Aruba is a rather small island, measuring just 20 miles long by 6 miles wide at its widest point. The southwestern side of the island has calm, clear water; beautiful sandy beaches and is home to many resorts. The northeastern side of the island is very different, often referred to as the uninhabited “wild side.” We had a blast exploring this rugged desert terrain with our rented Jeeps, as much of this side of the island is only able to be reached with an ATV or 4WD vehicle.
Our day began at the California Lighthouse at the northern tip of the island. This 100-foot-tall structure, built in 1914–16, is named after a shipwreck of a British steamship, the SS California, that sank nearby in 1891 and is now a great dive site.
From there we ventured away from the named roads and began our off-road adventure. My then 18-year-old daughter took the wheel and did her best Mad Max impression, skidding around the desert trails. I held on for dear life and squealed as the dust trail from the Jeep in front of us, driven by our friend’s 19-year-old son, obscured our vision. We stopped at a few beaches along the way to the Alto Vista Chapel. These beaches are not like the beaches on the southern side; the water is dark blue and rough. The waves crash high on rocks as viewed from limestone cliffs, and you won’t see anyone swimming here. The only evidence of people around are the many rock towers that they have built and left behind.
The Alto Vista Chapel is a canary-yellow structure set in the middle of the desert down a cactus-lined trail. I couldn’t stop taking pictures of all the different beautiful cacti! If you keep your eyes open, you might catch a glimpse of wild goats among the cacti in the brush. The chapel rests on the site of Aruba’s first Roman Catholic Church, built by Spanish settlers and Caqueito people in 1750. The building that exists now was built in 1952 and holds a weekly Mass and each year on Good Friday.
We visited the the Bushiribana gold mill ruins and the site of the old Natural Bridge, which collapsed in 2005 after a hurricane. From there, the trails got a bit rougher, and we really tested our Jeep’s ability to go almost vertical! We were determined to make our way to Blackstone Beach and the Twin Bridges. We wanted to visit the Arikok National Park that day, but we ran out of time, so we found our way back to paved roads and finished up our day at the Aruba Aloe Factory and Museum. We learned that Aruba Aloe is not only one of the oldest companies on the island, it is also one of the first companies dealing with aloe vera in the world. We purchased some great aloe products in the gift shop and called it a day. Another great day in Aruba!
— Tracey Cullen, art director
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Apr 25, 2024Former Massachusetts Glasses Factory Transforms into New Hotel
In the late 1800s, eyeglass manufacturer George Washington Wells became the founder and owner of the largest eyeglass company in the town by merging with several smaller lens manufacturers in Southbridge, Massachusetts. By the early 1900s, Wells was running the largest eyeglass manufacturing company in the world, owning several factories in Southbridge and occupying more than 80 acres on both sides of the Quinebaug River. It was called the American Optical Company, known locally in town as “AO.”
Sponsored Content
A New Perspective on Incentive Travel
Incentive travel has long been a way for organizations to drive sales and reward employees with opulent trips to exotic destinations. Today it encompasses even more.
Daily
Apr 25, 2024This Travel Operator Brings You to an Active Icelandic Volcano
Recently, Iceland has gained the attention of several travel enthusiasts due to recent media coverage showcasing epic lava flows and bursts of white ash smoke. For those wishing to see this in person, Abercrombie & Kent released guided tours and itineraries to Beerenberg Volcano, one of the northernmost active volcanoes in the world.
Daily
Apr 25, 2024Hôtel Royal Unveils evian SPA, the First in Europe
Hôtel Royal Evian Resort, France, recently debuted its all-new evian SPA, the only one in Europe and inspired by the water cycle found in nature.
Sponsored Content
Hotel Indigo: The World’s Neighborhood Hotel
Part of the IHG Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio, Hotel Indigo is the world’s neighborhood hotel that celebrates how guests can discover, or rediscover, some of the most inspiring and culturally rich neighborhoods around the world. When staying at a Hotel Indigo hotel, it's not just about visiting a place — it's about being fully immersed in the neighborhood and wanting to take a little bit of it home. When traveling for business, Hotel Indigo offers a unique experience tailored to each location, making it the perfect choice to stay while traveling for work. With IHG Business Edge, travel managers have exclusive access to enticing perks, comprehensive travel metrics and carefully curated educational resources. It also includes a guaranteed discount on both business and personal travel for managers and employees, alongside an automatic upgrade to IHG One Rewards Silver Elite status after the initial IHG Business Edge stay.
Daily
Apr 24, 2024Summer, Unplugged: Get Cozy at These Digital Detox Destinations
There is a cure for summertime blues in the digital age: Find yourself a beautiful country inn, cabin or retreat far in spirit from the maddening crowds and distractions of daily life. Next, unplug, relax and don’t look back.
Fairfield by Marriott Phnom Penh Review
eFlyer Reviews
Apr 24, 2024Wolf by Vanderpump Opens at Harveys Lake Tahoe
Daily
Apr 24, 2024Lufthansa’s Allegris Takes Off May 1
eFlyer News
Apr 24, 2024eFlyer Deals
Apr 24, 2024Experience the Ultimate Stargazer’s Paradise at JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa
Escape to a place where the skies are free from light pollution and blanketed in stars. At Arizona’s JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa, guests can enjoy the stars like never before with the new Celestial Retreat: A Stargazer’s Paradise offer.
eFlyer Deals
Apr 24, 2024Celebrate Opal Collection’s 10th Anniversary with Special Meeting Offer
Opal Collection commemorates its 10th anniversary with a special celebration offer. Guests are invited to join in on the celebrations and receive exclusive incentives like complimentary guestrooms, upgrades and turndown gifts, as well as a complimentary Champagne toast and $1,000 Opal Collection gift card for the meeting planner.
ShareThis