Tamarijn Resort, Aruba

The Tamarijn Resort in Aruba is located along the “low-rise” hotel portion of the island. The rooms are literally on the beach. The staff is friendly and helpful. And there is a shuttle service that will connect you to other Divi owned properties. Take a look at the video.

I held a book signing here for An Island Away. The staff was incredibly gracious, supported the effort with announcements, and steered people to my table with a warm smile. This type of hospitality is what put Aruba on the map as a favorite destination in the Caribbean.

Enjoy your stay and don’t forget the sunscreen. Bon dia from Aruba.

Aruba Beach Wedding

Aruba is a great wedding destination. During the northern winters you can have the perfect day here on the the island. One of the keys to a pleasant and memorable day is selecting the right location and official. The Bucuti Beach Resort and the Reverend Robert Gibson are a fantastic combination. Yes, Reverend Gibson is a friend of mine, but I’ve been to my share of weddings here in Aruba. His ceremony is the most thoughtful and heartfelt of any. Take a look at this video to get an idea of the setting and see Reverend Gibson in action.

It was the perfect day, complete with a beautiful sunset. If you’re thinking about having your wedding here, be sure to check out all your options and talk with others so that you are sure to have a stress free day.

Bon dia from Aruba.

Westin Hotel, Aruba

The Westin Hotel in Aruba was one of the first high rises on Palm Beach. It started out as the Concorde, and along the way has been a Hilton, a Wyndham, and now the Westin. I stayed here in the 1990’s and a friend of mine also did as recently as March of 2008. Here’s a look at the main building.

The rooms here were recently remodeled. Most have a great view either up or down Palm Beach. The balconies are little small but with room enough for two people to enjoy a beverage as the sun rises or sets. I enjoy coming to the lobby bar where the service is exceptional and the drinks spot on.

Normally, I don’t like television screens in a bar, especially a lobby bar, but thanks to the good company and service I manage to ignore these. There’s also a nice place for informal gathering as shown below.

There are several restaurants in this hotel including Pago Pago, Blossoms, and a breakfast buffet on the lower level. There’s also a slew of shops featuring everything from cigars to clothing to jewelry on the same lower level. Naturally there are a pair of large fresh water swimming pools as shown here.

There’s plenty of room to have fun with your friends and family. Plus, they host water aerobics, water volleyball, and things of that nature for the athletically inclined. For the rest of us, there are a pair of bars close by to ensure proper hydration. Then there is Palm Beach, just on the other side of the pool.

Pull up a chair, a good book, and enjoy the sun. The sand is powder soft, the breeze steady, and the possibilities endless for proper relaxation. Isn’t that why you came to Aruba in the first place?

Radisson Hotel, Aruba

The Radisson Hotel in Aruba is a menagerie of buildings in a complex that has a “not so big” feel. There are separate towers housing the rooms as well as a main building with the reception desk, shops, and a restaurant. Then there are some separate bars that flank the pool and stretch out toward Palm Beach. Let’s start at the entrance.

It’s nice to pull up under that portico where there is always a doorman ready to help you with your bags or in an out of a taxi. The main lobby area is open air in the sense that the breeze passes through from one side to the other. There are gathering spaces like these for informal meetings, relaxation, and just hanging out.

Jewelry lovers will note the Diamonds International Store there in the background. Opposite this photo on the left side (not shown) is the casino. But let’s pass through the other side of the lobby to the outdoor spaces which feature plenty of flowing water and more gathering places like this.

Can you see yourself having a beverage here? I can. Anyway, there’s more, like this bar which typically features live music every night.

And then there are the swimming pools with the shallow entry points like this one.

And then there is Gilligan’s Restaurant which fronts the beach. Good place for a lunch between sun and fun.

They have some fantastic photos from days gone by on display here. Take the time to check them out. Finally, you’re under a palapa hut on beautiful Palm Beach. Doesn’t get much better than that.

Unless you need some spa treatments, in which case the Larimar Spa is on site and ready to take care of your needs.

I would say that the Radisson is a balance between the high-rise and low-rise hotels in Aruba. It has all the features of a much bigger establishment but still has a low-key feel. Just wanted to show this option to those of you who ask me about places to stay in Aruba.

Keep checking for more updates as I will be covering all types of accommodations on the island.