18Mar/132

Meet the staff: Belinda Martinez

You've seen her face, you know her name and she knows yours. She greets you every tome you step into Grand Aruba's First Club. Did you know she's an animal lover? Keep reading and get to know a bit more about Belinda Martinez, Guest Service at Occidental Grand Aruba.

Belinda Martínez, our Guest Service at Occidental Grand Aruba

Hello, my name is Belinda Martinez and I’m Guest Service for Occidental Grand Aruba. I’ve been working at Occidental Vacation Club for almost 4 years now. I love working here: I get to meet members from all over the world, and also make great friends with our members that come back year after year. I love making our members happy providing them with service beyond all expectations and make their vacations most enjoyable and unforgettable.

I’m from Aruba, I like going to the beach with my dogs, also fishing and playing tennis. In my free time I also volunteer at our local animal shelter.

See you soon in the Happy Island!

15Nov/122

What Caribbean Island has it all? Aruba!

Aruba has everything you'll need for the perfect Caribbean vacation!

Heavenly, sun-kissed days, picture perfect beaches, sparkling oceans of crystal, clear, water, friendly people, world-class resorts, and countless activities to fill your every vacation need.  Aruba has something for everyone!

Your perfect place to stay in Aruba is the Occidental Grand Aruba, one of Occidental Vacation Club's premier resorts located on the island's best beach, "Palm Beach."  The Grand Club's concierge recommends these "can't miss" activities.

Thrill Seekers and Sports Enthusiasts - Aruba has by far the best dive sites in the Caribbean. Divers can choose from twenty different dive sites including eleven "diver friendly wrecks" to explore. Aruba's coral reefs, brilliantly colored fish, and exotic marine life, are highly observable in Aruba's waters of 90 feet visibility. There's also sports fishing, kayaking, jet skiing, sailing, wind-surfing and more. For land lovers, Aruba offers twenty miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, plus off-road adventures, and horseback riding.

Divers can choose from twenty different dive sites

Relaxers - If your idea of a great vacation is sunbathing on gorgeous beaches, and feeling the soft sand sift through your toes as you take a leisurely walk, or indulging in luxurious spa services, and sipping a cocktail while watching the sunset under your palapa, Aruba comes through for you too!

Explorers - For those who like to visit an area's natural wonders, and historical sites, try Arikok National Park and experience Aruba's great variety of rare and exotic flora and fauna.  Check out one of Aruba's, most visited attractions, the Natural Bridge and other popular sites; The California Lighthouse, and the Casibari Rock Formation, Aruba's version of Stonehenge.

And if all this isn't enough, Aruba has a vibrant nightlife with casinos rivaling Las Vegas, a variety of dining options, and nightly entertainment at many of the resorts.  Did you say shopping? Aruba has that too.  Aruba's craft stores are full of Dutch porcelains and figurines reflecting the island's Dutch heritage. And you must buy some Dutch cheese, hand embroidered linens, and any of the beauty products made from the native aloe vera plant.

 

In Occidental Grand Aruba the Casino is open 24 hours!

Now go on. Book that reservation, and before you know it and you'll be enjoying the perfect vacation, and saying "Bon Bini" to Aruba!

22Aug/120

Occidental Specialty Restaurants: what would you like to dine tonight?

Food choices abound at the all-inclusive resorts of Occidental Vacation Club. What and where you eat it can be a different choice every day, from an international buffet in a casual setting, or a family lunch or snack by the pool. But what about those special occasions... anniversary or birthday? Occidental Specialty Restaurants are part of your all inclusive service. The decision is yours.

Craving Italian? Several Occidental Resorts can satisfy that desire. At the Grand Pagagayo, Costa Rica, The Italian, with its sunset views, is the perfect setting for expertly prepared Italian favorites. L'Olio at the Grand Aruba features a variety of popular, Italian specialties, and boasts a wine selection from around the world. Tantalizing Beef Carpaccio and Lasagna Florentine lure repeat dinners again and again to Via Veneto at the Grand Punta Cana.

The Italian, Grand Papagayo

 And Asian?  D'Oriental is a serene, Japanese/Asian fusion restaurant found at several of the resorts. Chefs there prepare an exquisite selection of seafood, pork, duck, and vegetarian specialties.  Zen at the Grand Aruba features a sushi bar and private dining "Tatami style." Get your Zen on!

Zen, Grand Aruba

Not enough choices? Seafood, Steak House, Caribbean and Mexican restaurants are found at many of the resorts. But perhaps the "Piece de resistance" is Las Ventanas, Royal Hideaway Playacar's signature gourmet restaurant in Rivera Maya, Mexico. Read what diner, alienpilot of Texas, posted on TripAdvisor.

La Hacienda, Grand Xcaret

"We just had the experience of our lives at Royal Hideaway. The "Chef's Table" in Las Ventana's restaurant is IN the kitchen behind glass windows, ceiling to floor. Max of 6 people. Live video feed closeups of the preparations on a flat screen in your dining area. The chef and assistant chef present these creations to you and describe them. Wine pairings are available. Absolutely, the high point of our vacation. If you are a "foodie" you will go crazy! Do it!"

**Contact the concierge at the First Club NOW to make your reservations. Reservations fill fast for these Specialty Restaurants, and you wouldn't want to miss an opportunity to try any of these delectable, dining experiences.

Bon Appetite!

26Jun/120

Occidental Hotels Awarded Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor

For excellence in hospitality and service, and for consistently receiving the outstanding ratings from our guests, five Occidental Hotels & Resorts properties were honored with the Certificate of Excellence 2012 by TripAdvisor.

Occidental Grand XcaretGrand CozumelGrand Nuevo VallartaGrand Aruba and Occidental El Embajador are the five Occidental Hotels & Resorts properties that this year became part of the exclusive group of hotels and resorts to be awarded with the Certificate of Excellence.

It is our goal to constantly provide our members and guests with outstanding service and superior accommodations. This award gives us another reason to keep innovating and offering higher quality service.

Thank you for, once again, giving us the opportunity to serve you and provide memorable vacations.

23May/120

Occidental Vacation Club rooms: Comfort and luxury redefined

Ah…the Caribbean vacation. There’s nothing like the warm, inviting breeze, the sea and the feeling of sand beneath your feet.  Your Occidental Vacation Club accommodations only enhance the experience.

Spacious, modern, comfortable and luxurious are just a few adjectives we can use to describe the kind of accommodations our members and guests enjoy every time they stay at one of our properties. Suitable for every travel style, most or our units are provided with a full size furnished balcony or terrace where you can soak in the tropical air, relax with a good book, or take in the spectacular view  of your resort and surroundings.

Our spacious accommodations come complete with exceptional amenities and furnishings that give you all the comforts of home: a hot cup of coffee to greet the morning, an afternoon snack or a night cap… all without leaving your room.

Whether indoors or outdoors, your vacation is always carefree and relaxing.  Come.  Enjoy yourself.

Occidental Grand Nuevo Vallarta

 

Occidental Grand Cozumel

Occidental Grand Xcaret

 

Occidental Grand Punta Cana

Occidental Grand Aruba


Occidental Grand Papagayo

Allegro Varadero

2Apr/121

Members Parties out at sea!

Aruba. The sunset. A rich variety of finger food and drinks. Everything on board of a catamaran watching the sun go down.

In our unending quest of novel approaches to offer our members a truly memorable vacation experience, Occidental Vacation Club has incorporated the Out at the Sea concept, bringing the festivities out to sea for our Grand Aruba members.

Every Tuesday evening, from 5:30 to 7:30, enjoy the best party cruise aboard a spectacular catamaran!

The space is limited! All you have to do is come to our First Club Lounge and tell Ivette Croes to save your space.

Take a look at the pictures below, are they awesome or what?