Happy Sunday! Thanks for stopping by to read my first official blog post about a trip that I have been asked about quite frequently, so keep scrolling for details about our first trip to Aruba!
(Kimono: Show Me Your Mumu, similar here; Hat: SheIn, similar here)
It all started while I was scrolling through instagram and stumbled across pictures of beautiful beaches with a pop of neon pink when it was decided we were going to Aruba…to see the Flamingos! We started browsing flights for a couple of days and we were lucky enough to find a steal on Delta direct flights from Atlanta, so we jumped on buying the tickets immediately.
Since the flamingos are only located on Renaissance Private Island it only made sense that we needed to stay at the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino. The hotel is a Marriott property located in the town of Oranjestad. We flew down on a Saturday morning and arrived at our hotel around lunch time. We immediately changed into our swimsuits and hopped on boat over to the private island to have lunch by the water at Papagayo Bar & Grill.
The private island is divided up into two sides: Iguana Beach (family friendly) and Flamingo Beach (adults only). At the time of our trip there actually were not many kids visiting, so we ended up thoroughly enjoying both sides of the island. Iguana Beach was lively with tropical music and Flamingo Beach had a nice relaxing and romantic vibe.
(Kimono: Show Me Your Mumu, similar here; Swimsuit: Mara Hoffman, similar here; Sunglasses: Tom Ford)
The first full day of our trip was on a Sunday, and we thought what better way to celebrate Sunday Funday than a champagne brunch cruise! We booked the Pelican Adventures’ Catamaran Ride through Trip Advisor. The boat departed from the popular town of Noord in the morning and we were served both breakfast and lunch on the boat, with unlimited drinks of course. We returned to Noord later that evening to dance the night away at the Moomba Beach party – highly recommend for fun night out!
(Kimono: Show Me Your Mumu, similar here; Swimsuit: For Love & Lemons, similar here; Skirt: TopShop; Sunglasses: Céline; similar here; Swim Trunks: Vineyard Vines, similar here)
The following day we rode ATVs through the breathtaking Arikok National Park. We also booked this tour via Trip Advisor through Action Tours Aruba. A driver actually picked us up at our hotel in the morning and drove us to the ATV pick up location again in the city of Noord. The tour took us all over the National Park and around the island to the Natural Pool, Gold Ruins and the Natural Bridge.
The final full day of our trip was extra special, because I was able to surprise my husband by renting a cabana on Renaissance Private Island. This experience truly set the bar as as far as relaxation goes, and I would highly recommend booking a private cabana on Renaissance Island.
(Swim Trunks: Mavrans)
We arrived at our cabana in the morning pleased to find our last name printed in the sand, with a cooler full of champagne, water and fruit. We spent the day laying out in the sun on our over-the-water hammock, snorkeling and flocking with the flamingos. Each private cabana also has a butler that comes with it, so we ordered pizza and more champagne to enjoy our last afternoon in paradise.
(Caftan: Nightcap Clothing, similar here; Swimsuit: Mara Hoffman, similar here; Sunglasses: Tom Ford)
I’ll always look back on our first anniversary with the memories of this incredible trip, and I can’t wait for our next island adventure!
What is your favorite tropical vacation spot? Let me know in the comments below!
Xoxo,
Trish