WORLD PROPERTY CHANNEL ®

(WILLEMSTAD, CURACAO) -- The Hilton Curacao is teaming up with Ocean Encounters, a premier family owned and operated dive facility, to sponsor a dive program with SUDS (Soldiers Undertaking Disabled Scuba) from October 13-19.  The program will take place at Ocean Encounters' Hilton facilities, located on the Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao.  Accommodations and boat diving excursions will be provided to the soldiers.  Other sponsors for the program include Breezes Curaçao, Curaçao Tourism Board, the USFOL and the U.S. Consulate.

SUDS is a charitable and educational non-profit corporation formed for the purpose of bettering the lives of disabled veterans through participation in SCUBA diving.  Earlier this year, representatives from Ocean Encounters approached SUDS president John Thompson and SUDS representative, Carla Chatterton with the idea of bringing the group to Curaçao.

"This initiative will provide our hotel with the opportunity to give back to these heroes and we are honored to be a part of the program," said Maritza Molina, director of sales & marketing at Hilton Curaçao.

Christian Ambrosi, manager and owner of Ocean Encounters, said the majority of the soldiers were  severely injured during their tour of duty.

"This will not only be a rewarding experience for them but for all of us at Ocean Encounters," Ambrosi added.

Hilton Curaçao boasts two white sand beaches and is set on 23 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds.  Just five minutes from Willemstad, the island's business, cultural, and historical capital, the resort offers 196 guestrooms including 13 suites, two wheelchair accessible rooms, and two rooms for guests with allergies. All rooms feature island or stunning ocean views with private balconies, and the resort offers the ultimate spa experience at the Color of People Spa with ocean view treatment rooms, sauna, steam room, and relaxation area.  Additional facilities include, a Gold Palm PADI certified dive center, extensive water sports, a free-form infinity pool, two restaurants, two bars, weekly Hilton Honors manager's cocktail reception, casino, the first LivingWell Health and Beach Club in the world, children's pool, and Kidz Paradise activity center.

With 7 custom dive boats and 6 facilities, Ocean Encounters is the biggest dive and water sport operator in Curaçao an offers a comprehensive array of diving services from all of its facilities, including boat dives, gear rental, P.A.D.I. dive courses, guided shore dives, snorkel and dinner cruises, fishing charters and other water sports.

 

---