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Vela Aruba
loves kids!
Aruba is a friendly, safe, and sanitary
island offering all modern conveniences. English is
widely spoken and assistance is given with a smile.
Worries are few. The drinking water is even distilled
in the worlds second largest desalinization plant.
We have compiled the following information
to assist you with the planning of your family vacation.
All information is subject to change without notice.
Vela does not operate these services and cannot be responsible
for the service provided.
Kids windsurfing:
Vela welcomes all kids above 80 lbs. for windsurfing.
We have custom 1.0, 1.5 and 1.9 sails rigged on light
weight masts. The shallow water and mellow morning winds
create great conditions for kids of most ability levels.
We do recommend that children under 16 be supervised
as offshore winds can push sailors into deeper waters.
Child Care:
The Boardwalk Condos
are happy to assist you with arranging baby sitter.
The baby-sitters currently charge an approximate rate
of $8.00 per hour. Contact the front desk to make arrangements
at 866654.
The Aruba Marriott
offers child care by certified nurses and the "Bon
Bini Kids Program". The Bon Bini Kids Program offers
arts, crafts, games, and other fun activities for hotel
guests ages 5 - 12 years old, Monday - Friday. For details,
contact the Marriott Kids Room at 869000 extension 6310
or 6327.
The Holiday
Inn also offers baby sitting at approximately
$8.00 an hour. The hotel also offers an activities center,
game room, and outside playground. Contact the front
desk for further details at 863600.
(Although the quality of the child
care in the past has proven exceptional, these providers
are not Vela employees and we cannot be responsible
for the service provided.)
Suggestions
for Accommodating:
Boardwalk - just
a short 2 minute walk from the Vela center, offers a
small pool, mini-market, and lunch to order. All units
have cooking facilities, refrigerators, and TV's with
VCR (a video library of children's favorites can be
found at the front desk!). They conveniently offer cribs,
playpens, changing tables, and baby bathtubs free of
charge. Kids 12 and under are free of hotel charges.
Marriott
- the beach front home of the Vela center, offers swimming
pool, on-site restaurants, elevators, convenience store,
and room service. All units have mini-fridges and TV
with in-room movies. Kids 12 and under are free of hotel
charges.
Holiday Inn
- less than a 10 minute walk away from the Vela center,
this beach front resort offers a pool, elevators, room
service, and a small convenience store. Rooms have satellite
TV. Kids under 18 are free of hotel charges.
(Limited cribs available at no charge
at all three hotels listed above.)
Travel Advisory:
All US and Canadian citizens
, even children, are required to present either a current
passport or certificate with a valid photo ID. For citizens
of other countries and infants, please check with the
airline you will be traveling with or local consulate
for entry requirements.
Health considerations:
Travelers have found Aruba to
be one of the safest spots in the Caribbean. Just as
a precaution, you may want to check with the CDC (Center
for Disease Control) for the latest traveler updates
before your trip. You can contact them direct at 800-311-3435
or on the Worldwide Web at www.cdc.gov.
Proximity of
Medical facilities - The Dr. HE Oduber Hospital
is only about 15 minutes away from the Vela center and
the hotels we offer and has 24 - hr. emergency room
services. The phone number for the hospital is 874300.
Be Aware
- the topical sun is HOT HOT HOT! The constant use of
waterproof sunscreen or rashguards, especially on children,
is strongly recommended.
Family Activities:
There are many things to
do beyond windsurfing in Aruba. Please refer to our
other activities
page for a few of the options.
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