Christmas 2018: Divi & Tamarijn All Inclusive Beach Resort – Oranjestad, Aruba
This Dutch Caribbean resort was my kind of resort. I opened the sliding glass door and strolled right to my chair on the beach to gaze on this fabulous view of the ocean. It was a mere few steps.
The water was magnificent with its variegated blues and greens. And a word of warning … it’s a bit cold. It is December, remember. You have to make a gradual entrance. You stand there and let it lap around your feet ’til you no longer gasp and just keep creeping and inching forward. Then there’s the plunge. And then you don’t even remember the cold. It feels invigorating. And so salty, but it’s the Caribbean. You definitely need goggles. That salt is irritating to the eyes. Oh … it helps to have a mimosa and three Pina Coladas onboard too. And forget facials. Won’t need one after you swim here with this dense salt water. You’ll get a whole body exfoliation for FREE!
Christmas breakfast was great fun with hugs from Santa. He was a little damp and sweaty. After all, he’s tromping around in 80 degrees with that thick suit on. But he promised I’d get what I wished for. Well, we will see about that.
The pirate ship excursion was fun. The kids got in line to swing out on a rope and drop out in the water. I skipped it. But after seeing an old lady do it, I saluted her for bravery. After she slammed up against the side of the boat, I didn’t feel much up to going to the Aruban emergency room. So I kept the bar populated.
The grands with that mischievous streak purchased a ride for all of us on Big Mable. Big Mable is a twin giant inflatable pulled by a boat. Looked tame enough. Okay, they really love to see me try to clamber onto something. My graceful days are long gone…but I have no shame.
This involved being in the water and leaping onto Big Mable. Well, my leaping days are over, but my strapping son and son-in-law hoisted me up while my other son thought it’d be fun to film the event. We all appreciate his humor. Then we proceeded to speed up and down the coast … the two inflatables bumping each other. Kids yelling faster, faster and me holding on for dear life. Lord why did I agree?
Did I say I love Aruba? If I return, I want to stay at the Divi Aruba!
