July 8, 2020

Handling the weeks affected by the COVID-19 travel bans

Andy Osbourne

Dear Members,

Great news! In spite of unfounded rumors, we are delighted to share the details of the redemption of weeks that were affected by the travel bans imposed in an effort to control the spread of COVID-19 as visitors from the USA will be allowed entry into Aruba – under certain specific conditions – effective July 10th 2020 and here are the latest conditions.

Aruba still intends to open borders with the USA on July 10th 2020. However US states with a high incidence of COVID-19 cases will only be allowed entry if they provide proof of a negative test result PRIOR  to traveling to Aruba and will NOT  have the option of taking a test in Aruba. This stipulation will apply to residents of the following US States:

Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

The proof would need to be submitted via the  ED Card website.

For residents of all other US States the  previous rules  remain applicable in that they will be allowed to take a test in Aruba – at their own expense – should they not be able to take the test and upload the results prior to their trip to Aruba.

Read the  official notification of this new condition for entry sent by the Civil Aviation Department of Aruba to all aircraft operators.

While the situation is easing, it is still evolving and we sincerely thank those members who have been patient, understanding, cooperative and supportive in the circumstances and look forward to welcoming them back to the Resort in the near future.

The plan outlined below is made with the best interests of our members and the Resort in mind and we invite you to review the COVID – 19 Update #3 dated April 8th 2020 where we shared the conditions under which we would be able to redeem affected weeks – especially as it relates the Resort’s ability to generate additional income and it is appropriate that we reiterate the following comments from that post “…. Our maintenance fees (which currently rank among the lowest 25% category on the island) are subsidized by additional revenues we receive: concessionaire income, energy surcharge, administration fees, Food and Beverage revenues, Sales income – and by far the highest contributor- rental income. We have been able to negotiate guaranteed rental agreements for some of our inventory in the summer and we also get most of our hotel room rentals at this time of the year. From the above list of revenue contributors, the financial contribution of rental revenue alone accounts for approximately $300,000 annually that we will forego to accommodate the redemption of internally switched weeks ….” Therefore, if the ability to generate additional income is impacted, it will affect the maintenance fees.

In extremely trying circumstances, Bianca and her team have done an outstanding job to get us to this point and the next step will be matching your requests to the available inventory. Please understand that approximately 1,300 units are impacted. The keys to get us past this point will once again be your patience and flexibility – for which we thank you in advance.

Persons affected from week #11 (when the Aruba travel bans were imposed) to week #27 (when travel from USA to Aruba was allowed again) can internally switch their weeks and there will be no fees.
For these members, we will start from this year (2020) with the intention to have it completed by 2023 – i.e. the remainder of 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023.
The specific time frame in the above-mentioned years will be between week #17 to week #49.
Redemption is subject to availability.
We will send an email to the impacted members asking for their preference and prompt response. We will follow up with a telephone call if necessary.
Priority of redemption:

Members who were affected who own weeks #11 to week #27.

Members who, prior to April 03, 2020 (i.e. before COVID-19) we had already confirmed switched or upgraded weeks. Those members had paid the relevant transaction fees but could not come due to the local travel bans imposed.

Members who had already banked their weeks prior to April 03, 2020 will be allowed to redeem the week(s) under the same previous conditions – i.e. a) subject to availability; b) within a two-year time span.

The above applies only to bona fide current members who are up to date with their financial commitments.

Because of the volume of weeks from the above which we have to redeem in the limited time frame, owners whose week(s) start after the opening date of Aruba’s borders (i.e. after week #27) but who cannot use their week(s) are recommended to deposit their week(s) with Interval International.

We have shared the following information already but it is worthwhile to share it again as it is important:

A link for general information on travel to Aruba – https://www.aruba.com/us safe-travels-to-aruba

Medical insurance coverage is now required to enter Aruba. This is vitally important so please visit for detailed information: https://www.arubavisitorsinsurance.com

Queries or concerns can be directed to  [email protected]

We also ask you to familiarize yourself with what your State at home will need you to do once you return from Aruba. This is also vitally important.

Visit our website – https://paradisebeachvillas-aruba.com – and, if you have not done so as yet, please familiarize yourself with the main new procedures at the Resort in the Updates section posted on June 19th 2020.

In connection with these new procedures, we have added a “Pre-check in” form which is accessible on the main page. We recommend that you complete at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to arrival so that your check-in time at the Resort is minimized.

Stay safe and healthy, and once again, masha danki once again for your patience and understanding. Let us know how we can assist and see you soon!

Management