First but not the last trip to Aruba!

[Cjoy575]

We returned from our first trip to Aruba on Friday. Can't say I'm too happy to be back since it snowed here last night!! However we had an AMAZING time in Aruba!

We stayed at the Divi All Inclusive, it was awesome. I read a lot of reviews before going and I can not understand some of the negative reviews I saw. Everything about the resort was awesome in our opinion. The staff was all very friendly (we loved Gilbert and Richard the bartenders... but all of the others were great as well.. we just got to know Gilbert and Richard a little better than the others). We did not eat a single meal that we didn't enjoy. I mean, maybe some of the food wasn't the best food we've had but what do you expect with all inclusive? The Red Parrot was our favorite. We also ate at Windows one night and I highly recommend it. It was WELL worth the $35 surcharge, our meals were out of this world! We also loved the pizzas at the Divi, we ate at least one every day!

We spent most of our time laying on the beach and just relaxing. The beach at the Divi is amazing and was never crowded. We even lucked out and were able to get a Palapa every day, but the first day, with out even having to wake up early to snag one! The first day we were there the waves were so big I couldn't even make in past the breaking point, I kept getting knocked over and tossed around like a rag doll! The seas calmed down by the next day and stayed that way the rest of the week though.

We only ended up doing two off resort excursions (other than a couple casino trips, but that doesn't count since the casino is so close to the resort ). One day we went snorkeling with Stuart (Kent's Aruba Bob partner). That was so much fun! My boyfriend is not the best swimmer so he was a little uncomfortable being so far out in the open water, but Stuart was so patient and made sure we knew we had the choice how far and fast we wanted to go and that he could get us to shallow waters any time we wanted to he made him feel much more comfortable. We really had a blast and saw lots of cool fish. I definitely recommend a snorkel trip with him! We also did the Kukoo Kanuku party bus one night. That was a great time as well! We were on the bus with Mama, she is a riot! She had my boyfriend up on the bar dancing with no shirt on!! It was so funny!!

Other than that we just relaxed on the beach every day which was fine by me! Next time (and there WILL be a next time!) we want to try to go a little longer, maybe 10 days, so we can have plenty of beach lounging time and time to go see a little more of the island.

[Andrea J.]

ahhhhh we got another one (or 2) !!!
excellent!
glad that you had an awesome time.

re: divi and complaints.
the older i get and the more that i see, i just have to shake my head. folks will complain about most anything. sometimes yes indeed justified and sometimes because they are just so used to complaining that they do not know how to stop.

the beach at the divi is druif beach and for some reason when the waves get moving there you do indeed become a "ragdoll". such fun in the waves.

welcome home and thanks for posting.

Originally Posted by Cjoy575

We returned from our first trip to Aruba on Friday. Can't say I'm too happy to be back since it snowed here last night!! However we had an AMAZING time in Aruba!

We stayed at the Divi All Inclusive, it was awesome. I read a lot of reviews before going and I can not understand some of the negative reviews I saw. Everything about the resort was awesome in our opinion. The staff was all very friendly (we loved Gilbert and Richard the bartenders... but all of the others were great as well.. we just got to know Gilbert and Richard a little better than the others). We did not eat a single meal that we didn't enjoy. I mean, maybe some of the food wasn't the best food we've had but what do you expect with all inclusive? The Red Parrot was our favorite. We also ate at Windows one night and I highly recommend it. It was WELL worth the $35 surcharge, our meals were out of this world! We also loved the pizzas at the Divi, we ate at least one every day!

We spent most of our time laying on the beach and just relaxing. The beach at the Divi is amazing and was never crowded. We even lucked out and were able to get a Palapa every day, but the first day, with out even having to wake up early to snag one! The first day we were there the waves were so big I couldn't even make in past the breaking point, I kept getting knocked over and tossed around like a rag doll! The seas calmed down by the next day and stayed that way the rest of the week though.

We only ended up doing two off resort excursions (other than a couple casino trips, but that doesn't count since the casino is so close to the resort ). One day we went snorkeling with Stuart (Kent's Aruba Bob partner). That was so much fun! My boyfriend is not the best swimmer so he was a little uncomfortable being so far out in the open water, but Stuart was so patient and made sure we knew we had the choice how far and fast we wanted to go and that he could get us to shallow waters any time we wanted to he made him feel much more comfortable. We really had a blast and saw lots of cool fish. I definitely recommend a snorkel trip with him! We also did the Kukoo Kanuku party bus one night. That was a great time as well! We were on the bus with Mama, she is a riot! She had my boyfriend up on the bar dancing with no shirt on!! It was so funny!!

Other than that we just relaxed on the beach every day which was fine by me! Next time (and there WILL be a next time!) we want to try to go a little longer, maybe 10 days, so we can have plenty of beach lounging time and time to go see a little more of the island.

[crimms]

Thanks for the trip report. You guys realaxed and that is the best part os Aruba. That snorkel trip sounds like fun. Did you have to book way in advance? We want to do it, but not sure what day until we get there.
Thanks Sean and Susan

[kent]

Glad you had a great time!!I'm sure you are hooked like the rest of us. Kent

[Cjoy575]

Andrea... about the Divi complaints.. that is just what I said... people just complain to complain. There really was nothing worth complaining about! We were even given the wrong room (two double beds instead of one king) and I didn't even bother going back the the desk to ask them to correct it. I was in ARUBA! I didn't care what my room was like!!

CRIMMS... I set up the date maybe about a month in advance, but I'm sure if you emailed Kent and/or Stuart at arubabob@live.com and let them know when you are going to be on the island they could work with you to figure out a plan!

Kent... You're right... we're hooked!! haha

[Edronenburg]

We could not be happier that you enjoyed Aruba...I often think; how could one not love it there? I am sure that you will return many times in the years to come. Welcome to the Forum. It truly is a family unit and we try to help each other.

Again: Welcome to the Forum; and thank you for such a nice and interesting report on your trip.

Ed

[aruba here I come]

snagged another one!

[Andrea J.]

ellen WHERE have YOU been?

Originally Posted by aruba here I come

snagged another one!

[MarcioCampos]

Nice story, and I'm glad to read about your experience with snorkeling. We are more or less in the same situation (not being great swimmers and maybe uncomfortable about open waters) and booked a tour with Stuart too.

All the best from Brazil

Marcio