It was Tuesday, I think. Or maybe Monday. I lost track. I opened my eyes and everything was blue. I look at my phone to check the time; and while the screen still displayed the smiling faces of my beautiful children running hand in hand, it had taken on an uncomfortable red hue. Then, the music starts. Da dun. Da dun. Dadundadubdadun... I hear gasps. I look around and see the wide-eyed faces of the others staring out into the blue abyss. I follow their eyes, and out of nowhere, a loud voice comes on the loudspeaker "Just kidding. We don't have sharks in Aruba!" 'Under the Sea' from The Little Mermaid starts playing; I find myself laughing and singing along.
Minutes before we were on the deck in the bright Aruban sunshine; now we are below the surface of a semi-submarine in a window-lined observation area taking in the spectacular view of hundreds of fish and a massive sunken ship acting as a dramatic reef. The water is so blue outside of the windows surrounding us that the air 'feels' blue, and, strangely, causes our phone screens look red. The water is a little cloudy from a windy day; but it doesn't matter. The view is still gorgeous because of color of the water, number of fish and the sheer size of the sunken ship. Our captain is a native Aruban and an expert, not only at explaining the history of the sunken ship and the marine life on the other side of the glass, but also at navigating a really, good joke. We ooh, ahh, and laugh the entire time. I am without my kids on this trip, but think, almost every minute, about how much I would love to see their faces taking all of this in.
A semi-submarine is just what it sounds like- a cross between a ship and a submarine, so the upper deck is not submerged and you step below into an underwater observatory (which is great if you need a bit of air during the trip). The ride is adventurous, beautiful, unique, perfect for families; which is exactly what I look for in a vacation destination and available activities for my family. This is exactly what Holiday Inn Resorts are all about- family fun in stunning and exotic locations all over the world.
When I think of Holiday Inn hotels I think of 3 words: comfortable, clean and convenient. In my experience, Holiday Inn properties are perfect for trips with kids: the staff is friendly, the rooms spacious and most (if not all) offer breakfast on-site (which, as we all know, is huge when there are kids involved) AND kids stay and eat free. It is our hotel of choice when visiting my in-laws. What I did not know, is that the Holiday Inn has 45 (with 20 more in the works) full-service, family-friendly resorts in locations all over the world, from the French Riviera to South Dakota and from the Caribbean to greater China.
Checking out the resorts on the Holiday Inn website, it seems that each Holiday Inn Resort offers activities for everyone- from gorgeous pools, beautiful beaches, and spas to a range of activities suited to the location such as snorkeling, hiking, skiing, tennis, Thai cooking, horseback riding, parasailing, and waterskiing. There is plenty to do for the kids - from kids' clubs with structured activities at some properties to swimming with the Dolphins in Waikiki and kids' cooking classes in Phuket, Thailand. A variety of chic to casual food options (many poolside and beachside) top it all off to make Holiday Inn Resorts the perfect choice for a fun-filled or relaxing family vacation in a wide range of desirable destinations.
I recently had the opportunity to experience (as a guest of the hotel) the Holiday Inn Resort Aruba and it truly exceeded my expectations. The resort itself is stunning, the service was friendly and there is so much to do. The inviting, open-air lobby with a view straight to the pool and ocean beyond is so perfectly designed that I wanted to personally thank the architect. One step in, the workweek slipped away and I was on vacation time. I immediately wanted to claim a lounge chair right between the pool and beach. But, there was work to be done- first, I had to try the frozen mojito, their signature drink. It did not disappoint.
The hotel is lovely, inside and out, and the rooms are spacious, spotless and modern.
There are three beautiful pools at the Holiday Inn Aruba, just steps from the beach.
There are three beautiful pools at the Holiday Inn Aruba, just steps from the beach.
And the view from the rooms, well....
Holiday Inn Resorts also know how to do food, and in Aruba it can be served beachside or poolside and in one of five restaurants.
Holiday Inn Resort Staff is happy to recommend great off property tours and excursions as well. We were able to not only experience the resort but also had an expertly guided tour to see the island. We learned that Aruba really is the ideal destination; not only gorgeous, but the island is really safe, the people are friendly (they call it "One Happy Island") and the weather is perfect- rain is unusual and it is 82 degrees year round.
First up on our itinerary was the semi-submarine ride operated by the fantastic De Palm Tours (they also offer a variety of other excursions such as Jeep tours, snorkeling tours, sailing tours and island tours).
Next up, a sightseeing tour of the island with the incredible Wix Tours (very highly rated on Trip Advisor). Check out some of the sights.
First up on our itinerary was the semi-submarine ride operated by the fantastic De Palm Tours (they also offer a variety of other excursions such as Jeep tours, snorkeling tours, sailing tours and island tours).
Next up, a sightseeing tour of the island with the incredible Wix Tours (very highly rated on Trip Advisor). Check out some of the sights.
A tour of the Aruba Aloe Factory was an unexpected highlight.
And, finally, a stunning sunset Catamaran Tour with Pelican Adventures (located steps from the hotel) is a must.
If the other Holiday Inn Resorts offer the same level of comfort, quality, stunning location and range of activities as the Holiday Inn Resort in Aruba (and it sounds like they do), count me in. Hmmm, family surfing lessons at the Holiday Inn in the Maldives next?
The author was a guest of Holiday Inn Resorts for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received. All photos were taken by the author and others traveling with the author, unless otherwise noted.
