Impact Report 2025
At Boardwalk, sustainability isn’t just about reducing our impact - it’s about actively restoring and giving back. Our approach to regenerative hospitality ensures that every guest stay contributes to a healthier environment and a stronger local community. In the year 2025, we delivered on everything we promised in 2024. Here's what changed, what we measured, and what we're building toward next.
2025 Highlights at a Glance
Waste & Composting
3,267 kg recycled & diverted · composting expanded · café food waste cycle launched
Launched Creative in Residence
Natalie Clements & Waverly Colville
Joined the Shoco Comunidad
Protecting Aruba's national bird
Achieved Green Globe Certification
Internationally recognized sustainability standard
Environmental Conservation
What changed this year
Building on the baseline we established in 2024, this year we turned data into action: expanding recycling, composting, and waste partnerships.
- Waste diverted from landfill: 51% → 61% year on year
- 100% of glass now recycled via local partner for sanding & construction (2,083 kg)
- Café food scraps repurposed at a local chicken farm every two days
- 6 new compost bins added; 903 kg composted in total
- Energy efficiency per guest night improved despite higher occupancy overall
- 30% of water self-produced on-site via Reverse Osmosis: 150+ m³ monthly
2025 was Aruba's driest year in recent memory, overall water and energy use rose with higher occupancy, but efficiency per guest improved.
Art & Cultural Heritage
Twin Art & New Artists
In 2025 we introduced Twin Art, a new commissioning program connected to Boardwalk's twin sister founders. Each piece is created as a pair: one becomes part of the guest experience at Boardwalk, its twin gifted back to Aruba's creative community.
- Suelyn Dankerlui painted Aruba's sunrise and sunset, with live sessions on property for guests
- Armando Goedgedrag returned to Boardwalk for live painting sessions, sharing his hummingbird work directly with guests
Our full art & heritage story lives on our Art & Cultural Heritage page.
Creative in Residence 2025 - launched in 2025
Storytellers who saw Aruba through a different lens
Boardwalk's Creative in Residence program welcomes creatives from around the world to stay on property, create work inspired by Aruba, and share it with a wider audience. In 2025 we hosted two residents whose work brought the island's nature, people, and spirit to life.
Natalie Clements
Wildlife Cinematographer
Natalie created a short film capturing Aruba's hidden natural gems — featuring the protected wetlands right behind Boardwalk, voices from the Aruba Conservation Foundation, and guidance on responsible wildlife viewing.
- Aruba's biodiversity across land and sea
- Conservation perspectives from ACF and local partners
- Premiered at an on-property open-air cinema screening
Waverly Colville
Emmy Award-winning Producer & Travel Photographer
Waverly spent two weeks at Boardwalk shooting film, digital, and astrophotography across the island — and interviewing the people behind Boardwalk's soul for her podcast.
- Burrowing owl photography in the salinja next to Boardwalk
- Astrophotography of the Milky Way at Baby Beach
Podcast guests
- Claudia Noreen - Conceptual designer
Armando Goedgedrag - Artist & nature advocate
Sue-lynn Dankerlui -Painter
Taki - Forager & private chef
Yvette Franken- Photographer & content creator
Uplifting our Community & Destination
Joining the Shoco Comunidad
In 2025 we joined the Shoco Comunidad program with Aruba Birdlife Conservation, supporting initiatives that protect Aruba's national bird, the shoco.
- Supporting protection of the salinja wetlands right next to Boardwalk
- In 2026: installing artificial burrows in the salinja and training team as ambassadors
- Launched the Garden Sustainability Tour for guests
Our full community story lives on our Community & Destination page.
Slow Summer, a softer way to travel
In 2025 we launched Slow Summer, encouraging guests to visit outside Aruba's peak season, easing pressure on the island's resources while offering a richer, slower, more connected experience."
- Longer stays lower travel emissions per day and deepen the connection to the island
- Treasure Maps guide guests to quiet beaches, nature spots, and local hidden gems beyond the usual hotspots
- Barefoot Nature Tours led by our team, sharing Aruba's flora, fauna, and heritage
- Storytelling Under the Stars with local artists: spoken word, live music, vocals
- Sunset ocean sound baths, gentle yoga under the palms, and picnic baskets to go
Off-peak travel helps spread visitor impact across the year, giving Aruba's nature and infrastructure breathing room.
Caring for our Team
Our Boardwalk people in 2025
Our team grew, our benefits deepened, and we introduced new ways to recognize the people behind every guest experience.
- In 2025 our team grew from 74 to 81 — 9.5% growth, 77% retention rate
- New benefits program: expanded health coverage, wellness rewards, daycare allowance, compassionate leave
- Loyalty Milestones introduced, then applied retroactively
- 25% of team trained and certified · salaries +21.5% above minimum wage
Our full team story lives on our Caring for our Team page.
Looking ahead
Our 2026 commitments
2025 proved we can act on our data. In 2026 we go further, with clearer targets, stronger partnerships, and more ways for our team and guests to get involved.
Solar Expansion
Add 15kW of solar panels; reduce grid reliance further
Shoco Burrows
Installing artificial burrows in the salinja next to Boardwalk
Creative in Residence
Continuing to welcome storytellers from around the world
Green Globe
Maintaining our Green Globe Certification