Our Unforgettable Aruba Honeymoon: A Spontaneous Adventure Filled with Flamingos, Turquoise Waters, and Unexpected Twists

Hey there, fellow travel enthusiasts! Buckle up, because we’re about to take you on a whirlwind journey through our honeymoon in Aruba, back in the slightly chaotic year of 2021. As some of you may know, we got married during the pandemic, a time when travel was anything but predictable. But that didn’t stop us from embarking on a spontaneous adventure to celebrate our newfound marital bliss.

A Last-Minute Decision and a Quarantine Surprise

Our honeymoon was truly a spur-of-the-moment decision. With travel restrictions lifting in various parts of the world, we set our sights on Aruba, an island paradise known for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture. We booked our flights on standby (talk about living on the edge!) and packed our bags with a mix of excitement and uncertainty.

Upon arrival, we were met with a slight hiccup – a mandatory 24-hour quarantine in our hotel room. Not exactly the romantic start we had envisioned, but we decided to make the most of it. After some quick research, we chose the Renaissance Hotel, mainly because it offered exclusive access to Flamingo Island. This turned out to be a fantastic decision, as we later discovered.

Flamingo Island: A Tropical Paradise

After our quarantine, we were more than ready to explore the wonders of Flamingo Island. We hopped on a charming gondola that took us through a picturesque canal, adding a touch of whimsy to our journey. The boat ride itself was short but enjoyable, allowing us to soak in the beautiful scenery and mingle with other excited guests.

Upon reaching the island, we were greeted by a breathtaking sight – flamingos leisurely strolling along the shore, their vibrant pink feathers contrasting against the turquoise waters. It was like stepping into a real-life postcard! We spent hours lounging on the beach, sipping on refreshing coconut water (with a splash of rum, of course!), and watching these elegant creatures in their natural habitat.

Iguanas, Coconuts, and Unexpected Encounters

Flamingo Island wasn’t just about the flamingos, though. We also encountered a fascinating array of iguanas, some of them reaching impressive lengths of 3 to 4 feet! At one point, we witnessed a feeding frenzy as a worker dumped a huge pile of lettuce, attracting a swarm of hungry iguanas from all corners of the island. It was a sight to behold!

Aside from the wildlife encounters, we enjoyed the island’s laid-back atmosphere and amenities. There were cozy cabanas for those seeking shade, hammocks gently swaying over the water, and food stalls offering delicious snacks and drinks. We even stumbled upon a coconut water stand where they freshly cut coconuts and offered the option to infuse them with your choice of alcohol. Talk about a tropical treat!

From Quarantine to Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton Experience

After our island adventure, it was time to check out of the Renaissance and head to our next destination. Initially, we had planned on staying at an all-inclusive resort, lured by the promise of a budget-friendly honeymoon. However, after a rather underwhelming tour of the resort (the food didn’t exactly inspire confidence, and the overall vibe felt a bit lackluster), we decided to change course.

Sherry, being the amazing husband that he is, agreed to ditch the resort and head to the Ritz-Carlton instead. This was a spontaneous decision, but one that we definitely didn’t regret. The Ritz-Carlton Aruba exuded luxury and sophistication, from its elegant décor to its impeccable service.

Club Lounge Perks and Honeymoon Treats

To our surprise, the Ritz-Carlton staff went above and beyond to make our honeymoon extra special. They upgraded us to a room with club lounge access, a perk we had never experienced before. The lounge itself was a haven of comfort and indulgence, offering a wide array of snacks, drinks, and that incredible coffee we still rave about. Seriously, that vanilla latte was the best we’ve ever had!

The Ritz-Carlton also offered a “romantic package” that included lounge access and essentially turned our stay into an all-inclusive experience. With free meals throughout the day, we were able to fully indulge in the culinary delights of the lounge without worrying about the cost. It was a fantastic value and added a touch of luxury to our honeymoon.

Beachside Bliss and Unexpected Detours

The Ritz-Carlton’s location was also a major highlight. We had easy access to a pristine beach with a designated swimming area exclusively for hotel guests. It was the perfect spot to relax, soak up the sun, and take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters.

Before we get too carried away with our Ritz-Carlton experience, let’s rewind a bit. Remember that all-inclusive resort we initially planned on staying at? Well, the story behind that is quite amusing. I, being the ever-optimistic and budget-conscious wife, was determined to find us a good deal. So, while we were still at Flamingo Island, I started calling around to different resorts, inquiring about their rates and amenities.

One resort, in particular, caught my attention. They offered a significant discount for nurses (score!), and I was immediately intrigued. We packed our bags, hopped in a taxi, and headed to the resort, eager to see if it lived up to my expectations.

A Resort That Didn’t Quite “Wow” Us

Upon arrival, we were given a tour of the resort and even got to see a freshly cleaned room. However, as we explored the property and I chatted with a few guests, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing. The food didn’t look particularly appetizing, the atmosphere felt a bit generic, and it just didn’t scream “honeymoon vibes.”

Sherry, bless his heart, had been patiently indulging my quest for a budget-friendly option. But even he agreed that this resort wasn’t quite the right fit for our special celebration. So, we bid farewell to the resort and made our way to the Ritz-Carlton, where we were greeted with open arms and a much more luxurious experience.

Overwater Bungalow Bliss

After two wonderful days at the Ritz-Carlton, it was time for the next chapter of our honeymoon adventure: overwater bungalows! At the time, there was only one resort in Aruba offering these unique accommodations, and we were eager to experience the magic for ourselves.

We opted for a beach hut, which was significantly more affordable than the actual overwater bungalows. But don’t let that fool you, our hut was still incredibly luxurious and romantic. It featured a spacious outdoor area with a private jacuzzi, lounge beds, a hammock, and direct access to the ocean. The only downside? The outdoor shower, which, while refreshing, also attracted a few curious bugs.

Culinary Delights and Beachside Dining

The food at the overwater bungalow resort was simply divine. We were greeted with delicious shrimp wraps upon arrival, and every meal we had there was a culinary masterpiece. The seafood was incredibly fresh, and the flavors were exquisite.

One of the most memorable dining experiences was having dinner on the beach, with our feet in the sand and the sound of waves gently lapping the shore. The resort even had live music, adding to the romantic ambiance. It was truly a magical setting.

Snorkeling Adventures and Feline Friends

The overwater bungalow resort also provided us with snorkeling gear, allowing us to explore the underwater wonders of Aruba. This was my first time snorkeling, and I was amazed by the vibrant coral reefs and colorful fish swimming just beneath the surface. The secluded location of the resort meant that the waters were calm and teeming with marine life, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling.

Aside from the snorkeling, we also made some furry friends during our stay. The resort was home to a number of friendly cats who loved to lounge around and soak up the sun. We couldn’t resist their charm and spent many afternoons petting and playing with these adorable creatures.

Zeerovers: A Local Gem

Just a short walk from the overwater bungalow resort, we discovered a fantastic local restaurant called Zeerovers. This casual eatery offered a unique dining experience where you could choose your own fresh seafood and have it cooked to perfection. The shrimp was especially juicy and flavorful, and the coconut ice cream served in a coconut shell was a delightful treat.

We learned about Zeerovers from locals and taxi drivers, who consistently recommended it as a must-try spot. And they were absolutely right! The food, the atmosphere, and the waterfront location made it a truly memorable dining experience.

Horseback Riding Through Aruba’s Diverse Landscapes

Our honeymoon wasn’t just about relaxation and indulgence; we also craved some adventure. So, we decided to embark on a horseback riding excursion, arranged through the Ritz-Carlton concierge.

The excursion took us through a variety of landscapes, from cacti-studded deserts to rocky mountains and even a breathtaking natural pool called La Conche. The horses were well-trained and gentle, making it a comfortable ride even for those with limited riding experience.

Reaching La Conche was a highlight of the horseback riding adventure. This natural pool, formed by volcanic rock, was a tranquil oasis where we could cool off and take a dip in the refreshing waters. However, we quickly learned that the rocks were quite slippery, making it a bit challenging to navigate without water shoes.

UTV Adventures and Scenic Stops

Another exciting excursion we embarked on was a UTV tour, also arranged through the ever-helpful concierge at the Ritz-Carlton. We opted for a two-seater UTV, which allowed us to navigate the island’s rugged terrain together.

Our UTV adventure took us to some of Aruba’s most iconic landmarks. We started with a stop at the California Lighthouse, a towering structure offering panoramic views of the island’s coastline. The contrast of the bright white lighthouse against the deep blue sea was simply stunning. We also explored the Alto Vista Chapel, a charming little chapel known for its peaceful atmosphere and picturesque setting.

Next, we made our way to the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, a fascinating glimpse into Aruba’s history. These remnants of a 19th-century gold mill provided a unique backdrop for photos and a chance to learn about the island’s gold rush era.

Our UTV tour also included a stop at Baby Beach, a beautiful and calm beach known for its shallow waters and abundance of marine life. It was the perfect place to take a break from driving, relax on the sand, and soak up the Caribbean sun.

A Refreshing Plunge

One of the most memorable parts of our UTV tour was a surprise stop at a hidden natural pool. Our guide led us down a ladder into a small cave, where we found a refreshing pool of water. It was the perfect opportunity to cool off and take a dip, surrounded by the unique rock formations of the cave. Sherry, being the adventurous one, even took a plunge from a 15-foot ledge! (I, on the other hand, played it safe and admired the view from the sidelines.)

Parasailing Over the Caribbean

Back at the Ritz-Carlton, we decided to continue our adventure with a parasailing experience. This was a bit of a challenge for me, as I had a previous parasailing incident in Malaysia that left me slightly traumatized. But with Sherry by my side, I faced my fears and took to the skies.

The parasailing experience in Aruba was incredible. We soared high above the ocean, taking in breathtaking views of the coastline, the resorts, and the vibrant marine life below. It was a truly exhilarating feeling, and the perfect way to end our adventurous day.

An Unexpected Extended Stay and a Final Resort Hop

Remember how we flew standby to Aruba? Well, that came back to bite us on the return trip. Unfortunately, there weren’t enough seats available on our original flight, so we ended up stranded in Aruba for an extra night.

But hey, when life gives you lemons… book another hotel! We spontaneously decided to check out another Marriott property, this one with a massive pool and a lazy river. It looked absolutely amazing from our balcony, but unfortunately, we weren’t feeling our best that night. A sudden bout of stomach troubles (perhaps from all the delicious food and excitement?) kept us from fully enjoying the resort’s amenities.

Reflecting on Our Aruba Adventure

Despite a few unexpected twists and turns, our spontaneous Aruba honeymoon was an absolute dream come true. We packed so much into a short amount of time, creating memories that will last a lifetime. From the flamingos on Flamingo Island to the luxurious comforts of the Ritz-Carlton and the adventurous thrills of horseback riding and parasailing, Aruba offered the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement.

If you’re looking for a honeymoon destination that has it all, we wholeheartedly recommend Aruba. Just remember to pack your sense of adventure, your water shoes, and maybe some extra-strength antacids, just in case!

Thanks for joining us on this trip down memory lane! Until next time, happy travels!