Marriott's Aruba Surf Club: Paradise Found (Noord Aruba's Hidden Gem!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the swirling blue paradise that is Marriott's Aruba Surf Club. Forget those meticulously crafted travel brochures – I’m here with the unvarnished truth, the good, the slightly questionable, and the downright AMAZING. This isn't just a review; it's your personal pre-trip pep talk. Let's get started!
Marriott's Aruba Surf Club: The Unfiltered Truth
First things first: Accessibility. This is Aruba, baby! The island itself can be a little… let's say "rambly" with those cobblestone streets. But the Surf Club? They try. The elevator is a godsend (trust me, lugging groceries and margaritas up multiple floors is a workout I don't need), and there are facilities for disabled guests. I didn’t personally need these, thank goodness, but seeing them there, knowing they were making an effort, well, that's a win in my book.
Arrival and First Impressions (and a little meltdown)
Upon arrival (after a slightly stressful airport adventure – thanks, baggage carousel!), I was greeted with a surprisingly efficient contactless check-in/out. Okay, score one for streamlined procedures. The lobby, though, could use a little personality. Don't get me wrong, it's clean and functional, but it feels… a little corporate. Where's the island vibe?! Where's the oomph?! I’m picturing myself in a corporate meeting, but I haven’t had enough coffee yet. I guess the real fun starts outside.
Rooms: Your Home Away From Home (Mostly)
Okay, the rooms. This is where the Surf Club shines. I’m talking Air conditioning that actually works (a MUST in Aruba!), a comfy king-sized bed, and a balcony with a view that straight-up slaps you with its beauty. I’m talking ocean views that will make your jaw drop. I'm talking the kind of view you wake up to and think, "Did I actually book this? Am I dreaming?" But no, it's real, and it's spectacular. There's a kitchenette (score!), which is perfect for whipping up breakfast and saving a few dollars (because, let's be honest, Aruba isn't cheap). The Free Wi-Fi? Reliable, which is crucial for someone who's still tethered to work (I hate to admit it). Daily housekeeping keeping the place spotless. I can hear the waves crashing, and suddenly all is right with the world! The bathrooms, are spacious with separate shower/bathtub is a nice touch, and the bathrobes are a luxurious bonus. However, a slight imperfection: the in-room coffee maker wasn't exactly top-of-the-line. A minor quibble, but hey, I'm a coffee snob. Overall, the rooms are fantastic.
Dining and Drinking: Fueling the Fun
Okay, the food situation. This is where things get…interesting. The Surf Club offers a plethora of options.
- Restaurants: Restaurants and Poolside Bar. The poolside bar is a casual affair. They serve up burgers, fries, and cocktails that hit the spot after a long day of sun and sand. Speaking of cocktails, Happy Hour is worth a visit.
- Alternative Meal Arrangement, Breakfast Buffet: There's a Breakfast Buffet – the usual suspects, with a slightly limited selection. The problem? It gets crowded. People are hungry. It's a feeding frenzy! Breakfast takeaway service. I swear I spent more time scouting for tables than enjoying my eggs benedict.
- Asian Cuisine in Restaurant, International Cuisine in Restaurant: There are restaurants that specialize in Asian and International cuisine. The sushi was pretty top notch.
- Snack bar, Coffee/tea in restaurant: You can grab a quick bite and a coffee.
- Room service [24-hour]: It comes in handy, especially that first night when jet lag hits hard. The burgers are average. But the cocktails are surprisingly good.
I would recommend exploring the island from the perspective of food.
Things to do, Ways to relax and unwind
Okay, let’s talk relaxation. The Surf Club delivers.
- Swimming pool: The Swimming pool [outdoor] is a real winner. It’s sprawling, has multiple levels, and with the Pool with view it has plenty of room to spread out.
- Spa:
- Massage: Oh, the massage! I went for the deep tissue – so good! I didn't venture into the Sauna, Steamroom, Foot bath . Maybe next time!
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Spa/sauna: The spa, it’s a must-try.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: Fitness center - equipped with all the gear. It’s a nice break from all the eating.
Cleanliness and Safety: Keeping it Safe and Sound
The Surf Club takes its safety seriously, which is essential these days. I saw Staff trained in safety protocol, Hand sanitizer stations everywhere, and evidence of Daily disinfection in common areas. The rooms are also sanitized. Anti-viral cleaning products are used. I felt a little more relaxed knowing they take care of the small details.
For the Kids (and the Young at Heart)
If you're traveling with kids, the Surf Club is a winner. There are Kids facilities and Babysitting service.
The Little Things (and the Not-So-Little)
- Conveniences: Convenience store, currency exchange, laundry service, and a gift/souvenir shop.
- Services: concierge and dry cleaning, daily housekeeping, room service. All present and accounted for.
- Internet: The Wi-Fi is great but I found myself having to turn it off and on sometimes. It's good, but not stellar.
- Other: Smoke alarms, fire extinguisher – the basics.
Overall Vibe: Casual Elegance with a Dash of Paradise
The Surf Club is not a stuffy, pretentious hotel. It’s more like a comfortable, well-appointed condo resort that still feels like a nice vacation. It’s perfect for families, couples, and anyone who wants a relaxing beach vacation with plenty of amenities. The staff are friendly and helpful (shout out to the awesome bartenders!), and the overall atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming.
The Quirks (and the Occasional Frustration)
- The Timeshare Pitch: Be warned, there's a timeshare sales pitch. It is what it is. Just be ready to politely decline.
- "Prime" Poolside Spots: The towel game is real, my friends. Get there early if you want a good spot by the pool.
- The Island Time Syndrome: Things run on “island time.” Don't expect lightning-fast service everywhere. Embrace the relaxed pace.
My Verdict: Go!
Considering the above, and putting aside the slight drawbacks, I would recommend you go. You won't be disappointed.
The Unbeatable Offer! (Get Ready to Book!)
Do you dream of waking up to turquoise waters and white sand beaches? Crave a vacation where you can relax on your balcony in the morning with coffee, spend the day by the pool, and feast on delicious food?
Here's what you get when you book your getaway to the Marriott's Aruba Surf Club today:
- Luxury Accommodations: Choose from spacious studios, one- or two-bedroom villas – all with fully equipped kitchens, private balconies with incredible ocean views.
- Endless Fun: Access to the pristine beaches, multiple swimming pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a range of water sports (available nearby).
- Unwind and Rejuvenate: Pamper yourself at the on-site spa with a massage, body wrap, or other treatments.
- Delectable Dining: Savor global cuisines at on-site restaurants, or whip up your own culinary masterpieces in your fully equipped kitchen.
- Peace of Mind: Relax knowing the hotel is committed to your safety with rigorous cleaning protocols.
- Special Offer: [Insert a LIMITED-TIME SPECIAL OFFER HERE - e.g., complimentary breakfast, a free spa treatment, a discount on your stay, an upgrade to a better room]. Don't forget to add a sense of urgency!
Don't Miss Out!
This offer won't last forever! Book your unforgettable Aruba escape at Marriott's Aruba Surf Club today!
Click Here to book your dream vacation! ([Insert Booking Link])
(Tip: Use relevant keywords throughout your ad copy for SEO purposes: "Aruba Surf Club," "Aruba hotels," "beach vacation," "family vacation," "luxury resort," "pool," "ocean view," "spa," etc.)
Escape to Misty Meadows: Mahabaleshwar's Hidden Paradise!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, perfectly-photographed itinerary. This is real Aruba, baby, complete with sand in places you don't want sand and the lingering scent of sunscreen that will haunt your dreams. We're going to the Marriott Surf Club, and let's see what kind of glorious chaos awaits.
Aruba, Here We Come! (ish)
Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and the Almighty Pool
- 6:00 AM: Alarm SCREAMS. Ugh. Travel. So freaking glamorous. Coffee, or I spontaneously combust before 7 am. Packing – a frantic, last-minute, "Did I remember the swimsuit?!?" sort of ordeal. Yep, swimsuit. And about five other swimsuits. You never know, right?
- 9:00 AM: Arrive at the airport. Ugh. Airports. The people-watching is top-notch, but the lines are pure torture. Praying the luggage makes it. Praying I make it.
- 12:00 PM (Aruba Time – because who knows what time it is in the real world anymore?): FINALLY, at the Surf Club! The lobby is…well, it’s nice. Too nice. I'm already bracing for the inevitable sunburn and the impending battle for a decent poolside chair.
- 1:00 PM: Room shuffle. The first room has a view of… the parking lot. Nope. The second room smells faintly of chlorine and regret. Nope. Finally, WIN! A room with a balcony that ACTUALLY overlooks the ocean. Victory! (Pat myself on the back, quick before the unpacking-panic sets in.)
- 2:00 PM: Unpacking. Or, more accurately, throwing clothes into drawers hoping for the best. Realized I forgot my favorite sun hat. Groan. Guess I'll have to buy a new one. (Insert obligatory eye roll.)
- 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM: POOL TIME! This is where it's at. Sun, water, a book I'll probably read three pages of. The kids are in the lazy river, creating a symphony of squeals and splashings. I’m not sure what’s better: watching the kids have fun, or being slightly away from the kid zone where you can just vibe. The pool bar is calling my name. I may or may not have a few cocktails and the snacks were delicious.
- 8:30 PM: Dinner at somewhere (maybe). There was a serious debate with my husband about where to eat. We finally decided on the restaurant. It was good! I think I was too tired to remember. I'm going straight to bed afterward.
Day 2: Beach Day, Sunburn, and the Great Towel Debacle
- 8:00 AM: Attempt to get up early enough to snag a decent spot on the beach. Fail. Apparently, the early birds aren't just early, they're ruthlessly territorial. The beach is packed.
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Beach time! The ocean is lovely. The sand is… everywhere. I will be brushing sand off myself until the day I die. Kids doing their thing, building sandcastles that will be destroyed in three seconds. My husband is taking a nap under a beach umbrella, which is a good use of his time.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at the Surf Club's restaurant. Forgot to put on sunscreen and now I’m feeling a crisp sunburn. My face feels tight every time I smile.
- 1:00 PM: The Great Towel Debacle. Apparently, the towels handed out at the towel hut? They're like gold. It's a whole ordeal. I'm pretty sure I saw a lady yelling at a staff member about towel availability. (I'm not proud, but I may have considered joining the fray. It’s a towel, woman!)
- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Pool time redux. Refueling.
- 6:00 PM: Shopping. Because, well, I'm on vacation. Found a ridiculously overpriced souvenir. Bought it anyway. Regret? Perhaps.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner and sunset cocktail. The sunset is predictably stunning. Almost makes the sunburn worth it.
Day 3: Jeeping, Desert, and a Very Long Shower
- 9:00 AM: Jeep tour! This is the day I remember. Oh, the dust! The bumpy roads! The sensation of my organs rearranging themselves! But, also, the rugged beauty of the island. The Natural Bridge was kind of underwhelming in real life, honestly. But the views? Gorgeous.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at some local shack. I'm pretty sure I ate something I shouldn't have. The food was amazing, though!
- 2:00 PM: The Natural Pool. Beautiful. Absolutely worth the jostle. It's a little slice of paradise. Except, the rocks are slippery. And I'm pretty sure I almost broke my ankle.
- 5:00 PM: Back at the Surf Club. Covered in dirt. Sand. Dust. And goodness knows what else.
- 6:00 PM: The longest, most glorious shower of my life. Followed by the application of approximately a gallon of aloe vera.
- 8:00 PM: Pizza, because sometimes, that's all you need. And let's face it, I'm cooked.
Day 4: Relax Time, and Maybe a Meltdown
- 9:00 AM: Sleep in! I’m feeling exhausted. So, no plans, Just relaxing by the pool. Reading. Dozing. Bliss.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. More pool time.
- 2:00 PM: Attempting to remember what day it is.
- 3:00 PM: Suddenly the kids fighting over a toy at the pool. I’m ready to explode.
- 5:00 PM: A spa treatment that I forgot to schedule. So I spent more time by the pool.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner and movie night.
Day 5: Farewell, Aruba! (and the inevitable post-vacation blues)
- 7:00 AM: Frantically packing. Again. Why do I always leave this to the last minute?
- 8:00 AM: Checking out. Sad face.
- 9:00 AM: Airport. The usual drama. Security lines, overpriced coffee, the crushing knowledge that real life is about to hit me like a tidal wave.
- 1:00 PM: Flying home. The window seat is a blessing. I look out at the clouds. I'm already dreaming of next year.
- 4:00 PM: Landing. Home. The laundry pile. The bills. The work emails. Sigh. The Aruba glow is fading, but the memories? They are forever. Until next time, Aruba. You beautiful, chaotic, sand-filled paradise. You were worth it.
Marriott's Aruba Surf Club: FAQ - Because Let's Be Real, Vacation Ain't Always Pretty
Is the Surf Club REALLY paradise? Like, for REAL real? Or just, you know, mildly pleasant?
Okay, buckle up. Paradise? Depends on your definition. Is it like, floating in a cloud of angel dust and infinite ice cream? Nope. Is it a darn good time, with stunning beaches and a vibe that screams "leave your worries on the tarmac"? YES. I mean, I've been six times, and that says something, right? It's not *perfect*, oh no. More on that later. But that ocean breeze? That turquoise water? And the fact you can grab a frozen cocktail and waddle into the pool at 10 AM without judgment? That’s pretty close to heavenly, if you ask me. I once saw a guy spill an entire strawberry daiquiri all over himself during the pool bingo, and even *he* was still smiling. That's Aruba magic, folks. That, and maybe a second daiquiri.
What's the deal with those palapas? Getting a spot seems harder than winning the lottery. Seriously.
Ah, the Palapa Wars. This is the Achilles' heel of the Surf Club. It's a brutal, Hunger Games-esque battle for shade. They're free, which is the problem. People get out there ridiculously early to "reserve" them. I’m talking 5 AM, maybe even earlier. I've seen grown men (and women!) sprinting across the beach, towels flapping like flags, claiming their territory. It’s intense.
My advice? Embrace the chaos. Set your alarm. Bring a friend. Consider it an Olympic sport. Or... pay for a premium palapa. It's not cheap, but it guarantees you a spot. Honestly, sometimes the stress of the "free" palapa is just too much, and the extra cost feels worth it. Plus, the premium ones often have better positioning.
One year, I swear I saw this elderly couple, Mr. and Mrs. Henderson, get out there at 4:30 every morning, and they had SEVEN palapas. SEVEN! I mean, good for them, tenacity is beautiful, but I wanted to steal one. I didn’t, mostly because Mrs. Henderson looked like she could bench-press a small car. So, yeah... palapa situation. Prepare yourself.
Are the rooms actually nice? Or just, you know, typical hotel-y?
Look, they're not the Four Seasons. But they're GREAT. Spacious, clean, and most importantly, they have balconies/patios. That balcony? Crucial. Perfect for sipping your morning coffee (or evening rum punch), watching the sunrise (or the sunset, depending on your orientation), and generally feeling smug about your life choices. The kitchens are well-equipped, too, which is handy for making snacks and avoiding the temptation of ordering room service 24/7 (although... the temptation is strong, I'm not going to lie).
The main thing is, they are HUGE. So you're not tripping over each other, so you can have your space. One time our kids, who are now teenangers, were arguing in the living room, one stormed into the bedroom, the other sat on the couch. No problem! We had room to fight. That's why I love it, not crammed feeling.
What about the food? Is it edible?
Okay, this is where we enter the "mixed bag" territory. The on-site restos are... fine. Convenient, but not gourmet. They're pricey, as you'd expect. You're better off exploring the local restaurants. Hit up Bugaloe Beach Bar & Grill (pier dining is the best), or Eduardo's Beach Shack (amazing acai bowls – a MUST). Don't be afraid to venture out of the resort bubble. Aruba has some seriously good food.
I will say, the Surf Club has a marketplace where you can get quick eats and groceries. It’s a lifesaver for breakfast and snacks. And that coffee? Not bad at all!
Is it family-friendly? Like, *really* family-friendly? (Asking for a friend... who is me.)
Oh, YES. It's practically *designed* for families. The lazy river is epic. The kids' pool? Totally safe and fun. There's a game room, activities, and enough going on to keep even the most energetic little monsters occupied. The whole place has this relaxed, casual vibe that's perfect for kids. No need to worry about them being "too loud" or "running wild" (within reason, of course).
The first time I went, my kids were really little. We spent DAYS in the lazy river. It was pure bliss. And, blessedly, there's a bar right there, so Mom and Dad can at least pretend to be relaxing while the little ones are splashing away. It’s a fantastic way to vacation with kids. Just remember, it's still a family vacation. There will be tantrums, meltdowns, and spilled juice boxes. Embrace the chaos and enjoy the ride!
Are there any downsides? Be honest!
Okay, honesty time: Yes. There are a few. The Palapa Wars, we already covered. It gets crowded, especially during peak season. You might have to wait for an elevator. The music from the pool can get a little repetitive (seriously, how many times can I hear "Despacito"?). And, and this is a big one: the timeshare presentation. They will try to get you to sit through one. They are persistent. Say no firmly. It's not worth your vacation time, unless you're genuinely interested in timeshares (in which case, power to you, I guess!).
Also, it's not a super "luxurious" experience. It's more of a very nice, comfortable, and fun experience. If you're expecting pure, unadulterated extravagance, you might be disappointed. But if you're looking for a great family vacation, a relaxing getaway, and a place where you can genuinely unwind, then you are in the right spot.
Would you go back? Like, tomorrow?
Oh, hell yes. In a heartbeat. I am already trying to figure out a way to get back next year. The Surf Club isn't perfect, but it's got something special. It's a place where you can shed your worries, soak up the sun, splash in the sea, and just... be.Hotelicity
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