Wyndham Resort (now Westin)

May 16 - May 22, 2003 by Dan & DeAnn

Best Trip EVER!!!

Our trip started out May 16 from Buffalo, NY @ 5am. The airport was crowded, but the lines moved quickly. We transferred from Buffalo to Philly and began our 4-hour journey to Paradise. We arrived in Aruba around 2pm, got through Customs & Immigration. The De Palm Tour Representative met us and directed us to the bus to our hotel. The driver was crazy…he drove like we were in NYC. It was fun to say the least.

During our travel to the hotel, my husband & I were in awe of the scenery. We were both dying to get into the sun. The beaches were so blue and amazing. We arrived at the Wyndham Resort and we were greeted with open arms and excellent hospitality. Check in was fine; we had to wait a short while for our room to be finished. It was well worth the wait. Upon entering the room we noticed a bottle of champagne and two bottles of wine along with cheese and crackers (Thanks to Wyndham by Request). The view was spectacular. We had a view of the ocean, pool and city. We had room 1320. I know it felt a little weird to have a room on the 13th floor. We immediately unpacked to begin our exciting vacation. Now, mind you, my husband & I have 5 children, so this was a great getaway, not to mention we were celebrating our One Year Anniversary.

The first thing my husband & I did was check out the grounds. We also did the All-Inclusive Package (which was well worth it). The parrots were a nice touch. Everything was great. We decided to walk the beach, and then sit at the Terrace Bar until dinner.

Our first night at dinner was "Pago-Pago" how amazing that was. Thanks to all on the message boards who suggested the macadamia crusted grouper. We had the crab cakes for an appetizer. Both were mouth watering. It was the first time in a long time that it took my husband & I over two hours for dinner. We decided to try the casino. That was fun. Needless to say our first day was overwhelming and as sad as it was we were in bed by 10pm.

The next couple of days we really did not do much but relax in the sun. The first thing we tried was the beach, no palapa, and just two chairs on the shore. The wind was too strong so we chose the pool. It was shocking to see the HUGE iguanas' come right up poolside. We got some great photos.

We did get bombarded with the Timeshare people, which was kind of a blessing in disguise. We decided on our next trip to do a Timeshare, but not right then and there, (we hate being pressured).

We decided on Mon, to go into town to do a little shopping. We took the bus and it was quite an experience. All the stores were great and we wanted to buy everything. We did pick up some things for our children and some things for ourselves. We also made reservations at the Waterfront Crab House. It was…ok…not great but ok. The tiger outside was unsettling. Seeing an animal caged up that looks so defenseless. But I guess that is a big attraction there. We took the bus back to the hotel and did some more gambling at the casino.

The next day we went to the Terrace to have breakfast, how amazing that was. Anything and everything you could even imagine. Everyday we ate breakfast there. I will say it again; it was so worth the All-Inclusive Package.

To make a long story short but memorable, we ate at the Baci Café also; the food there was great. My husband had veal, and I had shrimp scampi. The atmosphere was very good. Old Italy style music and the ambiance were great.

We did go to the Manager's Cocktail Party. The meet and greet was great. We met a couple on their honeymoon that sat at our table. When it was time for the manager to give out prizes, I won a 30 min massage at the Spa and the couple next to us won a free week stay. It was a lucky table so, again back at the casino. We did not do any tables, only .05 slots that really paid off in the end. I can honestly say we left Aruba with the same amount of cash we brought. I liked that part.

Toward the end of our trip we mostly stayed at the pool and just relaxed. It was quiet, no cares about time or day. It was the most memorable time of our lives. That we will do again.

On Thursday we went to the Arubian Carnival night. That was…well lets just say the food was spectacular and the costumes were great. The performers however, well, they could do a little more research on them, they were mediocre and we thought even though it could have been done better was a bit…cheesy. Sorry.

All, and all I would say we had a great time. We will do it again, and again. Next time we go we will do some more things, like the party buses and even snorkeling, my husband wants to do deepsea fishing also. This trip was just a relaxing experience, next time….PARTY!!

Hope this was not too boring for anyone.

Dan & DeAnn