FLAMINGO BEACH

During our visit to Aruba, we spent a lot of time at the Renaissance Hotel’s private island which is best known for its beach that is home to beautiful pink flamingos. Flamingo Beach is probably one of Aruba’s most popular attractions. You get to have a close encounter with the flamingos. You are able to feed them and take pictures with them.

Flamingo Beach is a short boat ride from the hotel’s adult resort. Access to the beach is complimentary to guests who are staying at the resort. If you are not booked at the resort, you are able to purchase a day pass from the hotel. It makes more sense, however, to book a night at the resort to take advantage of all of the hotel’s amenities including their pool. The price difference isn’t significant. Using your AAA card, you can stay at the resort for a discounted rate.

While on the private island, we reserved a beautiful cabana that looked like a miniature over the water bungalows similar to what you would find in places like the Maldives or Bora Bora. You can lay out over the water or relax under the shaded cabana on it’s softly cushioned sofa. The Cabana comes with Butler service. You are treated like royalty. The Cabana also includes sparkling water, prosseco, bottled water, and a variety of desserts.

The private island has a restaurant and a small shop where you can purchase things like swimwear, goggles, and sun tan lotion. There is a family side and an adult only side on the private island. The flamingos can be found on the adult only side. Children are allowed to see the flamingos during specific hours, so plan accordingly. I love the outdoor lounge area that reminded me of attending a summer picnic in the Hamptons. We were able to enjoy a small lunch while sipping local beer and watching planes take off from the nearby airport.

If you are a beach and animal lover, or if you just love the color pink, you should add this to the top of your list of places to visit in the Caribbean. It’s an enriching experience you’ll never forget.