So… We sorta got a love letter…
It’s not unusual to hear amazing stories about Aruba. Many guests feel a deep connection to our island and love to share it with others.
Just look at the many Aruba Facebook groups dedicated to sharing stories and helping others discover the island. As Arubans, we take a lot of pride in our country, but you don’t know pride until you meet guests who have visited for years! Aruba is in their blood. I, for one, am always touched, but not surprised, by the amount of love guests have for our island and its people. We know we’re good people and that our island is special. But boy, does it feel good to get the confirmation that others feel the same every so often.
Every once in a while, there are stories and guests that stay with you and touch you on a deeper level. A few days ago, we received a letter from one such guest. Philip, born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, has moved to and lived in many places over his almost 64 years of life. From Los Angeles to Florida and North Carolina. Yet, in his words, he has never felt quite at home anywhere except in Aruba. It’s where his heart and spirit come alive.
Since visiting Aruba for the first time in 1988 (my birth year, coincidentally), as a single young man with his 2 buddies, dancing the night away at Club Visage, he has felt a profound connection to Aruba. He says he’s sure others love Aruba and enjoy wonderful vacations here, but to him, it’s more than just a destination.
In 1999, Phil married Christine, and together they have visited Aruba nearly every year since. Their son, Nico, now 26 and recently engaged (congrats!), has been on the journey with them, staying, of course, at their favorite resort, Hyatt Regency. Phil often jokes to his wife that if he were to pass away on the island, he would do so with a smile on his face. (Appreciate the dark humor, Phil, as I, too, like to joke about death. *insert sad milennial quote here*).
💡Fun fact: Nico is now the same age Phil was when he first visited!
On his way to the gym after his last trip (which was last week, btw!), he started thinking about Aruba and got emotional. After his workout, still on the bike, he started his letter to the island he loves. It was one of those moments that we all have where we just want to let it out, I imagine. He wanted to express his appreciation to Aruba and its people. That’s how he ended up in my inbox. I reached out to him to find out more because, especially in these trying times, the world needs more of this. Random kindness. Random appreciation. Random love.
“I sincerely dream of one day retiring in Aruba and living a simple, peaceful life among the warmhearted people who make the island so special.”
According to his letter, Phil’s wife thinks he talks too much. Just kidding. She does find it funny that Phil talks to and makes friends with everybody. From taxi drivers, hotel staff (shout-out to Edith, Zoe, Mary, Juvy, and Ashley at the Hyatt!), shop owners, and locals. It’s no surprise Phil and his family have formed meaningful friendships on the island over the years.
💡Let’s play the guessing game! 👰🏻♀️ Where did Phil & Christine have their honeymoon? |
One specific story has become a core memory for Phil. Many years ago, his parents joined a trip to the island. They got a rental car to explore the island at their own pace. Aruba is only 20 miles long and 6 miles wide. Impossible to get lost, right? Well... They somehow got lost and ended up at a local home, asking for directions back to the hotel. Instead of simply giving directions, the lady welcomed them inside, offered refreshments, and she, along with her husband, sat with them and talked for hours. That generosity and kindness are the true soul of Aruba, Phil says.
💡Phil’s tips for first-time guests Bring plenty of sunscreen (mineral-based pls!), don’t let the wind fool you, slow down, enjoy your time because there is truly no other place like it. And it’s probably the safest, too! I have always felt safe no matter where we were. |
Phil has watched Aruba grow and change since 1988, and yet his love and connection have only grown stronger. “First year I came, the only thing across from the high rise was a Dunkin’ Donuts and an Avis Rental Car.” He loves that he and his family can now walk along the high-rise strip with so much to do! So the development in that area has its positives, folks! They also like to venture out of Palm Beach to one of their favorite restaurants, Flying Fishbone! It’s a good opportunity to have a long chat with the taxi driver, Phil jokes. I’m sure Christine was shaking her head and laughing in those moments.
People have asked Phil over the years why he doesn’t go somewhere new. Don’t you get bored? His answer? “Why go somewhere else when I always have a tremendous time, love Aruba, and feel at home there? I have everything my heart and soul desires there.” Nowadays, Phil and Christine’s visits aren’t about exploring anymore but about taking it slow. They relax on the beach, live in the water, take walks, and go out to nice dinners. Now, feeling so connected to our island and our people, they even pick up trash on the beach and feel the need to protect it. Like they have become one of our own. Phil and Christine embody what we want our guests to be. Kind, respectful, appreciative, and protective of what makes Aruba special.
A final message from Phil
To the many people of Aruba, I want to thank you for providing my family and me so much love, joy, and happiness over the years, and for always making me feel so special and welcome as one of your own.
As far as I’m concerned, Philip, Christine, and Nico are officially Honorary Arubans. Masha danki for your letter, and Aruba will see you again soon!
