We decided to get out of town during 2020 and make some memories as safely as possible. With limited countries opened to Americans we opted for Aruba – it’s a short 2.5hr plane ride from Miami, covid cases are LOW on the island + it’s incredibly safe and family friendly.
We spent the week at Hilton Aruba, one of the major selling points is the fact that they are set on 15 open acres, everything is outdoors except for your room – even the lobby is open air, it was the perfect escape from the pandemic chaos.
Just a heads up, to be fully transparent, this was our second time staying with Hilton Aruba (we worked together last year as well and hope to make this an annual thing!) we received many benefits in exchange for our honest opinion but with that being said the following is indeed my honest opinion!
First, let’s talk about how the heck to get there during the pandemic:
How to Get to Aruba During Quarantine
We traveled there in November/December 2020 and every visitor was required to do the following (*updated travel information can be obtained here):
1| fill out an ED Card here
2| upload a negative PCR test that was taken 72hrs prior to departure OR take a mandatory covid test upon arrival and then quarantine at your hotel until the results come in (I highly recommend carrying a copy of your results on the flight)
3| mandatory visitors insurance which can be purchased through the ED card process
4| masks are required in the airport, cabs etc
Covid Safety Precautions at Hilton Aruba
- there was an ABUNDANCE of hand sanitizer wherever you turned. I mean no spot was left behind , there was even a machine right outside the elevator on every floor
- housekeeping is available on demand (we opted to have our room cleaned every other day and we opted in for the nightly turn down service – Sofia can’t say no to nightly chocolates on her pillow ;)) *housekeepers had masks on while cleaning the rooms which I appreciated
- masks are required in public places (except when sitting or in the water)
- all staff were required to wear masks
Accommodations at Hilton Aruba
- there’s 3 newly renovated towers (Bonaire, Curacao + Aruba) all close to the beach/pool – our favorite is the Aruba tower as these rooms are slightly larger with a little ‘entry way’ which made for a great drop zone!
- garden view – most cost efficient + does not lack in it’s beauty in any way, the lush palms + vibrant flowers are unreal!
- partial ocean view – can’t go wrong with this category either, you get the best of both worlds, lots of palms + a little ocean
- ocean view – can only be called an ocean view if you can see the ocean from your bed – I’ll go ahead and let you imagine that…waking up from an amazing nights sleep because their beds are actually great, cracking the balcony door, hot cup of tea/coffee while looking out at the sparkling calm clear water + hearing the birds chirp along with the ocean breeze
- suites are beautifully arranged if you’re looking for a splurge
- every room has a private balcony or patio
- the bathrooms – SO high end – very beautiful with plenty of room to move around
Dining at Hilton Aruba
- BREAKFAST/DINNER: Sunset Grille Restaurant – we have eaten here probably 5 times and have loved each visit
- they have the best steaks on the island, fresh seafood + unforgettable lobster mac + cheese. It’s slightly elevated with the most amazing sunset views – order a bottle of wine + be prepared to soak it all in, you won’t want to leave!
- currently, the hotel’s main breakfast area is closed but you can do an unlimited breakfast option at sunset grille with bottomless mimosas 😉
- LUNCH: Gilligan’s Seafood Shack – ocean view lunch bites
- BARS:
- Castaway’s Bar – located at the pool and is your go-to for beachside drinks – they also have beach service to your palapa *must get the ahi tuna poke bowl
- Mira Solo Bar – near the main lobby, this is THE place to be at sunset – huge covered bar with plenty of seating options + live music
- BEACH DINING: Sunset Concierge – absolutely must-do if you visit! Mike, Sofia and I met the hostess in the lobby and was given bug spray + a mini portable speaker to hook our phones up to. We were escorted down to the beach, right where the water meets the shore, to a candle lit table. Our waiter brought us a bottle of wine, then the courses began. Appetizers, entrées + desert, along with a stunning sunset which led to stars that speckled the darkness all while Sofia happily played in the sand giving us some much needed reprieve.
Family Activities at Hilton Aruba
- beach, the beach beach beach with it’s pristine powdery sand and crystal clear water! Oh and DEFINITELY grab one of the hundreds of palapas to choose from
- 2 large beach entry pools – they even do a swim-in movie night!
- tons of daily activities like make your own aloe scrub, build a sandy snowman + paddle boarding
Spa at Hilton Aruba
- felt 100% safe using the spa facilities during covid – they take temps as you walk in
- each locker in the dressing area had it’s down individually wrapped kits with towels, robes, slippers, water + toiletries
- I wore a mask during my spa treatment + of course all employees were masked
- I had a massage that was SO heavenly then sipped champagne in the zen garden
- After, Sofia and I got our nails done (they have dividers up as an extra precaution)
Random things to pack when Visiting Aruba
- bring bug spray, although the hotel has some for use
- a water bottle, there’s a water station by the pool to refill
- cash, most cabs don’t accept credit cards
Ok, I feel like this was a ton of info to throw at you but hopefully it helps! If you’re thinking about traveling and can do so safely, go for it + enjoy yourself!!! We hope to be back at Hilton Aruba soon xx
