After a four hour plane ride from JFK, I was just a 10 minute car ride from paradise.  I couldn’t believe my eyes when we pulled up to the Divi and Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusives.   I’ve been to  a few Caribbean destinations before, but the deep crystal blue water and beautiful beach was a spectacular site to see.   Divi has a few properties in Aruba…the two all-inclusives, Divi Aruba and Tamarijn Aruba, and a la carte properties which also offer timeshares at the Divi Phoenix, where rooms include  your own kitchen equipped with everything including a blender for frozen drinks to bring to the beach, the Divi Links which sits on the beautiful 9-hole gold course, and the Divi Dutch Village .   We’re staying at the Divi Aruba and I love the fact that it’s a little more laid back than Tamarijn Aruba, but you have access to all of the restaurants and activities at the Tamarijn Aruba including a children’s camp.  And, get this, if you are traveling with children or teens, they stay and eat free up to 18 years old when traveling with two paying adults!   The properties have a total of 11 restaurants and almost as many bars between them and the food is top notch.  When we first arrived, we were really hungry, so we sat down at the Coco Grill and had some cooked to order thin crusted pizza made in front of you.   Last night, we had a progressive dinner…an appetizer of sushi, spring rolls, and tempura at Ginger, the Asian restaurant, an appetizer (I had the salad nicoise) at the Red Parrot, the main course at Paparrazi, a delicious Italian restaurant, which serves great fish and pasta dishes, and desert was at the bar/restaurant, Mulligans over at the Links, which is a fun hangout for tourists and locals.  Last night was karaoke night and while it’s been awhile, I did get up and belt one out the best I could!  I love the open air atmosphere at Mulligans.  While it’s inside, it is open around the perimeter and offers an incredible view of the impressive golf course.   Today we had lunch at Purebeach on property at the Divi Phoneix.  The bar/ restaurant is really chic with a lounge type feel of Miami Beach or Ibiza, Spain, with a mix of European and Caribbean music playing in the background.  Situated right on the beach, you’ll want to kick back with a drink  or enjoy their lunch or dinner menu.  I had  a salad nicoise with fresh seared tuna which was wonderful in taste and presentation.  For dinner, we ate at the romantic, high end restaurant, Windows on Aruba, which is upstairs from Mulligans and offers an even better view of the golf course, which they light up at night in different color lights, making it a gorgeous setting.  The food was phenomenal.  I got the sea bass upon recommendation and an appetizer of scallops with seaweed salad mangoes.  The vintage wine selection is also expansive with many top of the line wines from which to select.  To set the mood, there is usually a sax or flute player.  The best part about this restaurant, is that for just $30, you can enjoy anything you’d like off the menu if you are staying at one of the all-inclusive properties.

The Divi and Tamarijn All Inclusives are  low rise buildings which  sit right on the beach if you opt for an ocean view.  I’m sitting here now as the sun goes down, a wedding is taking place in front of me with the gorgeous sunset and waves crashing in the background and the cool wind blowing the brides dress ever so gently.  Tunes of Louis Armstrong are playing in the background.  I couldn’t ask for anything more peaceful than this.  Earlier today, I had a swedish massage at the Indulgence by the Sea Spa, which was amazing.  It usually takes me awhile to unwind, but the therapist was great and I was in total relaxation mode in just a few minutes.

The two properties offer an array of activities, including kayaking, snorkeling, and a rock climbing wall right on the beach!  As a guest of these resorts, you also can golf for free over at the Links after 2pm, which is a must!  The golf course is really nice and James Kiley, the head golf pro is available for lessons and guidance at the learning center.  He’ll videotape your swing  and then give you tips for improving your form.  The golf shop offers stylish apparel for men and women.  And ladies, if you want your man to actually spend some time with you on the trip, you’ll be happy to know it is just a 9 hole course! There is a casino within just a few minutes next door to the Divi Aruba which is always a must stop to see if the slots will be good to me.  Sorry to say they were not tonight, but the casino had a fun vibe.

If you’re looking for an easy escape, definitely think Aruba and the Divi resorts.  Just an easy direct flight and you’ll be soaking up the sun and relaxing on the gorgeous beaches surrounded by swaying palm trees, and all of the food, drinks, activities, and romance you can ask for!  If you’re lucky enough to meet Alex or Marin, the guys who make it all happen, tell them I sent you!  They are so much fun and can definitely offer some great tips on what to do at the resorts and in the area.  Just remember, before you come down to brush up on your papiamento!