The flamboyance of pink flamingoes filing along Aruba’s beautiful Flamingo Beach on the Renaissance Private Island is both comical and beautiful. This is the only place on Aruba you will find these long-legged birds and it’s a scene that leaves everyone smiling and Instagrammers all agog with joy.
Flamingoes on The Island, Aruba c. frugal-flyer
The way to enjoy it for free is to stay at one of the two hotels that make up the Rennaissance Wind Creek Resort that sprawls over 40 acres. Oceans Suites, a family-friendly offering and Marina, adults only hotel, are located on opposite sides of the marina in downtown Oranjestad. There is a shuttle that runs back and forth between both hotels and all facilities can be used by residents of both hotels.
Who for
Renaissance Ocean Suites and its two huge pools are ideal for families. Those who want something more romantic without the distraction of kids should head for the Rennaissance adult-only Marina Hotel.
Accommodation
There are around 600 rooms across the two hotels. At Renaissance Ocean Suites, rooms are aparthotel style with a double room with a TV, an ensuite shower, a kitchenette, a living room with a pull-out sofa, a TV, coffee and tea facilities, and a balcony. This is the view over the pools from my room 2415.
Rooms at the Marina are standard rooms in creamy hues and wood decor, with king size beds or two doubles, with all mod cons and are a bit more luxurious.
Food
Renaissance Ocean Suites has Fresco restaurant by the pool that serves a buffet and a la carte breakfast and a lunch menu. The poolside Solé restaurant offers hearty snacks. At Marina Hotel you can enjoy buffet style and a la carte Arubian cuisine at Aquarius restaurant and a top-notch steak dinner at LG Smith’s Steakhouse.
On Renaissance Island, there are two restaurants The Mangrove Beach Bar and Papagayo Bar and Grill offer several lunch and drink options.
A few steps away from Renaissance Ocean Suites is The Marketplace which comprises a melee of restaurants including a Dutch pancake house that always has queues.
Facilities
The Marina Hotel is adults-only and has a quiet infinity pool overlooking a road by the marina where the cruise ships come in. There’s also a fitness centre and the Okeanos Spa.
Renaissance Ocean Suites has two vibrant pools overlooking the sea one with a swim-up bar and in-pool lounge chairs. There’s also a sandy lagoon with a view over the sea and gives a lovely beach vibe. For kid’s there more entertainment at the Patamingo Kids Club
The highlight is Renaissance Island made up of adult-only Flamingo Beach and family-friendly Iguana Beach. A high-speed boat shuttles between the island and the hotels. The lovely private beach comes with free sunbeds and straw sunshades.
A handful of non-residents can use this too. Day-passes cost $125 USD per person (which includes one cocktail and lunch at Papagayo’s) but are hard to come by.
There are five Cabanas to rent ($475 a day). That includes some soft drinks, snorkel masks, a couple of floats a bottle of Champagne, fruit and a server who will bring food to your canbana. It seems a hefty price tag but shared between five friends seems manageable.
For those who like a flutter, Marina has its own casino, and Oceans View has a small one a few yards away.
How much:
PACKAGE: TUI offers 7 day package holidays from the UK from £1467pp (Bed & Breakfast).
Find out more here.Or Check out the rates on Booking.com
What’s Nearby
Although this resort does not have a beach view it is steps away shopping area both high-end (Louis Vuiton, Chanel etc) and souvenirs. Marina Hotel is attached to the high-end mall.
The high point is to be able to walk along the marina and explore the capital Oranjestad, visit the Butterfly Farm or hike through Arikok National Park. This island is only 20 miles long so nowhere is too far. Check out our Guide to Aruba.
Verdict: Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba resort with its perk of free access to the “island” and a plethora of facilities in downtown Oranjestad hits the spot.