Tropical Tidbits Spring 2022

by Sue C Travel

New in Aruba

On the heels of my latest in-depth research trip to find all new and cool on One Happy Island, there are a few stand out spots and trends I must highlight.

Over the top overwater luxury

First (pictured above) is Potcho Potcho, the latest luxe incarnation of overwater bungalow at the beautiful boutique resort Aruba Ocean Villas. Each year I return there to find even more splendor to admire. This time, a new reception and lobby/ tiki hut bar, canals throughout new bamboo cabins surrounded with blooms, and long boardwalks out to the latest villas. We had the opportunity to stay in the newest one that offers a level of luxury unheard of on this island. It is a two-story penthouse – one full top floor for the indoor bedroom, bathroom, deep soaking tub, dining nook hammock, hammock swing plus a personal massage table (you can order treatments) and it looks down onto a huge deck. That deck contains its own tiki bar, dipping pool, marble soaking tub, rocker lounges, outdoor bed, hammock, bathroom and shower, an outdoor dining area, a wine bar, and a cut-out access right into the sea where a clear kayak and paddleboard await for your individual use. Inside, on the ground floor, you’ll find a formal dining area, kitchenette, and a stunning lounge with a transparent floor that looks down into the sea. Breakfast is included. Also included is a driver who will chauffeur you around in a BMW. Note: this is an adults-only resort.

Visit: www.arubaoceanvillas.com

New foodie trends

Aruba’s food scene is a vibrant mix of over 400 hundred restaurants and our recent foodie explorations proved that creative plant-based offerings are trending and plentiful everywhere there now, too. In fact, I would venture that Aruba is now the vegan gourmet capital of the Caribbean! But another new trend I found on this trip was the emergence of so many chef’s tables. Joining well-established places like Infini, Carte Blanche, The Kitchen Table, 2 Fools & a Bull and Papillon’s Secret Garden experience are Aruba Royale (previously known as Fred), Ever (spawned by popular Peruvian restaurant Lima), Koal in a beautifully restored heritage building downtown, and The Journey by Amuse in the old windmill area. And Senses, previously on Eagle Beach, has relocated to Radisson Blu in Palm Beach and sports a hybrid concept- half the space is a la carte and the chef’s table is ensconced in the other half. Very cool.

Revisiting French St. Martin for foodies

It’s been a while since I was in French St. Martin, but historically, it has always been known as the culinary capital of the Caribbean, mostly due to the dual offerings of their Grand Case region- lip-smacking slow smoked ribs from their “lolos” outdoor BBQ grills (lolo means locally owned and locally operated) and for their classic and legendary French cuisine emporiums like Le Pressoir. But this trip I was a guest of the Festival de la Gastronomie de Saint-Martin that features cooking workshops, tastings, a culinary village, restaurant and bar competitions, and chefs from all over the world invited to judge the best dishes based on a theme. This year the theme was plantains, and who knew you could be so creative with that bland fruit? My favorite incarnations were plantain cheesecake, ceviche, and even a plantain liqueur! And the pop-up gourmet village was based in Marigot where I was also delighted to discover a brand new lolo row along that waterfront. Over a dozen shipping containers turned eateries showcase local food, and the aromas, music, and energy give the downtown region an eternal carnival vibe. Though the container row is not meant to be permanent, I hope they keep it as it certainly attracts foodie visitors. For info on this year’s festival, visit: https://festival-st-martin.com/en/home/

New Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Resort now open

Though I’ve not stayed here yet, I did take a tour of the massive property to get a feel for the vibe. The best way to describe the soaring atrium entrance is ethereal, and the dining spots on either end seamlessly blend into the grand lobby space. The rooms are bright, fresh, and no-nonsense modern, most of them are ocean front with incredible views. The water circuit is arguably the largest on the island, and access to the beach is via a tunnel under the road. A large stand-alone modern casino is also slated to be on site soon.

Visit: www.hilton.com/en/hotels/auajmes-embassy-suites-aruba-resort/

New at Divi Little Bay Beach Resort St. Maarten

I never set foot on the Dutch side of St. Maarten without dropping in for at least a night stay at my favourite resort there, I am a big fan of Divi resorts throughout the Caribbean. This one recently added a new level of all-inclusive to its offerings called Ocean, and I was delighted to stay a night in the new wing. I love the adult-only areas and the new rooftop bar as part of their perks, and the fact that all the modern, couple-oriented rooms are oceanfront with stunning views. The older wings are more conducive to families as they have multi-room suites and all you need for self catered stays. And I also never miss a chance to spoil myself with a signature massage at their stand-alone spa Indulgence by the Sea. Heaven. I also find snorkeling off their house pier an indulgence well worth taking time to enjoy.

Visit: www.diviresorts.com/divi-little-bay-beach-resort.htm

Stunning new stays on Frenchman’s Reef St. Thomas USVI

Slated to open late spring 2023, the all-new Frenchman’s Reef dual concept will feature not one, but two distinctive yet interconnected stays along brilliant Morningstar Beach. After a $425M rebuild, Westin Beach Resort & Spa will offer guests a brand-spanking new 392-room full facility resort and it will be joined by a charming new 92-room boutique property The Morningstar Buoy Haus Beach Resort, an Autograph Collection Hotel. Guests at the Buoy Haus will also have access to amenities at the Westin, and both will have access to their private catamaran the Flying Frenchman.

Visit: https://frenchmansreefstthomas.com/

(Special Note: Main photo courtesy of local Aruban photographer Hyro Oduber. Visit: www.letsgowithhyro.com.)