Destination Oasis on the One Happy Island: Aruba

www.Aruba.com


Scintillating beaches
of sparkling white and golden sand, clear turquoise waters lapping at the shore, endless sun and cooling trade winds welcome the discriminating traveler to the magical Caribbean island of Aruba. Mother Nature thoughtfully placed this treasured island paradise outside the Hurricane Belt to ensure sunshine and perfection year round and the stunning destination the natural beauty of oceanfront beach with every aspect of luxury and comfort to provide the optimal Aruba holiday.  Aruba is Romance. Couples will discover the island of Aruba is the epitome of romantic perfection for a destination wedding, honeymoon, anniversary, or renewing vows. Seaside sites provide intimate settings for small gatherings, and the catering and planning staff will customize your dream wedding or event in any of their stunning venues including the amazing 7500 square foot ballroom. The Ritz-Carlton wedding specialists and event planners provide carefree packages or unique designer celebrations overseeing every detail from flowers to photographers, cakes to cocktails, canopies and canapes, or a dramatic accompaniment of Caribbean steel drums.  Theme parties, meetings of groups of any size, are accommodated with the same oversight of detail for every group or function. Whether a family reunion or corporate retreat, the Ritz-Carlton Aruba has the appropriate setting framed with the Caribbean backdrop and offering technology and audio visual assist, catering crew and banquet facilities, beach parties and custom tailored menus for every celebration and occasion.

The Ritz-Carlton Aruba boasts Five Star luxury and elegance with its stellar accommodations, stunning landscapes, exquisite oceanfront Palm Beach location and prime sunset watching, plus five tantalizing restaurant and bar options, Spa, and distinguished Casino for gaming pleasure. The Ritz-Carlton Aruba features 320 oversized guest rooms and brilliant suites with signature modern style, sophisticated luxury, and amenities that promise the ultimate in comfort throughout your stay. Prestigious details throughout the decor and amenities include contemporary bath features with signature Asprey toiletries, divine plush towels and elite bedding to complement the ambiance. Latest technology is provided throughout the resort with LCD television, Wifi, and tech support as needed. The highlight of each room is the private balcony appointed for optimal sunset viewing, romantic interludes for cocktails and stargazing.

The exclusive 7th Floor Club venue promises additional upscale amenities, personalized service, complimentary perks and privileges. The Club features a private terrace and extended lounge with full bar and five food presentations daily, breakfast, lunch, mid-day snacks, and the favorite sundowner cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres served. Days end sweetly with an array of desserts and cordials. A dedicated staff and concierge service ensures an exceptional experience in every way including the weekender Bloody Mary Bar and guest favorite Mixology Class and wine tastings.

The premier Ritz-Carlton Aruba Spa facilities feature its signature wellness and beauty treatments, wraps and facials. A complete range of treatments incorporate elements of Aruba’s herbal traditions throughout their enhanced menu guaranteed to soothe and energize body, mind, and spirit. Unique offerings include the rejuvenating Misterio di Aloe, DiviDivi tree oil and the Dushi Tera coconut skin treatment. Relaxation, healing, and sensory awakening revitalize guests as they emerge ready to partake in the scenic splendor, abundance of activities, or beachside cabanas.


Spend your days blissfully lounging in the sun or retreat to your private cabana choosing the beach where warm Caribbean waters gently beckon and white sands dazzle or beside one of the two glorious pools to relax and refresh. The state of the art 24 hour Fitness Center provides guests with the opportunity to pursue their workout program on holiday in style with classes and trainers available.

 

Dining in Ritz-Carlton Style


BLT Steak House –
This modern interpretation of a classic steakhouse has a bistro vibe and a menu that has a range of prime meat and vegetarian offerings, innovative appetizers and sides. Handcrafted cocktails, wines and brews are chosen to enhance the dining experience.

Solanio – Enjoy the Mediterranean ambience of a traditional Italian trattoria with a menu of flavorful favorites complemented by an array of full bodied wines sure to please.

Madero Latin Grill – Festive fare poolside with tropical bar favorites and mixologist creativity combine with exceptional grill offerings making this the popular oceanfront hub infused with captivating Caribbean flavors, color, and rhythms. Transforming to a sushi bar from 5-11 pm, sake varieties join tropical cocktails as the fiery Aruban sunsets usher in star filled nights.

Divi Bar and Lounge – The illuminated lobby bar is Cocktail Central, with an invitation to join the fun, socializing, lounging in tech enabled comfort seating or on the outdoor terrace, indulging in grab and go snacks, fresh pastries, sweet treats, or choosing from a menu of sushi, sashimi and hand rolls.

Ritual Coffee Culture – Homemade gelato and fresh baked goods join the array of coffee selections and healthy meal options where the lobby meets The Shops. A perfect stopover to energize before enjoying boutique shopping at its finest.

 

The allure of Aruba shimmers in its reputation as ‘One Happy Island’, welcoming pleasure seekers and discriminating travelers from around the world. The island beauty and mystique begins where the sparkling Caribbean merges the wondrous blues of sea and sky and pristine white gold sandy shores have captured the imagination of every visitor for centuries. This vista continues to beckon those eager to discover for themselves the island’s natural wonders and the excitement of activities on land, sea, and air.

 


What To See and Do
Water and beach activities are endless, and the welcoming Concierge Team of the Ritz-Carlton Aruba will introduce you to all the island offers and arrange for excursions, reservations, tickets, and guides. Nature seekers can hike or bike the Arikok National Park where the dry landscapes of the island reveal themselves and the cave art of the indigenous peoples is preserved. Thrill seekers will find parasailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing blessed by the Trade Winds, amazing snorkel and scuba diving sites, and sport fishing cruises. Stand up paddleboards are all the rage, and SUP yoga is a popular activity. The Trent Jones Jr. Championship Golf Course is a favorite and your tee time can be booked by the helpful staff. Nightlife seekers can consider the Party Bus to town for an evening of restaurants and clubbing. And the quaint capital, Oranjestad, with its Dutch colonial architecture is a delight for walks and shops.

Ayo Rock formation – Rising above the sandy flats landscape of Aruba, a unique cluster of monolithic rock boulders tower above nearby Ayo village. Hiking the pathways and stairs carved through this intriguing natural formation evokes a sense of awe revealing thousands year old pictographs in this once sacred site of the indigenous people who inhabited the island. This jumbled mass of rocks, each weighing tons, appears to have been randomly dropped from above like a giant’s discarded toys. Now time weathered and worn forming natural sculptures and basins, the boulders shelter peaceful gardens of cactus, clumps of wildflowers, and ancient trees emerging from crevices where guests pause to enjoy the tranquility and beautiful island views. Nearby, Casabari Rock and the famous natural bridge formation can be seen.

Pelican Adventures provide wet ‘n wild jeep adventures by land and excellent Sailing Cruises by sea. Tours and watersports to delight all ages, Pelican Adventures is one of Aruba’s largest and most versatile providers of Caribbean fun options to discover Aruba’s natural wonders. Enjoy a private schooner complete with a jump swing, or Catamaran Sailing to prime snorkel and SCUBA sites, romantic Sunset Cruises with dinner options, a delectable Champagne Brunch Cruise or even a Mexican Fiesta Cruise with Pelican Adventures. Cocktails and refreshments are served by the engaging crew.  Book early and discover the island paradise of Aruba with its protected reefs and extraordinary marine life, secluded coves and stunning white sand beaches for getaway holiday fun and options for private charters for romantic interludes, wedding parties, or groups of families, friends, or colleagues.

Cosecha Aruban Craft, Design, and Heritage Gallery is a must visit to appreciate the distinctive work of island artisans, the wide range of canvas paintings, colorful textiles, jewelry, and crafts all certified with the national seal of craftsmanship. Showcasing authentic local arts and crafts, this Oranjestad gallery in the historic Dutch area promotes the diversity and originality of the arts community in Aruba, economic sustainability, an appreciation of handcrafted work and artisan stories illuminating the island’s creative cultural heritage. Join the fun of art classes and wine tastings offered in the rich inspiring ambience of the gallery.

Cove Coast Island Tour with De Palm Tours – Discover adventure, thrills, and the natural beauty of Aruba with Island Tours. The Cove Coast Tour reveals hidden coves with secret shallows, secluded beaches, and perfect picnic destinations. The views are breathtaking, the waters are inviting – a dream for snorkelers, and traveling on and off roads Island style can be unforgettable.

Dining Around Town
Yemanja Woodfire Grill – Delectable, decadent dining in Aruba with a palate pleasing fusion of Caribbean flavor and European style. Yemanja can be found in central Oranjestad, known to locals and returning guests from around the world. Their menu reflects an international sensibility and the tropical palm terrace and stylish decor is a harmony of Aruban and Mediterranean charm, including wine pairings and perfected craft cocktails. Chef Joyce de Cuba from Amersfoort, Netherlands, has cultivated a reputation among discriminating foodies, offering menus with gluten and dairy free options, vegetarian and vegan delights including a mystical power bowl that is unforgettable. Note the extraordinary salads and range of popular starters, the freshest seafood and prime meats served from the flavorful addition of the signature Woodfire Grill for ultimate tender and juicy selections. It would be unforgivable to miss the finale, a crescendo of desserts worthy of indulgence.

White Modern Cuisine – Start your day with a unique breakfast experience or, after your tour d’jour, settle in for a luxury lunch or exquisite dinner at the aptly named White Modern Cuisine. White on white, the decor is brilliant and the modern cuisine is presented with culinary perfection. Pride in stride, White Modern seeks innovation in presenting a harmonious blend of succulent foods, curated wines, and engaging cocktails cultivating a uniquely visioned modern style. Intriguing elements of tastes enhanced by internationally inspired sauces, herbs, and seasonings are pleasing from appetizers to entrees and desserts. Choices among tantalizing offerings, Caribbean Braised Lamb Shank, Salmon Yakatori, Aruban Seafood Stew and so many, many more. Divine dining.

The Kitchen Table by White – Breakfast and lunch at The Kitchen Table are exemplary with ala carte choices from a menu that is refreshing and innovative.
But it is the signature concept of exceptional fine dining at The Kitchen Table that is making waves in Aruba. For the only sixteen lucky guests, the evening begins on the rooftop of the Oranjestad Mirador watching the panoramic display of the sun’s fiery colors as it dramatically sinks beyond the horizon. Impeccable timing to savor the first two courses of the 8 course dining experience perfectly matched with champagne or crafted cocktail. Exquisite wine pairings and an innovative gourmet menu infused with Caribbean sensibilities and picture perfect presentations. The chef’s table changes menu offerings frequently, highlighting local ingredients with a fanfare of unique dining experiences to tantalize the most discriminating palates.

Tierra del Sol – Sunday morning brunch is an indulgence to be savored with a menu that embraces the morning appetite with a rich array of appetizers and entrees served overlooking the 18 hole golf course. Traditional fare, island favorites, and refreshing combinations make this a perfect way to start your perfect day in Aruba.

Barefoot – Dinner on the beach serenaded by gently swaying palms and waves dancing on the shore is a special delight. Casual yet elegant, a memorable dining experience awaits with island cuisine, fresh seafood delights, and a lively spirit. Appetizers sizzle with Dutch crab cakes, escargots and mushrooms, seafood ragout, and scallops on a vanilla bean – and that is only the beginning. Cocktails and specialty coffees add to the innovative entrees ensuring a palate pleasing, toe tickling evening.