Canadian World Traveller Winter 2019-20 Issue

60
Aruba - Four Stylish Ways to Stay
Secret Romantic Escape - Aruba Ocean Villas
by Susan Canpbell
Upscale Elegant - The Ritz-Carlton Aruba
by Susan Canpbell
The absolute ultimate in adult-only romance is secreted
away in Savaneta on the island’s southeast coast. So well
hidden, you wouldn’t even know it’s there unless someone
tells you where the gate is! But that’s the idea. This intimate boutique
resort was designed as a surprising hidden Eden for those
seeking privacy and an incredibly special stay. Choose from a collection
of South Pacific style overwater bungalows, beach villas,
and even a two-story treehouse ─ each with its own unique character
and all personally decorated by the owner/artist herself. This
is where creativity meets
barefoot luxury and epic
amenities abound like
boat-style lounge decks
with swings, hammocks,
Bali daybeds, deep-soaking
tubs, personal dipping
pools, Jacuzzis and even
pianos and crystal chandeliers
to name just a few.
The tiki style beach bar is
the nexus of social life, and the tables on the beach are perfect
for romantic for toes-in-the-sand dining. There is also one private
overwater palapa for dining (reservations mandatory) or you can
have dinner served in your villa.
There’s also great snorkeling, and complimentary sea kayaks
allow you to explore the surrounding mangroves. For couple’s
massages, there’s a special
spa palapa perch or you
can have treatments right
in your room. Extremely
attentive and personal
service is the hallmark of
this enchanting little hideaway,
so whatever your
heart desires to make your
retreat extra special, they
will do their absolute best
to make it happen.
www.arubaoceanvillas.com
The glamourous grandeur that awaits within isn’t readily
apparent at first glance at the exterior of this massive mustard-coloured
complex on Palm Beach, but you know when
the Ritz-Carlton name is on it, once inside, it won’t disappoint.
And it doesn’t. Your first steps into the gleaming marble lobby will
signal you’ve truly arrived at an opulent class of stay. This is
where a two-story glassed-in panoramic view of the island’s stunning
aqua sea is your
backdrop at the Divi
Lobby Bar and where
guests are invited to
view incredible sunsets
and receive complimentary
samples of their
signature drink to celebrate
the day’s end. All
320 modern and stylishly
appointed guestrooms
and suites offer
private balconies and
ocean views, and on
the 7th floor, Club Level guests enjoy their own private lounge
and upgraded amenities. Luxury shopping, a glitzy 24/7 casino, a
first-rate spa and fitness centre, and dining at a choice of themed
restaurants offer pastimes, but most will spend their days by the
two pools (one adult-only and one family friendly) and lounging
on the sprawling beachfront
where you can view
the colorful kites dancing
in the sky from the kiteboarders
practicing next
door. Though excellent
personal service is typically
a Ritz-Carlton trademark,
of special note at
this one is the beachfront
servers who deliver your
food and drink aboard Segways—so much fun to watch.
www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/caribbean/aruba
Canadian World Traveller Winter 2019-20