen partaking in the hardest part of his job: taste testing new menu items; Divi Flamingo GM Charles Vos posing with the employee bocce ball team; Divi Little Bay GM, Celine Van Meer (center), with employees at the Appreciation Luncheon, hosted by Toucan’s Cafe; Divi Phoenix GM Gerrit Griffith getting down to the “Electric Slide” at the Manager’s Cocktail Reception.

get to know marco

a day in the life of a divi gm

2

2014 has been a year of great improvements for your Divi Resorts

destinations! Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our staff, upgrades have been made to every resort. Here is an outline of some of the exciting changes made so far this year - we invite you to visit soon and see all the enhancements for yourself !

on aruba…

Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort

• Room enhancements in the Tower building include:

pKitchen – new cabinets, stovetop and kitchen appliances, granite countertops and lightingpRoom décor – fresh paint, new artwork and new curtainspBathroom – upgraded lighting and refinished makeup counters in some suitespNew air conditioning systems

• Gardens around the pool and BBQ area are getting a fresh look with new landscaping.

• Squash court in the gym has been redone with fresh paint and special flooring.

• Enhancements to the exterior areas have been made, including improved outdoor lighting, painting of the ballroom exterior and additional handicap accessible entrances by Buildings 8 and 9.

• New themed nights have been introduced at pureocean restaurant and we have added seating to the beach lounge.

Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort

• We achieved Silver Level status through EarthCheck.

• Enchanced our arrival process for guests:pUpgrades to the complimentary welcome drinks and snackspCold towels provided upon check inpA pager system to alert guests when their room is ready for them, allowing the opportunity to relax around the resort

• Exterior improvements have been made, including painting and an upgrade to the golf kiosk.

• A new restaurant called Infinity Grill opened at the freeform pool. This restaurant is very popular among guests and features one of the largest swim-up bars on Aruba.

• A new room service menu is now

available with more delicious choices and menu options from Mulligan’s.

• Added new BBQ Huts, which are both “greener” and more fun for guests, bringing a feeling of community to this area of the resort.

Divi Dutch Village Resort

• Upgraded our WiFi signal and support system.

• Added a new menu and enhanced design elements at the Tiki Tiki Café.

on barbados…

Divi Southwinds Beach Resort

• The pureocean restaurant opened in March and has been well-received by guests. This restaurant is the newest addition to our pure brand dining experience and joins its sister restaurant in Aruba.

• Resort was awarded the Barbados Environmental and Sustainable Tourism (BEST) Award for 2014.

• Cleaning products used on the resort are now 100% eco-friendly.

• Installed new flat screen TVs in the

new and improved

new BBQ grills at divi aruba phoenix beach resort

infinity grill is now open at divi village golf & beach resort

new tiki tiki cafe menu at divi dutch village beach resort

3

suites and in public areas.

• iHome clock radios were also installed in the suites.

• Improvements to the new BBQ area were made.

Divi Heritage Beach Resort

• Improvements were made to the landscaping throughout the property.

• Exterior buildings were repainted for a fresh appearance.

on bonaire…

Divi Flamingo Beach Resort

• Charles Vos joined our resort as the new General Manager in June 2014. Charles has over 20 years of experience in hotel and restaurant management and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role. Since arriving to the island three years ago, he has embraced Bonaire’s culture by becoming a PADI Dive Master and a certified PADI Technical Diver.

• EarthCheck standards were established at the resort.

• New menus were introduced at the Chibi Chibi restaurant.

• New beach bar menu was implemented at the Flamingo Bar.

• Several updates were made to the casino, including new carpet and a smoke filtration system for better air quality.

on st. maarten…

Divi Little Bay Beach Resort

• An entirely new lobby was built with stunning views of Little Bay.

• Renovations were completed at the Seabreeze café, including a new roof, new furniture and an exciting new menu.

• The Bay View Mini Market has undergone renovations and will now offer a larger selection of food and supplies.

• Iwan Hokahin was hired as the new Executive Chef. Chef Hokahin, a St. Maarten native, has an impressive culinary background, including key chef roles at award-winning restaurants. He enjoys using European and Asian techniques and plating methods to enhance the relatively “rustic” cuisine of the Caribbean region.

• Furniture renovations have begun on all of the first floor hotel rooms.

• Received a Blue Flag ranking for the year.

• Little Bay became the first resort in St. Maarten to establish handicap accessibility to the beach.

• Improvements to the resort exterior are completed.

• Additional golf carts for guest transportation were added. These golf carts offer a faster turnaround for transportation and have significantly reduced wait times for guests.

• New guest paging system to let guests know when their room is ready has been implemented.

• Various new relaxing day beds with shade structures were added around the property.

• Added a life-sized chess game and new hammocks to the casita area..• Two new outdoor showers were built.

• New washers and dryers were added to the Laundromat in Building G.

• The menus were updated at all of our resort’s dining locations.

opening of pureocean restaurant at divi southwinds beach resort

welcome charles vos, our new general manager at divi flamingo beach resort & casino

new daybeds throughout divi little bay beach resort

4

At Divi Resorts, our goal is to take an active role in protecting our island environments, and we work toward this each day through our Green Initiatives. Our company-wide Green Initiatives include:

Water Conservation Program

• We monitor all of the water use on our properties, including water used for pools, guestrooms, kitchens, restaurants, dining areas and landscaping.

Energy Management Program

• We use timers on our electrical equipment, including air-conditioning units, Jacuzzi jets, steam rooms at the spas, outdoor lighting for walkways, refrigeration equipment in the kitchens and more.

Waste Management Program

• We have implemented waste disposal practices and procedures at our resorts, such as the recycling of linens, food, office paper and packages. We also use recycled paper and plastic products as part of our recycling program.

Control of Hazardous Substances

• Our company determines the suitability of a product before any purchase is made for our resorts, and we provide full training for staff when new chemicals or equipment are purchased for use in the resort.

Staff Awareness

• Our team members participate in workshops and seminars conducted by environmental committees, local government organizations and non-governmental environmental organizations.

Social and Cultural Development

• We promote and sell local tours and attractions with special recognition of “green tours” at the tour desks. We also invite local island craft vendors to the hotel at least once per week to display and sell their craft items.

For more information about our Green Initiatives, please visit our website at www.diviresorts.com. To learn more about EarthCheck and BlueFlag certifications, please visit www.earthcheck.org and www.blueflag.org.

divi goes green

1We achieved Silver Level status through EarthCheck at Divi

Village Golf & Beach Resort.

2 All Aruba resorts are now EarthCheck certified.

3 Divi Southwinds Beach Resort was awarded the Barbados

Environmental and Sustainable Tourism (BEST) Award for 2014 and now has 100% eco-friendly cleaning products.

4EarthCheck standards were established at the Divi Flamingo

Beach Resort by implementing ADA compliant rooms, a recycling program, water treatment standards through our own water plant, all recycled materials for food and beverage operations and all LED lighting.

5 Divi Little Bay Beach Resort received a BlueFlag ranking for

the year.

5 The number of green initiatve recognitions & awards we’ve received so far in 2014.

5

Hi! My name is Tie Boone-Luke and I am the Owner and Guest Services Supervisor for Divi Resorts. For over 10 years, I have had the pleasure of assisting our wonderful owners and guests. I love to answer questions and give tips whenever possible, so here are some frequently asked questions and answers for you to review.

For this edition of Tie’s Tips, I’ll be answering questions about RCI Points memberships:

Question: How long does it take to activate my RCI account? Answer: Your RCI account will be active 60-90 days after purchase.

tie’s tips

Question: As an RCI Points member, where do I make my reservations for my contracted week or other points-based reservations? Answer: RCI Points members make their home week reservations or points-based reservations directly with RCI Points. RCI Points members must confi rm their contracted week(s) 12-13 months in advance with RCI at 1-877-968-7476.

Question: I am an RCI Points member and I do not want to use my owned week or any other week in a given year. What happens to my Points?Answer: You may contact RCI and

save the Points into the next use year. Th e Points are “banked” into your RCI Points account and may be used at a future date.

Question: Can I use RCI Points towards airfare, car rentals, etc.?Answer: A portion of your Points may be used for airfare, car rentals and similar purchases. Please refer to your RCI Member Handbook for details.

Have questions? Email me at ownerrelations@diviresorts.com and I’ll be happy to help you!

Corporate Office Holiday Hours Closed: 11/27-11/28, 12/25, 1/1 Early Release at 1pm: 12/24, 12/31

6

Check out our new and improved website!

Visit www.DiviResorts.com to see the vibrant new look of Divi Resorts.

our new website includes:pUpdated resort and area photographypExtensive resort, area and amenity informationpDetails about island activities and entertainment pAn upgraded online reservation systempAnd much, much more!

Visit your favorite islands online for a virtual tour, and start planning your next Caribbean vacation today!

introducing the new diviresorts.com

taste of the islands

ingredients4 cups roasted pumpkin3 sweet potatoes1 large onion, chopped1 leek, washed & sliced1-2 inch piece chopped ginger2T lemongrass1T red curry paste3 cups chicken stock1 can coconut milk [approx 15 oz]Juice of 2 lemons or limesFresh chopped cilantro garnish½ cup sour cream for garnish

caribbean pumpkin soup

directions: pRoast pumpkin & cut into cubes

pPeel & dice sweet potatoes

pSauté onion, leeks, lemongrass, ginger

pAdd curry paste, cook for a few minutes

pAdd stock, coconut milk, sweet potatoes & pumpkin

pBoil until potatoes are cooked through

pAdd lemon or lime juice & top with a dollop of sour cream & cilantro

Enjoy pumpkin with an island flair! This recipe comes directly from our Regional Executive Chef, Matt Boland.

shrimp & jalapeño cheddar fritters

ingredients2 1/2 lbs chopped shrimp3 cups flour1 cup yellow corn meal1 bunch cilantro, chopped4 eggs2 oz olive oil4 scallions, chopped1 lb roasted corn kernels2 shallots, chopped4 oz milk2 jalapeños, diced1 cup shredded cheddar cheesesalt & pepper to taste

An island favorite that is great for tailgating!

directions: pCombine all ingredients in a large bowl

p Form mixture into small patties, approx. 2 oz in size, and fry until golden brown

pMake sure patties are not too round to ensure they cook fully

Divi’s latest pureocean restaurant opened in April at the Divi Southwinds Beach Resort, and it has already become a favorite among resort guests and locals! Boasting a combination of dramatic contemporary Caribbean architecture, a serene setting and inventive bistro fare, this restaurant has quickly become a star on the Barbados culinary scene. Chef Henderson Butcher’s farm-to-fork, dock-to-dish Bajan fusion cuisine is served for both lunch and dinner under the shelter of an airy pavilion or at a beachside table.

Chef Butcher, an island native, adds fl ourishes of local ingredients to his recipes, from Mt. Gay Rum to organic vegetables and herbs grown in the resort’s own greenhouse. Th ere are Bajan specialties such as pudding and souse and fl ying fi sh, plus daily specials of smoked shrimp and pulled pork

that Butcher smokes on the premises. Chef Butcher is another master chef on Divi’s culinary team, with an impressive background that includes leading the Barbados National

Culinary Team. Th e next time you’re visiting Barbados, stop by pureocean and meet Chef Butcher, sample delectable fare and enjoy a one-of-a-kind Caribbean dining experience.

caribbean sky cocktail

ingredients

1 part vodka2 parts curacao blue1 part orange juice Ice

directions: pFill glass with ice, pour vodka and orange juice

pCarefully pour curacao, so as to create a separate layer

A simple and delicious Caribbean concoction.

mee t chef butcher!

In October 2013, Divi Resorts welcomed Juan Fernandez as our new Regional Director of Resort Operations. Since joining the Divi team one year ago, Juan has contributed greatly to all of our resorts, as well as to our company as a whole. As Regional Director of Resort Operations, Juan

focuses on resort guest experiences and services, sustainability and food and beverage operations. You can read about Juan’s progress throughout this newsletter – specifi cally in the “New and Improved” and “Divi Goes Green” sections – but fi rst, let’s get to know Juan a little better…

Juan’s hospitality experience has been gained through more than 20 years in the industry, working in all areas of operations, sales and development throughout his career. Juan’s previous work encompasses all aspects of the hospitality fi eld, aff ording him knowledge in the oversight of front offi ce operations, housekeeping, food and beverage operations, event management, property management, sales, marketing and revenue management. He has extensive background in planning and executing hotel and resort openings in both domestic and international markets, as well as an expertise in renovations and development of hotels and resorts.

just for fun, we did a 1-minute interview with juan:What is a fun fact about you?“I like to sing karaoke, or in my case, “scary-oke”… but I enjoy it. Also, I have 97 nieces and nephews; I come from a LARGE family from Wisconsin.”

What are your hobbies and interests?“I enjoy the ocean, especially being out on the water on a boat. I also golf, swim and play basketball.”

What are your favorite things to do in the Caribbean?“Enjoying the ocean, culture and delicious food.”

What is your favorite part of your job?“Th e interaction with people is why I love the job. I get to interact with great people all the time. So, if you see me around at one of our Divi Resorts, please be sure to stop me for a chat! I’d love to meet you.”

team member spotlightJuan Fernandez – Regional Director of Resort Operations

celebrati ng one year at divi re sorts!

7

congratulations on a very successful first year!

8

If you are seeking tranquility and relaxation during your vacation, you’ll find your sanctuary at the New Image

Spa, located at the Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort in Aruba. This luxurious spa provides a serene escape and offers a variety of services for a day of rejuvenation.

The 2,700 square foot spa underwent renovations this year and reopened in February 2014, occupying the location of the former resort lobby. According to visitors, this spa is one of the most beautiful in Aruba, but its beauty is not the spa’s only outstanding feature. The New Image Spa also offers Aruba’s only hammam spa treatment, which is the Middle Eastern variant of a steam bath. The hammam ritual involves several steps, all aimed at cleansing, purifying and relaxing the body.

“The relaxation process at New Image begins the moment a guest enters the spa’s serene atmosphere,” explains Spa Owner and Manager Olga Manarres,

escape to the new image spa

“My staff of 20 expert therapists are ready and waiting to pamper every Divi owner and guest.” New Image Spa’s wide array of services includes facials, manicures, pedicures, massages, body wraps, body peeling, microdermabrasion, injectables and nutrition counseling. If you want to take your spa experience outdoors, you can enjoy a massage in a secluded gazebo by the pool at the Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort. Beachside massages are also offered in front of the Divi Aruba All Inclusive Resort and the Divi Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive Resort.

The next time you vacation at one of our Aruba resorts, make sure you include time for relaxation in your schedule. It’s all part of making memories the Divi way!

(297) 582-2288 • J.E Irausquin Blvd. #93 www.newimagearuba.com • info@newimagearuba.com

9

social media highlights

the inside scoopHere’s a behind-the-scenes look at our recent photo shoot for the new and improved www.diviresorts.com.  Our fabulous photographer, models and photo shoot team had a wonderful time capturing the beauty and excitement of a Divi Resorts vacation, and we hope you enjoy checking out the fun new photography on our updated website.  

10

divi’s treasures of the caribbeanTh e Divi Pirate Club enjoys participating in sandcastle contests, movie nights and treasure hunts!

the winning teamOur Divi Little Bay employee soccer team at a recent tournament

bird is the wordGizmo is involved and consulted on every menu item at her namesake restaurant at the Divi Little Bay Beach Resort

love is all aroundA recent proposal at Divi Phoenix’s restaurant

stay connectedLike us on Facebook for trip giveaways, the latest news and beautiful photography.

facebook.com/diviresorts

restaurant

calendar of events

aruba

november Divi Aruba International Beach Tennis Tournament - Hosted by Divi Resorts. Beach tennis players of all ages enjoy tournaments and fun

Sinterklaas Celebrations - Join the children of Aruba as they welcome Sinterklaas (also known as San Nicolas) to the island for this holiday tradition

december Boxing Day - The day after Christmas Day, Boxing Day is an official holiday in Aruba

Dande Festival - Celebrate the true traditional Aruban music, Dande, as you welcome the New Year

january Aruba Carnival - Carnival begins in January and is celebrated throughout February with various events and festivals

Betico Croes Day - A day filled with cultural, sports and musical activities in celebration of the father of the Aruban nation

february Carnival Queen Election - Come celebrate the election of the Aruba Carnival Queen

march Flag and Anthem Day - A festival celebrating Aruba’s National Anthem and National Flag

barbados

november Food, Wine and Rum Festival - Get a taste of Barbados at this exciting festival, featuring lots of fun and island flavor

Independence Pro and Junior Pro Surfing Championship - Watch professional surfers of all ages take on the waves in this exciting competition

december Old Year’s Night - The Barbados name for New Year’s Eve, Old Year’s Night is celebrated through various parties and events

january Mount Gay Round Barbados Race Series - Enjoy three days of coastal

racing at the Mount Gay Round Barbados Race, an ocean passage race to Antigua

Barbados Chocolate Festival - Described as “three days of pure chocolate decadence,” this festival is sure to delight anyone with a sweet tooth

february Holetown Festival - This festival celebrates the day that Barbados became a British colony with food, music, entertainment and fun!

march Cricket Tournaments - Come see why cricket has been one of Barbados’ most popular sports for over 120 years

bonaire

november Cultural Market - Free market featuring sightseeing tours, local arts and crafts, plants and vegetables, educational presentations and dance-fitness workouts

decemberBari Festival - Features music from

divi aruba international beach tennis tournament

carnival is a huge attraction on all of our islands

agriculture & food fair of the us virgin islands

11

www.divibeachtennisaruba.com www.visitaruba.com/things-to-do/carnival

www.viagrifest.org

the Bari drum and celebrates the tradition of sharing news through music

End of the Year Celebration - Enjoy a fireworks show in the streets of Kralendijk to celebrate the end of 2014

january New Year’s Day Maskarada - Locals celebrate Maskarada by dressing in disguise and dancing outside of the Lt. Governor’s home

Bonaire International & Local Fishing Tournament - This exciting tournament will feature food, fun and of course, fishing, with great prizes awarded for top catches

february Tumba Contest - This musical event features local bands and singers competing to be named Tumba King or Queen with their original music and lyrics

march Carnival Grand Parade in Kralendijk - The largest Carnival parade, featuring music, floats and costumes

st. maarten

november St. Maarten’s Day - Celebrates the day Christopher Columbus discovered the island with various sporting events, parades and festivals

december New Year’s Celebration on the Boardwalk - Celebrate with fireworks and entertainment

january St. Martin DP Dance Salsa Festival - Featuring the best salsa dancers of the Caribbean, US and Europe, this festival is sure to impress dance fans

februaryCarnival Events - Experience Carnival in St. Martin, with parades, festivals, jump-ups, barbecues and pageants

march Heineken Regatta - Series of boat races that bring sailing fans together for a weekend of fun and entertainment

st. croix

november St. Croix International Regatta - Boat racing, food, drinks and entertainment!

december Christmas Boat Parade - Watch beautifully decorated and lighted boats sail through the Harbor

january

Three Kings Day - Parade held in early January, celebrates the Three Kings (also known as the Three Wise Men) of the Nativity story

februaryAgriculture and Food Fair of the US Virgin Islands - This fair is the largest agricultural exposition on the island and features food, music, plants, animals and fun for the whole family

marchKrewe de Croix Mardi Croix Parade - St. Croix’s version of Mardi Gras. Music, arts, crafts and delicious food from local vendors

12

discover the barbados chocolate festival

enjoy boat racing at the st. croix international regatta

the bonaire cultural market features native food & fun

www.barbadoschocolatefestival.comwww.stcroixyc.com/regatta www.bonairebest.com/events-info/cultural-market

november 2014 - march 2015

contactwebsite: www.diviresorts.com

blog: blog.diviresorts.com919-419-3484

reservations: 800-367-3484 | reserve@diviresorts.comowner services: 888-863-6822 | ownerrelations@diviresorts.com

groups: 800-801-5550 | groupsales@diviresorts.comloan servicing/collections: 800-649-2853

socialFacebook: www.facebook.com/diviresorts

Twitter: www.twitter.com/diviresortsInstagram: instagram.com/diviresorts

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/diviresorts

keep in touch

Corporate Office Holiday Hours Closed: 11/27-11/28, 12/25, 1/1

Early Release at 1pm: 12/24, 12/31