When you think about the ultimate exotic locations that spark your wanderlust, Aruba is likely to be one of your top choices. A Caribbean Dutch island where locals speak a unique blend of many languages, where every sunset is postcard worthy and a private island that is home to the most beautiful birds I have ever seen. The Flamingo beach, located on the private island of the famous Renaissance Aruba Resort, is one of the reasons many people visit Aruba but there is more to it than just the beautiful pink flamingos.

When you see them for the first time they just take your breath away. At first I noticed that the flamingos are much smaller and gentler birds than I expected. Their feathers are in different shades of pink and orange but I will let the pictures showcase their beauty. The Hollywood stars of Aruba have an incredible tolerance and patience. There are constantly people around them, trying to take a selfie with them (I took some too).  You can relax on flamingo beach and admire their beauty for hours, feed them if you wish, but that’s not all you are going to find on the private Renaissance island.

5 Reasons to visit Flamingo beach (besides the flamingos)

1. The best cocktails in Aruba

I am sure this is open to debate, but throughout my stay in Aruba, the cocktails I tried at one of the island’s beach bars were definitely the best ones I had. While all bars across the island serve the very red and sweet Aruba Ariba cocktail, the Papagayo beach bar offers some more unique flavours with a twist. I’ll admit, I tasted a few of their cocktails (some made with the local rum) and I loved them all. If I had to choose though, the Pelicans Golden Egg was my favourite. A very light, fruity combination of melon, watermelon, lavender and gin. Oh and if you are lucky, you might actually spot a real pelican on the island while you are enjoying your cocktail. Perfection.

2. Tropical nature

Despite the fact that Renaissance island is a man-made exotic paradise, it’s actually bursting with nature. Surrounded by a mangrove forest and a home to many beautiful creatures, the island offers a surprising experience that takes you away from the casinos, hotels and all the noise. There are no real buildings on the island, just two beach bars and tiny shop. The tall magnificent palm trees protect you from the sun, so there aren’t that many umbrellas on the beach. Just watch out for the falling coconuts. :)

If you walk to the end of Flamingo beach, you will reach the “Nature Trail“. The Nature trail is basically a natural mangrove tunnel, totally secluded. You are not going to be completely alone on this path though. If you read the sign right at the entry, you will be warned about the the Mangrove mosquito…many of them. The Nature Trail is their kingdom. So I strongly recommend putting some clothes on or applying some mosquito repellent as you might get eaten for breakfast as you dive in the tropical mangrove forest. :) Make sure to also watch your step for the fascinating Hermit crabs.

3. Iguanas

The flamingos are definitely stealing the spotlight. Before people visit, they often don’t realise that there is another very special inhabitant of the island. The second beach on Renaissance private island is called “Iguana beach” because, as you can imagine, iguanas are guarding its entry. You can see them all around the island though, even on Flamingo beach. They totally get along with the flamingos. They look a bit scary, but they are extremely peaceful and relaxed animals. The iguanas basically chill in the sun all they long and probably talk about the pink birds, getting all the attention.

4. Ultimate peace and seclusion

I am sure that it won’t take long for you to find your perfect spot to relax on the island. You can choose between the two beautiful beaches, many sunbeds and a few hammocks (some in the water). Flamingo beach is an adult-only beach, while Iguana beach is more family-friendly. If you want to be truly secluded, in your own private hut (Cabana) on this private island, then you can totally do that too. It will cost you extra, but who can put a price on paradise? Tell me in the comments below, which one of these spots would be your favourite:

5. SPAradise & water sports

If you want to upgrade your experience even further, you can treat yourself at the Spa Cove. Enjoy a massage, while admiring the open view of the vast ocean right in front of you and if you are feeling hungry, you can get some food delivered to you as well. Food, massage and ocean views? Yep this is the true meaning of a sparadise. It’s the ideal experience to share with your other half on your honeymoon, but  you don’t need to get married to visit this place.

If you are not the massage kind of person, then you might prefer to get in the water and meet the underwater inhabitants of the island. Snorkelling, scuba diving, ocean kayaks, paddleboats and other ocean activities can definitely add some fun to your day at this tropical island.

Watch the video from my day at the island:

How to get to Renaissance private island in Aruba

Go to the water taxi stop, right across the Renaissance Ocean Suites, next to the Renaissance mall. The Renaissance Aruba private island is an 8 minute water taxi ride away. The private island is free for guests of the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino, but if you are not staying there you can buy a day pass for 100$. Best to call in advance to check if day passes are available for the day you are planning to go. If the Renaissance hotel occupancy is too high, the island is open for guests of the hotel only. You will find some very welcoming staff on the island regardless of where you are staying and one true tropical paradise.

*Disclosure: my stay at the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino was complimentary, in collaboration with the Aruba Tourism Authority, all opinions are my own. This is a true paradise.