ARUBA TRAVEL VLOG 🇦🇼 | Private Island, Dinner IN the Water, Scorpion Shots | Traveling During COVID

Check out all of the technical details of my trip to Aruba 🇦🇼 (w/ prices) below! I apologize for the long wait to upload a video, but I'm a firm believer that quality content takes time!

Hotel: Renaissance Hotel Resort and Casino in Oranjestad (downtown area)
Trip Length: 5 days, 4 nights
Booked through: Expedia (round-trip flight and hotel package)
Price (2 people): $1,915.47 USD ($957.73 each)
Room: Limited view, 1 King bed, non-smoking
- https://www.expedia.com/Oranjestad-Hotels-Renaissance-Aruba-Resort-Casino.h28399.Hotel-Information?eapid=0&langid=1033&tpid=1

COVID PROCEDURE
Must be tested within 72 hours of departure (w/ negative result). You can upload the negative result up to 4 hours before departure or you can show your results when you arrive to the airport in Aruba. If you are unable to get tested within that time, you can get tested at the airport in Aruba, however you will have to quarantine on the island until you get your results.

TAXIS
There is no Uber or Lyft, only taxis that are driven by the locals. A taxi ride can cost anywhere from $6-$21. Make sure to have small bills in cash (around $50). This can be used to pay for taxi rides & tip. Many of places on the island DO NOT accept bills over $50, so bring cash smaller bills - I suggest nothing over a $20 bill. If you do get into a taxi that is a GREAT opportunity to get recommendations from the locals regarding restaurants & activities.

HOTEL
I didn't get any footage of the rooms, but they look exactly like they do on the website. The staff was very hospitable. Told them it was my birthday & they put a small heart-shaped red velvet cake in the room. It was delicious. Everything on the island closes at 11, but the hotel bar stays open late for guests.
- https://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-photos/auabr-renaissance-aruba-resort-and-casino/

BARS
LUCY'S - across the street from the hotel (it is also where you catch the water taxi to the private island). Try their fish tacos & get a scorpion shot (you get a free t-shirt lol).
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g147248-d13977256-Reviews-Lucy_s_Retired_Surfers_Bar_Restaurant-Oranjestad_Aruba.html
- https://www.aruba.com/us/explore/lucys-retired-surfers-bar--restaurant

5'OCLOCK SOMEWHERE BAR & GRILL - in the Renaissance Marketplace. Drinks are OK. A magician came over to our table & did a few tricks. Told him it was my birthday & he kept us very entertained. We tipped him, of course.
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g147248-d19703964-Reviews-5_O_Clock_Somewhere_Bar_Grill-Oranjestad_Aruba.html
- https://www.aruba.com/us/news/new-bar-in-town-5-oclock-somewhere-bar--grill-aruba

RESTAURANTS
THE DUTCH PANKCAKE HOUSE - in the Renaissance Marketplace. Great for breakfast. Get there by 10:30AM cause there will be a line!
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g147248-d952001-Reviews-The_Dutch_Pancakehouse-Oranjestad_Aruba.html
- https://www.aruba.com/us/explore/dutch-pancake-house

FLYING FISHBONE - Dinner IN the water..issa experience! The ceviche is AMAZING! You must call or make the reservation online for the tables in the water & you must arrive by 5:00 PM or you lose your table.
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g1158886-d1209546-Reviews-The_Flying_Fishbone-Savaneta_Aruba.html
- https://www.aruba.com/us/explore/flying-fishbone

BAREFOOT: Classic dinner on the beach vibes.
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g147248-d1883689-Reviews-Barefoot_Restaurant-Oranjestad_Aruba.html

ACTIVITIES
OKEANOS SPA - on the Renaissance Hotel private island. We did a couple's massage in a private cabana on the adult's side of the private island. Package included 1 free drink & lunch. You must call to make an appoint & you pay the balance when you check into the hotel.
- https://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-information/fitness-spa-services/details/auabr-renaissance-aruba-resort-and-casino/5013214/

BRUNCH CRUISE - booked through TripAdvisor, included breakfast (pastries), lunch (paella) & unlimited drinks. They bring you to 3 different stops & you can get in the water to swim/snorkel. Kids are allowed on the boat.
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g147247-d11454276-Aruba_Champagne_Breakfast_and_Lunch_Cruise_with_Snorkeling-Aruba.html

ATV's - TripAdvisor, doubles ATV. BE CAREFUL, especially on the pavement after it rains. If the ATV flips over you WILL get hurt.
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g147247-d11454414-Aruba_ATV_Tour_Adventure-Aruba.html

PHOTO SHOOT - Mey Wong Photography. We did the couple's package, w/ 3 locations & 1 outfit change. Pay $50.00 deposit to book then pay the rest before day of photoshoot
- https://www.instagram.com/meywong.photography/

PRICE LIST
Hotel/Flight: $1,915.47
Couple's Massage: $380.00
Brunch Cruise: $170.00
ATV's: $164.00
Taxi's: $50.00
Food: $500.00
Photo shoot: $450.00
TOTAL: $3,650.00 | $3,200.00 w/o photoshoot

FB/INSTA: @nashaeshainte | @ehardtmedia

Видео ARUBA TRAVEL VLOG 🇦🇼 | Private Island, Dinner IN the Water, Scorpion Shots | Traveling During COVID канала Nashae Shainte