The romance, creativity and dedication behind crafting a 365-day proposal, combined with the idyllic setting of Aruba and the Playa Linda Beach Resort, easily captured the collective imagination. In the time it took to elicit an excited ‘yes’ from the intended bride, it quickly became a viral sensation on YouTube. Eighteen months later, as the video climbed to 28.5M views, the newly-married couple of Jennifer and Dean Smith returned to the same location, where a well-planned proposal heightened an affection for a place already well-grounded in family vacation memories.
“The Playa Linda feels like home,” remarks Jennifer “My trips to Aruba have always been special, but our honeymoon visit was even more so.”
As a resort that already emphasizes the importance of hospitality and fulfilling high expectations, Playa Linda rolled out the red carpet for the newlyweds, treating them to one of its cozy, fully-equipped rooms, with glorious views of pool area and out onto the beach and the turquoise waters beyond. General Manager Mr. Peter van Grinsven, together with Hospitality Manager Mrs. Pauline Dijo, were among the first to extend a “Bon Bini” along with congratulations.
In providing a warm welcome back to the charming, young couple, many people and organizations contributed – the Playa Linda Beach Resort, with complimentary week accommodations as well as the Aruba Tourism Authority, which provided round-trip airfare. The on-island experience was enhanced by welcoming gifts from Jodi Tobman of T.H. Palm & The Juggling Fish, a Sunset Sail with dinner from Pelican Adventures’ Dylan Molina, a gift card from Gianni’s Group for Azzurro Restaurant and an exploration of the island with a Jeep excursion.
“We had a fantastic time!” remarks Jennifer enthusiastically while detailing all the couple’s different experiences. “The only bad part of the trip was in having to get in the taxi and head to the airport. We were so sad to leave,” she adds.
There is the feeling, however, they will be back. Long a favorite among loyal, return visitors, Aruba is often remarked upon for its friendliness, faultless weather, white sand beaches and community-based timeshares such as Playa Linda, and holds a special appeal for those marking momentous, milestone occasions.
