American World Traveler Spring 2018 Issue

Holiday Inn Resort Aruba
by Susan Campbell
69
An Elevated Stay
I must admit, in all my years covering
Aruba, I’d never really had the desire to
stay at the Holiday Inn Resort on Palm
Beach there. Nothing against the brand,
they are excellent for mid-level stays, and
typically deliver what they promise-no nonsense
clean and economical accommodations
for business, groups and especially
for families since kids always stay and play
free. But each time I passed by their broad
beach and stellar water circuit looking out
in the sea I became more intrigued. They
arguably have the very best swimming spot
on that famous stretch of sand; the water is
calm and the view from the pools is completely
unfettered. I also began to notice
many renovations to the property taking
place over time, so finally, curiosity got the
best of me and I checked in last summer.
And I liked it so much, that I stayed there
again in the winter! In fact, it has now
become one of my favorite Aruba hotels.
Here’s why…
The Views
Though the hotel is massive- some 600
rooms- the majority of them are in the low
rise-section- six stories high- however, they
also have a stand alone high-rise “Sea
Tower”. I recommend booking an ocean
front room in the low-rise complexes or any
room above the third floor in the sea tower
for amazing views over those aqua waters.
And the tropical sunsets over the waves we
enjoyed each evening were out of this
world. Truly postcard material.
The Zones
The design of this place is genius; guaranteed
to suit the mood and style of every
kind of traveller. The “Peace & Harmony”
zone is awash with hammocks and large
living room style palapas for quiet escape
from the fray and it’s also where they hold
their yoga and palates classes. It’s an ideal
spot to get your “ohm” on. The “Action &
Play” area is the nexus of entertainment
around their large multi-level water circuit
with kid-friendly zero entry areas, waterfalls
and whirlpools. It’s also a few steps right to
the sea without anything impeding your
entrance to the water. Then there’s the
“Chill & Mingle” zone centered on their
more adult-centric pool by the sea tower
with private deluxe cabana rentals available.
They also offer daily complimentary
chair massages poolside provided by their
on-site spa. There is also beach wait service
at their seafront palapas and they are
also steps from the Seabreeze bar. Their
stand-alone complimentary Kid’s Club and
playground is also a bonus; parents will
love that their children are having a blast
while they can relax seaside nearby in a
quieter zone.
The Dining
Holiday Inn Resort Aruba also has a new
all-inclusive option and their onsite food
and beverage service is first-rate. We especially
enjoyed dining alfresco at Seabreeze,
and lunching at snacking at their three
other spots, but the piece de resistance is
the new incarnation of their upscale indoor
Italian eatery called Da Vinci Ristorante.
The new menu of authentic Italian with a
creative twist and the seriously comprehensive
wine room is worth a visit all on its
own- even if you’re not staying at the hotel.
This property is truly an elevated stay compared
to what one might assume to be a
standard Holiday Inn experience, and I
can’t wait to return.
www.holidayarubaresort.com
American World Traveler Spring 2018