After a 4 hour non-stop flight from New York, I arrived at Orangestad Airport in Aruba and was greeted by a member of the hotel team outside ready to drive me to the resort 20 minutes away. The resort is on what feels like a private beach – the nicest beach on what is already one of the most beautiful islands in the world. It is not part of the prime resort strip, which has nice properties but still can be touristy and commercial. It is conveniently located yet in a secluded private area.

I’ve never experienced such a friendly hotel staff, always seeking to anticipate your needs with a smile and kind greeting at every turn.

The hotel doorman and reception quickly whisked me to my room, which was on the ground level with its own door to the beach and a prime view of the sea.  A bottle of Moet champagne courtesy of the hotel awaited me on the dining table. Things were off to a great start.

I spent the next few hours on the beach in a cabana, with a few margaritas to start the trip off. (Note to self: wear more sunscreen when near the equator). Day 1 and I already had a slight tan and a little sun burn.

Over the following few days (and I stayed for 6 days), I felt like I was living in a paradise: each day was a mix of sitting on the beach, reading in the cabana, watching the sunset, eating delicious meals, and checking out various parts of the island including the Palm Beach nightlife area.  The bed was plush, the interior design was modern (newly renovated), and the room was highly comfortable with strong AC, an air purifier, and a dehumidifier.

Aruba sees an average of 82 degrees Fahrenheit year round year round and is a high end as one of the wealthiest islands in the Caribbean. While one could spend their entire time in Aruba without leaving the resort, there are plenty of options abound such as snorkeling, sailing, a vast national park, a natural pool formed in rocks, off-roading, and shopping.

A few other details of importance:

Food: High quality (and I have demanding tastebuds from living in New York). On site restaurants include Elements, with a view of the beach, and Carte Blanche, a chef’s table restaurant with a very tough to snag reservation (16 seats).  You can also make arrangements to dine in a private cabana on the beach.

WiFi: Very strong. Streamed video and calls with no problem

Bar Program: Great cocktails, friendly bar staff, and cocktails served to your beach cabana

Room Quality: Nice finishings and newly renovated

Crowd: Mostly couples. Stay here to relax, not to party (although fun can be had in the Palm Beach area of Aruba, a short cab away). It is the most romantic hotel in the world, after all.

Breakfast: Complimentary 7am-11am daily. Full buffet selection of hot foods, beverages, fruits, custom egg dishes, etc.

Other amenities: Beachside food/drink service; day spa; outdoor pool;  computer/printer available; full gym; towel service; gift shop; Aruba Aloe locally made care products; free use of an iPad during your stay

What’s nearby: A small mall with some fast casual and fine dining option; Alhambra Casino

YGenMag score: 5 Stars

Recommendation to our readers: Bring a special someone to Aruba and stay at this resort. It is fully booked for most of the year so plan in advance. You’ll thank us later.