Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort

My husband and I have been going to Divi resorts since the 1990’s. Starting at the Divi AI or Tamarijn; we then bought at the Divi Village. We have been going to the Divi Village at least once a year, previously three times per year until our retirement. We have seen many changes in this time period, mostly not for the better. We always use the AI as it is so convenient. When paying for the AI at check-in, the staff makes sure to note that “tips are not included”. I just called the main headquarters in N.C. and was told that they ARE included, which I thought they were. On the other hand, extra tipping is something we always do as it is unclear how much the staff gets from the AI. AI is found to be very inconsistent. Certain brands of alcohol are included in one bar, but then not the next (can get Heineken at Mulligan’s but not at Sea Breeze among other things). There is no AI drink menu at any bar, so it is impossible to know what is included. There used to be martinis on the menu at Mulligan’s, now there is not. Can you still get them? We also find that the food has been very inconsistent at the restaurants onsite. We had several bad meals at Mulligan’s from uncooked shrimp to raw burgers. This is a health hazard! When mentioned to bartenders, it was never asked if we would like the food remade (maybe because we are AI?) I went to the Time Share selling area one day to find out about selling a Divi time share and was told that they did not do that, and I had to call N.C. as they are the ones who do re-sales. I told them that was a lie, they disagreed. Just called N.C. and asked about that as I was asking about the AI tipping, I thought the woman was going to laugh. I was told no, they did not do re-sales. I said I knew that but was just following up on what I was told. Several years ago, I was told I could have put my time share up for re-sale while I was at the Divi Village, guess you cannot do that anymore? They have added shuttles, but the drivers just drive right by you, not asking if you want a ride. They have no problem stopping to pick up staff members though. They need to be more proactive and ask, not wait to be flagged down. I was sick most of this vacation and would have loved to be picked up many times but was not. Even if they were driving the opposite way, I would have gotten on and gone for the ride to get me to the front desk or my room, or wherever I was going. They just fly by and don’t even ask. In our opinion, all rooms should have dehumidifiers. Many smell of mold. We did stay in one time share resort on Aruba that had a humidifier in the room and it makes a difference. We do love the size of the rooms at the Village and servicing of the room is very good. We have bartenders and waitresses we love at the Village and other Divi properties, Sussy is an excellent bartender and Bibi an excellent waitress at Mulligan’s, Robert is a great bartender at the swim up bar, Jacincto is a great waiter at Windows and the Divi AI. Supervisor Maureen is great in the front desk area. This brings another questionable thing the Village is doing. They are changing staff and moving them to other areas. Our normal routine is to go to the beach at the Divi until about 3:00 when we go to see Robert at the swim up bar until they close. Right before we left, we found out that they were going to have him work at Sea Breeze! Why ruin a good thing? Our last full day at the Village we left the beach to go to the Sea Breeze instead of the swim up bar because we thought Robert would be there, come to find out, he had already left, so he was not working as late in the day as we thought. We never got to say bye to him. Our last day we saw manager Marcel and asked him why Robert was being moved to Sea Breeze as we love him at the swim up bar and he is a staple there and has been for years. Marcel lied to us and said Robert was going to stay at the swim up bar. Marilyn and Robert ran the swim up bar for years until her retirement and the two of them great job. Now they have a new bunch of bartenders without the best one, Robert! I am disgusted with the Divi Village lying to us. This year was three times, about the AI tipping (but everyone should tip more IMO), selling a time share, and Marcel lying about moving Robert. Why wreck a good thing by moving Robert? Also, the employees need to learn the truth about what they do and include at the Village and what they don’t.

I always thought that the way the Divi Golf was laid out was going to be a bother to get to the beach!I was greatly surprise4d ( and yes I know there is a shuttle) at really how short a walk it is to the beach area! Ours was a few day stay before we checked into our Condo! I really enjoyed the resort! Friendly staff! ! Bedroom was enough room to spread out and just enjoy! Will return for sure!!

I arrived at the Divi Golf on 23 November to begin time with my family for Thanksgiving vacation. Upon checking in we were escorted to our room (4107) where we hurried to change so we could begin our vacation. Upon returning we noticed the fan in the living room wasn’t functional, a long screw not screwed in that extended past the handle, toilet wouldn’t flush properly, and lights in the bathroom all flickered. We submitted a complaint and it was fixed the next day. That night we went to bed and noticed we were feeling a little more stuffy than usual in our sinuses. Upon waking up the next day our sinuses were worse and we didn’t feel very well at all but assumed it might be the travel on a short flight. We got up and started our day but as we did my girlfriend shut the door to the patio and the handle fell off resulting in a giant roach falling onto her hand which caused her to drop her new iPhone 11 Max Pro breaking the screen. When this happened I came around the coffee table quickly to make sure she was ok resulting in cutting my leg on the corner that had exposed glass. Immediately following this series of events we proceeded to the front desk and explained that this was not the quality that was being paid for. After a discussion that lasted approximately 15 minutes they agreed and moved us to another room. This room was better than the previous one, hands down. However, on 28 Nov, while eating brunch at one of the all inclusive cafes (by Red Parrot) I noticed felt my stomach was upset. I continued my day and went towards the Divi Golf course to play some quick golf before Thanksgiving dinner with my girlfriend’s entire family. Upon approaching the gentleman outside that was in charge of the golf carts I noted he was extremely rude. He informed my girlfriend and myself that we would be required to wear collared shirts, “non-gym” attire for pants (spandex for my girlfriend needed to be replaced), and no sandals. So we complied and went inside the Divi Golf shop to buy what we needed. Upon finding the attire needed we began to purchase them until my girlfriend was faced with an issue. The woman checking us out argued about what products were on clearance despite the fact we found them on the clearance rack with the same markings as other clothing. Then, when my girlfriend tried to purchase her polo she was forced to try it on to “verify she’s a petite” when she had already tried it on. Despite the setbacks and over 30 minute of delayed tee time we continued to enjoy the vacation. After completing as many holes as we could, prior to sunset, we returned the golf carts. And then we rushed back to our rooms to get ready. By now I realize I have food poisoning. The only thing I’d eaten since breakfast was the buffet near the Red Parrot. Unfortunately this fell on Thanksgiving and I also missed the majority of my time dinner with my family due to being ill. By the time I arrived they’d eaten and were leaving so I had a few that remained with me while I ate. For the most part that concluded Thanksgiving. There’s additional issues that were had while on vacation at Divi Golf as well. But, in closing, I also wanted to commend some people that were there, employees, and performed above and beyond the other employees. These people would always approach, converse, assist, etc anytime they saw us. Fray Tejeda is one of the many courteous bellmen that were able to assist us while at the resort. Jairo Robles de Medina was a concierge that was working with us in regards to our experiences on the UTV (which I reviewed previously) and a few other attractions. While there he was able to help us to sort things out To the best of his ability. We left with some unanswered questions but he did what he could within his means. There were 2 employees that stood up high above the others. One was Jennifer Lugo who is a food & beverage server on Divi Golf. Towards the end of our vacation she waited on us....hands down the most expedient, sweet, respectful server we had while in Aruba. If people want to learn skills on interaction, professionalism and hospitality then look no further. The second was Erwin Williams. Mr. Williams did more for this family than anyone, anywhere I’ve been previously. He ensured our bags were put away since we arrived prior to check in. Summoned a golf cart, loaded the bags, helped to direct us when we were unsure of where to go, have EXTREMELY helpful suggestions that made our vacation incredible AND he was great at striking up conversations with people as they waited on....whatever. He’s just that man that comes up and asks what he can do to help make your day...and you didn’t even even realize it could get better until he spoke to you. These 2 I give 5 stars for their amazing work ethic and attitudes....there’s others I’m sure but I didn’t have the pleasure to interact with them.