Destination Aruba!

There is a reason why Aruba is known as the ‘Happy Island’.  The residents go out of their way to make sure you are updated on things to do and where to go.  Had the good fortune to be in this destination recently and just want to remind you the engaged couple planning a destination wedding or honeymoon -or those that are just seeking a romantic jaunt, of why this destination should be given major consideration.

First I flew down on JetBlue – non-stop from JFK.  Leave in the morning, arriving at midday.  Going through immigration was a breeze..as a matter of fact I cannot remember when was the last time I was welcomed by anyone from immigration for visiting a destination.  That was the start of a wonderful entry into Aruba.

I took taxi to the hotel: Aruba Resort & Stellaris Casino, a Marriott Resort.  Within 5 minutes was checked in and room was ready.  No waiting around the lobby until 3 in the afternoon.  They were lovely, friendly and very professional.  Of course while signing the necessary documents at the front desk, was approached with the beverage of the day, attractively arranged and very enticing.  The vista from the lobby/front desk gave you a full view of the well laid out and very attractive pool and landscaping – leading down to the pristine white sand beach.

Was escorted to the room and shown all the necessary features, but I had no intention of paying attention as I was transfixed with the most glorious view of the beautiful pool below and the beauty of the ocean.  I stayed transfixed for about 5 minutes before reality set in and I had to go back and check out the amenities in the room.  Room was large and bed was most comfortable.  (I like to think I am a connoisseur of beds) and this one certainly past the test.  Room was very clean, so was the large his/hers bathroom (2 face basins) and a large walk in closet.

I then set about trying the different services.  First I went downstairs and decided to go to the buffet lunch that was being served.  They welcomed me as if I was a long lost friend, and no sitting at the table waiting for a beverage or attendant.  I must say this was not a special treatment – but one that was the norm and shown to everyone.  My attendant had been with the hotel for 16 years and he acted like he only started yesterday.  He loved his job, he would not trade for anything and he was very happy to welcome visitors to his beautiful Island.  His words not mine.

Room Service was just as efficient – pleasant, on-time and extremely gracious.  Of course I had to go off property to see if the treatment was still the same. To my surprise it was just as good.  Went to Linda’s Pancake Restaurant (they specialize in Dutch Pancakes) to sample the very well known Dutch Pancakes.  This should be on your ‘must do’ list. www.lindas-aruba.com

Took the opportunity to visit the local Plaza Bookshop where you can find anything, from a bible to local artifacts.  If you leave a party item at home, you can find it there.  Hospitality at this store was even better than I thought.  Was approached by an employee of the store wanting to know if I was having a good time in Aruba and is there something she could help me to find.  Absolutely gracious and welcoming! 

Stopped at the local Supermarket (Dutch) and you could find anything you desire and more.  It was lunch time, so you do what most locals do: head on down to a town called Savaneta and an outdoor restaurant called Zeerover. (This is a Dutch word that means ‘pirates’.  They serve fish and drinks at local prices, giving you a distinct taste of Aruba).  Dress casual for this, it is a wooden deck built over the shoreline so that you are outside on a deck with the Caribbean Sea underneath you.  Romantic, romantic, romantic.  The catch of the day, whatever it is: that is the lunch for the day.  I had the best fried fish, and shrimps with chips and fried plantain.  I could have stayed there all day.

Well, back to the Aruba Marriott for some much needed rest and relaxation.  That means going to the beach and soaking up some of that warm, beautiful sunshine.

As one who feels that it is a ritual for any holiday, a trip the Mandara Spa was a must.  From you enter the spa; you are brought into a totally new environment.  The usual accoutrements are everywhere: soothing music, lemon distilled water, fountain, slippers, robes, oils etc.  You choose the oil best suited for your emotions (I went for the stress reducer) and then you are taken into a dimly lit but elegant and super clean (that is important to me) room and get the best massage you can ever imagine.  They have a roster of options and of course you choose the method most appropriate for you.

The Aruba Marriott is quite unique in that this hotel also offers a hotel within a hotel.  This is called the Tradewinds Club and is a 49-room boutique, located on the 8th floor of the hotel. This area is designed  to further cater to guests seeking upscale and personalized vacation experiences.  Great for a honeymoon, anniversary, or just to celebrate love.  It is all about service in an intimate environment.

In an effort to increase exclusivity, guests must now be at least 12 years of age in order to stay within Tradewinds Club.  The fee structure for the Tradewinds Club has been adjusted based on room category and the additional per person, per night fee has been reduced in order to provide better value.

Tradewinds Club Deluxe Ocean View rooms start at $504 per night based on double occupancy.

“Customer satisfaction is our bottom line, and we listened to our guests and took the feedback they gave us to heart,” says Kevin Schwab, General Manager for the Aruba Marriott. “By lowering our room count and creating more of an adult atmosphere, we are
decreasing traffic within Tradewinds and guaranteeing our guests receive the service and satisfaction of a luxury boutique hotel.” www.arubamarriott.com

Guests who book Tradewinds have exclusive  access, special services, upscale amenities and deluxe food and beverage offerings. Privileges include access to the 1900 sq. ft. Tradewinds Lounge with 200 sq. ft. terrace; private check-in; upgraded bathroom amenities; deluxe robes, slippers and a pillow menu; unpacking, pressing and packing assistance upon request; preferred spa and restaurant reservations; a dedicated concierge staff; secluded beach area exclusive to Tradewinds guests; free internet access; and complimentary, gourmet food service five times daily in the Tradewinds Lounge, along with an open bar.

I enjoyed a panoramic view of the island including the beautiful Caribbean Sea at breakfast one morning. Service in this area is truly top notch.

To book a stay at Tradewinds Club or for more information, call (800) 223-6388 or visit www.tradewindsclubaruba.com.

Of course no visit to the Island would be complete without a visit to the local hangout.  Shorts, sandals or summer dress and hang out for a cold beer where the locals go and you will find yourself in one of the friendliest atmosphere – 080.  Yes, that is the name of this establishment. Just ask for the friendliest Manager:( Japie) and he will be out and provide you with the most delicious Aruban Dutch snacks.
www.cafe080.com

Simply could not leave the island without checking out the wedding facilities at this lovely hotel.  Asked to see the main contact to discuss a possible wedding and within five minutes out came the very friendly Abigail van der Linden.  I got kissed on both cheeks (first time we met) and then after inquiring if I needed anything to drink proceeded to give me a tour of the options and facilities available.  You think it or dream it, it can be done.  There is a price for everyone and a design to suit each taste and budget.

Abigial is your first point of entry and she and her staff work to make sure that your day is truly a memorable one.  You will not be passed around the hotel to the various departments.  One person is assigned to you and you will be well taken care of.  Contact: email:Abigail.vanderlinden@marriotthotels.com and of course you can go to their website and see for yourself. www.weddings.arubamarriott.com

For my engaged couples who may want to try their hand at lady luck, the casino with all its bells and whistles is a tempting place to possible earn extra cash for that needed jewelry in the many display cases.  I was taught the fine art of black jack and by the time the night was over, I could only watch those who were more skilled at this game.  It was however, great fun and the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino is a wonderful hotel with lots of amenities, charm, and a great place to spend your honeymoon or get married.