Aruba

Has anyone gone recently? Anything new in the area to do? I am thinking of going this summer but the last time I was there was 2011. By the time I go it'll be 9-10 years apart almost a decade away. I have no idea if my favorite restaurants or activities are still there and would like to know if anything interesting and new popped up within that time.

Message edited 11/22/2019 12:29:00 PM.

Re: Aruba

We went this past summer.

I did Windsurfing lessons w my 9 year old. It was new to us & lots of fun!

Jolly Roger has been around for a while & we had a great time on it.

Re: Aruba

I went in July by myself (momcation, and loved every second). I stayed at the Renaissance, which has a private island with flamingos. There are separate family and adult beaches and a separate hotel for adults only (not sure if you are going with kids). I did stay on the family side (all suites) for four nights, then moved to the adult side. I preferred the family side since the adult side was a bit to partyish at night or me! I didn't venture off property much since I was solo, so can't help with great restaurants. It was beautiful there, everyone was friendly, and I would love to go back next Summer!

Message edited 11/25/2019 7:44:05 PM.

Re: Aruba

We just got back on Tuesday. We stayed at the Marriott Surf Club.

Are you bringing kids or no kids?

We brought our 3 kids and rented a car. I'm glad we did because it's super easy to drive around. We also went to Baby Beach one day to check it out. My older son and i snorkeled. We even got to swim with sea turtles. There were 3 there.

We ate at: for dinners-
-El Gauchos (we always love it there)
-Barefoot (loved this- on the beach)
-Ricardo's
-Gianni's twice
-Passions

Lunch:
-Moomba's (twice)
-Scotts Brats
-Pelican Pier

We love it there. Great restaurants, safe, easy and beautiful. Already looking to go back the same time next year.

Message edited 11/23/2019 6:44:37 PM.

Re: Aruba

Yes I am bringing kids, well one to be exact.

I was considering the Marriott Surf Club, or Hyatt or Hilton. The surf club's lazy river has me interested lol lol. Never heard of the Renaissance with flamingos though, that sounds amazing.

Re: Aruba

Message edited 11/23/2019 8:07:23 PM.

Aruba

We went in May. Stayed at Hilton (this was our 2nd time staying there). the property is beautiful, I think it's got the beach front on the island. We are beach people, so we spent 99% of our time there (had my 9 year old DD with us). We did snorkeling, parasailing, the tube rides (like 4 times! LOL), jet skis. Restaurants: Wacky Wahoo (we enjoyed, but DD wasn't a big fan) Barefoot- great food and amazing view eating on the beach, Fishes & More- good food, Smoky Joes ribs- great. Since we stay at Hilton, we just get breakfast there at the buffet almost everyday. They also have a great pier bar/restaurant- Bugaloo- cheap food, decent, great for breakfast/lunch and casual- so easy to pop over. We did a jeep tour years ago, but prices went up a lot, so we skipped it this time. My daughter absolutely loves it there- but she loves the beach and the island vibe LOL- so it totally depends on your kid I think.

Aruba

Just booked today for July ay the Divi All Inclusive!