Kayla Somers

This island is full of life, adventure and color— it gives you a feeling that you can’t explain. We recommend staying near Willemstad and renting a car for at least one day to explore the island. The capital city is famous for its waterfront views and colorful building display, but there is so much more to see outside of Willemstad. Whether you’re looking to party, eat your way through the city, spend your days at the casino, or simply just relax on the beach– Curacao

Although we spent a lot of our time at the resort, we took a short taxi ride into the city to explore a few nights. We enjoyed dinner at Palmeras, wore crazy balloon hats and sipped on a few cocktails at Señor Frogs, shopped around the Plaza and took a complimentary tequila tour at Mi Mexico Lindo. It’s a short 45 minute ferry to Playa del Carmen, and a one hour bus ride into the city. We left Cozumel early in the morning and took the last bus ride out of Tulum back to Playa del Carmen/Cozumel.

The Marriott offers shopping and dining, a fitness center, a swim up pool bar, live music AT the swim up pool bar, full service [food and drinks] at the beach, a comedy club, and a casino. they have a private island experience with flamingos, and the resort is conveniently located near the Renaissance Mall, the airport and Baby Beach. It is Aruba’s best smoothie bar— offering endless whole food options: fresh fruit, vegetable juices, smoothie bowls + more. Most days, we spent the afternoons soaking up the sun at the pool or beach— then we would grab a happy hour drink and watch the sunset at MooMba Beach Bar.

Heading south along the coast, our first stop was Pink Beach and the Cargill Salt Pans. Four to six slaves stayed in each hut at a time and on the weekends, the slaves had to walk 7-10 hours to Rincon to see their families. Queen’s Highway will take you back to Kralendijk, but first make a stop at 1,000 Steps Beach. There are actually only 67 steps, but they are named after the limestone stairs you have to walk down to get to the white sand beach.