A wonderful week at the Divi Aruba
Beach Resort!
July 2 - July 9, 2000
Sent in by: Juli
We returned from our 2nd
trip to Aruba last week. We stayed at the Tamarijn last year,
but spent so much time at the Divi, we decided to stay there this year. We were so glad we
made the switch! The Divi Aruba Beach Resort was more upscale in regards to the restaurant, bars and
overall appearance. Several people we met had booked rooms at the Tamarijn, but requested
to be transferred to the Divi after seeing it. They were given really nice rooms at the
Divi, and they were very pleased.
This is the view from our
balcony, Vista II, room 515. We think the very best rooms would be 523 or 525 on the 2nd
floor, or 423 & 425 if you like ground floor. Or the Lanai, if you really want privacy
and don't care to be "close to the action" of the pool, restaurants and bars.
We flew from Louisville on a UPS Charter and it was smooth
sailing. No problems other than a 5:30 A.M. departure! Arrival in Aruba was great! We
rented a convertible from Econo
Rental at the airport and had such a wonderful time zipping around the
island! The weather is cool enough with the tradewinds that you don't really need an
air-conditioned car. However, we'll probably get a jeep next time so we can go off road.
We explored the Baby Beach area and continued on past there up a winding road where we
discovered the absolute best views on the island! There were huge cliffs with pounding
surf that were just beautiful. I don't know what it's called, but there was a little
lookout and maybe lighthouse up there. It was on the Eastern side of the island. We
weren't able to explore the Northern side because of the road conditions. The Western side
with the California Lighthouse is worth visiting, too, though we saw too much trash washed
up on the rocks and shoreline. Still, it was very beautiful. Be sure to go to La Trattoria
restaurant at the lighthouse for the views and a cocktail. The food is okay, but go for
the view.
We ate dinner at the Red Parrot almost every night and
were never disappointed. The staff was attentive and the food was very good. There is a
different special (both appetizer and entree) each night, so there was enough variety. The
French Onion soup and Casaer Salads are the best! Be sure to make reservations in advance
and request outdoor seating.
We also visited the nearby Allambra
Casino a few times and enjoyed the slots and Blackjack tables. The place is nearly empty
until about 8 or 9, then it gets hopping. We stayed long enough to contribute to Aruba's
economy, then left.
The bars at the Divi are terrific! The service is good,
the atmosphere is casual and so relaxed. People mingle with each other and the bartenders
seem to enjoy their work. The bar closest to the sea is my favorite. A perfect place to
watch the sunset or just relax with a book and cold drink. There are lots of honeymooners
and couples celebrating anniversaries. Most people seemed to be in their 20's, 30's and
40's, though there were some older as well. ( We are a couple 41 and 51 years of age)
There were only a few children and teens, and they were well behaved. (sunset on the deck)
There was entertainment nightly and
dancing on the "dance floor" at the bar. We didn't see all that was offered, but
enjoyed what we did see. The bar has been completely renovated and is very nice. Ceramic
tiles and all new wicker chairs and tables. The entire resort is kept spotless and well
groomed. Closer to the lobby is the bar that serves wood-fired pizzas and grilled
sandwiches all day and evening. Delicious! My only complaint is the noisy parrots in cages
nearby! Out of the blue they'll start screeching and if your room is in Vista I, you may
hear them early in the morning.
We didn't go downtown or do much other than walk the
beach, swim and lounge by the pool reading books. We expect a vacation to be relaxing and
that is exactly what we got! This was the best week ever and we will definitely go back.
People who want to be active with the water sports or night life can certainly find lots
to do, but sun bums like us were perfectly happy. We spent an afternoon looking at the
high rise hotels and checking out their beaches, pools and other facilities to see if that
might be worth doing. We decided that without a doubt, the Divi has the best package. The
high rise beaches were crowded , farther away from the hotels, and much more
commercialized. We want to know that we are on an island and have that atmosphere. I don't
want to get in an elevator to get back and forth from room to beach. I loved the music
played by the pool at the Divi and the laid-back attitude of guests and staff. The rooms
are clean, bright and cheerful. The all-inclusive is really the way to go for a
hassle-free trip. I would recommend this resort to anyone who likes the type of vacation
I've described. We think we've found Paradise! Feel free to e-mail me with specific
questions. jkorn59@yahoo.com
|