La Cabana Beach Resort & Casino recently held a cocktail reception celebrating a remarkable milestone: the 35th anniversary of the resort. The official celebration already took place in the presence of resort associates in December, but this time, with the board of directors, dignitaries, and partners in attendance, it was time to celebrate some more.
When it first opened as La Cabana Beach & Racquet Club it presented a revolutionary concept, a non-branded large resort, standing proudly on its own, without falling back on true and tried hospitality formulas. It has evolved considerably since opening day, and the Racquet Club in the name was replaced by a successful casino, Glitz, adjacent to the lobby.
Relying on its people and on a vast network of relationships the resort executed a multi-year program of improvements preserving its original spirit, yet modernizing its facilities, and enhancing the vacation experience for its owners and guests. Although the property’s history dates back to the late 1980s, La Cabana officially opened its doors on December 15, 1990.
In his welcome remarks at the cocktail reception general manager Joe Najjar praised the vision, perseverance, relationships, and most importantly, the many people who have helped make the resort what it is today.
Thirty-five years ago, he said, the project began with an ambitious plan, fueled by courage of the Mansur family who believed in its potential. They laid the foundation for something that would become far more than a resort. They created a place that would welcome locals and visitors, provide career opportunities, support local businesses, and become an important landmark for the community.
Najjar continued to say that what began as a dream has grown and evolved through the years, adapting to changing times while maintaining the principles upon which it was founded.
Najjar praised the commitment and loyalty of ownership, whose steadfast support allowed the resort to invest in the long-term future. That enduring commitment and the confidence owners have shown in the property, allowed it to grow and thrive.
In recognition of the Board of Directors, past and present, Jajjar expressed gratitude for their guidance, oversight and insight that helped shape the direction of the resort. He thanked those who have served in the past, and those serving today, appreciating the trust placed in the team and the faith in the future.
Valued consultant Bluegreen Vacations, now Hilton Grand Vacations, received accolades for its knowledge, perspective and continued support that strengthened the resort’s ability to meet challenges, recognize opportunities, and continue moving forward.
Other partners such as companies that provide essential services, to tenants, vendors, suppliers, contractors, were also among those acknowledged and praised as excellent allies in the journey, as well as Aruba’s public sector entities.
Resort associates received most appreciation for their contributions primarily those who have been there from the start, team members celebrating 35 years at La Cabana: Ingrid Bremer, Efigenio Dania, Giovanni Britten, Nilda Girigori, Ninfa Jaranillo, and Susan Estanislao.
The party also recognized long term, now retiring board members. As a special gesture, the board awarded the resort’s not-for-profit association, La Cabana Aportando, a generous donation that will go a long way towards charity initiatives.
Music, cocktails, an address by the Minister of Tourism, words from an outgoing board member, all helped create a spectacular evening under the stars, at the new adult pool, recently inaugurated, at the completion of the most recent phase of renovations.
Here is for the next thirty-five!
