Caribbean Travel Guide: Aruba
Cruises and air flights from the world over converge on Aruba and unleash an army of travelers who scale several thousands kilometers to get their dates with arguably one among the most beautiful and stunning island destinations in the heavenly Caribbean region. These parts of the world are a regular feature of the vacation lists of the world’s most enthusiastic and adventurous travelers. Awesome weather and awe inspiring beautiful sights of nature make Aruba a magnet for those who are in love with the thought of being close to nature in its purest form.
Aruba offers its guests a whole menu of options when it comes to the primary ingredient of tours in the Caribbean, that is, beaches. From beaches that stretch across to several miles to those that are not too long, and from white sand banks to golden sand fields, visitors can literally pick and choose a location that matches their personalities, moods and preferences as far as beach tourism in Aruba is concerned.
The food menus of the restaurants and eateries in Aruba are as expansive as some of the beaches here. From local delicacies to amazingly delicious seafood, there is something waiting for you on almost every dining experience you have in Aruba. Apart from these, selective eaters can always look forward to enjoying their meals in restaurants serving international cuisine. Whereas dinners at some of the better known restaurants and resorts are fresh dimensions to the pleasure you get from your tour to Aruba, there are several easily affordable small restaurants all over the place, serving well made and freshly cooked food. Of course, there are many cafes where you can spend some time with yourself sipping a cup of custom made coffee drink, and bars where you can make merry with your gang of friends.
Accommodation suiting all pockets is easily available in and around Aruba. You can easily reserve rooms in a lavish resort to open up opportunities of experiences like candle lit dinners in the presence of light caressing winds and swimming sessions in wide swimming pools in the backdrop of the skies painted red by the setting sun. And for those who like the thoughts of saving a few bucks on accommodation and then investing them on a session of some serious water sporting action can look for inexpensive lodges, some of which even serve freshly cooked food at equally affordable prices.
Waterfalls, mountains and beaches, all are on your itineraries when you land in Aruba for your dream vacation. You have options of art galleries and museums to get up close and persona with the rich history of the place. Also, be prepared for the rush of adrenalin when presented with the opportunity of throwing caution to the wind and indulging in some heavy duty water sports and adventure. Enjoy shopping sprees in the well developed market places of the place and pick some souvenirs from the local craftsmen.
Aruba Hotels and Resorts
Aruba is known the world over for its amazing beaches and wonderful tourist resorts. The massive surge in the number of tourists coming to visit Aruba in the past decade or so has given a corresponding impetus to the tourism industry in the area. The result has been the emergence of some absolutely stunning luxury centres in the form of the sprawling resorts of Aruba. This article takes a look at this world of endless luxuries and facilities that pamper your senses and magnetize you to an extent that you just wish to remain hooked on to the world of peace, relaxation and comfort that you find in these resorts and hotels.
The beachfront 12 acre site that houses this wonderland of a resort is a place that introduces you to some of the most lavish facilities of accommodation one can ever hope to see. How about some hours of the afternoon invested close to the multilevel water pool and the two story water slide of the resort? And then, there are the fitness facilities of spa and fitness centre. There is so much to explore in the resort that you will feel like living in a city of sorts!
The Aruba Marriott Resort gives new meanings to relaxation and pleasure. Entertainment is just a few steps’ walk from you at any time of the day and any day of the week when you are here. The Dutch architecture is a winner with all the guests and so are the fully loaded rooms of the resort. The spacious guest rooms offer comfort and luxury combined in one powerful cocktail.
It is not common for a resort to be popular among all kinds of tourists, tight from privacy seeking couples to those on a family vacation. The Ocean Suites cater to the families whereas the Marina Hotel hosts adult guests. 40 acres of private beach area adds to the uniqueness of the resort. The market place of the resort is another entertainer, as is the water taxi service from the hotel.
Occidental Grand Aruba, Palm Beach
The facilities at this superb resort include dining at as many as six different restaurants, tennis courts and endless water sports activities, a dedicated kid’s club to keep your kids engaged as you go out for some adventure sports, and a whole menu of other entertaining and engaging activities that will never let you get off the holiday hook. The onsite casino of the resort seals the case anyways, so there is another irresistible incentive for booking with this resort.
The oceanfront room of the Tamarijn of Divi Resorts and the garden suites of the Dutch Village are ideal destinations for those seeking comfort in the pristine quarters of Aruba. The Alhambra Casino is a few minutes’ walk from the place, and this is a pretty hefty addition to the entertainment quotient of the resort.
Aruba Beach Villas, Malmok Beach
Far from the noisy locations in Aruba, you get to live in an environment of utter peace and tranquillity close to Malmok Beach in the form of Aruba Beach Villas. This place is perfectly suited for couples and families. The room service is great, and so are the sights and sounds of the neighbouring areas. The water sports activities at the beach add a different dimension to your stay at these villas.
The Aruba Marriott Hotel Tradewinds Club
Here is the perfect place for you if you want a sense of control over the serving of luxury you get in Aruba. You get personal attention in this resort. For those in need of being close to nature, staying at The Aruba Marriott Hotel Tradewinds Club is like living a dream as the sights out of the windows of the room are nothing short of a heavenly spectacle.
The Aruban Resort & Casino, Eagle Beach
Formerly popular as La Cabana Villas, this resort has a whole range of new facilities lined up for you with its new name. Affordable sophistication is what you get with this resort. The redesigned service structure and the infrastructure are worth appreciation. The resort has its own restaurant where you can enjoy some delectable Caribbean flavours at reasonable prices. This is i addition to the usual list of features like bars and beach. You also have Internet access so that you can stay connected if you want to.
Riu Palace, Palm Beach
With simply overwhelming scenes of the Caribbean Sea within your sights, the rooms of Riu Palace are nothing short of absolute dreamlands. Of course, the host of modern facilities and gadgets that you find in the rooms help a lot in creating the perfect sense o comfort away from your home. The resort is in proximity to the Palm Beach. This is one of the best places to book for your family if you belong to the clan of uncompromising travellers who do not wish to spend even a single moment without the luxury that contemporary lifestyles take for granted. Truly, this is among the top rankers in all inclusive resorts of Aruba.
The Westin Resort, Palm Beach
The Westin Resort and Casino is located on the mesmerizing stretch lining the breathtaking Palm Beach. The mere thought of living near the natural setting of the beach and in a host of modern life luxuries is immensely lucrative. The Westin Resort makes this dream come true. Come over to this place and make your Caribbean vacation the best vacation of your life. There is not even the slightest chance that a single moment of your time in the resort will be wasted in doing something routine. A vast world of new experiences and activities awaits you at The Westin Resort.
Major Cities in Aruba
Oranjestad
Being the capital city has its advantages, and Oranjestad is no exception to the rule. The capital city of Aruba has grown by leaps and bounds over the past few years, and is now a preferred tourist destination for both the adventure seeking tourist as well as the one without a fixed agenda and just a craving for a good mix of vacation pleasures like good accommodation, fine dining, interesting sight seeing and a dash of history and architecture. Oranjestad is located on the southern coast of Aruba. This means that the city is an environment of utmost beauty. The locales are picturesque and the air of the place is heavy with healthy doses of cheers and charms. The houses are living exhibitions of Dutch architecture styles, and so are the government buildings and offices. The sights of carved wooden doors and the traditional Dutch tile works are worth all the investment of time and resources for a person interested in architecture and arts. Oranjestad’s markets are always buzzing and alive with activities. Local handicrafts and art pieces are among the most widely purchased articles in the marketplaces of Oranjestad. The summertime festivities of the carnival in Oranjestad and the fireworks of the New Year are the best times to be out in the open in the town. Oranjestad is always full of life, whatever be the time of the year.
San Nicolas
Your vacation to the Caribbean is incomplete dose of what the region is best known for, i.e. uninhibited relaxation. Aruba is one of those places in the Caribbean where you get all the elements that make the perfect Caribbean vacation. And San Nicolas, apart from being the second largest city in Aruba, is also a place that presents an irresistible set of flavours to tourists in Aruba. There is an unmistakeable sense of energy and liveliness about the city, and you will not take much time acclimatizing to the charming vibes of San Nicolas. Most of the residents of San Nicolas originally hail from the British Caribbean. The oil refinery has a huge role to play in the development of the city, and is a point of deviation of sorts to the otherwise extremely picturesque and naturally well endowed city. The modest houses of the city too have to add their bit to the personality of San Nicolas. Lately, tourism has really kicked in San Nicolas, and the result has been the development of several great tourism attractions and accommodation options here. From what was once a town of interest to the sailors who took shore leave to enjoy the hospitality of the town, San Nicolas has now made it big on the tourism circuits of the Caribbean. The number of visitors who visit San Nicolas to visit renowned spots like the Charlie’s Bar is on a persistent rise, and the future looks like a bright pathway for San Nicolas.
Aruba Nightlife
The afternoons in Aruba are best spent on the beachside or in sight seeing, as there are so many beach activities to indulge into and so many attractive sites to visit here. However, there is a different colour to Aruba as well, and it appears on the canvas as soon as the sun starts upon its journey into the temporary darkness of the dusk and night times. The bars and night clubs of Aruba can be really riveting as the night gets darker, and the pleasure finds no limits if you happen to be with your best pals inside the club! This article aims at introducing you to some of the better known night spots in Aruba where you can head over for some hard boiled action.
Mambo Jambo, Oranjestad
Mambo Jambo is a fruity destination with some tangy drinks up its repertoire. There is a sense and feel of festivities all around the club, and the celebrations hit overdrive as soon as the first signs of the night become evident. Dutch and Latin American visitors can be seen flocked in the club for good parts of the peak seasons. The cocktails on offer are simply stunning, and worth more than the casual sip. Head over to Mambo Jambo and get down to some serious dancing and drinking.
Blue, Oranjestad
Blue is the place to be in if this is the colour of your mood! Surely, the blue mod will change into one of utter freedom and enjoyment as soon as you step inside the precincts of this contemporary and up-style bar. The cocktails are well made, the attendants know the menu and are really courteous, and the atmosphere is simply electric. This is as good as it gets for some late night entertainment.
Carlos and Charlie’s, Oranjestad
From the Pancho Villa to the Frog’s Buster, there is no dearth of surprises and shocks on the menu of Carlos and Charlie’s. What’s more, you get to keep your glass as a souvenir of sorts! There isn’t any run-of-the-mill routine associated with the events at this place, and you can bet that you’ll find the unique styles and charms of the place will quickly have you bowled over.
Casablanca Casino
Casablanca Casino takes you to the era of the classic movie. Live bands playing and the beverages add to the excitement all the while. Electronic video games and other casino games will keep you engaged for as long as you want. This is the place to be in for the adventure seeking people in Aruba. If you are on the lookout for a night to cherish and remember for the rest of your life, you might just want to decide in the favour of Casablanca Casino.
Aruba Shopping Locations
Just in case you have some time off the sight seeing and beach activities, there is a lot to shop around for in Aruba’s major towns and cities. You can get your hands upon anything from a crazy looking robotized toy for your kids to a funky t-shirt for your own use. Of course, there are too many souvenirs to choose from. Dedicated shops offer specialty products and do it pretty well. There are some renowned shopping locations in Aruba where you can safely shop around without the tension of getting ripped off. Here are a few well known shopping locations in Aruba.
Kay’s Fine Jewelry, Oranjestad
Kay’s Fine Jewelry is counted among the best offerings for shoppers in Oranjestad. Get ready for a wonderful shopping experience here. The designs are absolutely amazing, and the support of the staff is commendable. Even the hardest to please costumers are guaranteed to come out of the place with a pretty heavy shopping bag. The prices are not overwhelming, so you can be certain that you won’t be ripped off here.
Aruba Glass Ceramics
Aruba Glass Ceramics offers you some simply adorable gifts to take back home for your family members and friends. You’ll find a variety of stuff for purchase here. The pendants and bracelets are pretty popular among tourists as well as locals, so you might want to check them out. The glass beads are worth all your attention and make for wonderful gifts and souvenirs. This is the place to be in for a fulfilling shopping experience.
Gold Palace, Oranjestad
Jewelry is a cool option for personal buying, as well as for gifting purposes. However, there are not many places selling you great jewelry with great designs at reasonable prices. This is where the Gold Palace in Oranjestad makes its presence felt by providing some stunning items for shoppers. The design are awe inspiring and almost irresistible. From watches to bracelets, you have so much to shop for here that the shopping experience becomes a real pleasure.
Agatha Boutique, Oranjestad
Head over to Agatha Boutique for a look at some special designs. There is so much stress on quality and uniqueness of the products of its boutique that you can not resist buying more than what you might have planned originally. Shoes and bags from this place make for great gifts apart from serving useful purposes.
Cigar Emporium, Oranjestad
For a sumptuous dose of coffee and cigars, there is hardly any reason for you to skip a moment before hitting the Cigar Emporium. The staff is there to help you and choose from the range of great cigars on for sale at this place. Unlike many other rip offs, the prices are remarkably reasonable which makes shopping a real worthwhile activity. Check out for the Friday happy hours if you can arrange for a visit accordingly! Each penny you sped at this shop is a penny spent well. Pick a cigar or two for your buddies back home and register yourself in their good books for the rest of your life.
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