The weather’s getting cooler and before you know it the cold will be upon us, so now is the time to start making your winter getaway plans to Aruba!
You’ll want to make a quick dash before snow drops and the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino is just the place for comfort creatures who yearn for a quick, simple trip out of Dodge.
Those familiar with the Marriott brand will be at ease with its variety of common amenities to make your stay as comfortable as possible while enjoying the island’s warm sun rays and cool tradewinds.
The people of Aruba take pride in being ‘One Happy Island’ welcoming all visitors to enjoy all it has to offer. Islanders may greet you with Bonbini” which means “Welcome” in Papamiento. Many of the hotel guests are American, so at times it may feel like you hadn’t left home, but you’ll get the VIP treatment. The Aruba Marriott provides a private concierge lounge where guests upon check-in receive a gift bag with beach towel and other goodies, and there is unlimited food and beverages you can have while there or take back to your room. Not that you’ll be spending much time in your hotel room, but you can unwind in a spacious queen or king-sized bed or enjoy resort views from a private balcony.
Overlooking the Caribbean sands of Palm Beach, the oceanfront hotel offers the most spacious hotel rooms and private balconies in Aruba with gorgeous views of the ocean or their resort gardens – a captivating tropical paradise. Premier suites feature access to their exclusive Tradewinds Club, an exclusive experience for adults only, that offers premium Aruba accommodations and elite privileges. When booking the adults-only Tradewinds Club, guests have exclusive access to The Tradewinds Club Lounge where guests upon check-in receive a gift bag with beach towel and other goodies, and there is unlimited food and beverages you can have while there or take back to your room.
Travel junkies who generally shy away from resorts like this family-friendly destination, would find this Marriott offers a good mix for thill seekers and vacation traditionalists.
Those who dare to venture off property in search of adventure, may we suggest De Palm Tours for a UTV tour along Aruba’s north coast. The thrill-filled tour takes you through the uninhabited rocky side of the island. Along the ride you’ll see how for thousands of years, pounding waves and strong winds slowly chiseled away at limestone cliffs to create several natural bridges including Baby Bridge. On the tour you’ll pass Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, an abandoned site that once processed ore from mines in the nearby hills during Aruba’s 19th century gold rush. Prepare to get dusty on this, for you’ll want to pack clothes to get dirty, a scarf to wrap around your nose and mouth and goggles.
Red Sail Sports will take you out onto the Caribbean waters aboard a catamaran sail for snorkeling to view the tropical fish over a sunken ship wreck. The crew can be quite comedic, but big on safety, and also serve up lunch along with tropical-themed drinks.
For those who lack sea legs and rather stick to land, yet still want a bit of adventure, take the Aruba Mural Tour through San Nicholas where artists are transforming the ‘Ghost Town’ into Aruba’s booming Art District. This part of Aruba has been through a bot of neglect with some abandoned properties and vacant lots, the but the colorful murals expressing uplifting life and joy will have you astounded by talented artists who come from around the world to paint.
For the non-adventurist, you can soak up the sun on the stunning white beaches, just steps from the resort and go for a swim in the clear blue waters. There are also a host of water sports and tennis.
You can treat yourself to a relaxing massage or facial at the full-service spa. There is a 24-hour fitness center, sauna, whirlpool and outdoor pool. Or get your morning work out on with some yoga, on a surfboard, in the water. An instructor for SUP Yoga will put you and your balancing skills to the test. The H2Oasis adults-only pool area is a guest favorite where you can sip a cocktail in a private cabana.
There are many superb dining options on site. Start the day out with breakfast at La Vista, with panoramic views of the sandy shores and palm trees. The cooling winds will wake you up as you have breakfast on terrace. You can savor the finest cuts of USDA Prime beef at Ruth’s Chris Steak House. Cap off the night with dinner at Atardi, the resort’s toes-in-the-sand restaurant. Watching the sun set with candles lid on the beach and at your table makes for a romantic evening. The scene is Instagram worthy. And for a late-night gathering spot with hotel guests and friends you can have sushi and cocktails at the lobby bar.
The Stellaris Casino, with its entrance right off the lobby, is open 24-hours for you to try your luck at blackjack or poker.
For East Coasters Aruba is under five hours from MIA, FLL, ATL, CLT, BOS, JFK and EWR. Enjoy a pre-planned, two-night micro-break with the Marriott’s new “One Happy Break” package, giving guests a taste of the most iconic attractions and activities across the island and at the resort. Those booking the package have a seamless itinerary laid out for them, so no time is spent worried about coordinating logistics or planning out where to eat – the resort’s got that taken care of. The package includes oceanfront accommodations, snorkel cruise for two, half-day cabana at the adults-only H2Oasis pool, and a $500 food & beverage credit to cover daily meals; a total savings of $750 plus!
Nightly rates start from $780, valid for stays Sundays – Thursdays.
Can’t wait for the action? Check out live webcam views from the Aruba Marriott now on your laptop or smartphone!
For more information, visit www.arubamarriott.com and use code: YX1 to book.