Visiting One of World’s Top Beaches

Eagle Beach, located in Aruba, has been named the second best beach in the Caribbean and third best in the world. The 21-mile Caribbean island of Aruba be found north of Venezuela and south of the Dominican Republic. 

  • Aruba’s Capital
Oranjestad Colurful Buildings

The capital and largest city in the country is Oranjestad. It contains a large amount of government buildings and colorful Dutch architecture. The Renaissance Mall is a great place there to shop at luxury stores, including Prada and Gucci. The city also is filled with boutiques, street vendors, casinos, clubs, museums, dining, and entertainment.

  • When to Visit
Aruba

The average temperature on the island throughout the year is approximately 85 degrees Fahrenheit. But, the recommended time to visit is between April and August, due to the lower prices on hotels and slim chance of precipitation within those months. The climate is dry and desert-like, yet the winds will cool you down. Peak season extends from January to March, so it is recommended to try to avoid that time period.

  • Where to Stay

Bucuti & Tara

This boutique beach resort is for adults only and is situated on Eagle Beach. A few of the amenities are the outdoor pool, spa, fitness center/beach yoga, courtyard garden, movie nights on the beach, a bar, and two restaurants.

Hyatt Regency Resort

The hotel/casino sits directly on Palm Beach. The full-service spa, gourmet dining, outdoor pool complex, two-story water slide, restaurant/bar, gym, outdoor activities, and gift shop are sure to satisfy any guest! 

Aruba Marriot Resort

This chain resort, with multiple restaurants including Ruth Chris Steakhouse and Starbucks, is also located on Palm Beach. The outdoor swimming area, multi-level fitness room, casino, dining on the beach, gelato shop, bar/lounge, spa, tennis courts, and water sports will definitely keep you entertained.

Ritz-Carlton

The Ritz-Carlton is, of course, a top choice in Eagle Beach. This five star resort includes two outdoor heated pools, delicious places to eat, retail shops on the property, fitness center, beauty salon, in-room mini bar, casino, lounge area, jacuzzi, and nightly entertainment. 

  • Popular Attractions in Aruba

Beaches: Eagle Beach, Palm Beach, Black Stone Beach, Baby Beach

Aruba Divi Tree - Eagle beach
Eagle Beach

Arikok National Park

Arikok National Park - Aruba

Shipwreck Sites

Shipwreck

Natural Pool

Natural pool

Butterfly Farm

Butterfly

Atlantis Submarine Expedition

Atlantis Submarine
  • Food
Aruba traditional food: Keshi Yena

The national dish of Aruba is Keshi Yena (pictured above), a large, round ball of cheese that is stuffed with meat (typically chicken).

Popular Aruban dishes are:

-Stoba (stew)

-Pastechi (pastry with cheese and meat)

-Pisca Hasa (fried fish)

-Pan Bati (pancakes)

-Bananas Hasa (fried plantains) 

-Keri Keri (flaked white fish) 

Some of the American food chains in Aruba are: Wendy’s Dunkin’, McDonald’s, Domino’s, KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Subway, and Sbarro

Other fast food options on the island:

  1. Kikoriko
  2. Isla Pop (Venezuelan)
  3. Ritz Snack (Caribbean)

Excellent fine dining options:

  1. OceanZ (Caribbean/seafood)
  2. The Kitchen Table (Caribbean/Cajun)
  3. Senses (8 course dining) 
  • Transportation
An Arubus

To explore the island on your own time, you can rent a car. Taxis (at a fixed rate), shuttles to/from hotels and attractions, and trolleys passing through Main Street are also available. If you are looking for the cheapest way to get around though, the Arubus will most likely be your best bet. It runs between 5:45am and 11:30pm. 

  • Traveling Tips
  • 1 Aruban Florin = $0.56 USD.
  • The currency is Aruban Florin (AWG or AFL), but USD is accepted everywhere.
  • Restaurants and bars add service charges to your bill, which is usually 10-15%, yet you may still tip if you prefer to.
  • With the VisitAruba Plus Card you can get discounts at more than 85 locations in Aruba.
  • People in Aruba typically speak four languages: Dutch, Spanish, English, and the native language, Papiamento.
  • Aruba is one of the safest islands in the Caribbean. 
  • Drinking water meets the highest quality.
  • The minimum drinking age is 18 years old.
  • Taxis must be called ahead of time, rather than trying to hail one off the streets.
  • In case of emergencies, call 911 for an ambulance or the fire department. The police can be reached at 100.
  • Bring plenty of sunscreen; the burn will be worse due to its closeness to the equator.

For more details on booking a trip to Aruba, please contact me.

Thanks for the read!

-xo, Nicole 🙂

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