MEET OUR PARTNERS
Meet Kimberly Rooijakkers
HOTEL MANAGER, "BOARDWALK ARUBA"
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Boardwalk Aruba is a special boutique hotel you don't want to miss here in Aruba! Enjoy the beautiful site of the famous Palm beaches while exploring our Casitas, taking a dive in the swimming pool, and know that you're being ecofriendly too! A tropical oasis in the Caribbean, the Boardwalk Aruba hotel implements ecofriendly initiatives from energy saving electricity, reducing plastic waste, buying from local suppliers, and using biodegradable cleaning materials. We're looking forward to curating our Aruba trip for you, so get excited for more information coming soon!
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BOARDWALK HOTEL BUILT SUSTAINABILITY INTO THE DNA OF YOUR DESTINATION. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO MAKE THAT COMMITMENT?
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The property was built with sustainable building materials and foam building blocks insulate the walls. We carefully selected solar panels, water filtration for watering our tropical gardens, 100% LED, salt water pool system, an inverter efficient air-conditioning system. We invested in these materials because it directly impacts the operations of the hotel and reduces our carbon footprint overall.
LEARN MORE ABOUT BOARDWALK ARUBA
WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE MAKES ARUBA SUCH A DESIRABLE TRAVEL DESTINATION?
Aruba is an incredible island to visit for all ages. Our beaches have powder white sand and you can count your toes when swimming, thats how clear the water is. But what makes Aruba truly special, from any place I visited worldwide, our people. Every single Aruban carries a love and passion to share his island, it comes from a deep pride to make sure every visitor leaves the island with an incredible impression. It really is "one happy island"
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WHAT GLOBAL GOAL ARE YOU MOST PASSIONATE ABOUT?
To end poverty & zero hunger. Especially the impact this has on children.
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WHERE ARE YOU ORIGINALLY FROM, AND WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO RETURN TO ARUBA?
I was raised in Belgium and spent most of my life in Europe. Aruba has always been like "coming home". We have family and friends here. The opportunity to be able to take over such an unpolished gem as Boardwalk made us move back. We had discovered the property several years prior to it being for sale when we needed kite surf gear and the previous owners ran a surf shop in the lobby. As we drove on the property's driveway we were flabbergasted by its gorgeous bohemian gardens and the intimate set up of the casitas. We fell in love. When a few years later we found out the property was for sale we jumped on it!
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IS THERE A PIECE OF ADVICE YOU GIVE A YOUNG WOMAN WHO WANTS TO SEE OUR WORLD OR MAKE A CHANGE?
Start observing yourself, the things you like doing, what gives you energy, what upsets you, what inspires you. At first this might sound like big questions, but if you narrow it down to you might discover leads. Set your goal and go out there, lead in a charming and decisive way. Choose your mentors wisely, follow your gut. Does it feel right? Then it is right! Be critical of the work you deliver, do not settle for mediocre, stop when you are completely satisfied.
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WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST IMPACTFUL THING YOU LEARNED GROWING UP, THAT HAS CARRIED YOU INTO YOUR CURRENT SUCCESS?
I studied a bachelor in International Business Administration and Masters in Entrepreneurship at the Erasmus University. It gave me the tools & network, motivation and confidence to take over Boardwalk. In high school, I participated in a 1 year intercultural exchange to Peru with AFS (American Field Service) which left an incredible mark on my life. Being raised in Belgium and Europe also has a big impact on our current success.
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WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MAJOR CHALLENGES FACED IN ARUBA? HOW CAN TRAVELERS MAKE AN IMPACT WHILE VISITING TO SUPPORT?
Definitely the current COVID crisis. 80% of the islands economy depends on tourism. This means that almost everyone on the island is being hit by the crisis. The biggest impact you can make is by visiting. The island is safe, businesses far and wide take the "health & happiness seal" measures seriously and have been granted a golden seal by the government of Aruba. Hotels have implemented safety measures. The guests who make it here are super happy. The island is more pristine than ever. If you come I encourage you to dine out, rent a car, explore the island, to discover all the beauty Aruba has to offer and to have an even bigger impact.
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