ARUBA TRAVEL VLOG 🇦🇼 | Private Island, Dinner IN the Water, Scorpion Shots | Traveling During COVID

Check out all of the technical details of my trip to Aruba 🇦🇼 (w/ prices) below! I apologize for the long wait to upload a video, but I'm a firm believer that quality content takes time!
Hotel: Renaissance Hotel Resort and Casino in Oranjestad (downtown area)
Trip Length: 5 days, 4 nights
Booked through: Expedia (round-trip flight and hotel package)
Price (2 people): $1,915.47 USD ($957.73 each)
Room: Limited view, 1 King bed, non-smoking
- www.expedia.com/Oranjestad-Ho...
COVID PROCEDURE
Must be tested within 72 hours of departure (w/ negative result). You can upload the negative result up to 4 hours before departure or you can show your results when you arrive to the airport in Aruba. If you are unable to get tested within that time, you can get tested at the airport in Aruba, however you will have to quarantine on the island until you get your results.
TAXIS
There is no Uber or Lyft, only taxis that are driven by the locals. A taxi ride can cost anywhere from $6-$21. Make sure to have small bills in cash (around $50). This can be used to pay for taxi rides & tip. Many of places on the island DO NOT accept bills over $50, so bring cash smaller bills - I suggest nothing over a $20 bill. If you do get into a taxi that is a GREAT opportunity to get recommendations from the locals regarding restaurants & activities.
HOTEL
I didn't get any footage of the rooms, but they look exactly like they do on the website. The staff was very hospitable. Told them it was my birthday & they put a small heart-shaped red velvet cake in the room. It was delicious. Everything on the island closes at 11, but the hotel bar stays open late for guests.
- www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel...
BARS
LUCY'S - across the street from the hotel (it is also where you catch the water taxi to the private island). Try their fish tacos & get a scorpion shot (you get a free t-shirt lol).
- www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...
- www.aruba.com/us/explore/lucy...
5'OCLOCK SOMEWHERE BAR & GRILL - in the Renaissance Marketplace. Drinks are OK. A magician came over to our table & did a few tricks. Told him it was my birthday & he kept us very entertained. We tipped him, of course.
- www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...
- www.aruba.com/us/news/new-bar...
RESTAURANTS
THE DUTCH PANKCAKE HOUSE - in the Renaissance Marketplace. Great for breakfast. Get there by 10:30AM cause there will be a line!
- www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...
- www.aruba.com/us/explore/dutc...
FLYING FISHBONE - Dinner IN the water..issa experience! The ceviche is AMAZING! You must call or make the reservation online for the tables in the water & you must arrive by 5:00 PM or you lose your table.
- www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...
- www.aruba.com/us/explore/flyi...
BAREFOOT: Classic dinner on the beach vibes.
- www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...
ACTIVITIES
OKEANOS SPA - on the Renaissance Hotel private island. We did a couple's massage in a private cabana on the adult's side of the private island. Package included 1 free drink & lunch. You must call to make an appoint & you pay the balance when you check into the hotel.
- www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel...
BRUNCH CRUISE - booked through TripAdvisor, included breakfast (pastries), lunch (paella) & unlimited drinks. They bring you to 3 different stops & you can get in the water to swim/snorkel. Kids are allowed on the boat.
- www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio...
ATV's - TripAdvisor, doubles ATV. BE CAREFUL, especially on the pavement after it rains. If the ATV flips over you WILL get hurt.
- www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio...
PHOTO SHOOT - Mey Wong Photography. We did the couple's package, w/ 3 locations & 1 outfit change. Pay $50.00 deposit to book then pay the rest before day of photoshoot
- / meywong.photography
PRICE LIST
Hotel/Flight: $1,915.47
Couple's Massage: $380.00
Brunch Cruise: $170.00
ATV's: $164.00
Taxi's: $50.00
Food: $500.00
Photo shoot: $450.00
TOTAL: $3,650.00 | $3,200.00 w/o photoshoot
FB/INSTA: @nashaeshainte | @ehardtmedia

[@CSpice24]

I am so glad that you enjoyed your birthday vacation with your boo❤ Happy belated birthday 🎂 🥳 🎉 thank you so much for sharing and providing a detailed breakdown of pricing for everything 💖

[@nashaeshainte]

Thank you!! I’m glad the video helped🤗

[@dorainnedanies3299]

I loved your video! I'm from Aruba and it was nice to see a different perspective of the island.❤️

[@McLeodProduction]

Love this! Definitely have Aruba on my travel list. This video was so helpful

[@nashaeshainte]

Yaaayy!!! You’ll love it there🙌🏽👌🏽

[@HansKoschei]

Loved your video... I was in Aruba in March and I will be going back in August for my 5th trip there... I love it.

[@BeautifulCalypso]

Thank you for your review I’m looking for a hotel to stay at for my birthday and you made this much more easier you gained a new subscriber....your review helped on Expedia too

[@nashaeshainte]

I’m glad it helped!!🤗

[@FunFitFam]

Laughed so much! Great authentic content. We're going in August.

[@nashaeshainte]

Thank you, I appreciate the support!! You guys will love it there!!👌🏽

[@mzprttybrwneyez1]

Omgggg I’m enjoying your video. Happy Belated Birthday Beautiful. I can’t wait to celebrate my 52nd birthday there this year. 🥰

[@nashaeshainte]

Thank you!!! You'll have an amazing time!!!

[@MrFlex210]

Awesome! We went there on spring break and enjoy ourselves as well. Wish we would have did a blog as well.

[@dawgchasenkat]

Going to Aruba in July! Thanks for the tips. Especially Flying Fishbone! We are staying at RIU Antillas (All-Inclusive that you said no to) but we will still try local cuisine and that will be our first.

[@KayySmoovee]

Love the soca break lol 😆 I’m heading there soon so thanks for the info .

[@nashaeshainte]

Awesome! I’m glad my video helped😁. You’ll love it there for sure!!

[@sherdonmcewan5231]

Beautiful reviews which was very helpful 👍👍❤

[@nashaeshainte]

Thank you!!!🤗

[@lifewithsamoy3585]

You’re so beautiful! Saw your review while looking at the hotel❤️

[@nashaeshainte]

Thank you!!!

[@TravelWithTheJoneses]

We going next month and we loved y'all video...

[@nashaeshainte]

Thank you!!! You’ll have an amazing time 🙌🏽!!

[@ms.biancan9005]

came from your tripadvisor review , i been thinking of going to aruba and now I’m definitely considering

[@nashaeshainte]

Definitely add it to your list!! I’m glad my video helped!!

[@lanamentary2975]

I enjoyed your video. I watched a lot abs yours was what I needed. My hubby and I are going to celebrate his bday and our anniversary in July. I did an Airbnb because I want to be around the locals.

[@nashaeshainte]

That’s awesome!! You guys will definitely enjoy it there!

[@lilianpieters-malmberg8464]

Seriously ... Go back after the pandemic is over❓ Aruba has much much much more to offer❗ Enjoyed the video ... waiting for your next trip in Aruba.

[@nashaeshainte]

Most definitely!!! And I may have another travel vlog coming soon, so stay on the look out for that!! ;)

[@Life_with_rai]

🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@amberwright5369]

Great video! I'm going in December with my husband and some of our friends. I have been trying to find the name of the restaurant where you can eat in the water and I found it in your video. Thank you! I'm super excited

[@nashaeshainte]

I’m glad my video helped! You guys will love it there!!😁

[@BrandiForr]

This was an AMAZING vlog, like i had fun watching this!! I'm going to Aruba for my birthday in May. What cruise did u go on, and were the drinks actually unlimited?

[@nashaeshainte]

Thank you!! I booked the brunch cruise through TripAdvisor, the link is in the description. And yes, drinks are definitely unlimited on the brunch cruise. However, the mixed drinks were very watered down, so I suggested drinking the champagne and taking shots if you really want the bang for your buck with the drinks lol.

[@Querenciatv]

Sweet ☺️ ❤️&✌️

[@recklezzeater8a862]

hey we are mey & meyson cool vlogs gr8 to see u liked ur pictures hope you enjoyed it

[@nashaeshainte]

Thank you!!! We had an AMAZING time!!

[@AyeeNicole]

Lmfaooo I have an aloe plant from Aruba too 🌚😂😂😂. Though I didn’t ask for it 🤔😂😂. I loved this vlog. Booked my ticket for a return in a couple of months.

[@nashaeshainte]

LOL great minds think alike!!!..I wanted to make sure I was getting a good piece lol. Lucky you!! I can't wait to go back.

[@ianself1594]

appreciate this review #FUNTIMES

[@naj2489]

Everything looks beautiful!!! 2 questions who did you book your party boat with and did y’all do the all inclusive package with the hotel?

[@nashaeshainte]

I booked the party boat through TripAdvisor (link should be in the description). No, we did not do the all-inclusive package with the hotel. We wanted to try local restaurants instead.

[@alexanga09]

this was a great vlog, the music and editing was great, you and your boyfriend really made it about your experience and not just a selfie video and no shots of the beach....lol. I am trying to learn more about the island and just booked a stay a few places on the island including the renaissance (because i learned about the private island) and aruba ocean villas. i appreciate most your honest opinion and links to the activities. the photoshoot sounds super cool. and i was also interested in the jet ski and snorkeling package. did you get that through the hotel? did you reserve a private cabana, do you think it is worth it. or would it be worth it for the overnight cabana package?

[@nashaeshainte]

Thank you boo!! I booked the boat/snorkeling activity through trip advisor. And we decided to do the jet ski last minute. They have water sport kiosks on the beach at palm beach. I definitely think the cabanas on the private island are worth it. The beach strip on the adult side of the private island is really small so it gets super packed by noon. So if you book a cabana you’ll definitely have a spot reserved for yourself and you’ll get a bit of exclusivity 👌🏽.

[@missyj6550]

Loved your review! My husband and I will be in Aruba in May. I am thinking about Renaissance, BUT we are pool people, and it looks like Renaissance doesnt have a nice pool. Is this assumption correct? Also, I would like to see the flamingos, but I dont want to see the iguanas. Is that possible?

[@nashaeshainte]

I stayed in the adults hotel and the pool itself is nice, but it is small. The family hotel does have a larger pool, so you can also go there anytime if you don’t mind children lol. I didn’t check out that pool personally because I’m more of a beach person but it may be worth checking out. In terms of the private island, the iguanas are only in one spot on the boardwalk area so you won’t really see them unless you go to the island at a certain time, and even then, they’re just in one spot out of the way so people won’t step on them. You’ll see more flamingoes walking around.

[@tamikajones6876]

Hi. LUV the video. I'm going in August. Do you recommend renting a car or taxi? It's six of us going. Also, I heard that nothing is open on Sundays. Is that true?

[@nashaeshainte]

Thank you! It may be harder for you to find a taxi that will accommodate all of you at once so renting a car may be the cheaper option as long as you guys are careful driving. Otherwise you may have to split the group up for the taxis. Yes, quite a few things are closed on Sunday, but when I was there, I had a pre-planned activity for that day. I did the brunch cruise via TripAdvisor then water activities in the beach and by the time we were done, it was time to go back to the hotel and get ready for dinner. So I definitely suggest doing something like that... plan/book something ahead of time for Sunday

[@sydneyd.8042]

hi! i’m planning a trip pretty soon. i just found out about the curfew though. did you find the curfew to be annoying? were you able to do all you wanted?

[@nashaeshainte]

While I was there the bars/clubs closed at 11 and restaurants closed by 8/9PM...I didn’t mind that at all. Most of the activities I planned were for earlier in the day and the pool/bar at the hotel stays open late for guests. Also keep in mind that everything is closed on Sunday, so you may want to pre-book an activity on Sunday (like through TripAdvisor).

[@LaShawnJen]

I need that sun hat girl

[@nashaeshainte]

Good eye lol😉...Amazon, girl! Here’s the link! San Diego Hat Company Women's Ultrabraid X Large Brim Hat www.amazon.com/dp/B0032AMW10/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_9XP83SQXDFMXTSDBP4H8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

[@anitrasargent106]

Was the Hotel itself actually worth staying? I only want to go to flamingo beach and I found I can get access by doing the couples massage only but I was wondering if it was worth it to stay at Renaissance?

[@nashaeshainte]

It depends on what you want in terms of a hotel. It was worth it for me because the location was central. My bf loves to walk around and explore so being in the downtown area was perfect. Also, I did not want to feel confined to only eating food from specific restaurants so we were able to walk around and try all sorts of restaurants. We were also walking distance from a few local grocery stores and a pharmacy. So any last minute essentials we needed were close by and reasonably priced. The quality of the hotel was great too and the customer service was wonderful. So no complaints on my end!

[@ambgab19]

Maybe i missed it but how did you book the jetski’s??

[@nashaeshainte]

At palm beach, they have kiosks/booths right on the beach where you can rent them. That’s what we did

[@cpk7866]

New subbie, you are adorable

[@nashaeshainte]

Thanks love!!! I appreciate the support!!

[@UnsettledJourney]

Wow super cool! What did you like most about your trip? We love traveling and invite you to follow our journey!

[@nashaeshainte]

Thanks! I’d have to say the dining experience on the island was my favorite and most memorable part....That’s awesome, I’ll check your channel out!

[@shonb989]

great Vlog!! im going for my birthday in July and would love to do that photo shot... I need to get social media i dnt havr IG :(

[@nashaeshainte]

Thank you!!’ You’ll love it there!!

[@CertifiedFierce]

Did you have to get texted to return back to the US? If so, did you have to pay for that test or was it offered free by the hotel?

[@nashaeshainte]

At that time (in December) no, I did not have to be tested to return to the U.S. However, those procedures may have changed between then and now

[@anitrasargent106]

I’m reading on the menu that the scorpion shot is$24/28 What’s that about right???

[@nashaeshainte]

I know!!! That’s the price to swallow a dead scorpion, I guess 😭😭

[@alexandramartin4411]

Do you need a covid test to come back into the states?

[@nashaeshainte]

At the time when I travelled, I did not need a COVID test to come back to the states. However, those protocols may have changed between then and now so for the most actuate information regarding this, you can check the Aruba travel advisory website.

[@DomOfTheYearTV]

this guy swallowed the lime not the scorpion

[@angeljosephs30]

Is this hotel all inclusive or u have to pay at the restaurants?

[@nashaeshainte]

This hotel does have an all-inclusive option where the food at the hotel restaurants are included. They also have another inclusive package with just breakfast included. And then they have the regular reservation without food included.