ARUBA
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Aruba is an autonomous member of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, a small,flat and windy coral island, not far from the coast of Venezuela. (Its famous divi divi tree always grows in one direction because of the wind!). The West of the island counts many white sand beaches, while the Eastern side has a rocky coast, with coves and a near desert landscape. People in Aruba speak Dutch, Papiamento and English, also Spanish and more. Aruba is very much appreciated by American tourists, since it has a great number of hotels and resorts belonging to American chains. This also means big shopping centers - one of them looks like Coconut Grove in Miami -, boutiques, restaurants and all type of modern amenities. Aruba is a favorite with cruise ships. In Aruba, you won't miss US- lifestyle. |
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Most of this hotels are located on one big sandy beach, some nearer to the capital, Oranjestad. You can also find many apartments and villas for rent on internet. Services are generally good, but not always cheap. Of course, the high rise hotels provide for probably everything you need. Generally, tourists going to Aruba tend to look for exactly that. |
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Some beaches are quiet, other offer a lot of activities - especially along Palm Beach, the hotel mile in the North. Water sports and diving - good for beginners - can be practiced in generally calm and always turquoise waters.
A stroll through Oranjestad, with its good shopping malls, as well as some "safari" style excursions to the East of the island are the best alternative when you get tired of beach and water sports. |
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Entertainment takes mostly place around the hotel mile and the capital. Nice terraces invite to a drink, and the big hotels often offer local shows and other type of entertainment. Aruba is also famous for its carnival, which starts end of January and lasts about two weeks.
But don't expect a night life like in St. Martin, with lots of discos and adult clubs.
Aruba doesn't offer tropical forests and you may not find many empty, romantic beaches for you alone. The island attracts people who love a comfortable hotel, directly on a beautiful Caribbean beach, with all the comfort they can get for their money, good restaurants and a reasonable amount of entertainment. |
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