Wind Creek Aruba’s Triple Achievement Highlights Community, Culinary Talent, and Employee Wellbeing
In June 2025, Wind Creek Aruba solidified its position as a leader in hospitality with three impactful initiatives: a $100,000 donation at the 7th Annual Long Table Aruba, the celebration of employee excellence at Masters of the Craft 2025, and the receipt of the AHATA Impact Award for employee wellbeing. These accomplishments reflect the resort’s commitment to community, culture, and care—the pillars that define the Wind Creek Aruba impact.
Long Table Aruba 2025: A $100,000 Meal That Changes Lives
Aruba’s Most Generous Dinner Experience
On June 22, 2025, Wind Creek Aruba hosted the 7th Annual Long Table Aruba, a 1,000-foot dining experience that brought together 1,000 guests for a memorable meal along L.G. Smith Boulevard. The event, renowned as “The only meal worth $100,000 in Aruba,” remains the resort’s flagship initiative for community giving.
Since 2017, Long Table Aruba has raised $395,000 for local causes. However, 2025 marked a new milestone with the largest single-year donation of $100,000.
Supporting Mental Health Through Stichting Hunto
This year, the donation benefited Stichting Hunto, a local organization focused on mental health and addiction recovery. With Wind Creek Aruba’s support, Stichting Hunto will launch a mobile multifunctional care unit to provide essential psychological and medical services to vulnerable populations across the island.
“Long Table Aruba is more than just a dinner—it’s a celebration of community impact,” said Paul Gielen, GM of Wind Creek Aruba.
Masters of the Craft 2025: Honoring Culinary Creativity
Aruba’s Rising Stars of Food and Beverage
Wind Creek Aruba celebrated its team’s talents at the Masters of the Craft 2025 competition, held at the Renaissance Convention Center. This Marriott-wide event recognized top performers in mixology, culinary arts, and pastry within the Wind Creek family.
Meet the 2025 champions:
-
Beverage Champion: Jimena Jimenez – Known for innovative mixology techniques.
-
Culinary Champion: Jeferson Ouant – Delivered a culturally inspired and flawless dish.
-
Pastry Champion: Maria Coronado – Created an elegant and flavorful dessert.
“This competition is about more than winning—it’s about passion, recognition, and opportunity,” said Chris Tans, Director of Beverage & Food.
AHATA Impact Award: Recognizing Employee Wellbeing
Compassion in the Workplace Recognized by Industry
Wind Creek Aruba was honored with the 2025 AHATA Impact Award for Employee Wellbeing, awarded by the Aruba Hotel and Tourism Association. This prestigious recognition celebrates the resort’s dedication to fostering a culture of care, connection, and purpose within its workforce.
The Helping Hearts & Hands (HH&H) initiative, a confidential, employee-driven relief fund, is at the heart of the resort’s employee wellbeing efforts, providing emergency support for medical travel, family crises, and home damage.
Beyond HH&H: A Culture of Growth and Recognition
In addition to HH&H, Wind Creek Aruba offers:
-
Leadership and GED training programs
-
Dedicated HR support for each department
-
Value-based recruitment
-
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and their families
-
Recognition platforms like Wind Dollars and Best of the Best
“We’ve always believed that when people feel seen and supported, they thrive,” said GM Paul Gielen.
Why Wind Creek Aruba’s Impact Matters
Wind Creek Aruba’s triple achievement in June 2025 emphasizes its leadership in socially responsible tourism. Through philanthropic efforts, employee recognition, and community empowerment, the resort is driving positive change both within and beyond the resort walls.
Final Thoughts: Hospitality with Heart and Purpose
Wind Creek Aruba continues to redefine what hospitality means by blending generosity, talent development, and employee wellness. Whether raising funds for local causes, celebrating culinary brilliance, or supporting its team, the resort demonstrates how hospitality can transform lives and communities for the better.
Photo credits : https://arubaonline.news/wind-creek-aruba-long-table-2025-charity-impact-awards/
