When the average temperature is 82 degrees and the breeze is rustling the leaves on the Divi Divi trees, it is hard not to call Aruba, “One happy island.” From its turquoise waters with practically no surf to the friendly demeanor of Arubans, everything about this island is relaxing. Don’t stress about the weather; Aruba is outside the hurricane belt, so it rains infrequently and only in short drizzles. In the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, we are greeted with the hotel’s signature ruby red fruit cocktail with traces of papaya, tropical citrus fruits, and aloe, Aruba’s main export. Sipping our drinks, we were enthralled by the pristine beach just 50 feet from the glass doors.
The Aruba Marriott is one of the many hotels participating in the “One happy honeymoon” program, when newlyweds receive an amenity at check-in, such as champagne, and a free night on their anniversary return trip. Our room has a view of the free-form pool with its swim-up bar and the expansive sea dotted with sailboats and a distant cruise ship. H2Oasis, the new adults-only pool is outfitted with plush couches and private cabanas for a romantic afternoon.
Each floor of the Marriott has a large honeymoon suite, but for the ultimate luxury, check out the adults-only Tradewinds Club, “a hotel within a hotel.” Featuring 49 deluxe rooms with outstanding views, it also has a private lounge serving a continental breakfast and hors d’oeuvres in the afternoon.You can relax right away with an unpacking and packing service and sleep soundly with the perfect pillow from the “pillow menu.”
In addition to Aruba’s beautiful beaches, the island boasts many events throughout the year. The annual, “Aruba In Style Fashion Week” showcases fashions from couture to swimwear to bridal wear. Even fashionistas will find the many outdoor show venues refreshing.
We get to know the island on a Kukoo Kunuku open-air bus tour while rocking out to festive tunes with maracas. We stop at the California Lighthouse on the northwestern tip of the island, which offers the best view of the rosy pink sunset slipping beneath the turquoise Caribbean Sea. The lighthouse keeper’s home has been turned into Aruba’s premier Italian restaurant, La Trattoria el Faro Blanco. The breathtaking view from the patio distracts us, but just momentarily, from the rich flavors of our meal.