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Aruba

If you’re going to Aruba, you must be a water-lover because the water is clear and aqua-tinted…you’ll really be amazed. Aruba marches to the beat of a different drummer than most of the Caribbean islands. At the southern edge of the sea, where the climate and landscapes are markedly different, this is a unique spot renowned not just for its beaches. Aruba also boasts a diverse topography, a rugged terrain and numerous options for outdoor adventure.

That’s not to say the historically Dutch island is without its turquoise lagoons and coconut-palm-fringed coastline. And for those who do love the beach, it’s important to know that Aruba enjoys more days of sunshine than just about any other Caribbean destination.

We’re trekking through some of the island’s best resorts and hotels so planning your trip there will be that much easier. Dive in to this Travel To Aruba guide.

Quick Tips About Aruba Before You Go:
– Located about 12 degrees north of the equator, approximately 29km (18 miles) off the Paraguana peninsula of Venezuela. The island, one of the Lesser Antilles islands, is about 30 km (19 miles) long and about 8 km (5 miles) wide with an area of 193 sq km (75 sq miles) and a population of some 101,000. (CBS: 2010 Census)

– Aruba offers you a very large and varied choice of hotels, both low-rise and high-rise, apartments and guest houses. There are also numerous timeshare (Aruba is a red time location all year round) and real estate opportunities.

– Aruba is a great place for young kids and also older ones. There are a number of children’s playgrounds and all sorts of activities that will ensure that kids won’t want to leave!.

– There is no need to buy bottled water in Aruba, the island’s tap water is pure and refreshing, distilled in the world’s second largest saltwater desalination plant. Oil is refined on the island’s southwest coast and a by-product of this process is abundant pure drinking water and electricity. The plant is called the WEB, and there are many requests to tour the plant that is located in Balashi.

– Aruba’s low season falls between April 15th and December 14th and High Season is between December 15th and April 14th. Some hotel & resort accommodation packages differ from these dates by perhaps a week or so.

– Most stores open from 9 AM to noon or 1 PM and from 2 PM to 6:30 PM, although some remain open between noon and 2 PM. Shops are open from Monday to Saturday. Hotel stores have varying open hours so check at your hotel for these. Mall store hours are 10 AM until 6 PM.

– The time in Aruba is Atlantic Standard Time. It is the same as Eastern Daylight Savings time all year round.

For even more information about Aruba, visit Visit Aruba.

Aruba

Divi Aruba All Inclusive

At Divi Aruba, located in Oranjestad, you’ll spend most your time in that water. The two resorts share amenities: pools, a 30-foot climbing wall, bikes, tennis courts, a gym, children’s camp, and access to a neighboring casino. Though families and honeymooners outnumber other guests, the vibe remains mellow and beach-focused, not frantic with kiddie activities or bass-thumping nightlife. With nine restaurants, seven bars, and three pools you’ll never be at a shortage of things to do. If you stay at Divi Aruba, you’ll also have full use of the adjacent Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive.

For more information visit, Divi Aruba.

Aruba

Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa

Located in Palm Beach, this three-tower Dutch Colonial resort and casino boasts Aruba’s most comprehensive spa, extending onto a 1,500-foot stretch of powdery white sand. Tip: Book the Garden View rooms 1316 and 3319, for maximum privacy. And don’t miss the aloe-and-rum massage at the 13,000-square-foot Larimar Spa.

For more information, visit Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa.

 

Aruba

Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa

You’ll never believe this resort was formerly a Best Western. Sitting on the western coast of the island in Oranjestad, it has 71 simple rooms, most of which open right onto one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful stretches of sand. Green Globe certified, at the Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa they “promise to preserve a safe and healthy environment for the island of Aruba, its people and visiting guests.” If you’re in search of palapas, crystal clear water, and a cocktail, what more could you need? Maybe a shiatsu massage at the beachfront spa, set in a tropical garden. Yeah, you’d like that.

For more information, visit Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa.

 

Aruba

Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort

Have a memorable vacation experience at this intimate and picturesque resort. The beautiful Dutch Colonial architecture is a unique setting in Aruba’s hotel area and will take your breath away. The resort looks out over pristine white Eagle Beach and, of course, its clear turquoise blue water. The 72 rooms have either courtyard or ocean views, though you probably won’t spend much time indoors—aside from a perfect beach, there is a freshwater pool, two restaurants, and a bar with a popular happy hour.

For more information, visit Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort.

 

Aruba

Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino

If you go on vacation to play, this is the place for you. Fresh from a 2008 $40 million renovation, this Palm Beach resort has a 24-hour casino, along with 411 guest rooms and seven restaurants and cafes including Ruth’s Chris Steak House provide fare from light to elegant, while the largest casino in Aruba, a 6,500 square-foot spa, free-form swimming pool and a health club offer entertaining diversions.

For more information, visit Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino.

 

Aruba

Bucuti & Tara Beach Resorts

An adults-only boutique resort, this is on Eagle Beach, tucked away on one of the top ten “Dream Beaches of the World”. Honored with many awards, including “top ten romantic retreat” by Coastal Living, Fodor’s Choice, and the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, Bucuti offers a refined and tranquil adults-only vacation experience, and is a perfect choice for honeymooners. The atmosphere is relaxed and gracious, and the European decor is contemporary and casual. Breakfast and wifi is included in rates.

For more information, visit Bucuti & Tara.

 

Aruba

Boardwalk Small Hotel

Tucked away next to the Palm Beach shoreline lies one of Aruba’s smallest and most charming hotels. Set amidst a coconut grove, the hotel is a three minutes walk to the white sandy beaches and turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Another 5 minutes walk and you have access to all of the area’s exciting nightlife, restaurants and activities. Privacy, intimacy and relaxation kicks in from the moment you walk into this little oasis, where an authentic island ambiance reigns. Thirteen cottages, named after little houses in spanish, namely “casitas”, are spaciously spread out in tropical gardens, creating a very private and authentic setting to unwind in. Each “casita” is foreseen of all the homely comfort you could hope for; from large living rooms and fully equipped kitchens to your own hammock and charcoal BBQ on an oversized shaded patio.

For more information, visit Boardwalk Small Hotel.

Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa

An unparalleled luxury hotel experience in Aruba awaits you at the exquisite Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa & Casino. Renovated with a stylish and welcoming lobby, delightful lobby bar and sumptuous guestrooms, this Aruba luxury hotel offers pampering service and amenities for an amazing Caribbean vacation. Treat yourself to rejuvenating spa treatments, learn to scuba dive, shop for amazing jewels, dine on tantalizing cuisine, or take a chance in their casino.

For more information, visit Hyatt Regency Aruba.

Aruba

Renaissance Aruba Resort and Casino

Indulge your taste for fun at a waterfront oasis bursting with energy and excitement at the Renaissance Aruba Resort and Casino. Here, in the heart of downtown, you’ll find two distinct resorts, offering fine dining, shopping and entertainment, treating both families and adults. The Renaissance Marina Hotel is an adults-only sanctuary with a sophisticated ambiance perfectly suited to singles and couples. At the Renaissance Ocean Suites, you will find ample room and activities for everyone in the family. Then, set out for Aruba’s only private beaches on Renaissance Island. These separate adult-only and family-friendly beaches are for guests only, and are a quick water taxi ride away, offering you the chance to enjoy a massage at the private Spa Cove, play tennis, grab a delicious lunch, or just let the sun caress you. Fun!

For more information, visit Renaissance Aruba Resort and Casino.
Aruba

Talk of the Town Hotel & Beach Club

Intimate, charming and inviting, the Talk of the Town Hotel and Beach Club is a casual boutique hotel located across the street from Surfside Beach and very close to downtown Oranjestad, the capital of Aruba. With only 63 fully equipped rooms and suites you can certainly taste the real Aruban service culture and friendship. Just walk across the street and discover one of the best beaches in Aruba, Surfside Beach. Far from the crowds of the congested high-rise hotels, plunge in the white sand quiet beach and enjoy the good service with a complementary chaise lounge at Nikky Club on the beach. A beautiful seaside walk through Linear Park, a pedestrian and biking course, will take you to downtown Oranjestad where you will find the best brand shopping on the island, a wide variety of cafes and supreme restaurants. Ride on the Tram from the port through all Main Street (Caya Betico Croes) to discover an extra variety of shopping and eating options. It’s all here.

For more information, visit Talk of The Town Hotel & Beach Club.