Fast Facts:

• Location: 15 miles off the coast of Venezuela
• Languages Spoken: Dutch, English, Spanish, Papiamento
• Type of Travel: Beaches, Adventure, Romance / Honeymoon
• Currency: Aruba Floran (AWG), U.S. dollars are widely accepted
• Transportation: We highly recommend renting a 4×4 vehicle to get around the island. There are taxis available, but they’re not cheap.

We traveled south to the island of Aruba for a very special reason — to say “I do” in the Caribbean’s largest vow renewal ceremony. On August 8, we joined 159 other couples in recommitting ourselves to marriage on Eagle Beach in Aruba. We held each other’s hands and stared into one another’s eyes, and proclaimed our everlasting love to one another. It didn’t hurt that our backdrop was the number three beach in the entire world!

We were joined by our friends, Getting Stamped, as well as the Real Housewives of Orange County star Tamra Judge and her husband Eddie, and Joyce Giraud and her husband Michael from the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. We’ve traveled to over 70 countries, always in search of the most romantic places on earth. With its white sand beaches, perfect weather, and crystal clear Caribbean Sea, Aruba was definitely the perfect place to say, “I do,” all over again. Top 10 Honeymoon Destinations off the beaten path.

• The Flying Fishbone: On the evening of our fourth anniversary, we decided to dine at the Flying Fishbone, a toes-in-the-water epicurean experience. The tables and chairs are set in the Caribbean Sea, creating an unforgettable ambience that’s paired with delectable dining. If you want a table in the water, reserve the 5 pm reservation to ensure a serene sunset experience. You’ll also need to reserve a table well in advance as this restaurant books up quickly. If you’re celebrating an anniversary or birthday, this is the perfect restaurant for a special occasion.
• Elements: Located at Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, an adults-only resort, this beachfront dining experience has fabulous cocktails and an even better ambiance for romance.

• The Renaissance: The Renaissance has two locations – one at the marina and one on the ocean. While both are fabulous hotels, we prefer the ocean front location. The Renaissance is a large resort with plenty of activities and amenities. It’s located within walking distance to the marina and Orenjastad town.
• The Ritz Carlton: For a full 5-star experience, The Ritz Carlton Aruba has it all. Located in Palm Beach, The Ritz Carlton Aruba is the ultimate place to stay for a luxurious Aruban rendezvous.

• UTV’s: Off-roading through Arikok National Park with UTV’s (Utility Terrain Vehicle) was one of our favorite activities on the entire island of Aruba. We took turns behind the wheels of our UTV (it was too much fun for one of us to drive) and drove through the desert landscape of Aruba, through the national park, over dunes, and through dirt paths. I think Coco was trying out for Aruba’s next top stuntwoman because she was driving like Mad Max. Watch out, Angelina Jolie!
• Flamingo Beach: Flamingo Beach has been on our bucket list for years so this was a must-see while on the island of Aruba. We headed over to the Renaissance Hotel where we purchased day passes to the Renaissance Private Island. From there, we took a 10-minute boat ride over to the Renaissance private island, home to about a dozen friendly flamingos. We highly recommend arriving early in the morning (the beach opens at 7 am) to beat the tourist crowds. Note: This is an adults-only beach, but children can enjoy the flamingos from 9 am to 10 am.
• The Natural Pool: Get an early start and beat the crowds to the Natural Pool, a self-explanatory swimming hole with crystal clear Caribbean water. Many tours stop at the Natural Pool around noon so it’s best to get here in the early morning hours before the crowds descend and the temperatures ascend.
• The Natural Bridge: Hop in your 4×4 vehicle and head over to the rocky side of Aruba to Arikok National Park. Drive through the desert landscape and enjoy watching the wild waves crash into the rugged rock formations. The original Natural Bridge collapsed in 2005, but there is still another Natural Bridge that stands today. You can even walk onto the bridge and snap photos as the Caribbean sea crashes underneath you.