Pristine Beaches and Warm Hospitality at Aruba Marriott Resort

There is definitely a reason why travelers keep coming back to Aruba Marriott, year after year. I can’t tell you how many people I met who raved about this resort and mentioned that they make an annual appearance due to the beautiful scenery and Aruban hospitality.

Aruba is a small island — just 19.6 miles long — and boasts ideal temperatures year round, thanks to the constant trade winds (which helps with the humidity and limits the annoyance of mosquitoes). When travel to other islands in the Caribbean is dicey, Aruba is the optimal choice because it is located in the Netherland Antilles, outside of the hurricane belt.

I am normally a mosquito magnet in tropical areas, but I came home from Aruba without a single bug bite. That’s reason enough for me to move Aruba to the top of my tropical island list.
 

How to Get to Aruba Marriott

Aruba Marriott is a quick 30-minute cab ride from the airport. Upon arrival, the bellhop immediately offered to save me from my bags while I checked in at the front desk. The check-in process was quick and easy — with a brief overview of the resort’s grounds and available activities.

 

Aruba Marriott Resort Review

Rooms

I was impressed with the decor of the room and, of course, the remarkable beach view from my private balcony. All guest rooms are equipped with a safe, mini fridge, hair dryer, and large walk-in closet. The high-speed Wi-Fi worked flawlessly in my room (I never had any problems connecting from the beach either). As a person who is sensitive to cigarette smoke, I appreciate the smoke-free policy in the hotel. Room prices start at $209 per night, which is not outrageous — especially for Aruba.

 

The Beach at Aruba Marriott

The beach was definitely my favorite part of this resort (and this is coming from a self-proclaimed beach connoisseur). Sometimes a white sand beach and a raft is all you need for the perfect vacation. The sand in front of the resort is groomed, so you don’t have to worry about stepping on any sharp pieces of coral and you won’t be bothered by boats as long as you stay inside the roped-off area.

One of the lovely staff members will even set up lounge chairs for you under a Palapa, which you can keep for the day as long as you don’t leave for longer than two hours. But seriously, why would you want to?

They will even offer to take your photo. By the time I left the resort, I felt like the beach staff and I were old friends.

 

Bar

I didn’t spend too much time at the bar, except to grab a beer on my way to the hot tub. The service was quick and pleasant and I don’t ask for too much more from a hotel bar.
 

Breakfast

I experienced room service breakfast and the buffet at La Vista Restaurant. The food wasn’t anything spectacular — pretty much what you would expect from buffet or room service — but the service was always top notch. I do wish they offered a little more selection of food at the buffet, but honestly it kept me from overeating like I normally do at buffet breakfasts.
 

Simply Fish Restaurant

For the ultimate dinner-on-the-beach-with-live-music experience, we spent an evening dining at Simply Fish Restaurant. You will only find the freshest fish on the menu and I highly recommend the Grouper with crunchy macadamia crust.
 

Mandara Spa at Aruba Marriott

Mandara Spa is situated on Aruba Marriott’s property — offering massages, wraps, scrubs and other unique spa treatments.

 

Must-Do Activities in Aruba

If lounging under a Palapa or floating on a raft all day isn’t your thing, there is plenty more to experience in Aruba.

• • Jet Pack: I have yet to try this, but I loved watching other people take a stab at it.

 

 

• • SUP: Stand Up Paddleboarding on Aruba’s calm waters is a fun way to get on the water and give those abs and arms a workout.
  • Beach Tennis: This is more like paddle ball with a net, but it’s surprisingly fun and you will get a great workout running around on the sand.
  • Linda’s Dutch Pancakes and Pizza: Have you ever had Dutch Pancakes? This was my first time and now I’m hooked! You can choose from sweet or savory — I recommend the brie, walnut and honey pancake.

 

• • Snorkeling: Aruba is the perfect place for snorkeling. If you head to the other side of the island, then don’t miss Baby Beach; it’s where the locals hang out.

 

• Carubbian Festival: I wasn’t sure what to expect from the Carubbian Festival, but it ended up being a blast. Every Thursday night, performers put on shows, dress up, dance in the streets and vendors serve amazing local food. You can book tickets for this festival with De Palm Tours or at the hotel concierge.