Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino Review – A Visit to One Happy Island

I’ve always heard Aruba referred to as “One Happy Island” and thought what a great marketing gimmick… But it didn’t take me long to see that this phrase wasn’t simply meant to draw tourists in, but an honest way to describe the island’s joyful atmosphere. With gorgeous beaches, turquoise sea all around, perfect weather outside of the hurricane belt, and unified and celebratory culture, it’s easy to understand why everyone stays so cheerful. What was absolutely surprising is the island’s diversity and uniqueness. Boasting lush tropical beauty but also an equally captivating arid desert landscape.

Aruba Marriott Resort guests enjoying a romantic beachfront sunset

Though the Caribbean is home to plenty gorgeous places, this tiny Dutch Caribbean island has the most repeat visitors. With excellent accommodations, picturesque views, alluring destinations, and fun things to do all over, I had to check out why Aruba makes such a perfect getaway!

Stay & Relax

Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino

Aruba houses many top-notch accommodations, so I had to stay at one of their best resorts– the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino. I adore children and their playful nature, but sometimes you just wanna read and lounge by the pool without risking a sudden splash of water ruining your book (Trust me, it’s happened)… Which drew me to the Tradewinds Club, an exclusive boutique experience for adult guests (18+). Not only do you get the perks of a relaxing, kid-free vacation, you also receive access to a reserved beach and lounge, special services, upscale amenities, and more.

The property’s 414 guest rooms, including 24 suites, are the most spacious of the island. Each boasting a 100 sq-foot balcony and dazzling views of the Caribbean Sea. Where I enjoyed the complimentary chips and guacamole that were waiting in my huge room, and made it my designated spot to answer emails. The view motivating me to get work done more than any ol’ cuppa Joe (though there’s a coffeemaker conveniently in the room or a Starbucks in the lobby). I also spent more time in bed than I’m proud to say, but you wouldn’t judge if you sprawled out on that King mattress. With heavenly Revive bedding, that’s gotten quite the rep… *leans in closer and covers mouth* I’ve heard everyone tries to sleep with her!

Tradewinds Club

Tradewinds Club offers a boutique experience in a resort setting that provides personalized service and amenities, exclusively for adults. This concept feels very “VIP”, allowing you to check-in privately via the Tradewinds Club Lounge, rather than the main lobby. If you’re a foodie like me you’ll be visiting often, as they serve complimentary gourmet selections five times daily. They also have an open bar available all day, with juices, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages. I was most impressed by the wine, cheeses, and sushi! A huge perk for my food lovers on a budget.

Lounging with cocktails at H2Oasis Adults-Only Pool

Privacy and privilege is a big focus of Tradewinds, so guests get their own secluded section of the beach, with complimentary floats, beach beds, and oversized towels. They also get access to the H2Oasis adults-only pool and cabana area with its own full-service bar. Not to mention, out of the 414 guests rooms, only 49 are part of this special Club. Giving you a truly personalized experience and even a “pillow menu”.

Soak & Lounge

Alluring Caribbean waters, sandy beaches, and easy-going island lifestyle awaits! Aruba is close to the equator, making it the perfect sunny, tanning destination. But not to worry, the ocean and winds help you stay cool. Also worth checking out is the oldest operating company on Aruba, the Aruba Aloe Farm. Aloe is one of the main exports, and has some great healing properties on skin. Though any sunscreen should do, at Aruba Aloe Farm you get to see how they grow and process it. So you can lather and tell a cool story…

Aruba Marriott Resort Aerial View of Main Pool

If you’d rather lounge beachside under shade make sure to reserve a Palapa. My favorite was the service button they’re equipped with! After an exhilarating swim I felt like a queen having delish food and drinks delivered straight to my shaded beach bed.

Aruba Marriott Resort H2Oasis Adults-Only Pool

Located right on Palm Beach, and just steps from the water. The resort also has two enticing pools. The main pool is lively, family-friendly, with ocenviews, cascading waterfalls, and a swim-up bar. The H2Oasis Adults-Only Pool offers tranquility, cabanas, a full bar, and 10,000 sq-feet to swim in. Both have friendly iguanas and gorgeous blue lizards running around, adding to the tropical feel!

Explore & Play

Aruba Marriott Resort delivers plenty on-site entertainment. Wether you’re looking to test your luck at the Stellaris Casino, or pamper all the senses at Mandara Spa, its amenities will make it hard to leave. But I urge you to mix a little adventure into your calm getaway!

De Palm Jeep Tour

De Palm Tours: UTV Off-Road Adventure

A tour for thrill-seeking, nature and history lovers. Taking you on a trek through a desert that made me feel like I was somewhere in California or Nevada. I’ve been to many islands, but never seen oceanviews through a forest of cacti. Unexpectedly, this was one of the most beautiful and memorable parts of the trip. De Palm Tours UTV off-road tour takes around 4 hours and makes stops at natural wonders and historic spots like the Ayo Rock Formation and Alto Vista Chapel. Our guide was hilarious and I must commend them for making us hold on to our complimentary water bottles and use them for refills to reduce plastic use. Keeping their island happy by taking care of it!

De Palm UTV Off-Road Tour Stop – Natural Pool

Red Sail Aruba: Snorkeling

Another eco-friendly adventure, free of straws, but packed with booze! Red Sail Aruba takes you out to sea on a catamaran to witness the best of Aruba’s underwater treasures. From snorkeling above a sunken German freighter from 1940, the SS Antilla, to exploring the colorful marine life at Catalina Bay and Arashi Reef, this was an absolute dream! Though impressed by what I’d seen on land, Aruba’s thriving underwater world is a sight to behold! My friends competed on the variety of species they saw and how many different drinks they had from the open bar. Red Sail Aruba also serves snacks throughout, and a delicious lunch to refuel as you make your way back to shore.

“Yuwana” by Bordalo II

Aruba Mural Tours

After a visit to Bogota, Colombia in 2015, Tito Bolivar became inspired by the street art. He embarked on a quest to transform the “ghost town” San Nicolas once was, into the Art District it is today. Though in the beginning many thought he was just a dreamer, out of his mind. These days, over 40 murals, by international artists such as Bordalo II, adorn the streets. You’re welcomed to be absorbed at your own pace, but for a deeper look and history of how each piece came to be, we highly recommend a guided tour.

Vela Aruba: SUP Yoga

Vela Aruba is a hang-out spot offering cool beach and water activities. Being the first to introduce SUP Yoga to the island, I left it to the pros to guide me on this slightly more challenging, yet otherworldly yoga class. Working out surrounded by boundless sea on top of a paddle board is unlike any other fitness class I’ve had. I’m a beginner so at times the waves made it hard to catch my balance, but also much more serene. Our teacher was very attentive and could teach at any level. So wether you’re an athlete or a “why-not-try-it kinda person” like me, this is the most stimulating start to a morning.

La Vista Outdoor Seating

Eat & Drink

I could happily live off Tradewinds Club Lounge‘s gourmet food and snacks, but the hotel has too many delectable dining options not to indulge! Aruba Marriott Resort’s The Lobby features a diverse menu, a sushi bar, and superior mixology. Gelato & Co’s new healthy menu of smoothies and acai/chia bowls made the perfect on-the-go breakfast. The gelato, sorbets, and pops, heavenly post-dinner desserts.

Sitting poolside, Waves Beach Bar & Grill, serves light fare and beverages, with two “happy hours”. Letting me indulge on a second Slippery Monkey ( Fresh Banana, Kahlua, Baileys, Malibu rum, banana liqueur, cacao dark coffee liqueur, Hershey’s chocolate syrup, and Myer’s dark rum ) at no extra cost. The Blue Tuna Salad (with tuna tataki) is a light but filling lunch, and the Two-Cheese Quesadilla with Grilled Shrimp an irresistible must. If you’re not in the mood for exploring the island, you can take a rest and play online casino in your apartment.

Romantic sunset dinner at Atardi

Atardi

Relax your toes in sugar sands and savor a romantic meal beachfront. I recommend placing reservations in time for sunset. The twilight, live music, view of the ocean, and dancing flames from tiki torches made me fall in love at first sight. The Macadamia Crusted Grouper ( with bok choy, black quinoa, sesame oil, creamy red curry sauce) almost had me searching for the Chef to propose. Though I’m sure the lovely ambiance played a role… This specialty seafood restaurant is also excellent at pleasing meat and dessert lovers alike. If you stay at the Aruba Marriott Resort, it’s only a short walk from your room to the beach.

La Vista

Also great at offering ocean views and just a walk to the pool is La Vista, an Italian restaurant with themed buffets. It’s a great place for families looking to indulge within a budget. Offering plenty of options to please even the pickiest of eaters for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Luckily, I went on a Thursday night and got to experience the Caribbean Carnival show. The dancers beaming with bedazzling costumes. After an impressive performance the crowd got involved. I was selected amongst a few to copy our dancer’s steps. The diners vote on who follows best. I’d be more sore about losing to someone less than half my age if it hadn’t been so fun!

Screaming Eagle

Screaming Eagle is a restaurant and lounge serving the most elegant dinner-in-bed imaginable. There are tables, but wining and dining on a lounge bed with fluffy pillows feels more pampering to me. A perfectly intimate experience for couples, or a chance to get cozy with friends. From the cocktails to the food, everything is arranged as a work of art. I still dream of the oozing Chocolate Lava Cake served with Dutch strawberries, whipped cream, and vanilla ice cream.

Red Sail Aruba

One Happy Island

Beyond the impeccable service, what’s most impressive is the honest warm nature of the locals. Arubans are super friendly and helpful. Smart too, as most households speak at least 4 languages. A great advantage for communication, so you can probably leave your translator at home. Though carnival season is only through Feb-Mar, the festive culture lives on year-long. As do the tropical waters, warm sunny days, clear blue skies, natural and man-made wonders, and exquisite adventuring and dining! Making the One Happy Island of Aruba a vacation I’d pencil into my calendar at any chance.