Aruba’s Bucuti Beach Resort Makes it Big by Staying Small

Cropping up overnight, large mega-resorts have become the growing trend and Bucuti Beach Resort featuring Tara Beach Suites & Spa is the David amongst these Goliaths. Against the odds, Bucuti owners Ewald and Susan Biemans chose to stay small, maintain a peaceful, unique atmosphere and in return have celebrated more than 20 years of success, proving that bigger is not necessarily better.

“When constructing the Tara Wing we had the opportunity to build 150 suites, but chose to limit the project to 41 suites, in order to maintain Bucuti’s intimate and serene atmosphere,” said Owner and CEO, Ewald Biemans. “We believed the addition of a smaller wing would still allow us to deliver the personal service and retain the peaceful and natural environment we have become renowned for, while improving the economy of scale for the business.”

The Tara Beach Suites were designed to the specification of the guests who shared their wishes and dreams with the Biemans’ over the years. Bucuti’s owners have always known they were not in the business of selling hotel rooms, but in the business of making dreams come true. Customers’ needs are the focal point of their resort, allowing this European-style property to maintain an impressive 90-plus percent occupancy since opening day.

Ewald and Susan’s commitment to preserving Aruba’s environment and sensitive eco-system is another key attribute to maintaining a smaller size. Eagle Beach’s white sandy shore is not only a home to Bucuti, but to the island’s endangered sea turtles and indigenous foliage as well.

The resort’s intimate size prevents overcrowding on Bucuti’s beach, which is instrumental in protecting the fragile turtle population, especially during the nesting season. A hands-on approach to management allows the Biemans to personally inform guests of the location of these nests, something that may not be available at larger resorts, whose crowded and over-populated beaches prove detrimental to the delicate eggs.

A world champion bartender, Ewald Biemans began his career in the hospitality industry as a bar manager in the Intercontinental in Venezuela, where he managed the food and beverage departments. During a vacation visit to the Caribbean, he fell in love with Aruba, and decided to accept the challenge of launching a nightclub on the island.

The overwhelming success of this club led to his creation and management of several other businesses, including a popular restaurant, two resort hotels, and Aruba’s airline catering company. After a hiatus to earn an International Business degree from Florida State University, Ewald returned to Aruba with the opportunity to take over and own a hotel, ultimately leading him to Bucuti Beach Resort.