Amsterdam Manor Resort, Aruba

The Amsterdam Manor Resort in Aruba is a striking contrast to the high-rise hotels that can be found on the island. The resort fronts Eagle Beach, one of the nicest beaches in the world, which is also photographed in this post and other places on this blog. Here’s a first look at the entrance.

The resort is a cluster of one and two-level buildings that surround a courtyard. In the courtyard you’ll find a bar, restaurant, and the pool shown here.

That’s the bar up there on the second level. From it you have great views of the water and beyond. This place has a completely different feel than the high-rises. There are rooms just a few yards from the pool. As you can see in the next photo, you can walk not ten steps for your morning swim from these.

Depending on what you’re looking for, it may be an option to consider. There are rooms tucked in around another courtyard (where you have a bit more privacy and quiet) like this:

Naturally there is a bar on the beach. Don’t forget to stay hydrated while you’re out there in the sun.

And, of course, here is a look at that beach as the sun is getting ready to set.

Whatever type of accommodations you prefer, make the most of your stay by remembering why you came to paradise: To relax! (Bring a good book, too! May I suggest An Island Away?)

Published in: on July 16, 2008 at 12:24 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Aruba Hyatt, Part 2

We’re on to the second part of the photo essay of the Hyatt Hotel in Aruba. We left off on our way into the grounds that form the central part of the complex.

Down the steps you go, across that bridge there, noting the water, the black swans, the parrots in their cages who might call out to you. A little further on, you see that the stream flows down to the swimming pools.

There are several pools here, one with a slide that plunges anyone willing to take the ride into the cool, refreshing water. Looking back, you’ll see the waterfalls.

Then there are the restaurants that front the koi pond where those black swans I mentioned also glide along from time to time.

In the evening the torches are lit and the lights in the pond. The place oozes romance. During the day it is just as beautiful. And then there are the bars next to the beach.

This is another haunt of mine. There was a bartender here that used to make me laugh so much I couldn’t get any writing done. He should have been a comedian. Maybe he was. Whatever the case, I enjoyed many an afternoon at this spot, scribbling in my notebook, watching people, and hacking through stories. For those interested in something a bit more nutritious, there is a juice bar beside the regular bar. Good thing, too, as sometimes we need a shot of vitamins to propel us through the afternoon.

Well, now you’ve had a look at the Hyatt in Aruba. I can still see my characters from An Island Away, acting out their parts here at this hotel. I think it is important to put characters into real places, locations that readers can see for themselves. It lends authenticity and provides an additional connection to the reader, which furthers the concept that a book is a dialog between the author and the reader. Just something to think about.

As mentioned before, I’ll be posting similar photo essays of other hotels in Aruba, Spain, and other places as I happen to work my way through the world and the stories I write.

Published in: on July 12, 2008 at 8:51 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Hyatt Aruba, Part 1

The next two posts will be mostly a photo essay of the Hyatt Hotel in Aruba. (Don’t worry, I’ll be doing the same for many other hotels. Just give me some time.) I used to stay at the Hyatt before relocating to another part of the island. This is the main entrance from the access road.

This is a circular drive accessed by taxis and buses. There are also valets at the entrance to the lobby. The hotel resembles a massive hacienda. When you reach the top of the stairs and look left, you’ll see the reception desk and the concierge is located to the right.

There are some guest rooms in a wing on this side of the complex. Looking right, you’ll see deeper into the lobby. On this side are located the casino, shops, and another wing of rooms. It is from this side that a pair of my characters in An Island Away enjoyed a view of the ocean from their room.

I stay out of casinos but my pal likes to gamble here. There is a live band that plays in a loft overlooking the bar and they’re quite good. Straight ahead from the entrance steps, you’ll catch a view of the lush foliage that is part of the central grounds.

There are man-made streams that cascade over waterfalls and ultimately end up in a koi pond or the swimming pools. First go down those stairs and look right, at the bar.

I’ve done a fair amount of writing at this bar (drinking, too), usually while I’m waiting for my pal to lose (I mean win) some money at the casino. Before heading further onto the grounds, take a look at the central courtyard and fountain through which the restaurants are accessed.

 Here they serve an absolutely fantastic Sunday Brunch, one I think rivals the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. Every breakfast item is available, as is a carving station with both ham and roast beef, and a raw bar with oysters. Then there are shrimp, bananas foster, a donut machine, salads, three lunch entrees, numerous sweet dessert selections, and on and on and on it goes. I’ve been known to graze here for hours, until they close. Service is top notch.

In the next post we’ll have a look at more of the grounds. In the mean time, hang out and relax.

Published in: on July 12, 2008 at 6:16 pm  Leave a Comment  
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