Our 20th anniversary escape to Aruba was nothing short of amazing. We first went to Aruba to celebrate our honeymoon 20 years ago, and our 20th anniversary seemed like the perfect opportunity to return to the One Happy Island. We both were in need of some serious time away, and we went into this trip without any planned itinerary. Going with the flow seemed to be the most logical approach. Here are 5 tips that made our trip memorable.
- Book excursions at the beginning of your trip.
After checking into the Hilton Aruba, we made our way to the concierge desk to book our trips. We did not want to have to worry about what we would day every day so we scheduled a couple of excursions that we knew we absolutely wanted to do. The UTV tour and snorkeling trips from DePalm Tours topped our list of things to experience. We headed to Eforea Spa to book our couples massage. With scheduling out of the way, we settled down to take in a spectacular view of the sunset while sipping away on Mai-tai’s by the bar. - Build in downtime during your stay.
It’s okay to have some time when you can retreat from all of the activities. My favorite downtime treat was a couple’s massage at the on-premise Eforea Spa. Our work-weary bodies truly needed the skillful hands that kneaded our muscles into sublime submission. Mimosas afterwards in the spa’s tranquil Quiet Area kept us in the Zen zone. After a leisurely lunch, we were ready to frolic in Aruba’s turquoise waters. Writing postcards and strolling through the hotel’s bird sanctuary also provided relaxing moments. And last and most importantly to me, make time to catch a spectacular sunrise if you’re an early bird or a magical sunset before heading out for the evening. Pausing to enjoy the moment will keep you centered and ready for what’s next on your itinerary. - Get out of your comfort zone and try something new.
With so much to explore on the Hilton Aruba property, it might be easy to stay put, but it’s okay to get out and play! UTV and snorkeling excursions by DePalm Tours gave me a much-needed adrenaline rush. The UTV tour is perfect if you want to see Aruba’s top sights like the Natural Bridge, the Alto Vista Chapel, and the California Lighthouse while speeding on a off-road vehicle. Let me warn you though. This is NOT for those looking for a leisurely trip. You will get super dirty and trek over dangerously jagged rocks at high speeds. Snorkeling, however, was the exact thrill opposite. We dropped anchor in spots like the Antilla Shipwreck, a WWII vessel popular with divers, and a more shallow site. New to snorkeling? The best advice that I can give is to slow down and breathe when entering the water. Breathing through the snorkeling tube will seem awkward at first, but you will adjust. The view of sea turtles and tropical fish is worth it. - Dine well and eat where the locals eat.
Food is an essential part of any vacation in my opinion. We were happy to find a new outdoor retail and dining piazza that offers a variety of restaurants within a few steps from our hotel. I recommend Gianni’s Italian Ristorante for good Italian food, people watching, and the Spaghetti al Formaggio Parmigiano experience. Pasta lovers are in for a treat! The server shaves fresh Parmesan from a big cheese wheel and flames it with whisky. They add spaghetti to the cheese wheel and toss to perfection. Local restaurant Driftwood Restaurant, open since 1986, will give you a taste of Aruban seafood cuisine like the shrimp in garlic butter that’s served with rice and pan bati which is a traditional local corn bread. And if you have a sweet tooth, hop aboard the cute pink bus at Gelatissimo Aruba and cool off with a scoop or two of gelato. - Take time to express your gratitude for the experience.
Travelling out of country is a gift to treasure. I have grown to really be thankful for the time to spend with my loved one when we travel. Don’t miss the opportunity to let your loved one know that you appreciate your time together and that you can’t wait until the next time. There’s also gratitude for the people, places, and culture that you experience together. Was it the concierge or front desk agent who helped make your stay memorable? Let them know how much you appreciate them by leaving a note or even filling out a stellar review for them. And as you prepare to return home, find that one special moment of your trip to reflect on and cherish. Hold onto that memory, write about it, capture it with a photo, and tuck it away for years to come. I am grateful to have a memorable travel experience that fills us with long lasting memories.
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