Stay & Play
Courtyard by Marriott Aruba Resort
A Surprising Inland Oasis
by Susan Campbell
I remember a few years ago I was intrigued, even surprised, to learn that the timeshare-based The Mill Aruba Resort beside the famous big red 200-year-old Olde Molen (Old Windmill) landmark was going to become a Courtyard by Marriott Aruba Resort property. My general impression of that brand was more North American family motor inn style or business traveler near the airport kind of thing, not typically a tropical island leisure accommodation. But apparently, the “Resort” incarnations found in more exotic destinations are designed to appeal to the leisure traveler as a budget option that still offers many of the perks and amenities of a higher class of hotel. And it works. My recent stay there was enlightening, and enjoyable.
Recently refreshed top to bottom, the low-rise complex of two floors wraps around an impressive sprawling pool complex with waterfalls, an outdoor Jacuzzi, and a very cool swim-up bar. The color scheme is an ethereal gleaming white with accents of aqua to pay tribute to Aruba’s most alluring hues of sand and sea.
The resort has 148 Rooms, some are suites and some are accessible, and all are equipped with the standards like mini-fridges, microwaves, coffee makers, safes, and flat screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi is resort wide. And a nod to the business traveler is found with large work desks and ergonomic chairs. I especially liked their super spacious rain shower and the comfort of their bed. I also appreciated my ground floor location that was steps from the pool bar for fabulous frozen cocktails and excellent brick oven pizza. More on site food and beverage is to be found at Delia’s alfresco terrace bar for cocktails, smoothies, specialty coffees, and the like, and next door is their signature restaurant Allegro Bistro, an indoor/outdoor affair. Though it leans toward fine Italian dining at night, you can order more casual lunches during the day, it’s also the spot to help yourself to the bountiful breakfast buffets that are included in your rate. (You can also have breakfast served to your room for an additional cost.) I recommend you reserve your dinner table outside because they have great live poolside musical entertainment every evening. Also on site is a 24/7 fitness centre and small spa. Off-property, you have other great pastimes in easy walking distance. They are literally steps from the Mill Town courtyard for more casual and fine dining, and across the road on the other side, it’s also an easy walk to brand new “The Casino at The St. Regis Aruba Resort “which is open to the public for glitzy late night entertainment.
What about the beach?
Poolside pleasures are a perk of tropical travel, but no one goes all the way to Aruba without seeking some serious beach time! Thankfully this place has that well covered, too. Their regular complimentary shuttle transports guests to a prime dedicated area on gorgeous Palm Beach that offers lounges and shade right beside the snazzy new St. Regis hotel’s beachfront. Courtyard guests are welcome to order food and beverage from the St. Regis pool bar, but another cool amenity is that you can order a pre-packed gourmet picnic from the Courtyard kitchen and park your towel to enjoy the sand and surf wherever you please. All of Aruba’s beaches are open to the public, even in front of the ritzy resorts, so find your own perfect place in the sun and see why they call it “One Happy Island.”
