Flamingo Beach Renaissance Island
Over the past month I’ve written several pieces about my Aruba Renaissance Resort Press Trip provided by Marriott Paradise Resorts. I’ve shared with honesty my experiences and my perceptions of Aruba and the activities I participated in. In this particular piece I want to highlight my favorite parts of the resort and detail the quirks I discovered.
Renaissance Island; This private island is a little piece of heaven that is a must visit while staying at The Renaissance Aruba Resort. Guests reach the island via a free water taxi on the lower level of the resort. For details on the island see my piece on Renaissance Island.
Marriott Beds; Please feel free to deliver one of these to my home anytime! These beds are comfy and feel plush and inviting with a selection of pillows that far surpass need and their simple, elegant white bedding is a delightful touch.
Marriott Beds
HoMedics Sleep Machine; My room was equipped with a sleep machine that offered a host of natural sounds including rain showers, jungle noises, waterfalls and ocean surf. I tried several of the options, it was a nice touch. Guests can set it to play for a specified amount of time or let it play all night.
Adults Only; I enjoyed the option of adult only areas throughout the resort. I especially loved the adult only Flamingo beach. In addition I found it relaxing and paradise like to have an adult only pool.
Bath Products; Being a proponent of natural and organic ingredients I was happy to see Aveda products in the guest bathrooms. Aveda has incresed the percentage of natural ingredients in their products to approximately 90% and have phased parabens out of the majority of their products. The Aveda products offered at The Renaissance Aruba Resort were refreshing and enjoyable to use.
Spa Cove on Renaissance Island Photo Courtesy of Marriott Paradise Resorts
Okeanos Spa; I felt the offering of two spa locations, including a private one on Renaissance Island added a nice touch of paradise to spa experiences. That’s not a spa experience you’ll find everywhere. My piece on Okeanos Spa.
Romantic Touches; Guests can make reservations for a private dinner served on the beach by their own butler. “Turn Down Treats” including Rose petals, chocolate dipped strawberries, dark chocolate mousse, Belgium chocolates or ice cream are also offered. For more sensual treats guests can opt for chocolate massage oil and a chocolate scented candle to be delivered; wine or champagne can be added.
Renaissance Mall This piece of shopping heaven contains European designer boutiques, cafes, and a little of everything. The Renaissance Mall is located on the lower level beneath the hotel. It’s a great place to shop and explore.
Renaissance Mall
Blue Flag Program; The island of Aruba and the Renaissance Aruba Resort are working toward an ecological project that will include water quality, safety, services, facilities, environmental education and environmental management. This project is scheduled for completion next year. Upon completion Aruba’s beaches will display the prestigious blue flag showing that Aruba meets the standards in excellence for environmental management of resources.
My Quirks
The Adults Only Pool Bar; This bar along with the adults only pool is a great place to hang out and have a few drinks while soaking up the island mood. The down side of this bar is the music played loud enough to hear in guest rooms overlooking the pool six stories up on weekends. Two nights in a row I struggled to sleep while music throbbed below until the wee hours.
Dining on the Adult Side of the Resort; There are fantastic dining options on the adult side of the resort, including the elegant L. G. Smith Steak and Chop House, Aquarius and Blue. I enjoyed excellent meals including grilled Tuna at L. G Smith Steak and Chop House and a Seafood Bar with lobster, crab legs and scallops at Aquarius. The downside no outdoor seating except at Blue where you can get tapas and drinks.
The In Room Safe; This particular quirk only applies to those of us who are short in stature. The in room safe was located on a high shelf within the closet. Whenever I took things out of the safe and especially when I checked out and wanted to make certain I had everything out I had to jump up and down to reach a height at which I could see the entire inside of the safe. This is frustrating at best and could be changed.
Beach Front; Being in Oranjestad means the resort doesn’t have true beach front. The resort has created a nice salt water beach on the Ocean Suites side of the resort which is delightful, as well as
Renaissance Island. My suggestion split your stay between the Renaissance Aruba Resort and their sister property Aruba Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino and get the best of both worlds, private island and beach front.
Decor; My room was tasteful and beautiful with the exception of the bathroom. I was told the resort had last been remodeled six years ago. My bathroom needed a real face lift. It was plain Jane, not at all what I would expect from a quality resort.
Swim Up Pool Bar Location; The only swim up pool bar is located on the family side of the resort. I understand why with space constraints, yet honestly that’s the last place I’d expect it.
I found my stay at Marriott Paradise resort to be an excellent experience. I’ve stayed in resorts on other islands and continents and I would give Marriott Paradise Resorts high marks.