The Exterior of the Aruba Marriott

Are you already ready for a warm-weather vacation?  Here in New England, Labor Day weekend really did signal the end of summer, as our weather all week is supposed to be cool and rainy.  This fall, several popular resorts in the Caribbean are offering some fabulous rates if you act fast.

Set your clocks for 9.10.11, when three of these deals both start and end.

Aruba Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino

Receive nearly 50% off of resort rates when you book on 9/10/11.  Rooms must be reserved between midnight and 11:59 p.m. September 10, 2011 ONLY.  Valid for travel through December 23, 2011.  For reservations, visit www.arubamarriott.com or call 1-800-228-9290.  Promotional code D56

Kura Hulanda Resorts, Curacao

On 9/10/11, purchase one night at regular price and get the second night for $9.10 – a savings of nearly 50%!  Deal valid for travel through December 23,2011.  For reservations, visit www.kurahulanda.com

San Juan Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casinos

Receive 30% off reservations when you book on 9/10/11!.  The 30% discount will automatically be applied on all bookings made on September 10, 2011, but bookings cannot be combined with any other offers.  Valid for travel through December 15,2011.  For reservations, visit www.marriottsanjuan.com or call 1-800-228-9290.

With rates like these, there’s no time like the present to plan a trip to the Caribbean!

Photo credit: the Aruba Marriott

La Cabana Beach & Racquet Club - the view from our patio

My husband and I recently stayed in a studio unit at La Cabana Beach & Racquet Club in Aruba, and it was wonderful! The resort is located directly across from Eagle Beach – the beach was a 2-minute walk from our room. La Cabana is actually a timeshare, but many of the residents rent out the rooms through sites like vrbo.com, which is where we found our studio. The resort is very relaxed and chill – perfect for families, couples or singles.  There’s a lovely pool with a waterfall and a slide, two poolside restaurants as well as a bar, tennis courts and more. The lobby area has been very recently renovated and was very modern, light and welcoming. The staff was great — they were learning a new computer system but they were always very helpful.

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The Marriott Surf Club in Aruba

Aruba’s Marriott Surf Club has a lazy river. Need I say more? To be honest, I can’t actually say too much more, since the hubby and I sort of, well, snuck in to the lazy river on our recent trip to Aruba. Totally worth the risk of getting caught! The pool that’s connected to the lazy river is awesome as well. It has a gorgeous waterfall and a slide, but we didn’t want to draw too much attention to ourselves. As difficult as it is to “tuck away” a property as large as this Marriott, the amazing thing about it is that, when you’re walking around the hotel, it’s easy to forget that busy Palm Beach is just steps away. The grounds felt secluded, protected and private when I walked around, despite all of the hotel guests. It was lovely.

Marriott Surf Club's Lazy River (Aruba)

That being said, you are in Aruba, and you’ll want to get off the property at some point. This Marriott is located on Palm Beach, and there’s a lot going on right around there. The hotel’s very close to the dock that the Jolly Pirates snorkel tour starts at, and you’ll have a wide selection of water sports to choose from, too. You can play sand tennis on the property, which looked like lots of fun! There’s always a party of some sort on Palm Beach, and the people watching is the best on the island. Restrooms and food are always within easy reach, too, which is a nice alternative to the island’s other beaches that lack basic amenities.

Not to harp about the lazy river pool…but it’s pretty neat. Keep your eyes peeled for Ralph the Really Big Iguana (that’s what we named him). He sits on the rocks above the lazy river, just watching everyone float by. And if you make your way up to the hot tub, he’ll watch you soak from the tree tops. Bet you haven’t seen that at any other Marriott you’ve stayed in!

Like I said, we didn’t have a chance to check out the rooms, but the lobby area and the grounds were immaculate. The Marriott Surf Club is likely not the place you want to stay at if you’re on a tight budget — but if you aren’t, I’d say it’s a really solid choice. Very family friendly and not at all stuffy — all the staff we interacted with were friendly and helpful. I almost felt bad that we snuck in! Almost.

Ralph the Iguana at Aruba's Marriot Surf Club Pool

Photos: Jenny Bengen-Albert

IF YOU GO: Probably best not to sneak in like we did. Next time, we’re going to try to stay at The Marriott. It’s not cheap, but the amenities are amazing. Take full advantage of them!