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Whether drawn by the white sands and perfect weather, the burgeoning art scene, or the Aruba Soul Beach Music Festival (May 22 to 27, featuring John Legend and Grammy-nominated British-Jamaican sensation Ella Mai), you can't go wrong staying at Aruba Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino. The only downside is you might not be able to drag yourself away from the resort in order to see the rest of the island. The casino may offer you a chance to gamble if you must, but the real jackpot is the resort's other choice amenities.
There's a spectacular 180-degree view from your room of palm trees, white sands, and turquoise water. No matter what time of year you visit, that view from your balcony is always going to be sick but so is the weather. That's because the weather on Aruba rarely fluctuates from the average year-round temperature of 83 degrees.
Carnival in Aruba is one of the world’s longest, officially starting in November, and running through Fat Tuesday to the beginning of lent. The majority of the activities take place in January and February, with weeks of decadent floats, luxurious costumes, King & Queen elections, wild street parties, and Torch Light Parades that wind their way through the island's streets at night. Whether you’re looking for sexy women or hot men or both, you’ll find them indulging in Aruba during Carnival. Serenading all is a mix of Antillean "tumba" music, the Calypso and steel bands of the British Caribbean, Latin salsa, marching bands, and a sprinkling of Dutch oom-pa-pa. It all culminates in a marathon, day-long Grand Parade.
But you don’t have to wait for the winter for a taste of Carnival. At Aruba Marriott, you just have to show up for their weekly Carnival experience, where male and female dancers in resplendent, over-the-top costumes prance and sashay between the tables on La Vista restaurant's outdoor terrace. After numerous, seemingly instantaneous wardrobe changes, a few lucky guests get a chance to join in the fun. A couples’ dance off pairs one professional dancer with one guest against other duos. With the professional partners leading the way the performances are better than you'd imagine. Stick around to the end and you’ll have an opportunity to get photos with your favorite dancers.
The pool at the Aruba Marriot features a swim-up bar where they serve the best piña coladas in the Caribbean (the secret is in using top-shelf regional rum and real coconut cream, not just coconut milk).
The beachfront offers built-in palapas, with thatched roofs made of dried palm leaves which offer cooling shade to beachgoers along Auaar Beach. Perfect for lounging and watching the swimmers in the surf and drinking regional tequila.
While you're out on Auaar Beach, steps from the resort, you can take out a paddle board or try one of the other ocean sports Aruba Marriott offers equipment for. You'll stay in shape and cool off. The water here is an incredible turquoise and, on this side of the island, the waves come in low and easy. You can also snag an adventure trip — dudes will love ATV racing but you can also do snorkeling, land sailing, kayaking, or surfing — if you want to get away from the cushy resort for a few hours.
Many Americans are already familiar with Ruth's Chris, perhaps the finest steak house chain state-side. But if you haven't had the opportunity to dine there, why not take advantage of the on-site restaurant at Aruba Marriott?
Probably the funnest eatery at Aruba Marriott is the ice cream parlor Gelato & Co featuring 20 flavors of gelato and ice cream. They serve in cones and craft their own ice cream bars.
There's so much to do out and about on the Marriott resort and the island of Aruba that you may not spend a lot of time chillin' in your room. On the other hand, with the big bed, incredible views, and delicious room service, you might never want to leave, especially if you're traveling with that special someone.
If you are on a romantic get away with your bea and you're willing to splurge to make it unforgettable, check out Aruba Marriott's Tradewinds Club, an intimate adults-only hotel within a hotel, for those seeking sophistication and exclusivity. It all starts with location location: all Tradewinds rooms are located on the top floor. They feature spacious rooms, and large balconies with truly incredible ocean vistas. Tradewinds guests also get access to an exclusive reserved beach area, where the riff raff will stare at you all jelly while they shuffle past. Club membership also comes with a private concierge and lounge, a special pillow menu (you know she'll want to try them all), five daily gourmet culinary presentations, and a nightly open bar.
The Governor's Suite (pictured above) is the epitome of upscale luxury accomodations, featuring a massive living area, a separate bedroom with a four-poster canopy bed, and a wrap-around balcony with mind blowing ocean views. Staying in the Governor's Suite also entitles you to exclusive amenities such as a complimentary reserved palapa on the beach for your private use.
If you’re one of those people turned off by hotel pools packed with Marco-Poloing children, Aruba Marriott has the perfect antidote: H2Oasis, an adults-only pool tucked out of view (and sound) from the other, noisier pool. Some guests even score the priviledge of being able to walk out of their room and directly into the pool area.
Top your night off at one of the resort's bars, like the Stellaris Casino Lounge 101 (pictured). The mixologists are friendly and engaging, and will even do cocktail blending classes for groups (where you'll get to taste the examples). Allowing them to ply you with libations is a great way to cap off your night — and your stay at Aruba Marriort Resort & Stellaris Casino.
Aruba Marriott offers access to a stunning 10 restaurants on-site, with everything from a Starbucks in the lobby to fine dinning and bountiful buffetts. Among the latter is La Vista restaurant which offers mouthwatering Italian entrees and desserts.
