Guido and Agustina from Argentina Explore Aruba as Residential Content Creators
Ever wondered what it would be like to work and live in Aruba instead of visiting the island for a brief vacation? That’s exactly what we asked social media specialists and content creators all over the world when we posted an opening for a month-long residency at Boardwalk, dubbed ‘a dream job’ in the international press. In exchange for a 30-day stay at Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba, testing all different casitas and amenities with all expenses paid, the selected professional must possess a passion for travel, demonstrate a willingness to explore new adventures and have proven experience and knowledge in the art of creating engaging content. For this second edition of our special residency, we received an equally astounding response from mainstream media and influencers, bloggers and content creators from all over the world.
In the summer of 2023, Guido Balestrelli (29) and Agustina ‘Agus’ Grosso (28) from Argentina were selected as content creation residents after a careful procedure. At the end of October, the Aruba adventure started for Guido and Agus; it was their first visit to Aruba and they instantly fell in love with the One Happy Island. Aruba’s magic spell worked its wonders on this couple as Guido and Agus extended their 30-day stay by 3 weeks. They said their goodbyes in mid-December, after working on a new video for Boardwalk. More of the making-of and a link to the new video at the end of this blog.
Meet Guido & Agus
Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Guido graduated as an architect, a profession he dreamt of ever since he was little but at the same time working in several countries, so that his profession would allow him to travel. Eventually the travel component got the upper hand and Guido continued his career as a professional photographer, drone pilot and content creator. Agus who grew up in Rosario, Argentina, graduated as a publicist. Her childhood dream was to travel and have her own clothing brand yet destiny made her discover her true passion: exploring the world with Guido. The two met in 2018 on vacation in Thailand, on Phi Phi Island, while staying at the same hotel. From that moment on they have always traveled together and worked as a team.
Check out their Instagram pages:
What is nice about being partners in business and partners in life at the same time?
The good thing about being a couple, both in life and at work is that we can share trips that are unique and in incredible destinations and that we are on the same page. Also, we understand and complement each other when it comes to work, we know when and how to make the content and that makes it flow when creating. Sometimes it is difficult for us to separate work from the relationship, but we try to work on it so that there are no tensions between us as a couple.
What made you want to become professional content creators?
The ‘coin dropped’ after our trip to Colombia, where we collaborated with hotels in exchange for videos made with cell phones without having experience in photography or filmmaking. There was something in these videos that the hotels liked, and as a result, we slowly began to invest in professional equipment and we also began to educate ourselves on the subject: taking courses, watching tutorials, etc., and improving our content over time.
What is the wildest assignment you have gotten so far in your career?
We took on the challenge of filming the Reveillón, the New Year's party in Rio de Janeiro where around 2.9 million people gather to watch the fireworks, on one of the best-known beaches in the city: Copacabana. It was a big challenge as within the entire crowd, we had to capture what this event meant to people individually.
What made you say yes to this residency?
From the first moment, we imagined how beautiful it would be to work in a place like Boardwalk and we didn't doubt it for a second. Aruba was a country that we did not know and everything seemed like a dream for us: working in paradise. We were very excited about this project and in retrospect, it couldn't have been better. Our stay at Boardwalk and in Aruba really exceeded all of our expectations.
How did you first learn of the Boardwalk residency?
Our loved ones know that we are fascinated by new challenges that include traveling and discovering new destinations. It was Agus's mother who saw this job opening on social networks and sent us the link and told us to please apply. Thanks Vivi!
What were the expectations beforehand and was it what you imagined?
Regarding Aruba, every person we spoke to in Argentina mentioning that we had won the contest, told us that the island was a paradise, and so it was. Every corner of the island we visited fascinated us. Furthermore, we loved everything that Aruba has to offer and not only the beautiful beaches. We also fell in love with its fauna and flora, the marine life, the people, the culture... We fell in love with this country. As for Boardwalk, before coming, we were very uncertain about what day-to-day life would be like, and the experience in general. And the truth is that we are super happy because, not only did we find a great hotel team to work with, but it is like a big family. It has never happened to us in the hotels that we were working around the world, to feel so much affection from all the members of the team, from the front desk, the hotel owners, housekeeping, the bar team, the marketing girls, absolutely all of them made us feel at home and we are eternally grateful.
What is your absolute favorite activity in Aruba and why?
Our favorite activity to do on this island is diving or snorkeling in Tres Trapi, since every time we go here we come across many turtles and it is beautiful to see them in their natural habitat. As for diving, we really like that there are so many sunken ships, which makes the activity even more fun.
Which of the 7 different types of casitas did you like best, and why?
The One Bedroom Casita, as it was very comfortable for us. Perhaps one of us was working at night in the living room, and the other could rest without problems, since this Casita has the spaces well divided. In addition, we loved the equipped kitchen in each casita, as the convenience of being able to cook in your own place made things much easier for us.
What would you recommend any newcomer to Aruba to do or experience?
Without a doubt, if someone wants to seriously relax on their vacation and have a very local experience, we recommend that they come to the Boardwalk because it is a unique hotel with its own identity. Every corner reminds you that you are in Aruba. Regarding activities on the island, we highly recommend visiting Tres Trapi for the same reason we said in the previous questions: seeing sea turtles in their natural habitat, always with respect and without chasing them. Also, be sure to visit the North Coast on the other side of the island, because it is a very different landscape, with natural pools, caves, cactus forests, etc.
Will you return to Aruba for future vacations you think?
We would love to return to this island. We believe it is an ideal destination because it has everything we like: paradise beaches, warm weather, good food, friendly people, and many corners to explore!
Making of the new Boardwalk Video
Part of our mission at Boardwalk is to experience Aruba’s truly unique vibes of happiness with our guests and to unlock a joy that can be found at our hotel yet also goes beyond the boundaries of our property. It resonates in the smiling faces of our guests and staff, in the warm greetings of our neighbors, in the vibrant pulse of Aruba – the One Happy Island. We are one with our island; we breathe its spirit, celebrate its culture, and cherish its natural beauty. This is exactly what is captured in our new video.
Guido and Agus became Aruba experts during their six-week stay on island and we sent them on their way to capture Aruba at its best and most authentic. Top Drive, a car rental service in Aruba, provided Guido and Agus with a Jeep so they would have access to all parts of the island, the more rugged terrain as well. Seated in a sturdy 4x4 the couple explored Aruba’s North Coast, Arikok National Park and the secluded Conchi, better known as the Natural Pool. They also discovered Aruba’s spectacular underwater world, went diving for shipwrecks and swimming with turtles. All of these dreamy experiences and unique locations were locked in our new video and could be part of your next Aruba vacation experience!
Renting a Car in Aruba
Want to explore Aruba yourself? Please choose wisely and set yourself up for success by renting the right car for the right type of outing. Want to drive yourself to the Natural Pool for instance? Be advised that not a single car rental company in Aruba will allow you to take a regular economy car (sedan) to the Natural Pool located inside the Arikok National Park. The only way to reach this remote wonder of nature is by Jeep, 4x4 or ATV. Going to the beach, or making a trip to the most southern city of Aruba, San Nicolas? You’re totally fine with a regular sedan, yet for extra safety and comfort, or based on the size of your travel party, you might want to choose an SUV.
Boardwalk’s exclusive local partner, Top Drive car rental services in Aruba, provides knowledge and expertise based on your needs and desires. We highly recommend renting a car in Aruba as it is a most flexible and economical way to explore our small island which is easy to navigate. Make sure to collect your preferred Treasure Map with local addresses and hidden gems, pack a cooler with your favorite bites and refreshments and ask our Front Desk for complimentary snorkel sets and folded beach chairs before you hit the road. Explore Top Drive’s extensive fleet of cars, SUV’s and Jeeps to explore the island in the most comfortable way.