Enchanting Aruba
Our flight was via Amsterdam and it was a very smooth indirect flight, connecting in Amsterdam was no issue at all- during the flight I watched a couple of films, a delicious meal was served and I even managed to have a little sleep too. I don't know if it is just me but as I get older I actually quite like the longer flights where you can relax and read, watch a film and have some me time.
On arrival into Aruba the process was very slick and seamless- being a smaller airport it meant getting from the aircraft, and through the airport very quickly- and we were in our transfer vehicle and on our way to our first hotel The Renaissance Resort in Aruba all very excited for what was going to be an amazing trip.
Arriving at the Renaissance the first thing that struck me about this hotel was how central it was to shops, bars and restaurants- I was looking forward to this hotel as it has the Private Flamingo Island and as a guest staying at the hotel you get this complimentary which is a huge advantage as if you are not staying at the hotel although you can still visit the Island it would be subject to on the day availability and a limited number of tickets are sold. The hotel itself is a large hotel with a number of different room categories to choose from and there is a family section to the hotel, as well as an adults only part so it is a great choice for any guest. It has a fabulous pool which serve the most amazing cocktails and Flamingo Island itself is stunning- Crystal clear waters and a white sandy beach with these amazing, beautiful flamingos strolling around too. That memory will stay with me forever.
We then headed to the Aruba Marriott & Stellaris Casino Hotel for the remaining time on this breathtaking Island. It's a lively, large hotel and popular with American guests- situated a stones throw from stunning Palm Beach. The sandy beaches, eating out at the many choices of restaurants while listening to the sound of the ocean is what makes Aruba such a special place to be, this coupled with the warm hospitality of the local people is what makes this destination live up to it's name- The Happy Island.
During our time in this part of Aruba we headed to Pelican Bay Pier where we enjoyed a day out on the luxury Schooner Monforte to a unique lagoon to enjoy kayaking, rope swinging into the water (Although I wasn't brave enough to do this activity) and snorkelling along with a delicious lunch and an open bar- for those that didn't want to take part in the optional activities enjoyed relaxing and enjoying the atmosphere while taking in the rays and surroundings on this beautiful vessel. Such an amazing day and highly recommended. We also spent time visiting various hotels on Eagle Beach too- again stunning with a variety of hotels and water sports on offer.
We visited many hotels and I can honestly say this destination has a hotel to suit everyone, from a small boutique hotel to a larger hotel with lots of facilities, a rustic more traditional hotel to self catering apartments with larger rooms for families- the choice is endless and the destination is just stunning- A real hidden gem. I cannot wait to take my own family their to show them what an amazing place it is and with lots of twin centre options too the possibilities are endless. Maybe you fancy a stay in the Big Apple followed by an Aruba stay or why not enjoy the thrills of an Orlando Holiday followed by a stay here- with so many different flight options this is a destination of dreams with the added advantage that due to its location it usually misses the hurricane belt so although weather is never guaranteed anywhere it is generally a great destination to visit all year round for some sunshine.
With stunning beaches, delicious restaurants, shopping, sports and excursions plus more- it's a perfect holiday destination for your next getaway.
I left the Island with lots of amazing memories, beautiful photographs, lots of knowledge and a determination that I want to go back again to experience this breathtaking destination and help arrange my clients holidays to experience this very special place and why indeed it really is The Happy Island.
