As my feet sank into the sugar-soft white sand, a woman with bright eyes and a warm smile approached me extending a basket.
“Choose one, whichever calls you,” she offered, tipping the vessel to expose tiny silk bags housing individual crystals.
This was the start of my Full Moon Dinner, a new offering at Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino on the beautiful Caribbean island of Aruba.
The sun was starting to descend, marking the end of another stress-free day (Aruba’s tagline, after all, is “One Happy Island”), casting the clear sky in hues reminiscent of a child’s favorite popsicle — grape, orange and raspberry.
Without giving it too much thought, I plunged my suntanned hand into the sea of crystals and grabbed the first bag that came to me.
“Ah, turquoise,” the woman cooed once I retrieved its claimed prize. She went on to read a list of traits associated with the gem: honesty, integrity and truthfulness.
It was the last night of my three-day stay at the resort, and as I settled into the comfortable cushions lining the beachside table awaiting a magnificent pre-set five-course dinner as the equally impressive Strawberry Moon began to rise, I couldn’t think of a better way to end things.
For those not familiar with Aruba, it is the “A” of the ABC islands, Bonaire and Curaçao being the other two. Conveniently located below the hurricane belt in the Leeward Antilles translates to a vacation in paradise with little risk. The island boasts a diverse population where Dutch (it is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands), English, Spanish and Papiamento (the local dialect of the ABC islands) is spoken. With direct three-hour flights from South Florida, getting there is a cinch.
Situated on picture-perfect Palm Beach, the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino is a short seven miles from Reina Beatrix Airport. There are 414 modern rooms with balconies (including 24 suites) that overlook the tranquil ocean, Family Pool with Swim Up Bar or H2Oasis Adults-Only Pool. Those wanting to experience an upscale adults-only experience can opt for The Tradewinds Club, which offers deluxe oceanview rooms, private check-in, a dedicated concierge, as well as a private lounge providing food and beverage options throughout the day.
Whether you are snoozing in a beachside cabana, craving a poolside snack or have your heart set on fine dining, Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino has something for everyone. Step into the hotel lobby and you’ll spot a few tempting options — from the familiar Starbucks to fresh sushi and sashimi at the Lobby Bar to over 24 delightful flavors at Gelato & Co. like tiramisu, cookies and cream and mango. You’ll also be handed the island’s signature Aruba Ariba cocktail — a blend of vodka, rum, Crème de Banana, orange, cranberry and pineapple juices and grenadine syrup — as a welcome drink upon check-in. Mercát, the property’s latest addition, is the go-to destination for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serving Mediterranean tapas-style fare that includes delectable dishes like Prime Beef Carpaccio, Fried Zucchini Fries, Couscous Paella and Short Rib Pasta. Waves Bar & Grill caters to guests at the beach and family pool, while the adult pool has its own venue, aptly called H2Oasis Adult Pool Bar. Atardi, which translates to “late afternoon” in Papiamento, is the seafood-centric pop-up restaurant that magically appears on the sand every evening (and is also the scene for the Full Moon monthly dinners). Steak lovers will be happy to learn there is a Ruth’s Chris Steak House on the property serving the same dishes that have made the restaurant so popular since it first opened in the U.S. in 1965.
For most, the main draw to the island is the beach. Those wanting to relax, settling under a shady palapa (reservations required) with a good book and an addictive piña colada is a great way to spend the day.
Those seeking a bit more activity will welcome the vast array of watersports available (motorized and non-motorized). There is also tennis, basketball and beach volleyball, along with pool games, aqua aerobics and a two-story gym for those not wanting to skip their exercise routine. Consider signing up for the new mocktail-making class, where you’ll learn how to prepare refreshing beverages like Butterfly Peach Iced Tea, Strawberry Cooler and Ginger Lime Seltzer.
Squeeze in time for a visit to the Mandara Spa — the celebrated spa’s first location in the Caribbean. The 6,500-square-foot space is the largest professional spa on the island and includes signature services like the Fire & Ice Massage, a blend of heated basalt stones and cool gel, as well as the Massage de la Aruba which aims to balance the body, mind and spirit using long, gentle strokes.
Of course, don’t miss the casino: with more than 15,000 square feet of gaming space, it is the largest on the island (and conveniently open 24 hours). There are over 500 slot machines and 26 casino gaming tables, as well as sports gaming kiosks.
There’s also plenty to do off property. Stroll through the colorful mural art neighborhood of San Nicolas (imagine a Caribbean Wynwood), check out the Aruba Aloe Museum (the island boasts the oldest aloe company in the world) or visit the desert-like, rugged Arikok National Park. You can also indulge in a shopping spree at nearby downtown Oranjestad (the island’s capital), lined with upscale shops and boutiques. If you find you don’t have time to experience it all, do not fret. Just order another Aruba Ariba and plan a return trip.
Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino is located at L.G. Smith Blvd. 101, Noord, Aruba. For more information, call 1-800-228-9290 or visit arubamarriott.com.
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