Hey Wanderers! Reflecting back on my 4 full days in sunny Aruba and want to share all of the details with you. Aruba has always been a dream destination and I was so excited to take in the attractions of the island.
Day 1
Left at the crack of dawn and arrived in Aruba around 01:30 p.m., came through the airport with ease, met up with other travel consultants and headed to the hotel an 8-minute drive away.
Checked in at the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino which was my home for four nights. The resort is located right in the heart of Aruba’s capital Oranjestad; close to dining, shopping, the marina, casinos and nightlife.
After check in, I spent the rest of the day getting settled in and relaxing poolside. Met up with others for dinner at the marketplace across the street from the resort. There are several restaurants to dine at, we ate at Casa Tua, they had live music.
Day 2
We got up first thing in the morning, had breakfast and did a site inspection at Aruba Beach Resort and Casino. Normally you are able to take the boat in the lobby of the Renaissance Aruba, but it was being renovated, so we weRenaissancent to the stop by the Renaissance Ocean Suites.
Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino is considered Aruba’s most unique resort because of their privately-owned island where you can bask in the warm Aruban sun, relax in a luxury private cabana, feed the flamingos and take selfies.
Trip Tip: You will love the beautiful flamingos, but the number of people wanting to take photos with them is a bummer. You may want to go early to beat the crowds and don't forget to bring change if you want to feed the flamingos, the feed is for purchase in a gum ball machine.
The Renaissance Aruba Island is not only for the beach-goers, but those wanting to experience a breathtaking Coral Beach view venue for wedding celebrations, or romantic honeymoon escape.
Next on the list was Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort where you can discover unforgettable white sands, crystal blue waters, warm tropical sun and so much more like the wedding you've been dreaming of in paradise. They've got it all, diverse choices for every taste mean a world-class dining experience for every meal. There's nothing like letting the seaside serenity linger over you while eating a delicious Millionaire's Lobster Roll at the beachside seafood restaurant Gilligan's Seafood Shack.
After lunch we did a site inspection at Brickell Bay Beach Club & Spa the affordable accommodation that provides guests with added value services not to be found at any other hotel on Palm Beach.
The Mill Resort and Suites was being renovated into Courtyard by Marriott, one of the completed rooms.
The last site inspection for the day was at the stunning all-inclusive Barceló Aruba. We were able to watch a truly idyllic sunset on the beach before enjoying our dinner at the L’Olio
Italian à la carte restaurant terrace.
Day 3
We started off the day with a site inspection at the oceanfront Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino which overlooks the Caribbean sands of Palm Beach. The spacious hotel rooms offer private balconies with gorgeous views of the ocean or resort gardens. After breakfast at La Vista Buffet, I enjoyed a stroll on the beach to admire the scenery.
Next on the site inspection list was a Luxury resort retreat, The Ritz-Carlton Aruba This is where the white sand meets land at the edge of the Caribbean Sea and offers an escape from routine and an opportunity to truly relax.
The comforting and indulgent Amenities reflect the spirit, richness and charm of Aruba which was a part of the five-star resort's design so guests can easily explore the island or never leave the hotel grounds.
Six dining venues, luxury spa featuring 13 treatments rooms, 24-hour casino with live entertainment, Beachfront venues and custom catering, 320 luxury guest rooms and suites, not to mention The Club Lounge with culinary offerings.
The Holiday Inn Aruba Resort could be your home away from home, where you can enjoy ocean front accommodations. It is positioned in the heart of Palm Beach on the beachfront of transparent waters and steps away from the best shopping malls & nightlife of the island.
Tropicana Aruba Resort & Casino's one-, two- or three-bedroom suites - Each is a private haven of comfort and tranquility, with air conditioning, a complete kitchen, a spacious living room and a private balcony or patio surrounding the oasis swimming pools. Step outside and take a refreshing dip while sipping your favorite beverages at the swim-up bar.
A slight change in our itinerary afforded us the opportunity to do a site inspection at the Riu.
Located on the impressive Palm Beach, Hotel Riu Palace Aruba 400-plus rooms Palace offers you the best facilities to enjoy an unforgettable break. There is no time to be bored in these 24-hour All-Inclusive Palm Beach hotels thanks to the day and evening entertainment programs, shows and live music.
Riu Palace Antillas Hotel's Adults Only service, exclusively for over 18 years old, is ideal for a fantastic and romantic vacation. Enjoy RIU’s entertainment program with shows, dance floor or try your luck at the casino. A place to relax, with a free gym, spa and a beauty and hair salon inviting you to a wide variety of treatments.
Kukoo Kunuku's Wine on Down The Road Tour
You can not go to Aruba and not partake in a night on the town with the hotel pickup and drop-off Kukoo Kunuku's Wine on Down The Road Tour. We went on a joy ride full of fun with dancing in our seats and singing. Hosted by a Sommelier, we were able to sample signature dishes at 4 of Aruba’s top restaurants prepared by renowned chefs from around the world. The featured dishes were inspired by international cuisines and perfectly paired with fine wines.
First stop on the tour was White Modern Cuisine, the Corn Chowder (Vegan-Gluten Free)was delish.
Second stop, I was amazed to see the Beds in the Screaming Eagle Restaurant - Lounge.
Third on the list we sampled the authentic pizza and wine at Eagle's Beach Hostaria Da’ Vittorio Ristorante Italiano.
The final stop of the evening was at Palm's Beach Azia Restaurant & Lounge where we enjoyed the perfect bite sized dessert treats. What a way to end the night!
Day 4
Woke up that morning feeling excited to take part in my first Yoga class on Eagle Beach at Manchebo Beach Resort and Spa; one of Aruba's treasured retreats. It was so breathtaking being in the breezy open-air beach pavilion and on the sunset deck that overlooked the blue-hued beauty of the Caribbean. After that workout, I was looking forward to a fresh, flavorful breakfast before our site inspection.
Spa del Sol a sanctuary by the Caribbean sea, the resort's serene seaside oasis. The lush and intimate retreat located directly on the beach will offer all manner of soothing services to relax, rejuvenate and restore.
Well, right next door is the site inspection at Aruba's Romantic Hotel Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort. This intimate, adult's only boutique hotel is where guests seek a tranquil and romantic beach vacation and relish the focus on wellness and a relaxing ambiance.
We're off to Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive. Guests of Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive, have access to all the amenities of both the Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive, including 10 dining options, Pelican Terrace is where we enjoyed the scrumptious lunch, 8 bars, 4 sparkling pools and snorkeling to yoga classes. Pelican Terrace Located on the sandy beaches in Oranjestad, Aruba, Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive has everything you need to have fun and relax while at our Aruban paradise!
Now some time for fun on a Jeep Tour courtesy of El Tours.
Traveling down dirt and rocky tracks to visit Aruba’s most beautiful highlights - Bushiribana Gold Mine Ruins; Wariruri Bridge; Alto Vista Chapel; California Lighthouse was so thrilling.
I truly love the beautiful sunsets in Aruba, they are to die for.
After our last site inspection at the boutique Aruba hotel Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort.
I was so looking forward to winding down, bare feet in the sand while enjoying live entertainment and a delicious meal at Passions on the Beach. It lived up to the reputation on being the place where visitors are able to enjoy the sun setting over the beautiful Caribbean Sea as the waves crashed against the sugar beach. I am a foodie, so I was delighted to savor the unique culinary dishes with an Aruba flare.
What better way to enjoy the last night in Aruba then to be treated to the finest meal on Eagle Beach at Passions by the Beach. I see why Passions on the Beach at Amsterdam Manor is a destination that visitors all across the island come and experience it’s one of a kind magical atmosphere ideal for wedding parties and other special events. My mouth is watering right now just thinking about the meal I had.
A SPECIAL THANKS goes out again to the Aruba Tourism Authority, Renaissance Aruba Beach Resort and Casino, Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort, Brickell Bay Beach Club and Spa, The Mill Resort and Suites - Courtyard by Marriott, Barcelo Aruba, Marriott Aruba Stelaris Casino, The Ritz Carlton, Holiday Inn Aruba Resort, Hotel Riu Palace Aruba and RiuPalace Antillas, Tropicana Aruba Resort & Casino, KUKOO KUNUKU, Manchebo Beach Resort and Spa, Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive, El Tours, Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort and Passions on the Beach for allowing me to be a part of the ARUBA EDUCATIONAL DESTINATION TRIP!
I hope I left you feeling inspired to book a family, group or any getaway to Aruba? It’s not difficult to fall in love with this destination, which gives you a taste of the Caribbean and leaves you wanting more. Contact your travel BFFs at Wander In Wander Travel.
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What better way to enjoy my last night in Aruba than to relax on a cabana at the pool with a nice cold drink, listening to Pandora with Apple AirPods in ears while reflecting and taking notes on iPad Pro.
Just a few recommended items that you can pack and come in handy on your upcoming trip or vacation:
Those travel cubes to help with organization and saving space in your luggage.
Apple Pencil for writing those notes on iPad Pro 12.9.
MoKo Waterproof case comes in handy for those under water pics or just in case it falls in the water you are covered.
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