Hot hotel alert! 11 reasons to stay at the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino

on 14 June, 2018 at 00:00

I recently spent three nights at the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino and it was bliss. Here are 11 reasons why you need this gorgeous Aruba resort in your life.

1. All-inclusive freedom

The Renaissance spoils you for choice, with a number of restaurants and bars for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Whether you want a change of scenery or to keep exploring new, killer cocktail menus, variety is always good, especially when it’s so close to your room (no cabs needed for this bar hop 😉).

Cheers!

2. Adults-only and family-friendly options

The Renaissance has two parts – the Marina Hotel, which is adults-only, and Ocean Suites, which is a short walk across the road and has rooms that to cater to families, so it’s perfect for couples’ retreats, family getaways, and everything in between. While the Marina and its amenities are off-limits to kids (sorry, not sorry), Marina guests are still allowed to enjoy Ocean Suites’s amenities, which include two pools (one of which has a swim-up bar) and a man-made lagoon.

Ocean Suites pool

3. Heavenly beauty sleep

The Renaissance’s perfectly laid and oh-so-plump pillows are just too inviting. The moment my head hits them, I’m ready to slumber away (‘though I tell myself it’s just a quick power nap). They take beauty sleep to the next level and I’ll admit that after I woke, I immediately Googled where to buy them. With luxurious satin pillow cases and soft feather down, you feel like you’re sleeping on clouds.

The pillows of my dreams

4. Downtown location

As amazing as the all-inclusive resort life is, being able to also get out and access other things is great. The Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino is located downtown, so you can easily walk around and explore. Check out Government House, the National Archaeological Museum, and Fort Zoutman Historical Museum, and take some time to admire the Dutch colonial flair of the buildings.

Downtown Aruba

5. Shopping

Pack light and leave room in your suitcase, ‘cause the Renaissance is made for shopping trips. No-one likes lugging around heaps of shopping bags, but with Aruba’s best shopping less than 1km away you can easily take breaks to drop your bags back at your room. The Renaissance even has its own mall, with your squad MK, Gucci, Tommy, and more all waiting for you.

The Renaissance Mall

All the shopping

6. The Renaissance Marketplace

If you start to feel guilty about eating all your meals at the hotel (hey, that’s what all-inclusive is for!), take a short walk across the road to the Renaissance Marketplace for even more restaurants. I highly recommend The Dutch Pancake house. I am a sucker when it comes to pastry, after all 😉 My tip: The breakfast queues can be longer than at other times, so sleep in, soak in the holiday vibes and go for brunch instead!

The Dutch Pancakehouse

7. LG Smith’s Steak & Chop House

An elegant restaurant packed with flavour (and covered by your all-inclusive stay). Simply cut through via the Renaissance Casino to enjoy a delicious dining experience with a huge wine selection. There are 182 wines to choose from, so I’m pretty confident you’ll find one you like. I kick off my decision-making process with a refreshing cocktail, then begin my meal indulgence with the pork belly. It’s juicy, succulent and melts in my mouth.

For my main, I choose an 8oz filet mignon with a side of baked potato – but if you dare, there is also a 20oz steak option. There are a variety of cuts to choose from, including Wagyu (though it’s not part of the all-inclusive menu).

LG Smith’s Steak & Chop House

Filet mignon

8. Okeanos Spa (additional cost – not part of the all-inclusive package)

I believe a spa treat is a must for any holiday, but not even I was expecting the tranquil, indulgent experience at Okeanos. Prior to your massage, you can choose your preferred oil (from a selection of four different scents) for the ultimate relaxation. Okeanos request that you come a little early for your appointment, and if you do, you can use the steam room prior to your treatment – it’s included in the cost. If you don’t want to go in before, you can use it for 30 minutes after your massage (which I highly recommend, as it’s the perfect way to continue your relaxation). I enjoy Okeanos’ steam room 100 times more than saunas I’ve visited in the past, and afterwards I start investigating how much it’d cost to have one in my future apartment 😉.

Even showering is a new experience, with a large shower head at the top (in the usual spot), plus extra water panels in the side walls. It’s #ballin’!

Okeanos Spa

Okeanos Spa treatment room

9. Exclusive access to Renaissance Aruba Private Island

Just an eight-minute water taxi ride from the hotel (literally – you can take a water taxi from downstairs at the hotel), the Renaissance’s private island is just the place to embrace your adventurous side with some water sports or laze in the glorious sunshine on a hammock, in a cabana, or on a sunbed. Hungry? Head to Papagayo Bar & Grill for a bite or sip away on your drink of choice at the Mangrove Beach Bar. Oh, and, of course, don’t forget to take photos of the beautiful flamingoes and stealth iguanas!

Hailing a water taxi at the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino

Renaissance Aruba Private Island

10. Starbucks

Coffee is a critical part of the holiday ritual and nothing is more frustrating than searching around for good coffee. Lucky Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino has its own Starbucks on site (the only hotel on the island to make that claim!), so just step out of your hotel room and head downstairs for your daily caffeine fix.

11. Check out 12pm

Okay, don’t go booking an early flight out of this island (who would do that anyway!) Even after you’ve checked out of your room, you’ll still have access to the Renaissance’s amenities, including the private island (just ask the concierge for a guest pass). So there’s no need to pack away your swimsuit just yet, baby! The Renaissance even has showers for checked-out guests, so you can refresh and prep for your next destination.