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| Aruba nights in front of the Divi Phoenix! |
Why is it that planning a holiday can be so stressful? Especially the unknown. This is why in my life I have rallied a bunch of fabulous people I like to call my "go-to-people". So when it comes to travel I ask my friend Susan Campbell, who is a terrific travel writer, and lucky for me in love with Aruba.
I have been to many island destinations - Cuba, Jamaica, Bahamas, but Aruba had always intrigued me. I knew Susan had written many articles on Aruba and couldn't rave enough about this tiny magical island. Here is a little history on Aruba. Aruba's first inhabitants were the Caquetios Indians from the Arawak tribe who migrated there from Venezuela to escape attacks by the Caribs. ( Thank you Wikipedia) In 1636, Aruba was acquired by the Netherlands and remained under their control for nearly two centuries. During the Napoleonic wars, the British Empire took control over the island, between 1799 and 1802, and between 1804 and 1816, before handing it back to the Dutch. And this is why most of the people that I met there were Dutch or could at least speak the language.We flew American Airlines (lots of carriers will take you there) but we had to transfer in Miami. No big deal it was a super fast connection. Once we arrived it was a quick 15 minute cab ride to the hotel. I had heard so many great things about the Divi Phoenix, I couldn't wait to see it. Be forewarned though the front desk staff are so helpful and kind you will think you are on candid camera.
The room we stayed in was amazing. It had a full kitchen so we could prepare some meals on the nights we didn't want to go out. It was clean and modern (don't even get me started about my bathroom and the giant bathtub) right off the pages of an interior design magazine. I was so happy with the room which was a good thing since it was going to be a 2 week vacation.
One of the places to eat was Sunset Beach where we had our breakfasts included; again delicious food and lovely staff! I had the best seafood dinner ever while there.
Susan recommended the Divi Phoenix to us because it is a quieter hotel, although there is lots to do it is not party central - lots of families there, couples honeymooners and even people traveling solo. I was so relaxed.
As you can imagine I lead a very stressful life, and it takes me a while to wind down, I don't remember a time when I decompressed as quickly as I did in Aruba. The strangest thing is I have been back now for a week and I cannot stop thinking of the Divi, it really became a home away from home. Oh and btw, no stomach problems or issues with food or water, so if you worry about that don't! And it was sunny and breezy and warm every day, they hardly get rain. I have to say it was the best tropical weather I have experienced to date.
So if you are planning your next holiday, whether its at Christmas, or in the winter you will not be disappointed with Aruba this amazing destination. Here are some great articles Susan has written on Aruba!
And here is the link to the Divi where we stayed
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| Kite lessons |
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| The Water!! Amazing and warm!! |
