Where to begin? This was my first trip to Aruba for myself, my husband and my five year old son. We arrived at the hotel about 3pm on November 4th, 2012. Check in was not a problem at all and our room was ready right away. We stayed in the lighthouse tower on floor seven in a studio. We had an awesome view of the ocean outside on the balcony. We had a studio unit which was perfectly fine for the three of us. It has everything you need if you are not going to be cooking "meals" , even then it still has a mini fridge and a microwave, toaster, and coffee pot. I made use of these items even though we ate out most of the time. I didn't want the stress of cooking and going to the grocery store for my first time, however when a beer or drinks cost $7 usd a piece I think I might stop by the grocery store next time :).

The room and hotel are very very clean, and the cleaning staff is constantly working or repairing anything that might even look weird. Security is everywhere and I mean everywhere! They stand on there feet all day long. Day after day looking after all of us. So show them some appreciation if you go even if it just to ask them how there day is. They are super nice people!

The best part of this place? The pools hands down. Lazy river, water slide, water fall, zero entry, swim up bar pool with volleyball, adult only pool. I mean this place makes you want to not go to the beach everyday especially if you have children.

The beach was meh not what I expected. It smells funny in front of the surf club do to the seaweed being buried in the sand and rotting there. The sand also had quite a few shells which I was not expecting. However if you walk down just a ways on either side of you the sand is fine and no smell. I thought this to be a little strange, but whatever I didn't stay at the beach very long on any given day and I will tell you why. This whole nonsense of renting a palpae ahead of time is a joke. I am not going to pay you any kind of money to sit way in the back to see other people's heads. If I am going to pay money to rent something I want front or second row. For people that have been there they know what I am talking about. It's also luck of the draw if you happen to get there when someone else is leaving to go home you could get up front. We arrived on Sunday, and on Monday when I went down she said there would be nothing in the first three rows open till Friday. But if I came back at 4pm to get a free one (yes they do that daily) I might get one up front. HA! that line was starting at 3pm. I was totally not going to worry about it at this point. Why you ask? THE POOLS! Sorry guys you do have to get up at 7am to tag your chairs, but no worries its yours for the whole day ;) so go back to bed if you can hehehe.

We ate breakfast and a couple of lunches at the resort which was alright nothing special, we ate breakfast a few times at hacienda right out front the resort on the beach a few times which was much better food and pricing. We also ate at Moomba beach a few nights for dinner it's super close. Of course we ventured over to Ruth Chris's in the marriott stellaris hotel. It was good but not like home for some reason. Madame Jeanette's was awesome if you want to venture out! Domino's Pizza delivers to the hotel ;) They have a small market if you need something you forgot at the grocery store or if you want to have a snack fix or ice cream!



Iguana's are everywhere they won't hurt you but occasionally they will jump in the pools but jump right back out. yes they will jump on you if you are in the way so just try not to lounge by a bush while in the adult pool just a warning :).


Game rooms, arcade, kids clubs, plenty of stuff for them to do.
This place is very nice and we are planning on returning next year around thanksgiving. If you have a family this is the place to be on the island. It is very safe and there are tons of tourists, natives etc that make this country safe and the happy island for a reason. It's nothing like the other caribbean islands. No wonder once you go you are hooked. You either you love it or you never want to go back.

This was one of the best family vacations we've ever had. I'm all about clean rooms and let me tell you, they don't disappoint here. The location is wonderful, staff is very friendly and grounds are well kept.

We took advantage of the palapa's but they go quick! The highlight for my boys ages 6&7 was the lazy river. We were out there for hours everyday and have the sunburns to prove it. Lol.

All in all, everyone was so friendly including guests and that's what happens when most of your guests are satisfied. I would highly recommend this place. We hated to leave. Try em, you won't be disappointed.

Tip: Bring your own floaters for the lazy river. They have a free electronic air pump onsite.

The surf club is our favorite destination in Aruba. The lazy river is really relaxing and helps you get into your vacation quickly. There is also a serenity pool for adults.

While the site gets high marks, the drinks poolside are overpriced.

This is our second visit, although we do not own a Timeshare. This is a wonderful family vacation spot. We rented a two-bedroom unit for ourselves and our son, daughter-in-law and two young children. It is perfect in every way including a washer and dryer, a wonderful kitchen and dining area and comfortable beds and bathroom. The beach is beautiful, although crowded with beach huts (wonderful against the sun). The pools are beautiful especially the Lazy River which meanders through the inner space between the buildings...lots of greenery and great fun to float with your family with a drink in hand. The restaurants in the hotel are okay, but could use some variety. A bit overpriced, but so is everything on the island. The staff is very friendly and helpful. It is very safe and comfortable for all family members.