Aruba Beach Resort Guide
Introduction
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It is not difficult to lean back and take it easy on an island such as Aruba. Its way of life is just the tonic for any frazzled visitor: like the aloe vera gel whose origin of plant is everywhere on the island, there is something here to soothe anyone's daily stresses and abrasions. Arubans know that they live on an island with the best that Caribbean sea and sand has to offer. There is something for everyone, with certain beaches regarded best for activities such as snorkelling, surfing, windsurfing and diving as well as great nightlife and culture in the capital of Oranjestad.
Who goes there?
In a word, everyone. The island caters to the upscale traveller as well as those looking for a moderately-priced vacation, the party animals to the visitor wanting to curl up with a book on a secluded beach, and activity seeking families to honeymooners looking for romance.
Where in the world?
Aruba, approximately 184 sq km (70 sq miles), sits in the southern Caribbean, just 20km (15 miles) off the coast of Venezuela. It is the most westerly of the A, B, C islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao) which are all below the hurricane belt. It is part of the Kingdom of The Netherlands.
When to go?
With an average temperature of 28°C (82°F), this dry and sunny island is made pleasantly cool throughout the year by constant trade winds. Short showers occur during the months of October, November and December.
Beach
It doesn't get any better than a walk on powdery sand and turquoise waters sliding over your feet. Bordering the hotel zone, Palm Beach, located about 17km (11 miles) north of Oranjestad, is often crowded. It is the place for watersports (diving, parasailing, kite surfing) or just lazing on a lounger. Many prefer the calm surf and sand expanse of Eagle Beach, 20km (15 miles) north of Oranjestad.
Beyond the beach
Not all the wildlife is at the dance clubs. Donkeys, as well as scores of birds and lizards, find Aruba just as appealing as humans do. Nearly 20% of the island is a national park with an exotic landscape of petroglyphs (odd rock formations and caves). Learn all about aloe production at Aruba aloe in Oranjestad, the island's charming capital.
Family fun
Shallow Baby Beach, about 14.5km (9 miles) south of Oranjestad just beyond San Nicolas, is calm and shallow enough for wading - perfect for the little ones. Hikes and off-road jeep adventures are fun terra firma trips for everyone. Learn about creatures at the butterfly farm, on J E Irausquin Boulevard in Palm Beach, or the ostrich farm on Makividiri Road.
Retail therapy
Since Aruba has it roots in Holland, think Delft pottery and cheese. The island is also the world's largest producer of aloe. Browse the ‘duty free' shops on Oranjestad's popular shopping street Caya G F Betico Croes. Sometimes luxury items (jewellery, cameras, perfumes and so on) are discounted by as much as 25%, but be a savvy shopper and check prices before leaving home to ensure a good deal. And a word to the wise: don't even thing about haggling as locals consider it rude.
A night on the town
There is no problem finding action when the sun goes down as the nightlife grooves with 11 casinos and tons of clubs and bars. Things don't get started until around midnight but partying often continues to the small hours. The funky Kukoo Kunuku, takes revellers to dinner and bar hopping aboard a 50-year-old, brightly coloured bus. The tour operates Monday through Saturday from 1800 until midnight and changes watering holes daily.
Eating out
The main cuisines on the island are Cuban, Brazilian, Italian, Japanese, French, Caribbean and seafood - Aruba's eateries run the gamut. Sample local specialities like
pan bati (a pancake-like sweet bread),
keshi yena (a brown sauced covered, spiced seafood or beef baked in a Gouda cheese shell), or
scavechi (marinated fish). To save a little money, check out the Aruba Gastronomic Association (
www.arubadining.com). They offer three-course, discount dine-around packages at high end restaurants.
Getting around
Arubus, the island's reliable public transportation, runs every 20 minutes. It will take you practically any place you need to go. Car rentals are available but to navigate the isle's rugged terrain, get a four-wheel drive. For true adventure, rent a Harley.
Exploring further afield
Hop a puddle jumper with Dutch Antilles Express (
www.flydae.com) to Aruba's neighbouring islands of Bonaire or Curacao. Each has its own personality. While Aruba is party central, Bonaire is laid back. With 86 awesome dive sites and 213 fish species, it is top with those who like to explore the ocean's bottom. Curacao has fine beaches and lots of watersports but is more cosmopolitan. In fact, it looks like a pastel-coloured Holland with palm trees.
Splashing out
Visit Charlie's Restaurant and Bar on Mainstreet in San Nicolas. Paste your business card on the wall. Everyone else does. This island institution, one of the most popular watering holes on the island, has been around for 65 years. The staff will fill you in on the happenings of the little hamlet of San Nicolas.
Flying in
Aruba Queen Beatrix Airport (AUA)
