Having explored much of the Caribbean but not yet the ABC’s (Aruba, Bonaire & Curaçao) – I opted to take a week long late summer trip to Aruba. The weather on the island is certainly highly appealing with usually fairly constant temperatures moderated by trade winds, little rain on an annual basis, lots of sunshine and is located outside of the hurricane belt. Although I did have to reroute my original return flight plan which was through Houston (because IAH was shut due to the epic rains from the tropical storm Harvey) to Fort Lauderdale.
Conveniently located only 20 minutes from the airport in Orensjstad the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino is located along the edge of a very long white sandy beach. A stay here offers the luxury of a premium resort combined with the natural beauty of Aruba. For those that want action, Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino is an ideal place to park it for a few days. A variety of water-sports are available within short walk from the property, the casino is open 24/7, often there is live music in the evenings, a sizable pool that is very family friendly yet also appeals to adults with the swim up bar and the mesmerizing aquamarine water, long sandy beach and plenty of palm trees.
Speaking of the beach, those in the mood for romance should consider a romantic dinner at a table in the sand, mere steps away from the gently lapping waters. A dining table at Atardi Restaurant offers excellent seafood along with the opportunity to watch the sunset.
Other Highlights
Just north of the Aruba Marriott and Stellaris Casino is the California Light House. It’s name comes from a steamship of the same name that was wrecked nearby offshore. Over 100 years old it has become a popular tourist destination with accompanying vendors selling plenty of fresh coconuts to thirsty tourists in the hot sunshine.
Aruba is easily explored, especially if you have a rental car. The east side of the island features desert like landscape with cactus and arid vegetation. The beaches are further and far between here then on the west side of the island and the landscape tends to be rocky and rugged.
Worth visiting is Arikok National Park (remarkably covers nearly 20% of the islands’ total acreage). Highlights here include the Natural Pool (accessible only by 4wd or by hiking), a number of picturesque beaches, and several caves including my favorite the Guadirikiri Cave (with sunlight streaming through several holes in the roof).
And along Eagle Beach are two iconic trees – ‘twin’ Divi trees grow next to each other – with their gnarled trunks and picturesque canopy they create one of Aruba’s most iconic photographs.
And looking for another romantic experience, check out The Screaming Eagle Restaurant where you have the option to lie down while hosts brings your food and drink to your ‘bed’. French fusion foods with plenty of local seafood on the menu.
Need more ideas for your Aruba vacation? Here are 16 Facts about Aruba that will Surprise You!
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- I Love Aruba!
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- Aruba is famous for its white sand beaches
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- Guadirikiri Cave, Arikok National Park
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- Alto Vista Chapel
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- Quintessential Aruban water
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- Pretty building, Oranjestad
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- Divi-Divi Tree on Eagle Beach
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- Enjoying dinner at The Screaming Eagle
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- Divi-Divi Tree at sunset
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- Beautiful Divi Beach
Hi Dave,
That Aruban water is just gorgeous.
As are its white sand beaches.
Brilliant in so many ways.
Added to my list of course, for good reason: I love the tropics, and Aruba is a place not too far from home in NJ. I am used to circling the globe, going to places like Thailand and Fiji and Bali to get on beaches like that. Good to know it is a hop skip and jump away.
Thanks for sharing Dave.
Ryan
Thanks Ryan – yep a bit closer for you on the East Coast then California 🙂
Been looking into trips to Aruba and can’t wait to get there. Thanks for sharing your insights and photos. Looking forward to getting over there.
Dominic – thanks. Next time I want to visit Bonaire and Curacao and then fly down to Venezuela.
Just having come from Belize, I’m going to switch it up and head to Asia, but when I come back to the Caribbean, Aruba will surely be on my list. That water looks incredible, and I do love a good cave. Lovely pictures!
Aruba is definitely a beautiful place full of nature, an excellent climate, very good people and a pretty good economy.
I’m thinking of moving to the island, I’ll buy an apartment in Azure (www.azure-aruba.com), it’s kind of expensive but I think it’s really worth it; It is a beautiful condo!
Have not you thought about moving there? Maybe we can be even neighbors hahaha
Byron – Belize is a country i need to explore more of – especially the underwater of the barrier reef 🙂 I had a brief intro to the country from the Yucatan when I crossed over from near Xcalak a number of years ago.
Willard – yea, or maybe to Curacao – Ill be back in the Caribbean this March – this time to northern Haiti. Enjoy the islands 🙂