Photo by Cherese Weekes

After three days of satisfying my appetite on gourmet cuisine, exploring the vast Caribbean Sea and hot desert of Aruba, I must say I am absolutely stunned by the diverse thrills Aruba has to offer.  But I must give a special shout out to Holiday Inn Resort Aruba-Beach Resort & Casino for making my stay superb. 

The warm hospitality was evident from the moment I arrived at the hotel as staff members pleasantly welcomed me in before I was accompanied to my guest room.  Located on the high-rise hotel area and facing miles of pristine coastline that is arguably the best in the area, the resort complemented its beautiful surroundings with special touches that made me feel right at home. 

Once I settled into my room I noticed the small table adjacent to the balcony was filled with delicious treats including fruits, cheese and crackers as well as a bottle of wine.  It was the pleasant beginning to full action-packed days ahead which I included in various dispatches recording my experiences, and as thrilling it began it ended on an even greater note. 

On the afternoon of the day before I bid the small island farewell, the other members of the Holiday Inn Resort press trip and I were invited to enjoy a spa treatment of either a facial, body massage, scrub or manicure/pedicure at the resort’s Etnika Spa. I opted for the body massage and received a generous hello and warm smiles as I was directed to take a seat on the couch that is conveniently placed in the front of the spa. 

While I waited, I was presented with a glass of champagne and encouraged to nibble on snacks of fruit, cheeses crackers and cookies. I finished my helpings of the delicious refreshments just in time to hear my name being called to the back of the spa.  I was directed to a small room eloquently decorated with a massage table, two small tables to place my belongings and light elements that coordinated with the peaceful ambiance of the room. 

The massage was not only relaxing, but it felt spiritual as well as I slipped into a deep trance while music and the soothing touch of the masseur’s fingers massaged my unwanted kinks using the spa’s therapeutic treatments. After an hour of complete bliss at the hands of the masseur, I woke up from my out-of-body experience completely relaxed, renewed and ready to face the rest of my fun filled day that included a sunset sail on a catamaran and a luxurious dining experience at the Papiamento Restaurant.