A love letter to Aruba

...for the extraordinary impact your island has had on my life. Every time I arrive in Aruba, I experience an overwhelming sense of peace, happiness, and belonging. The beauty of the island is breathtaking, but what truly makes Aruba unlike anywhere else in the world is its people — the warmth, kindness, generosity, and genuine love shown to every visitor.

As our plane approaches the island and I first see Aruba from above, I feel an incredible calm come over me. It is an emotional feeling that is difficult to describe, one that often brings tears to my eyes. Aruba touches something deep within my heart and soul. I am sure many visitors love Aruba and enjoy wonderful vacations there, but I sometimes wonder if they feel the same profound connection that I have felt since the very first time I stepped onto the island in 1988 as a single young man. From that moment on, Aruba became more than just a destination to me — it became a place where I truly feel at home.

I was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, and left there in 1998. Since then, I have lived in Los Angeles, California; spent 17 years in the Boca Raton area of Florida; then 8 years near Raleigh, North Carolina; and now nearly 4 years in the Charlotte area of North Carolina. Yet none of those places ever truly felt like home. Even when I occasionally return to Boston, it no longer feels like where I belong. Aruba is the only place in my life that has ever given me that feeling of being home in both my heart and spirit.

I married my wonderful wife in 1999, and together we have visited Aruba nearly every year since then, except during the COVID years and perhaps one other year. Our son, now 26 years old and recently engaged, used to travel with us as well before beginning his own adventures with his fiancée. My wife loves Aruba deeply, but she often tells me that my connection to the island is something entirely different. I truly feel as though I am part of the Aruban family. I often tell her that if I were ever to pass away while in Aruba, I would leave this world with a smile on my face, completely content.

I even joke — though not entirely joking — that one day I would love for my ashes to be spread into the ocean from the dock in front of our favorite place, the Hyatt. As I approach 64 years old, 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. My wife laughs because I talk to everyone — taxi drivers, hotel staff, shop owners, and residents — but I genuinely enjoy learning about people’s lives and stories.

Over the years, we have formed meaningful friendships with many wonderful people at the Hyatt, some of whom have worked there for more than 25 years. I have also loved getting to know the neighborhoods and communities throughout the island during our many drives around Aruba.

One memory perfectly captures the spirit of Aruba for me.

Many years ago, when my elderly parents visited Aruba with us, we rented them a car so they could explore the island on their own. Somehow, despite Aruba being almost impossible to get lost in, they managed to lose their way. They stopped at a local home to ask for directions back to the hotel. Instead of simply giving directions, the woman welcomed them inside, offered them lemonade and refreshments, and she and her husband sat with my parents talking for hours. That kindness, warmth, and generosity are the true soul of Aruba.

As an American, I can honestly say that my country could learn a great deal from the people of Aruba about treating others with kindness, respect, compassion, and humanity — whether they are locals or visitors. I have watched Aruba grow and change since 1988, yet through every change, my love and connection to the island have only grown stronger.

Even as I write this letter, I find myself emotional with gratitude and joy. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for always making me feel welcomed, valued, and loved.

Thank you for sharing your beautiful island and your beautiful spirit with the world. I look forward to returning to Aruba for as long as I am blessed to live.

With deepest love, gratitude, and affection,  

Phil Kerman
Mooresville, North Carolina
USA

And as an fyi, this also applies to the Hyatt hotel and their tremendous staff who make us feel like family every single year.