Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa

February 03 - 12, 2010 by Karla

Aruba Forum Profile: Karla

I apologize for submitting this so late, but I figured better late than never for everyone that could use an Aruba fix…

This was a long overdue vacation for both of us. We had been working like crazy prior to the trip. My husband wound up working 37 days straight and I had an 80 + hour week just before leaving. Our goal was to eat, drink and lay on the beach for 10 days.

I felt really frazzled before leaving since I was working so much.
I was hoping that everything was packed – I must have had nineteen incomplete lists, instead of my usual, organized three because I was convinced something would be forgotten. Can I blame the neuroses on exhaustion? Eventually, I just had to think, as long as I have a book, a bikini, passport, sunscreen and hubby, things would just HAVE to be okay. My husband was just fine with only having passport and cash – he said it did not matter what was packed or not packed. After all, we’d be in ARUBA!

Wednesday, February 3rd

Didn’t sleep much since we were up late getting the final few things packed. Alarm went off at 2:45am (not much earlier than we had been getting up the past few weeks). Low and behold, when we go to take the dog out… it is snowing. This snowfall was actually forecasted for 2 days prior but we never saw it (was supposed to be an inch or two). There had been no forecast of any snow on the 11 o’clock evening news. Oh well! We had been hoping it would have happened Monday (2 days earlier) that way we would not see a delay on departure. We listened to the news and they said just an inch or two expected. We kept our fingers crossed! (Little did we know what was anticipated several days away for the East Coast).

4am – Started loading the car and got a ride to the train (10 minutes drive), very convenient for us…we take this train to work each day. This same line takes you straight into the airport and drops you off right inside the terminal. Train departed at 4:30am, got to Terminal A at 5:15am – faster than driving! 28 degrees -Brrr!!! Still snowing!

Airport – Philadelphia International

Went through check-in and security in about 20 minutes flat! Must be a new record. Grabbed some breakfast and coffee and waited to board on US Air. More than 1 hour late leaving Philly. The plane was being held for several passengers that were running behind. Next stop - to de-ice the plane. Just a ½ inch of snow on the ground at take-off. Pilot hoped to make up some time in the air! I took advantage of the time on the plane to read. Even though I was exhausted, I have trouble sleeping on planes. Shawn had downloaded some movies on the Ipod so he was occupied for the flight. The plane was not sold out, so we had the seat next to us open.

Aruba – Airport

Landed about 30-40 minutes late. Bully, the Taxi Driver, was going to pick us up. Shawn’s suitcase came out first. Mine, about 10 minutes later. I always wonder how the suitcases go on the belt together and come out so far apart from each other?

Make our way to the exit and there is Bully with a sign with my name. After introductions, we head to the taxi and Bully tells us about some things since last time we were there (missed last year – 2009, because we adopted a dog that needed lots of socialization and we were not able to leave her while she was a ‘work in progress’).
Bully said that the economy has definitely changed some things on the island. Since we always try to go during Carnival, he said to expect a much smaller Lighting Parade. There would not be as many groups competing this year. There were a few meetings happening that week by the new Tourism Ambassador. The locals were encouraged to attend to give their opinions on how changes can be made to stimulate tourism. Bully was optimistic and the energy of the island still seemed high to us. We did notice some things had closed down on our drive to Manchebo, but knew that some others had opened up. We assured Bully that we would do our best to keep stimulating the Aruban economy and vowed never to miss another year.

Since I made my reservations so far in advance with Bully, the taxi rates had gone up in between the reservation and the new rate going into effect. I knew rates went up and I was prepared to pay the new price. He would not even consider it since he quoted me at the old rate. We just tipped him even more. Bully is knowledgeable, personable, and always on time and honest! He is definitely getting busier through word of mouth recommendations (which he truly appreciates!). If Bully is not available, he will send one of his family members in his place who were just as nice. We used Bully et al. during our stay for some dinner reservations, which we set up through email before arriving on the island.

Manchebo – Good to be back "home"

We arrived early for check-in, but our room was ready. As usual, the front desk staff (Dilia & Sandra) were great. They asked where we were last year and welcomed us back. We request a room in the back of the hotel, by the spa. We always have the same housekeeper, Tara, who is a sweet and wonderful lady. As soon as she saw us coming up the steps to our room, she said, "You missed last year, what happened?". We greeted her with hugs and explained about our dog and her many needs. We started to unpack and Tara came back with a welcome back fruit basket and card. I feel the tension to start to leave my body and know that for the next 10 days…we are on vacation!

Our usual M.O. on our first day is to grab a quick bite and a beverage and then head to the supermarket to stock up on supplies, then shower and go to dinner. This is the first year I did not plan most of our dinners. I was too busy to think, and now that we have been to Aruba a few times, we know our way around enough to wing it.

After we unpacked and changed, we went to the Pega Pega Beach Bar. It is somewhere between 4 and 4:30pm. John and Ignacio are behind the bar and comment that we look familiar. We tell them that we have stayed twice before, at this time of year, but missed last year. They welcome us back with wonderful frozen mudslides! As I sit at the bar, in paradise, coming off a grueling schedule for the last several months, I am so thankful that we are able to sit and relax with a frozen drink in hand, gaze out at the sea and listen to the ocean. Boy, we really needed this vacation!
I realized it had been hours since I ate, and the beach bar grill was about to shut down. Ignacio asked them to make me a batch of french fries – my weakness! – before they closed down – just something to tide me over. Now, I really was in heaven – mudslide, fries, beach, hubby - in Aruba!

Our one cocktail, turned into happy hour. We met a fellow guest and hit it off right away. We all stayed through happy hour and then slightly past. It was well after 8pm when we left the bar. Wow! Some first few hours!

We decided to carry the festivities next door to Matthew’s to check out their late Happy Hour and karaoke night. I figured I could get some food there too. Well, I did not anticipate the crowd at Matthew’s. This was one bunch of party people! Some how, food never entered the equation and we kept going with liquid sustenance. Karaoke was a blast to watch! This crowd really takes it to another level. After a couple rounds, I decide it is time to visit Pizza Bob’s. I really needed some food.

We ordered a large pie to go and enjoyed one last cocktail. We went back to the room about 11pm, I had a bite of pizza and decided I was full. A long day of travel and adventures had come to an end, and I was ready for bed. Shawn was laughing and saying he would save me pizza for lunch the next day.

Thursday, February 4th

We woke up early and went to our favorite breakfast spot – Dushi Bagels. We love to sit and have our bagels and coffee and read the paper early in the morning. Spent the day on the beach, reading and relaxing, swimming in the perfect water. Took a quick walk later in the day to Ling & Song’s (via the beach, most of the way) to pick up soda, snacks, etc. for the room. I brought reusable grocery bags with me. We walked back since we did not have too much. If we had heavier items, we would have cabbed it back.
That night, we had reservations for Chef’s Table. This restaurant was always highly recommended by fellow travelers we have met over the years, so we booked from home. I have to say that we were a little disappointed. IMHO, the food was good, not great. We ordered the Chicken, Apple & Avocado Salad as an appetizer. I had the Beef Tips Teriyaki and Shawn had the Chef’s Trio. Our waitress was not very pleasant to us or other diners. The food runners were excellent and personable and I wish they could have taken over her duties for the evening. We did love the tapas desserts and they offered a $10 cab discount off of your dinner check. I do not think I will return anytime soon since there are so many other places to try.

Friday, February 5th

Went into town to do some shopping. We were looking to upgrade our wedding bands and had almost decided on a design for me. I had to think about it since the design seemed a little delicate and I do a lot of work with my hands and have to wear gloves most of the time during the day – can’t have a ring with too high of a profile – that’s why I don’t even wear my engagement ring to work anymore (ladies, you know what I mean). Many factors to think about, had to let these simmer, so we went to lunch at El Gaucho. They had a great special for $20, which Shawn ordered – salad, sirloin steak and dessert (flan). I had the El Gaucho steak. The lunch special wound up being far better than the gaucho steak this time. Had leftovers as they always give too much food. After lunch, we continued to shop for other things and I still had not made my mind up re: the ring. We went back to the jewelry store and I looked again. As beautiful as the ring was, I would have probably destroyed it at work. Just way too delicate. I thanked him but did find a necklace before I left the store. (As a side note – we did upgrade our rings a month or so after we got home – and I got 2 new rings!). We love to watch the hustle and bustle of town from Smokey Joe’s so we decided to have an afternoon cocktail there. I tried an Aruba Ariba and Shawn had a mudslide. This was a little too much rum for me, but very good. After our drinks, we headed back to the bus station to go back to the Manchebo.

Well, I must have been feeling the rum a little, because I pulled the cord to stop the bus a little early. We got off 1 stop early. Shawn has me on video walking to Manchebo, teasing me that I was too tipsy to work the cord. We got a good laugh and have a funny memory on video. The way he edited it, it seems like we are walking for miles! We dropped our things off in the room, and went to happy hour. As I said earlier, there was very little to no planning involved in this vacation. We were just winging it and ending up wherever the mood struck us.

When we are at happy hour, someone asks us, "Hey, you’re from Philly, right?" We say yes and then they tell us that Philly’s about to get hit with a blizzard. Wow -have I been living under rock lately that I did not hear about this blizzard? Or did the weather people not even see it coming? Have to try to call or email home to see what is going on there.
We met up with our friend that we met the other night and decided that we would head up to Smokey Joe’s later. We always have ribs there. The three of us caught a cab, had dinner and then walked around in the high rise area. Later, we went to the Hard Rock Café and had some drinks. We walked around some more after that and then headed back to the Manchebo. Paul went back to his room and Shawn and I went to Alhambra Casino to play a few dollars before turning in for the night. I was surprised at how many of the shops had closed down outside of the casino. It did feel like the island was just a bit less crowded than other Februarys. A lot of the locals had said that tourism was definitely a little off. I just occupy myself with penny slots while Shawn plays Black Jack. I am not a big gambler and I just go to watch the wheels spin around.

Saturday, February 6th

Another beach day – all about relaxation this year. Breakfast was Dushi, lunch most days was leftovers or fruit, cheese & crackers (usually still full from breakfast). Bully picked us up for our dinner reservation at Gostoso. He knew that we were going to the Lighting Parade after and asked if we were familiar with town at night. We had walked several times from El Gaucho to the parades in previous years. Bully drew us a map and told us which road to stay on. It took us less than 10 minutes to get to the Renaissance with Bully’s map. We feel safe walking at night in Aruba, we just take precautions as we do anywhere.

I was really looking forward to Gostoso’s. We were warmly greeted by the entire staff – Rose, Frederick, and the owner Jose. There was another wonderful gentleman there on staff and I apologize that I forgot his name. Shawn really liked the décor and the way that Jose went to each table and described each dish. Jose also offered to prepare dishes anyway that you would like. The food was OUTSTANDING! We had the crab sushi roll and shrimp cocktail for appetizers. Shawn ordered the filet and I had the seafood special in Creole sauce ( grouper, scallops, calamari, clams and mussels). We had German chocolate cake for dessert. The service was INCREDIBLE! This is our new favorite place in Aruba! The prices are reasonable. Before we left, we booked for another night during our stay. I cannot say enough about the staff here – they are wonderful people!

We walked to the Renaissance and had a good spot to watch the Lighting Parade. We waited and waited. Having been to the parade before, we know that it does tend to run late, but it was nearing midnight when we decided to get in a cab and head back to the hotel. We did not get to see any of the bands before we decided to call it a night. Next time, we will just get there at midnight so we can be sure to enjoy all of the fun!
Stopped at Alhambra. Shawn won a little on the video Black Jack fast, so we called it quits.

Sunday, February 7th

Big Day for Hubby – Super Bowl
This is another of our traditions now. First this was just coincidence but, now we come to Aruba during the Super Bowl. We spent the day being low key – breakfast at Manchebo, beach, happy hour, get ready for game. Waves were huge today! Personally, I have never seen the waves this big in Aruba. I am used to rough surf and I could not go in because I was getting bounced around too much. For the game, we like to just plant ourselves at the Pega Pega bar. We work in busy environments so we are mostly about low-key things on vacation. At Manchebo, we have a seat, nice bartenders, the sound of the ocean, food, some friends, no crowds – perfect!

Monday, February 8th

Back to Dushi for breakfast – part of our routine. That morning, I decided to just run to Dushi without putting sunscreen on. We tend to go very early and I was feeling a little lazy. I will not make that mistake again. My calves got burnt from just having my coffee. I usually sit in the shade at Dushi also. Back to the beach to lounge and relax. I spent part of the day with a towel covering my legs. We decided to go to Matthew’s for lunch. I had the BLAT club sandwich (has avocado). Shawn had Ship’s Mate sandwich and we split fries. Our server was Juan and he was great! We had the free coupon for 10% off, which they honored.

Since we had no set plans, we decided to head up to Moomba’s for a casual dinner. I was hoping that we could have a bite to eat and maybe have some live entertainment. We jumped on the bus and arrived in no time. When we got to Moomba, we went to the bar since it was not crowded – perhaps 6 other customers- a couple, and a group of 4, with 2 bartenders on duty. We sat nearly right in front of one of the stations and we were not acknowledged at all. Actually, let me rephrase, we were glanced at, and then ignored. I figured maybe they were in the middle of an order I missed, but it was 1 bartender hanging out with his friends and ignoring us and the other bartender concentrating on the couple and no one else. We sat there for 10 minutes before we got up and left. We will not return. I was a bartender for almost 15 years in nightclubs– this was just blatant bad service. There was no reason for these two not to even acknowledge us. Their loss.

We walked down the beach and heard music. Since we are not up in the high-rise section too often, and we were approaching from the beach side, I was not really sure where we were. We wound up at the Holiday Inn and they were having Karaoke. We decided to stay for a quick drink. Now, these bartenders were in the weeds, twice the age of the ones at Momba’s and acknowledged every person at their bar. Kudo’s to them! We gladly ordered a round from them. Since we still needed to eat, we asked about food. They explained we could order food at the grill on the other side of the bar. It was mostly hot dogs, burgers and pizza. Though it smelled good, I wanted more variety. We finished our yummy drinks, said goodnight to our bartenders and wandered out to the street.

Looking around, not sure where to go, what to do, it is getting later and later. So, we just head back to Smokey Joe’s. My husband does not want a full meal at this point because it is late. We split a rack of ribs – always good. Service is always great here too!

Tuesday, February 9th

Had our usual breakfast except we got it to go and had it on the beach.
We stopped by the Manager’s Cocktail Party at Manchebo to catch up with some of the other guests we have met over the years.
This was our second trip to Gostoso. Bully could not make it, so he was sending someone else – pick up on time, as usual. For our second meal at Gostoso, we split the mixed sushi roll, Shawn had the filet again, and I had the Arubian Chicken stew. For dessert we had Tres Leches. Again, everything was excellent!!!! Can’t wait to return next year! Bully picked us up after dinner and took us back to Manchebo. We stopped in the shops near the Alhambra and bought a Christmas ornament (another tradition). We took a quick pass through the casino and made a small donation.

Wednesday, February 10th

We decided to have breakfast at Manchebo. Glenda is usually our server and she is always wonderful. We headed back to the Beach to catch up on that leisure reading and swimming in the ocean. After a long day on the beach, we head up for Happy Hour. Where else can you use the excuse to indulge in frozen drinks? Since this was all about relaxing, and we were having a really fun time with our bartender, John, we extended happy hour for a bit longer. All good things must come to an end, and we bid farewell to John so I could get some food (do you see the trend that I think about food constantly?). We made a stop to our room to freshen up and headed back out. We decided we should call home since there was a bunch of snow there. We always use the Call Shop near the casino since we do not travel with our blackberry/laptop/etc (we try to leave all traces of reality behind). We run into someone we know, and we are heading back to John’s bar. We have another round, and then we go to the Call Shop. I get through to family at home – tons of snow! More is forecasted. I am thinking like an inch or two – I am told another two feet! I am happy that the neighbors are looking out for my mom while I am away – have to get them something special.

Still need food, and the tummy is really starting to rumble– we see Subway. I have never been to a Subway in my life. First, do they even exist in Philadelphia? I was born and raised in the birthplace of the hoagie. Going to Subway has never entered either of our minds on our previous vacations – this would be like a sacrilege – we are from Philly – is this allowed? Well, my hunger pains are calling, I do not want to glam it up tonight, and I am in the Caribbean where I have no shot of getting a hoagie from Phillip’s, Ralph’s or Tony Luke’s. Subway it is. Well, it is not a hoagie, but it was a good sandwich and an alternative for dinner. I guess you have a convert – but only if I am in the Caribbean. I’ll have to hold fast to my Philly roots here in the states.

After we ate our Subway sandwiches in our room, we went back out to the shops by the casino. I bought my sister a pretty bracelet there. It looked like the colors of the ocean and she loves shades of blue. After our purchase, we stopped by the Alhambra. I played penny slots again. Shawn played video poker. He won a little again.

Thursday, February 11th

Same day routine – Dushi, then Beach.
We took the bus up to Passions. This will be the third year we have eaten here and we make this our last dinner on the island. We got off the bus and heard a band at Amsterdam Manor. We were a little early so we went over to check them out. It was the TBS Brass Band. They also had carnival dancers. The band was excellent. I hope I can find a CD when I go back next year. We got a lot of the performance on video and then went across the road to Passions.

I have to say; we were really disappointed with Passion’s this year. This is normally the highlight of our trip. The service was mediocre, the food was average, and the atmosphere has declined, as it seems they are adding more and more tables each year. We ordered the Aruban Seafood soup and crab salad (I think we always get this), I had the filet, Shawn had the free range chicken. The filet was fatty and the chicken was disappointing. We were so upset because since our first trip, this is always the place that we go. We are going to take it off the list for next year and try some place else. Maybe we will try again the year after.

Friday, February 12th

Last day – I don’t know why, but it always seems to be overcast on our last day. Is that a way to make us feel better since we have to leave? That’s fine with us, because I would rather it be overcast than beautiful and so far, 3 for 3 – overcast on last day only. I know it eventually burns off – but it just seems to be overcast a lot longer on our last day.

We got up early and sat on the beach and watched some cruise ships come in. We had our last breakfast at Dushi. We went back to the beach and had our last swim in the ocean. We know we better savor this because it is 90 degrees in Aruba and we are about to go back to 40 inches of snow! Stayed on the beach as long as possible, make the rounds to say goodbye to friends, and head back to the room. Bully calls with the pick up time for airport. Reality is setting in – oh well. We’ll be back next year.

In the meantime, enjoyed Barbados August 2010 for my 40th.

Back to Aruba January 31-February 10, 2011!