Aruba has the feeling of being a Caribbean paradise, with golden sands and the bluest of blue seas. Throw in a decent share of palm trees and you can see why it is that so many people are attracted to the island. Whilst sipping on cocktails and doing your fair share of sunbathing is obviously high on the list of priorities for many people, it isn’t the only thing that you can do whilst you’re visiting Aruba. If you’re the sort of person that enjoys having a flutter every now and then then you might want to consider heading along to Stellaris Casino, which is part of the Marriott Resort on the Caribbean island.
The fact that it’s part of a wider resort means that you’ve got a lot more than just the casino floor that you can explore and take advantage of whilst you’re there. The presence of the hotel on the beachfront ensure that the likes of snorkelling and paddle boarding are on offer, to say nothing of the boat trips and such that you might want to do. Should you be lucky enough to have made it away without your kids or not have any in the first place then you might want to make use of the Tradewinds Club. This is essentially like a hotel within the hotel, offering adults only perks that you’ll want to take advantage of at every opportunity.
The Casino
First things first, then, and a look at Stellaris Casino. The fact that it is in a hotel means that it isn’t the biggest hotel that you’re ever likely to spend time, but that doesn’t mean that you should dismiss it out of hand; after all, it’s a casino located in a beachfront property, so it’s got plenty about it that most people will enjoy. One of the major draws for a lot of people is that the casino is open 24-hours, so you can head along in the early hours if you find that you can’t sleep or in the afternoon if the sun gets a bit too much for you. There are a host of different slot machines available for you to play, which are attention-grabbing to say the least.
Table Gaming
Many casino-goers like to spend some time at the tables, given that they offer something that you can just get online like you can with slots. There is a decent choice of tables at Stellaris Casino, with more than 26 on offer. Obviously with that many tables on the go, the choice available to you of table games is more than a little bit exciting. You can opt for the usual choices such as roulette and blackjack, but there are also several different variations of poker that might tickle your fancy. From Let it Ride Poker through to Caribbean Stud and Three Card Poker, you aren’t going to to be short of options if you’re a fan of the game.
Sports Betting
Speaking of games, there are often some form of sports take place around the world at any given moment. Whether you’re a fan of ‘soccer’, American football or basketball, you will likely want to head to the state-of-the-art Race and Sports Kiosks that are available for you to place a wager on whatever’s being played at the time. It gives the Stellaris Casino an edge of those that offer nothing more than slots and/or table games. You might well notice that ‘Race’ is also in the name, with horse racing also covered by the Kiosks. That could be great news if you’re in Antigua when the likes of the Grand National or Cheltenham Festival is taking place.
The Resort
One of the big appeals about Stellaris Casino is that it isn’t a standalone venue. Instead, you will find the casino inside the Aruba Marriott Resort, which promises white sand and tranquil waters for those who want to head to it. The main hotel is family-friendly, with spacious accommodation for all who stay there, with the ability to get a private cabana in the adults-only pool area. That means that there is something for everyone at the hotel, given the fact that families can enjoy one part of it and those travelling without children can enjoy a whole different part, which comes under the Tradewinds Club banner.
The hotel’s Great Room is the heart of the resort, offering cocktails and live music every night of the week. You can also get some sushi or sashimi at the lobby bar or head to the on-site Starbucks if that’s more your style. As you might expect from somewhere calling itself a report, there is a spa and fitness centre on offer for those who would like to work up an appetite or treat themselves to a relaxing massage or the likes. Mandara Spa is based on the Balinese settle, offering as many as 12 private treatment rooms and the chance to have your treatment as a couple, if that’s the sort of thing that you enjoy doing together.
The Tradewinds Experience
If you’re looking to get away to an environment that is kid-free then the Tradewinds Club might be just what you’re after. It is an experience that elevates your stay in the Aruba Marriott Resort in every way imaginable, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows that take advantage of the beautiful views outside. As well as the deluxe rooms, those that opt for the Tradewind Club can unwind in the club lounge or choose to enjoy a cabana by the H2Oasis, an adults-only pool. There is a private beach only for Tradewind Club members, which has relatively easy access to food and drink to keep you refreshed all day long.
Options for the Sporty Types
If you like your sports then you’ll be pleased with what’s on offer at the Marriott Resort in Aruba. The catamaran sail is the best way to see the island’s best snorkelling sites, for example, lasting for four hours if you head off in the morning or three hours if you’re more interested in going out in the afternoon. If you’re more interested in putting your body through its paces then you’ll be delighted to know that there are tennis courts available, as well as places that you can play pickleball or basketball, along with all of the necessary equipment. There is also a brilliant golf course nearby, should that be more your cup of tea.
The course has been designed by Robert Trent Jones II and is located on the north-west point of the island. The Tierra del Sol Golf Course offers incredible views of the Caribbean Sea, with the links course promising a genuine challenge in a beautiful environment. If golf isn’t your thing but the idea of seeing more of Aruba appeals, perhaps the Jeep Tour might be for you. The open-air vehicles allow you to see the parts of the island that not everyone gets to experience, with the option to head along to a natural pool or even some of the islands caves. In short, if you’re the sporty type then there are options aplenty for you.