Aruba, Aruba

Answer 1

General Overview

Aruba and neighboring islands Bonaire and Curacao make up the ABC Islands, part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Located in the Caribbean, the virtually constant temperatures, white sand beaches, and crystal blue waters has made the island a popular tourist destination for many years. Whether strolling hand in hand on the beach or dancing the night away, Aruba is an ideal location for a romantic getaway.

There are many resorts and hotels on Aruba that offer all-inclusive packages. These can save you the stress of juggling the costs for food and activities. Whether you want to just relax or participate in water sports, you can find a package that will suit your tastes. Since not all resorts offer all alternatives, you may need to research several before locating one that is just right for the vacation you have planned.

The largest city on Aruba is only about 33,000 people, so you do not need to worry about the high stress crush of people. Because tourism is such an important part of the economy, you will still find luxury hotels, interesting boutiques, and fine dining. The island also boasts an active night life.

Arts & Entertainment

Aruba hosts a number of events and festivals during the year. The Soul Beach Music Festival is held each May, featuring performers from many different countries. In the past, Sinbad, Wyclef Jean, and Sean Kingston have appeared. The Aruba Food and Drink Festival, also held in May, features a chef’s contest and allows visitors to sample the culinary creations and the wines the chefs recommend.

In September, the Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival brings together contemporary, western, Latin, and classical jazz performers. The Aruba Music Festival is held each October and features some of the top pop artists. Past performers have included Chicago, Queen, Pat Benatar, and Jackson Browne.

Aruba is also home to some state of the art casinos. Whether you prefer roulette, craps, and blackjack or slot machines, they offer all the games in a variety of atmospheres. There are casinos that are reminiscent of Monaco, those that offer a carnival atmosphere, and those that let you gamble under the stars beneath a glass dome.

For those who prefer their entertainment outdoors, you can arrange horseback riding, snorkeling, or diving excursions. Along with the pristine beaches, there are natural bridges and caves to explore. The island is also home to several world class golf courses.

Food & Drink

Whether you prefer soft lights and fine cuisine or a more lively steakhouse, Aruba has plenty of restaurants from which to choose. European fine dining, from French to Italian, is a popular category, but you can also find Asian, Belgian, and Austrian cuisine. American dining, from upscale to casual, is also well represented.

You can indulge your taste for seafood or choose from one of the Indian or German restaurants. Try cuisine with the local flavor at one of the numerous Caribbean eateries or try Cuban or Jamaican fare. You can choose from restaurants with dance floors, bars, live music, or cigar lounges.

If you want to find a dark corner where you and your partner can have a quiet drink and intimate conversation, you will find several places on Aruba that will fit the bill. On the other hand, if you prefer an after hours club with live music and pounding rhythms, you can find those as well. Those that prefer the sights and sounds of the ocean can choose from beach bars or party cruises. Most bars also serve food, which can range from Continental fine dining to appetizers and snacks.

Answer 2

Aruba is a popular getaway for families, couples and even singles who enjoy warm sandy beaches, gentle ocean waves and relaxation. The oceans’ water is crystal-clear and creates a turquoise cast. Nautical adventures may be taken for a fee from chartered boats, either in the daylight or at sunset. Along the coast line, in addition to white sandy beaches, are rocky beaches with naturally-created stone bridges across water channels. The water is perfect for children who want to look for sea life, as many shells, starfish and sand dollars are often found. Snorkeling is another popular activity for visitors of all ages, giving the opportunity to clearly see coral reefs and sea creatures. Vending stands are also found along the beaches, where local merchants sell their hand-crafted souvenirs, clothing and food.

The island of Aruba is 74 square miles, so travelers who are staying more than a few days may have the opportunity to visit the several different towns. Rental car companies are available, as are shuttle buses for those who wish to visit more than one town. Each town has its own historical value, with unique and brightly-painted buildings as monuments of its past. Local shops mostly sell items of interest to tourists, with a few shops providing authentic and unique crafts and art.

Aruba’s island cuisine is enjoyed by the majority of its visitors. Several local restaurants in each city, as well as a few along the beaches, offer authentic traditional cuisine. Travelers who are not fond of the cuisine will also find many comfort food choices and buffets with foods of familiarity. The island strives to please its visitors and encourages them to return, so food choices and service are excellent quality.

Hotel accommodations in Aruba must be made carefully. Several small hotels choose names that are very similar to the resorts; many people often book these rooms by mistake only to find they have no amenities and a very small hotel room. Most hotels are clean, comfortable and accommodating to guests. Bug spray is an absolute necessity for the mosquitos; occasionally other bugs, frogs or even crabs may wander onto the sidewalks of oceanfront hotel rooms.

Answer 3

Referred to as One Happy Island, Aruba is a destination that would appeal to those seeking a tropical atmosphere, beaches, water sports and culture.

Located fifteen miles North of Venezuela, the island is 19.6 miles long and 6 miles wide. The climate is warm with almost constant breezes cooling the hot sand.

Once arriving in Oranjestad, driving North brings travelers to the hotel/resort section of Aruba. The accommodations are beachfront and choices range from larger casino resorts to apartments just a few steps to the Caribbean Sea. Located on the Southern tip of the island, Baby Beach which is popular with the locals.

Rent a Jeep, ATV or motorcycle to take a tour of the countryside. You will see wild goats, donkeys and will observe the land change from sand to desert. After, choose among over one-hundred restaurants to fuel up for the next activity.

Aruba is home to friendly people, great food and will welcome all who visit.