Aruba | Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
When you hear the name Aruba, most people probably think of the opening lyrics of Kokomo by The Beach Boys. And trust me, you'll hear that song 100 times if you hear it once. But that's OK, because the tune's catchy and unlike Kokomo, Aruba is a very real paradise that you'll actually find on a map. The Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino on Palm Beach may bill itself as a family-friendly property, but there's a way to get your adults-only vacation on if you know what to book.
Of course, the best part of any tropical vacation is not having too much of an agenda. Once you're on property, that's all that matters. And speaking of getting there, though Uber and taxis are both available, take a little of the guesswork out of things and use All Starz Private Tours and Transfers. They charge per ride, not per person, so it's a fantastic way to start the trip off with a little luxury that won't cost much more than a standard taxi.
Now onto the adulting!
Located on the 8th floor, the Tradewinds Club offers tranquility and sophistication that's hard to come by when parents have lost track of their adventurous children. Guests of Tradewinds Club enjoy complimentary drinks (including rosé on tap!) in the club lounge, as well as five meals throughout the day. Of course, as much as free food and booze makes us happy, it's nice to get out of the hotel and onto the beach.
Or into Mandara Spa, which is worth noting is also an adults-only oasis for guests over 18 (Teens can technically get services with the accompaniment of an adult, but I never saw anyone under 18 in the spa over several days). The small, but well-appointed facility features 12 treatment rooms (including four for couple's services), plus separate men's and women's locker rooms and a tranquil relaxation lounge.
Of course, on this island, every place is a relaxation lounge. -Steven Lindsey
marriott.com
Of course, the best part of any tropical vacation is not having too much of an agenda. Once you're on property, that's all that matters. And speaking of getting there, though Uber and taxis are both available, take a little of the guesswork out of things and use All Starz Private Tours and Transfers. They charge per ride, not per person, so it's a fantastic way to start the trip off with a little luxury that won't cost much more than a standard taxi.
Now onto the adulting!
Located on the 8th floor, the Tradewinds Club offers tranquility and sophistication that's hard to come by when parents have lost track of their adventurous children. Guests of Tradewinds Club enjoy complimentary drinks (including rosé on tap!) in the club lounge, as well as five meals throughout the day. Of course, as much as free food and booze makes us happy, it's nice to get out of the hotel and onto the beach.
Or into Mandara Spa, which is worth noting is also an adults-only oasis for guests over 18 (Teens can technically get services with the accompaniment of an adult, but I never saw anyone under 18 in the spa over several days). The small, but well-appointed facility features 12 treatment rooms (including four for couple's services), plus separate men's and women's locker rooms and a tranquil relaxation lounge.
Of course, on this island, every place is a relaxation lounge. -Steven Lindsey
marriott.com
5 Reasons to Visit Aruba Marriott Resort
Tradewinds Club Adults-Only Floor
Book a suite in Tradewinds Club (they're all suites, now!) and let the staff unpack for you as part of the many services you get within this adults-only hotel within the hotel. In addition to five meals throughout the day and complimentary beer and wine, you'll be pampered by amenities galore in each room. The best being floor-to-ceiling windows with breathtakingly gorgeous views of the turquoise sea just steps from the Aruba Marriott back door. |
Tradewinds Club Adults-Only Beach
The Aruba Marriott has a vast expanse of beach for all its hotel guests, but Tradewinds Clubbers can reserve lounge chairs under their own palapa for the entire stay with cold water and on-demand delivery of food and beverages available for the asking. The beach lies right in front of a tranquil swimming area (just don't go out too far, it drops off quickly). One addition protip: Ask to be seated as far to the right of the beach as possible because the left side of the adults-only beach butts up against the regular family-friendly beach. So, you know, less screaming on the right-hand side. |
Off-Site Activities
With a Red Sail Sports office located right inside the lobby, adventure is literally steps away (then a short van ride). A lunchtime snorkeling cruise on a catamaran is always a wildly fun way to spend a few hours. A nice lunch buffet and open bar (which leads to the inevitable impromptu boat-deck dance party) make it a real bargain, too. Diving excursions, scuba lessons and party buses are among the other popular activities you can book with Red Sail Sports, but I'm always happy just floating in the water and looking at fish. Oh, and the occasional creepy ship wreck. |
H2Oasis Adults-Only Pool
If for some reason the Tradewind Club doesn't have availability, fear not. You can still access the H2Oasis adults-only pool located right off the well-appointed two-story fitness center and a hop, skip and a jump from Mandara Spa. Once at the pool compound, enjoy a dedicated bar serving all sorts of frozen concoctions (or on-the-rocks favorites if that's more your jam). Those staying in Tradewinds Club, however, do receive one additional perk (because why not?): poolside cabanas. They're a great place for a nap—or a club sandwich paired with a piña colada. |
Sunset Dinner on the Beach at Atardi
Dip your bare feet into the sand and feel connected to nature in an entirely new way while you toast to everything great in your life while preparing for the nightly show: sunset. This is the scene every evening at Atardi, a delightful oceanfront restaurant with fine-dining cuisine juxtaposed with a very casual setting. Seafood can't be beat as it's some of the freshest you'll likely ever eat, but steaks and other meaty options wow, too. Most restaurants of this caliber require a coat and tie. Here, they encourage you to remove your shoes. I think the winning option is abundantly clear. |
Photos courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Nevis