While aboard the Crown Princess, we stopped in Aruba. While there I was invited to spend the afternoon at the Aruba Marriott Resort and Casino. With eight different venues for food and drink, a spectacular beach dotted with shady palapas, a swim up bar and an adults only pool, there is something for everyone.
I often hear people talking about the beaches in the Caribbean, and the Marriott Aruba has a beautiful one. The beach attendants will gladly pull a chair
or two under the shade of a palapa for you (a thatched hut providing ample shade for those of us not wishing to bake in the sun). The crystal clear warm water is an attraction, but frankly, so is the swim up bar at the main pool.
We also managed to spend some time at the adults only H2Oasis pool. Relaxing, serene, and there is bar service. A person (like me, for instance) could stay there for a week. The native iguanas running around remind me of home, but I did notice a few raised eyebrows as they scurried about.
Dining at the resort can be anything you want: from a snack in the lobby cafe to a full steak dinner at Ruth’s Chris, you won’t go hungry. The Tradewinds rooms – a resort within a resort, really – offers upgraded rooms and amenities, plus breakfast, a light lunch, hors d’oerves and drinks throughout the day. We had lunch at La Vista, a casual beachfront restaurant with spectacular views. They offer themed buffets in the evening, but we ordered a la carte for lunch. With menu choices like
unique pizzas (shrimp scampi, perhaps? Maybe gouda and artichoke?) to wraps and salads, there are a lot of choices. We had the tuna citrus salad with flavorful, rare seared tuna, and a churrasco steak salad with avocado, blue cheese and crispy onions that I know I should have avoided, but could not help myself. All of these yummies were accompanied by the quintessential island drink, Aruba Ariba.
What is an Aruba Ariba? Well, I’ll give you the recipe, but I must warn you… they go down really easily. You may want two or three or ten, but they’ll catch up with you after a while.
- 1/2 oz. vodka
- 1/2 oz. 151 rum
- 1/8 oz. Coecoei (it is a famous Aruban liquor. Don’t have it? Substitute grenadine for the beautiful red color)
- 1/8 oz. Creme de Banana
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup cranberry juice
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice OR you’re favorite “punch drink”
Splash of Grenadine. Top with Grand Marnier. Do not shake, just stir lightly. Top with a toothpick with cherry and orange.
The Aruba Marriott is a beautiful resort. I would have liked to spend days on end there…If you are planning a Caribbean vacation and need assistance,
please don’t hesitate to let me know. Having a well traveled travel agent on your side will only make things easier for you.
