A Weekend on The Happy Island with The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba

These past few weeks, I've been island-hopping, and this past weekend I visited an island that I've always wanted to visit- Aruba. Aruba is called "The Happy Island" and I totally see why after visiting! Aruba is truly magical and stunning. The sunsets are the prettiest I've ever seen in the Caribbean, and lucky for me, I got to see it three nights in a row from my ocean front suite thanks to, The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba. The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba is one of the most unique Caribbean resorts I've ever stayed at, and I've stayed in numerous resorts.   

 The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba sits just steps from the powdery white sands of Aruba’s famed Palm Beach. With it's exclusive location, overlooking the Caribbean Sea, The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba, is one of the newest Aruba luxury hotels. The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba offers four amazing restaurants, a beautiful spa, two swimming pools, a fitness center, various shops, and a 24-hour casino. If you want to explore outside of the resort, there is a selection of nearby shopping venues, eclectic dining options, and night life.

Headed to lunch. But first, champagne and chocolates! 

After a short two and a half hour flight from Miami, I landed in Aruba around 2:30pm, and arrived at The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba shorty after. Luckily, the airport is only 25 minutes away from the hotel. After check in, I enjoyed champagne and chocolates in my cute ocean front room before heading to lunch by the beach at Madero Latin Grill. 

Trying to decide what to eat first. Everything was so delicious!

My Madero Salad had the most amazing papaya dressing, I ate this salad three days in a row. 

After lunch, and a walk along the beach, it was time to get ready for my sunset dinner on the beach. This was such a special dinner, and definitely a first for me. I have never actually eaten dinner on the beach before. This was one of the most beautiful dinners I have ever had. Dinner on the beach is offered to guests by special request, and I highly recommend this experience. 

Watching the sun set right in front of you with bellinis in hand, and a delicious appetizer of bread, olives, and prosciutto, while secluded in a private area on the beach covered by trees, is one of the most relaxing and beautiful things you will ever do. I had the most tentative and kindest server, Ria. Ria catered to my every need, and she was so great, I requested her the next evening for dinner at the Italian restaurant, Solanio. 

Dress from Lulu's.

On my second day, I woke up and ate a very filling and delicious breakfast in my room. Thankfully, The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba offers 24-hour in room dinning. I spent most of the day relaxing at the beach in my beach cabana. The water is shallow on the beach, allowing you to walk far into the beautiful Caribbean Sea. The water is so clear, you can see right down to the bottom. Palm Beach is one of my favorite beaches because the water is so calm and perfect for taking photos (and several swims) in.

After spending the day at the beach, I enjoyed a snack in The Club Lounge, before heading to a wonderful 50 minute massage at the Spa. The 15,000-square-foot luxury spa in features 13 tranquil treatment rooms with a complete range of island and herbal-inspired natural body and facial treatments; and massage therapies. A state-of-the-art fitness center offers a variety of daily fitness classes, including yoga.

Waking up to a gorgeous view!

Walking along the gorgeous beach at The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba.

Dress by Ellejay Swim.

Bikini by Tosh Swimwear. 

RENAISSANCE ISLAND

On my third, and last day, The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba arranged a day- visit for me to visit Renaissance Island. Renaissance Island is located at the Renaissance Aruba Resort and Casino, and is exclusive to Renaissance guests only. Renaissance Island is a private island that you can only get to by water taxi, provided by the hotel every 15 minutes from 7am-7pm. Renaissance Island is a 40-acre oasis where you will experience pure relaxation on Aruba's only private beaches. 

One of the most famous spots on Renaissance Island is adult-only beach, Flamingo Beach. I have always wanted to visit Flamingo Beach, and I am so thankful I got to experience it. The flamingos are so friendly, and so used to humans. They eat a daily diet of shrimp so they can maintain their beautiful pink color. People can also hand feed them dry food, and they eat right out of your hand. At times, the flamingos leave the ocean to walk around with all of the humans, or to take fresh-water baths in a special area for them to bathe. They are adorable! 

You also have the option of visiting Iguana Beach, where you can find dozens of iguanas soaking up the sun. I definitely recommend visiting Renaissance Island on your trip to Aruba. Stroll along the beach, swim in the calm blue water, and enjoy a nice lunch and cocktails at Papagayo Bar and Grill. 

I want to thank The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba so much for this amazing Caribbean Getaway. I had an unforgettable time, and would like to spread the word to my readers and encourage everyone to visit Aruba, The Happy Island, at least once in their lifetime.