As a winter snowstorm swept through New Jersey, my husband and I made our grand escape. We dropped the (fur)kids off at the grandparents, packed our bags, and dipped out of town. Matt and I sought refuge from the cold, embarking on a journey to the sunny paradise island of Aruba. Still teaching fulltime at 25 weeks pregnant, I was eagerly desperate for some rest and relaxation. Aruba delivered just that!
Babymooning in Aruba: A Desert Oasis
Real talk: I did not know much about Aruba prior to arriving there. I had assumed Aruba was like every other tropical island I’ve visited in the Carribean. Keywords: had assumed. I imagined swaying palm trees, lush greenery, a historical downtown, and lots of national landmarks for sightseeing. Joke’s on me. You know what happens when you assume…
In actuality, Aruba’s landscape surprised Matt and I in the best possible way. Despite its small size, the island boasts a diverse terrain dominated by desert landscapes. Seriously, there’s cacti, agave, and aloe galore! Not much else. It was definitely a departure from our usual vacation destinations. Nevertheless, we were charmed from the moment we arrived. The arid beauty and refreshing trade winds of the island were a breath of fresh air from our frigid Northeast. With its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and gentle breezes, Aruba truly offered the perfect setting for our babymoon getaway!
All About Aruba
If you’re as full of misconceptions as I was, let me give you a brief lesson on Aruba. Situated just off the coast of Venezuela, Aruba is a charming gem in the Caribbean Sea. Despite its small size — spanning a mere 20 miles long and 6 miles wide — this tiny island nation boats a population of approximately 116,000 residents, known for their warmth and hospitality.
As an autonomous constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Aruba enjoys a unique status, blending Dutch influence with Caribbean flair. Located about 1960 miles from New Jersey, it took us about a 5-hour flight from EWR to reach the happy island. Its strategic location in the southern Caribbean ensures a year-round tropical climate, making it a paradise for beach lovers like my husband.
Divi & Tamarijn All Inclusive Resort
Our stay at the Divi & Tamarijn All Inclusive in the low-rise section of the island was great. We were fortunate to secure an oceanfront room on the Tamarijn side, or Tam for short. People say the Tam is usually louder/busier than Divi, since most families prefer this side. We found our stay to be quite the opposite. The sound of the waves lulled us to sleep each night after exploring the lively pool parties at the Divi.
The convenience of frequent shuttles between the two resorts and the option to stroll along the boardwalk made exploring the area effortless. They even have a shuttle running to the nearby Alhambra Casino! They really make things super convenient; it’s why I love an all-inclusive resort. With food and drink included (yes, even alcohol), we indulged in many delicious meals and refreshing beverages without second thought. For an in-depth look at our resort experience, read this blog post.
Best of Aruba Excursion: De Palm Tours
One of the highlights of our trip was getting off-property and exploring the island. We booked a Best of Aruba Island Access Tour with De Palm Tours through the resort. Boarding a bus from the Tamarijn at 8AM, we embarked on a day of exploration and adventure. The guided bus tour was an all-day affair, returning to the resort around 4PM.
Our itinerary was packed with iconic landmarks and hidden gems, including the majestic California Lighthouse, the serene Alta Vista Chapel, and the fascinating Ayo Rock Formation. We marveled at the artistry of glassblowing at Murano Art Studio, admired the natural beauty of the island at the awe-inspiring Natural Bridge, and enjoyed splashing in the tranquil waters at Baby Beach. You can read all about these places in greater detail here.
Aruba: To Go or Not To Go?
While Aruba did not offer a bustling nightlife or endless attractions, its laid-back atmosphere and scenery did make it the perfect choice for our babymoon! Pregnant me can’t do half of what adventurous me wants to do. Even our hop-on, hop-off bus tour was a bit much for me, thanks to the heat and chub rub. I definitely had the pregnancy waddle down by the end of this trip!
That said, my medical team had no issues with our travel plans. Aruba has great healthcare in the event anything went wrong. The 5-hour flight was not terrible so long as I got up to use the restroom and stretch my legs. (I did forget my compression socks at home, but luckily didn’t swell badly en route!) For expectant parents like us, Aruba provided an ideal escape. It’s the perfect location for anyone craving relaxation and rejuvenation, especially before the arrival of a little one! 10 out of 10 I cannot recommend this land of leisure enough.
With little to do, Aruba provided Matt and I an opportunity to bond as newlyweds. As many of you may recall, we only recently tied the knot last summer! This trip reconnected us as husband and wife before being bombarded with the demands of mom and dad. As we bid farewell to Aruba, we left with cherished memories and hearts full of gratitude for the unforgettable experience.
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