Traveling for the blog has me in resorts, hotels, cabins, and B & B’s and more and more I’m impressed with the personal touches each new place offers. I’ve stayed in a Renaissance property before, they are known for quality and amenities galore.  But when it comes down to choosing a resort when staying on the island of Aruba, Renaissance Aruba Resort and Casino should be your very first choice!  Why? In Aruba’s bustling capital city of Oranjestad you have a variety of choices for accommodations, Renaissance allows a lovely stay with options depending on who you are traveling with.  From  crystal blue pools (and one that changes colors at night), a private lagoon, two casinos, mouth-watering dining, on-site spa, shopping, and the biggest seller and my favorite amenity–access to private beaches at Renaissance Island– you will want to move in and never leave!

Two distinct accommodations can fit the bill if you’re traveling with family or with girlfriends or your loved one.  Ocean Suites offer resort-style pools, a beach area, and a private lagoon that gives families room to explore and play. My husband and I enjoyed a resort room on the Marina Hotel section which is adults only, a nice respite when you want to get away and enjoy a romantic getaway.  With views out our French balcony of the colorful city, we felt comfortable in the King room with cream, white, and blue decor.The gorgeous ocean blue hexagonal tile in the bathroom is perfect for an island resort and the shower has room for two! Now I don’t remember ever complimenting a hotel for their closet space, other than appreciating a safe and perhaps a comfortable robe.  But, the Renaissance Aruba has wallpaper in their closets that will have you wanting to replicate it somewhere in your own home with it’s creative use of island photos and postcards!  At night views from the balcony and the hubub of the city come alive.

Dining on the Marina Hotel side check out  L.G. Smith’s Steak and Chop House for amazing food, we enjoyed steak and drinks our first night.  If you’re looking for a Caribbean style meal, Aquarius serves up contemporary cuisine in a casual setting. BLUE blar is perfect for cocktail hour and they even serve them in the pool if you’d like!  Open for lunch and dinner, you can order sushi to burgers in this casual setting off the lobby.  At night BLUE has DJ’s playing the hottest tunes and you can even find the pool lights move from blue to red to green!  And, if you are a Starbucks addict you will be happy to know there is one on the property, truly blissful to some when you need to have your creature comforts!

I have to admit, I’m a gambler and I was excited to hear that the property boasts Crystal Casino complete with card tables, sports book, and slot machines.  Though I didn’t end up having time to tempt Lady Luck, my husband did put some money on a sporting event but we did not come home with bags of money, let’s put it that way!

My ultimate favorite thing about the Renaissance Aruba was that it’s the only resort in Aruba with it’s own private island accessible to guests only!  It’s island-ception really and who wouldn’t love that?  I mean they literally pull up in a water taxi from the Marina Hotel lower lobby to whisk you about 15 minutes away to another stunningly beautiful location!With your room key you can board the water taxi from  7am-7pm every 15 minutes in the lobby or if you’re staying on the Ocean Suites side, at their dock.  Once you arrive, believe me, you’ll want to stay all day and for the length of your trip!  Upon arriving to Renaissance Island, there are two beaches separated for families and adults-only with complimentary towels, chaise lounges, and if you’re lucky a hammock to enjoy the stunning views! Flamingo Beach is the adults-only side and literally has flamingos greeting you as you arrive.  Food can be purchase and hand feeding the gorgeous animals is encouraged.  Their beauty is stunning and just adds to the magical island experience!The adult side of the island can leave you feeling free and alive and if that includes going topless for some women, it’s absolutely allowed.  Papagayo Bar and Grill offers grilled fare, fresh salads, wood fired pizza, burgers, and the best tropical drinks around, request the Aruba Arriba!  Waiters will comb the beaches and take your order so if you’re snuggling in the hammock you don’t have to move a muscle!

My media trip was pretty tight daily with our agenda, but I looked so forward to our free time when it could include a boat ride over to Renaissance Island.  There is something to say about being in paradise with your best friend!  Now a month from our trip, I still daydream about the weather, the views, and moments we shared from that hammock!Whether you are with a group of your best friends (or some you just met ;)), your husband of 18 years, or a family vacation, the Renaissance Aruba is the way to go!To learn more, visit http://www.aruba.com your next vacation. When you go, come back and tell me how much you loved it, because I know you will!

Our stay was hosted as part of our media tour, all opinions 100% our own.