“We wouldn’t trade Divi Phoenix for the world.”
When we first spoke with the Brenda and Joe Farmer back in 2018, they had just renewed their vows on Eagle Beach for their 35th anniversary. Today, they’re still keeping that tradition alive. In August, the couple celebrated 43 years of marriage, taking part in Aruba’s annual Vow Renewal Ceremony for the sixth year in a row. “We wouldn’t have missed it for anything in the world,” Brenda says.
Meet Brenda & Joe
It’s become a ritual that, along with long beachfront stays, feels like the recipe for everlasting love: a tropical backdrop, uninhibited rest, and time set aside just for each other.
This summer, the Farmers stretched their stay to a record six and a half weeks, thanks to extra Vacation Club points. “It was very, very nice. The time was very useful and relaxing,” Brenda says of the trip they were able to plan a full year in advance. “We did a lot of rest on the beach, restaurants, a little casino, a little bit of everything. The resort is beautiful. They’re doing a lot of upgrades, and it’s still beautiful. I truly have no other destination desire.”
Adventure isn’t far from their lives, either. Earlier this year, they spent 40 days exploring Africa, visiting Tanzania and Nairobi, before returning to Aruba’s familiar shores for pure relaxation. For them, travel serves multiple purposes: bold adventures abroad, and blissful, unhurried days on Aruba.
Over the years, the Farmers have seen Aruba transform. “There’s new people, new hotels, restaurants, and even electric scooters now,” Brenda notes. Yet the best parts of the island are still the same. “Since it’s a beachfront resort, you get to see the sunrise and sunset every day. And it’s still just so peaceful — you can fall asleep right there on the beach.”
The couple enjoys supporting local eateries downtown while also indulging in the resort’s offerings: beachfront dining, the pools, and the new Wave Shack pizzeria. “Aruba has a little something for everybody,” Brenda says. “Movies, clubs, music, fresh and delicious food — you name it. Whoever you are, there’s something for you here.”
That flexibility supports their go-with-the-flow vacation style. “In our retirement, we are intentional about relaxing, enjoying life, and just having fun! We don’t schedule anything. We just decide what we want to do that day. Maybe we grill at the resort, maybe we walk downtown for lunch. Whatever floats our boat that day, that’s what we do.”
Community plays a big role, too. “You meet new people, but you also see the same faces. And everyone’s just so friendly!” Joe especially looks forward to his annual tradition of walking over to Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort every Tuesday morning for the putt-putt tournaments, where he reconnects with friends he’s made over the years. The pair loves to mingle at Divi Village’s Tuesday Manager’s cocktail party as well, after attending Monday’s party at Phoenix!
The Farmers also credit the Divi team for making each trip special. “The staff take great care of us,” Brenda says. “And the renovations at Phoenix are beautiful. Pearl is doing a fantastic job overseeing the upgrades; we’re excited to see it all come together.” They appreciate special President’s Elite perks like dining discounts, early check-in, late check-out when it’s available, and personal touches from the concierge team (a special shoutout to Michelle and Charlotte).
After more than a decade of returns, Brenda says the appeal hasn’t dimmed. Aruba may change a little each year, but the most important things never do: the beauty, the peace, the safety, and the sense of belonging.