What makes something memorable and meaningful to you? For me, it's that something was special or unique. Renaissance Island in Aruba did just that for me and my adult kids.
My favorite moments include an amazing scenery or a special moment that I experienced or shared with someone special. The sheer joy in my adult kids reactions to everything throughout the day. Especially the fact that we all felt relaxed. I think each of us took a nap throughout the day. And there was no attitude from anyone. You moms know what I mean...that is a successful day in itself. My kids also know that when we are on vacation, my does not use the word 'no. Now, before anyone jumps to any conclusions, they also understand the rules and rules don't change; they get to be pampered, it's their vacation. They should get to decompress too.
This was in my top 10 of the most memorable days of any vacation!
Aruba is a beautiful place to do just that. The waters are blueish-green, and the island is very safe. So if you are a solo traveler(which I recommend you do at least once in your life) or traveling with your family, you can relax and feel comfortable wandering off the property. The unemployment rate is only 5%. They are entirely dependent on tourism for their survival, and the people are incredibly appreciative of tourists. In the four days we visited, I think we were thanked at least 15 times/ day. One of my favorite things about the island is the people. You can rent a car and drive, but since all of the traffic signs are in french, we decided to get taxis while visiting instead. As Americans, we use a credit card to pay for Uber and taxis. On the island of Aruba, the taxis expect payments in cash. The first taxi driver of our trip was fantastic, giving us dinner suggestions and even driving us past eagle beach, recommending we visit. We enjoyed him as a driver, so we took his phone # to call and request him for the rest of our trip.
There are two main beaches in Aruba, Eagle, and Palm. Eagle beach is a little calmer, and the water is prettier. It’s a little harder to walk from area to area. There are a row of hotels on eagle beach and a couple of nightlife streets and restaurants behind them.
We stayed in Palm Beach at the Renaissance Marriott resort for our visit. My two favorite things about the Renaissance were the spa and Renaissance Island. Prior To our trip, I reserved a cabana on the island. Let me tell you; I have been looking forward to this day since I made the reservation a couple of months prior. There is no hotel on the island, and the only way to get there is via a boat run by the Renaissance Wind Creek hotel. You either have to stay at the renaissance or purchase a day pass to visit. I was traveling with my young adult kids and wanted quiet space, so we chose the end cabana furthest out.
The cabana’s on the adult side of the island were gorgeous. The threshold was etched with our last name and a cooler stocked with water, fruit, and a bottle of champagne.
We also had a private hammock, rafts, and snorkeling gear over the water. I initially thought we were just spending a couple of hours on the island, but it was so magical and pampering that we were there the entire day. The cabana included a butler's phone and bell to order smoothies, cocktails, and lunch throughout the day (at an additional expense). We took full advantage of having food brought to our cabana.
Everything we ordered was delicious, including my mango smoothie. Mangos are very fresh in Aruba, so if you have the chance to order them in a smoothie, I highly recommend it. Our day was so peaceful, and the service was prompt and exceptional. I wish we had booked the cabana for multiple days.
The cabanas fill up quickly, so make sure you reserve yours early.
There are two separate areas of the island that offer cabanas. The Iguana beach is where we booked, and it is much quieter and more secluded. The other section is a flamingo beach, and it is for families and the flamingos.
It is called Flamingo island because a group of Flamingos lives on the island. You can walk right up to them and even purchase food for feeding. It truly is a unique and memorable experience.
Girl Spa Time
I love mother/daughter time and we both loved the Oceanus spa. One of the offerings was to have a couples massage oceanfront. I had never had a massage out by the water, and with the sound of the waves and the light breeze, I could have fallen asleep. It was the most peaceful thing I have ever experienced. My daughter and I booked a couple of massages at Spa Cove on Renaissance Island. The same day we booked our cabana, so that we would already be on the island.
Whenever I have booked a massage for my daughter I have booked a couple's one so that I could be with her. Call me safety mom. I want to relax during my massage, not be worried about her. Not that there is anything to be concerned about, but what can I say. I am a mom. I also thought it would be good bonding time. Well, if you think you are going to bond with anyone during a couple's massage on the water, think again. We were both so 'in the moment' that we did not even remember the other was on the table next to us. LOL
If you prefer not to be in the heat of the day, I recommend you ask the reservationist when the best time is to schedule.
There are other activities available on the island. You can swim, paddle board and there is a nature trail. There is also a restaurant and a bar. It takes about 10-15 min by boat to get to the island, and the crew lets you know when the last boat departs for the day. If you have somewhere to be in the evening, make sure you give yourself time to get back, as, towards the end of the day, there tends to be a line to wait for the shuttle boats so that it can take some time.
Here is why I know this was a huge success, all of us said at the end of the day 'can we do this tomorrow'. They wanted to cancel all of our weeks plans and come back to the cabana. I will definitely return. I am visualizing peace just thinking about my time there.
Check out the video of our time on #renaissanceisland #aruba
Cheers,
Lisa