Stay & Play

Holiday Inn Resort Aruba

by Susan Campbell

An Elevated Stay

I must admit, in all my years covering Aruba, I’d never really had the desire to stay at the Holiday Inn Resort on Palm Beach there. Nothing against the brand, they are excellent for mid-level stays, and typically deliver what they promise-no nonsense clean and economical accommodations for business, groups and especially for families since kids always stay and play free. But each time I passed by their broad beach and stellar water circuit looking out in the sea I became more intrigued. They arguably have the very best swimming spot on that famous stretch of sand; the water is calm and the view from the pools is completely unfettered. I also began to notice many renovations to the property taking place over time, so finally, curiosity got the best of me and I checked in last summer. And I liked it so much, that I stayed there again in the winter! In fact, it has now become one of my favorite Aruba hotels. Here’s why…

The Views

Though the hotel is massive- some 600 rooms- the majority of them are in the low rise-section- six stories high- however, they also have a stand alone high-rise “Sea Tower”. I recommend booking an ocean front room in the low-rise complexes or any room above the third floor in the sea tower for amazing views over those aqua waters. And the tropical sunsets over the waves we enjoyed each evening were out of this world. Truly postcard material.

The Zones

The design of this place is genius; guaranteed to suit the mood and style of every kind of traveller. The “Peace & Harmony” zone is awash with hammocks and large living room style palapas for quiet escape from the fray and it’s also where they hold their yoga and palates classes. It’s an ideal spot to get your “ohm” on. The “Action & Play” area is the nexus of entertainment around their large multi-level water circuit with kid-friendly zero entry areas, waterfalls and whirlpools. It’s also a few steps right to the sea without anything impeding your entrance to the water. Then there’s the “Chill & Mingle” zone centered on their more adult-centric pool by the sea tower with private deluxe cabana rentals available. They also offer daily complimentary chair massages poolside provided by their on-site spa. There is also beach wait service at their seafront palapas and they are also steps from the Seabreeze bar. Their stand-alone complimentary Kid’s Club and playground is also a bonus; parents will love that their children are having a blast while they can relax seaside nearby in a quieter zone.

The Dining

Holiday Inn Resort Aruba also has a new all-inclusive option and their onsite food and beverage service is first-rate. We especially enjoyed dining alfresco at Seabreeze, and lunching at snacking at their three other spots, but the piece de resistance is the new incarnation of their upscale indoor Italian eatery called Da Vinci Ristorante. The new menu of authentic Italian with a creative twist and the seriously comprehensive wine room is worth a visit all on its own- even if you’re not staying at the hotel. This property is truly an elevated stay compared to what one might assume to be a standard Holiday Inn experience, and I can’t wait to return.

www.holidayarubaresort.com