PHOTO: © RONALD ADCOCK | DREAMSTIME
There’s something called the Aruba Effect — it’s the feeling visitors get while there that stays with them long after their island departure. Feel it for yourself on the most popular Dutch Caribbean island, known for having the least amount of rainfall in the Southern Caribbean, boasting a pleasant 82-degree climate year-round and being situated outside the hurricane belt. Discover the sights, sounds, culinary delights and welcoming people — and, of course, the incredible beaches and water adventures — of this 20-mile-long One Happy Island.
GETTING THERE & AROUND
Frequent non-stop or single-connection flights arrive at Queen Beatrix International Airport regularly from most major U.S. cities. No visa is required, just a valid passport, and the island encourages visitors to fill out the Embarkation-Disembarkation Card online prior to travel. From the airport taxis are readily available, and bus stops outside make catching Arubus buses convenient. Numerous car rental agencies can be found at the airport, and with Aruba’s safe and modern roads, renting a car proves an easy option for travel around the island. Taxis; an efficient bus system; and bike, motorcycle and scooter rentals also abound. Arrange shuttles to hotels, resorts and attractions.
LODGING
Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
Situated on Palm Beach, guests enjoy plenty of amenities, from the 24-hour casino and H2Oasis adults-only pool to 10,450 square feet of event space perfect for hosting any type of event.
L.G. Smith Blvd. 101, Palm Beach, Aruba, tel 297 586 9000 marriott.com
Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort
Seek a truly romantic escape at Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, an adults-only, eco-friendly resort on Eagle Beach. The 45 suites and 59 guestrooms are Certified Carbon Neutral.
L.G. Smith Blvd. 55B, Eagle Beach, Aruba, tel 297 583 1100 bucuti.com
The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba
Indulge in luxury at Palm Beach’s The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba with 320 guestrooms, including 55 suites; two pools; five dining options serving Italian, international and American cuisine; a 13-treatment-room spa; 24-hour casino; and more.
L.G. Smith Blvd. 107, Noord, Aruba, tel 297 527 2222 ritzcarlton.com
DINING
Flying Fishbone
Known as the first Aruban restaurant to popularize on-the-beach, feet-in-the-water dining, Flying Fishbone delivers delicious steak and seafood combinations in the fisherman’s town of Savaneta.
Savaneta 344, Savaneta, Aruba, tel 297 584 2506 flyingfishbone.com
Restaurant Anno 1877
The thought behind Anno 1877 started with Amsterdam-born Linda Pool and Aruba- born and -raised Patricia Werleman — two women with a dream. Today find fine dining in a historic, 18th-century Oranjestad building.
Wilhelminastraat 27, Oranjestad, Aruba, tel 297 583 0020 restaurantanno1877.com
Wilhelmina Restaurant
Chef Dennis van Daatselaar serves high- quality ingredients flown in from around the world at the speakeasy city garden known as Wilhelmina. Find creative dishes here you won’t find anywhere else on the island.
Wilhelminastraat 74, Oranjestad, Aruba, tel 297 583 0445 wilhelminaaruba.com
ATTRACTIONS
Arikok National Park
Arikok National Park comprises almost 20 percent of the island at 7,907 acres in northeastern Aruba. Find geological diversity among cultural and historical components such as desert-like terrain, protected native flora and fauna, natural pools, caves, hilltop vistas, and more.
San Fuego 70, Santa Cruz, Aruba, tel 297 585 1234 acf.aw
The Butterfly Farm
Perfect for all ages, visitors stroll a lush tropical rain forest amid flowers; trees; ponds; waterfalls; and hundreds of real, exotic butterflies. Guided tours take guests through the life cycle of these fragile creatures, and all is conducted with no harm to the animals.
J.E. Irausquin Boulevard, Noord, Aruba, tel 297 586 3656 thebutterflyfarm.com
California Lighthouse
California Lighthouse, in the area of Hudishinana, stands as the tallest structure on the island, named after the sunken S.S. California. A 2016 renovation commemorated its 100th anniversary. From the top enjoy 360-degree views, especially breathtaking at sunset.
Hudishibana 2, Noord, Aruba, tel 297 699 0995
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