The Aruban air approach literally has a beach view --- running alongside the airstrip during approach, providing for a unique entrée to the sun, sand and surf. Having a dinner meeting at Simply Fish, the onbeach restaurant of the Aruba Marriott, gives fresh meaning to the phrase “dinner meeting.” Diners are encouraged to leave their sandals or sneakers (forget about shoes) on shoe racks and to wander a few feet to tables set in the pristine sand. The prawns in the tiger shrimp cocktail (served with both classic shrimps sauce and a fresh mango jalapeno dressing) are eclipsed in size only by the spectacular sunsets, which are beautifully without occlusion. The Aruban (“not Bermuda!” waitstaff joke) triangle introductory survey to the island’s most grilled, for the natural to stand out (with red curry and coconut sauce), prompting diners to nearly ignore the fresh spinach, mashed potato and avocado sides. During the day, the same space has a more casual menu (the under the name “Waves.” Aruba Marriott Resort guests who opt to sleep in may want to have breakfast in bed, overlooking the beach or may choose the “communal” experience of dining on the balcony and people watch others doing likewise on theirs (as an aside, Room Service also delivers sushi to order from Ketsu Sushi Bar at night, with a nod to New Yorkers with a salmon roll prepared with cream cheese, for those missing their nosh). For those who are easily sociable in the morning, La Vista (also overlooking the beach) has fresh fruits, omelets to order, and a variety of buffet-style breads and pastries. For those who might
want to “go Dutch,” Linda’s has Dutch pancakes the size of a (large) personal pizza. Snackers can choose from sweet or savory (such as gouda and mushroom). Beach time is obvious, but jeep excursions on the windward side of the island (only available by off-roading) provide an opportunity to visit the island’s California light house, the enchanting Alta Vista Chapel (which has tourists, as well as locals, engaged in thoughtful meditation and prayer) and a drive along the coast through the Arikok National Park and a stop for a swim in Aruba’s “natural pool” (a quiet swimmable space between rocks, nestled just off the aquamarine beach). The wiseacre in me notes that a natural bridge was a tourist attraction that was formed naturally out of coral limestone. The landmark collapsed on September 2, 2005, but shortly thereafter, a smaller natural bridge emerged (De Palm Jeep Tour Guide Gio says locals call this the “Son of A Bridge”). Similarly, those who are willing to tear themselves from the beach at sunset may want to consider a catamaran sunset cruise with Red Sail Sports. An excellent post-activity rehabilitation is available at the Aruba Marriott’s Mandara Spa. A friend who is a restauranteur has commented that dinner at a beautiful destination should be an experience, as well as a meal, so here are two options. At the Screaming Eagle, South Beach meets French Fusion cuisine. Dinner parties may opt for traditional tables or to be served by the pair “in bed,” with dinner trays that are reminiscent of the Nick and Nora Thin Man movies. There are canopies and curtains for “bedsitters.” Chef Erwin Hüsken’s preparations range
range from beautifully presented appetizers (such as carpaccio of artichoke and the immediately addictive ahi tuna tartare with wakame salad and spicy papaya mayonnaise) to entrees such as Arubian rock lobster extra wow factor) to desserts (ranging from classic crème brulee served with raspberry sorbet and pralines to a cheese plate to weep for, including shaved crottin de chavignol that had everyone enviously coveting, then audaciously sampling, this Loire Valley goat cheese). Another great dining option is the casual chic Pincho’s Grill & Bar at the Aruba Surfside, which is literally on the pier, on the other side of capitol Oranjestaad. Locally which to prepare the chewy seafood (and an adult reminder of fried clams). The surf and turf has a variety of options, including the becomes easily habituated to in Aruba and a New York strip any New York steakhouse would be proud to claim ownership of. Even the most dedicated beach bum and the of the day. Here is a secret about the Aruba Marriott Resort: the memory foam beds may be gentle on the back, but the bolster pillows are the most comfortable pillows I have ever cradled my neck on, so much so that I demanded information about the signature Revive bedding (once I emerged from my wave induced snooze). These eclipsed every other thoughtfully planned luxury available, from the Bath and Body Works products to the gigantic room safe I plunked my New York day bag into, not to be retrieved again
For more information, check out: marriott.com depalmtours.com aruba-redsail.com restaurantsaruba.com/Pinchos-Grill-and-Bar.html screaming-eagle.net lindas-aruba.com
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