Every once in a while (I think this is only my third time), I run across something that is NOT in the 1000 Places Book, but is SO awesome, I'm shocked it didn't make the cut. Especially when it's significantly more awesome than many of the things that are in the book. So, that's when I take it upon myself to add it to this list anyway!
Renaissance Island is one of those places!
When we first booked our trip to Aruba, I immediately busted out my book to see what the book recommended so we could add it on to our itinerary. But lo and behold, not a single thing in Aruba made the cut.
But then we visited this island and I thought to myself, this is an absolute must-do for all water-loving, beach-loving, caribbean-loving, sun-loving, flamingo-loving people out there!
And we have one of those flamingo-loving people in our family. It was like a dream come true for her!
I mean, look at this place!!
When you get to Renaissance Island (they take you by speed boat from the Renaissance -owned by Marriott- hotel), you can go right or left. If you go right, you will find yourself at the adults-only beach with cabanas, chairs, umbrellas, hammocks and flamingoes.
If you turn left, you will find yourself here, at the "family beach" (otherwise knows as Iguana Beach).
There's a great platform the kids can swim out to and jump off.
Paradise
But luckily for our flamingo-lover, kids are allowed over to the flamingo/adult side for an hour or two in the morning to feed them and swim with them and take pictures with them.
There is also an "Activity hut" where you can rent mats, snorkel gear, scuba gear, kayaks, etc.
Tip: This is a private island. If you are staying at the Renaissance hotel, this island is considered part of the hotel and you can come here as often as you like for free. However, if you are not staying here, you can still go. The hotel charges $100/person. For our family of six, we found it made financial sense to spend one night at the hotel (we had enough Marriott points to cover our one-night stay) so that we could go to the island for free and then we made our way over to our time share for the rest of the week.
Verdict: Yes!!! Such a unique, fun, memorable experience!
