La Cabana celebrates 35 years: from an ambitious resort concept to an Eagle Beach landmark

EAGLE BEACH — La Cabana Beach Resort & Casino has celebrated its 35th anniversary with a special cocktail reception attended by board members, dignitaries, partners and other invited guests. The milestone marks more than three decades in which the resort evolved from an innovative independent concept into an established name within Aruba’s tourism industry.

The official anniversary celebration with resort associates had already taken place in December. The recent reception provided another opportunity to commemorate the milestone, this time together with the Board of Directors, partners and representatives from the community.

La Cabana officially opened its doors on December 15, 1990, under the name La Cabana Beach & Racquet Club. At the time, the concept was distinctive: a large independent resort standing on its own rather than relying on an international hotel brand or an established hospitality formula.

Over the 35 years that followed, the resort changed considerably. The Racquet Club reference eventually disappeared from its name, while Glitz Casino was added adjacent to the lobby. At the same time, La Cabana carried out a multi-year program of improvements, preserving its original character while modernizing its facilities and enhancing the vacation experience for owners and guests.

A vision that became more than a resort

During his welcoming remarks, General Manager Joe Najjar reflected on the vision, perseverance, relationships and, above all, the people who have shaped La Cabana throughout its 35-year history.

According to Najjar, the project began 35 years ago with an ambitious plan and the Mansur family’s belief in its potential. Their vision laid the foundation for something that would eventually become much more than simply a resort. La Cabana became a place welcoming both locals and visitors, creating career opportunities, supporting local businesses and establishing itself as an important part of the community.

What began as a dream continued to grow and evolve over the years, Najjar said, adapting to changing times while maintaining the principles on which the resort was founded.

He also expressed appreciation for the commitment of the ownership, whose long-term support allowed continued investment in the property’s future. Current and former members of the Board of Directors were recognized for their guidance, oversight and contributions to La Cabana’s development.

Recognition was also given to Bluegreen Vacations, now Hilton Grand Vacations, as well as the many service providers, tenants, vendors, suppliers, contractors and Aruba public-sector entities that have been part of La Cabana’s journey.

Six associates mark 35 years with La Cabana

One of the most significant moments of the anniversary celebration was the recognition of associates who have been part of La Cabana since the beginning.

Ingrid Bremer, Efigenio Dania, Giovanni Britten, Nilda Girigori, Ninfa Jaranillo and Susan Estanislao were specially recognized for reaching 35 years with the resort.

Their long service provides a direct human connection between La Cabana’s opening in 1990 and the resort of today. While buildings, facilities and Aruba’s tourism industry have changed over the decades, these associates have remained part of the organization’s development.

Long-serving board members who are now retiring were also recognized during the celebration.

Supporting La Cabana Aportando

The anniversary also included a community component. As a special gesture, the Board awarded a donation to La Cabana Aportando, the resort’s not-for-profit association. The contribution will support its charitable initiatives.

The gesture highlighted that the celebration was not solely about the resort’s tourism and business development, but also about the relationship La Cabana has built with the Aruban community over the past three and a half decades.

Celebrating the past while looking ahead

The anniversary reception took place at the resort’s recently inaugurated new adult pool, completed as part of its latest phase of renovations.

Music, cocktails, an address by the Minister of Tourism and remarks from an outgoing board member contributed to an evening of celebration under the stars.

The setting also reflected where La Cabana finds itself after 35 years: celebrating its history while continuing to invest in renewal.

From the original La Cabana Beach & Racquet Club of 1990 to today’s La Cabana Beach Resort & Casino, the property has adapted throughout three and a half decades of change in Aruba’s tourism industry while maintaining its independent identity.

After 35 years at Eagle Beach, the anniversary represents not only an opportunity to look back at La Cabana’s history, but also the beginning of its next chapter.