LUXURY CONDOMINIUM PROJECT LAUNCHED

Premier Nelson Oduber (center) lays the first stone, with development company director Paul Bhatia

Currently under construction in the heart of Oranjestad is the Aqua Marina Bay project, the latest addition to the proliferating commercial development in the island’s colorful capital.
The $17 million investment, being built in two phases is the biggest development on the Oranjestad oceanfront in years and is seen as marking the beginning of the condominium era on the island. The project, which is being carried out by the Mar Azul Development Company, will include 64 luxury condominiums, high-class shops, restaurants and office space, a swimming pool and a marina. More than 75 percent of the ground floor retail space, has already been booked for rent.

The first stone was ceremoniously laid in July by the Prime Minister of Aruba, Mr. Nelson Oduber, the investor and Director of Mar Azul, Paul Bhatia, and co-investor Gordan Tewani.
Mr. Bhatia, who originally envisioned the project, says, “I saw the opportunity and I jumped at it. It is planned as an exciting place to live. You cannot go wrong in Oranjestad where you will be only feet away from the night life, a marina, the cruise terminal, the ocean front and the shopping area, but at the same time we guarantee exclusivity.”
The project is being built with luxury in mind. It will feature tropical architecture that harmonizes with other buildings in the area and adds beauty to the area.“We want to surpass all expectations of what can be done,” Mr. Bhatia adds.

“We would love New Yorkers to come and own a condominium in this project. However we are not only looking at potential home owners. We have received many calls from people who see it as a solid investment opportunity.”
As a resident of Aruba for more than 10 years, his confidence in the development is founded in his love for the island. “I believe that 99.5 percent of the people who come to Aruba for the first time fall in love with it,” he says. “It is so diverse and has so many different attributes. The quality of life here is perfect.”