THREE GREAT SUMMER ESCAPES

3 Perfect Days on One Happy Island! Couple Time

By Kristi Gomen

ARUBA! It is one happy island! The genuine smiles on the faces of the locals along with positive vibes and the grateful attitudes amidst the natural beauty of the island create a happy day, every day. With frequent flights from Central Florida to One Happy Island, we are going to guide you on the perfect summer getaway for you and your partner.

Aruba is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and is in the mid-south of the gorgeous Caribbean Sea, about 14 miles north of Venezuela. The beauty of this island mixed with the backdrop of the desert, yes desert, makes for the ultimate vacation destination.

We embarked on our journey with a check in at Aruba Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino. www.arubamarriott.com

This modern, upscale resort exemplifies the chic feeling and ambiance of a luxury resort. With 414 rooms, 24 suites, two pools and nine restaurants and bars, the resort offers daily entertainment and endless activities, including the largest spa and casino on the island. The resort, located on the north shores of the island known as Palm Beach is known for its crystal-clear waters as well as buzzing nightlife. With an average temperature between 79-88 degrees year-round, anytime is a perfect time to discover Aruba.

There is so much to see and do in Aruba or NOT! Your stay at the Aruba Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino is a destination within a destination. From the cooking classes with Chef, Mandara Spa experience, a jaw-dropping dinner beachside at Atardi, to the pools and cocktails, there are many flavors and experiences for travelers to enjoy. But the adventures within this fab resort don’t just stop there! Along the way, our island adventures were made perfect with the help of the locally owned resort partners including De Palm UTV tour, Sunset Sail and dinner at The West Deck. Of course, we will get to those fabulous adventures as we set up your perfect itinerary.

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DAY 1 – BON BINI (welcome in Papiamento)!

Upon arriving at the Aruba Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino, make yourself right at home upon arrival. After your check-in, enjoy a delicious welcome cocktail, mocktail or delish lunch or snack at Lobby Bar. This lobby exudes the most relaxed atmosphere for the vacationing couple or even the remote working couple looking to expand their horizons with a change of latitude and attitude.

After unwinding a bit, it is time to MIX IT UP! Yes, that’s right… Mixology lessons await. But there is more to just learning how to make the best signature cocktails on the island, the surprises and adventures that await in the days to come will kick-off with the ULTIMATE surprise at the end of your mixology class. We were in awe to see what topped off our signature cocktails. You must see it, to believe it!

DAY 2–IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU!!

The Mandara Spa and Tradewinds Club

Every couple’s getaway should begin and end with a SPA Day and this is one that will not disappoint.

The Mandara Spa

The Mandara Spa is a Balinese inspired spa that rejuvenates the body, mind and spirit. This spa, offering 12 private treatment rooms, exotic botanicals ad couples treatments capture the island essence of Bali in Aruba. The trained staff (in my opinion) has the magical power to heal all that one needs to relax and be mindful in the moment!

For a robust, adults-only experience, be sure to book the resort’s Tradewinds Club. This premier booking category offers the ultimate relaxation destination with a private, toplevel floor of accommodations overlooking Aruba’s glittering beaches through floor to ceiling windows of your room. Tradewind Club members can unwind in the club lounge or in a cabana by the H2Oasis adults-only pool.

De Palm Sunset Sail

No day of relaxation and zen would be complete without a sunset sail followed by fine local dining and a bit of nightlife to top it all off! We suggest taking De Palm Tours two hour sail De Palm Sunset Sail with light bites and an open bar followed by an amazing dinner at The West Deck. This beachfront restaurant offers a laid back setting with ocean front view and the perfect ending to a blissful day!

DAY 3- ADVENTURE AWAITS!

Let’s get DUSTY! Jump behind the wheel with De Palm Tours UTV Tours and set off on an off-roading adventure across the island’s desert side. YES, a desert side! As you travel amongst the cliffs and gaze at the ocean don’t be surprised by the gorgeous cacti that cross your path.

Upon returning home from your high thrills adventure, we recommend enjoying the resort pools, beach or testing your luck at the casino!

After an afternoon of fun, it is time for one of the true highlights of the resort–you will not see it during the day, however, this pop-up beach side sunset dining restaurant offers a signature culinary experience that showcases some of the island’s best features: beach, sunset and seafood! Atardi, comes to life just in time for guests to wiggle their toes in the sand while savoring flavorful island creations.

DAY 4 ... Back to reality but with a HAPPY BODY, MIND & SPIRIT!

Girls Trip!

Stepping Out in Style & Star Gazing!

By Kristi Gomen

STEP IN STYLE!

Central Floridians looking for an easy drive and a beautiful coastline of beaches, restaurants and shopping will not be disappointed with a stay at the W Fort Lauderdale. New this summer the W Fort Lauderdale is offering unique experiences sure to delight, excite and maybe add a little STAR POWER to your visit.

“Sprayed in Style” | W Fort Lauderdale

Steal the scene with a one-of-a-kind ready-to-wear art piece. W Fort Lauderdale has teamed up with local arts program, ArtServe, to launch the new “Sprayed in Style” experience. Perfect for the solo traveling trendsetter or the next group of “It” girls, book an oceanfront suite and have a graffiti style artist, such as @danielasvart or @aovibez, customize a fashion item with expressive, abstract and colorful designs. Shoes, jackets, hats, purses – you name it, they spray it. Sit back, relax, and soak in the moment as you watch the artist bring your personalized style to life on your oceanfront balcony.

Exclusive to oceanfront suites. Pricing starts from $450 for two hours. $130-$150 per hour for additional hours, up to four hours. www.sprayedinstyle.com

“It Was Written in The Stars” | W Fort Lauderdale

Zodiac-inspired cocktails? Check. Zodiac-inspired manicures? Check. A PJ party night-in with a psychic and henna tattoo artist? Double check. With W Fort Lauderdale’s newest “It Was Written In The Stars” package you and your crew can look forward to a mystic few days of endless excitement, dedicated to celebrating each astrological sign, from bold and daring Leos to magnetic and dreamy Pisces. Perfect for a girlfriend’s getaway, birthday bash or bachelorette, the package includes 2-nights or more of accommodations and the unforgettable offerings – two cocktails from a secret zodiac menu (shhh!) with a drink inspired by each sign, a signature manicure with glitter and charms to match the vibe, and a PJ party in one of the hotels oceanfront suites with effervescent VIP guests (henna artist and psychic). Visit wfortlauderdale.com to learn more, and use code PES at checkout to book.

Family Fun in Georgia!

By Kristi Gomen

Barnsley Resort

‘An Elevated Summer Camp’

Summer camp isn’t just for the kids! Step onto Barnsley Resort, a 3,000-acre resort-meets-playground for a few days surrounded by nature, creating a refined getaway reminiscent of summer camp. From axe throwing and archery to horseback riding and elevated southern cuisine cooked over an open-flame, you’re sure to enjoy the ultimate elevated camp-y experience.

We have put together a list of our most favorite things to do at this family friendly resort that is a short flight or day drive away.

■ Take a lesson or two on the art of archery and axe throwing. ■ Ride a horse on a guided trail ride through the

Blue Ridge Mountains. ■ Get your adrenaline going and bring down flying clay disks with Beretta shotguns at the five-stand and on the 14-station clays course. ■ Create memories together with the resort’s rotating calendar of special events, such as Family Friendly Bingo, live concerts, Birds of Prey seminars and more. ■ It’s not summer camp without s’mores! Toast up a sweet treat at one of the resort’s outdoor fire pits. ■ Stretch out and enjoy elevated accommodations in the 55-room Inn or one of the 39 cottages dotting the

Village Green. Cottages accommodate families of all sizes with options ranging in size from one to seven bedrooms, each with living spaces and kitchenettes.

Bring fido, as select cottages are pup-friendly! ■ Explore the resort with a walk through the Manor

House Ruins & Gardens. ■ Fish, canoe or hike around the one-acre lake to the

Overlook or jump on a bike and create the ultimate family fun day!