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Planning Your Trip

This Caribbean island is a melting pot of cultures that resonates throughout the island’s rich food, art and architecture. Bright houses, clear blue water, fresh seafood and beautiful vistas make it even more of a traveler’s paradise.

BEACH VACATION

Aruba, as the locals say, is one happy island, and visitors will see that whether they are on a catamaran or just checking out the local rum bars.

 

 

  • This gorgeous island is blessed with sunshine and windy breezes. Make sure to bring a hat that can block the sun and stay on when the wind picks up.
  • Water shoes are a good idea if you plan to try wind sailing or kite surfing. Rocky areas might lurk right past the sandy beachheads.
  • Bring a waterproof bag or pouch for your devices, and a waterproof GoPro camera. Snorkeling and scuba diving are musts here, and a GoPro is the best way to capture your underwater moments.  

 

Two dice on top of a casino game table

RESORT ESSENTIALS

The list of activities in Aruba is endless, from snorkeling to yoga to premier golf. We narrowed down the things you must not miss for a quick checklist of what you need before your flight takes off.

 

  • Brush up on your blackjack game — the resort offers a 24-hour vibrant casino. Enjoy delectable refreshments while the dealers shuffle the decks.
  • Bring your workout gear. The resort’s fitness center has classes throughout the week that include yoga, circuit training and weightlifting.
  • Golfers should know that just minutes away from the resort, Tierra del Sol has the only 18-hole championship golf course on the island.   
The sun shines through a large opening in a rocky cave

DAY TRIPS

In between sunning by the pool and hitting the beach, make time for a few excursions that will make your Aruban adventure even more meaningful.

 

 

  • Check out the caves in Arikok National Park. This beautiful preserve comprises almost 18 percent of the island. Enjoy gorgeous vistas of the island’s rugged terrain in an open-air Jeep and explore the caves whose centuries-old drawings are still being interpreted.
  • Drive dune buggies along the wild open coast near the island’s Bushiribana Gold Mine Ruins. You can mix adrenaline with history as you drive through the sand banks of this historic spot.
  • Feed baby ostriches at the Aruba Ostrich Farm. This is a must-stop for any Instagramming traveler. The farm is a refuge for birds of all types, from peacocks to full-sized ostriches. But the key photo to post is during feeding time for the baby ostriches.

 

DON’T FORGET:

The San Nicolas section of the island is home to colorful Caribbean street murals and vibrant mixed-arts boutiques where you can purchase jewelry and homewares created by local artists. Save room in your suitcase to bring back a one-of-a-kind artistic souvenir or gift from Aruba.

Given Aruba’s connection to the Netherlands and its own entrepreneurial investments, the island is full of diverse things to do, see and eat. Here’s what to plan in advance.  

DINING RESERVATIONS

Make a reservation for dinner on the beach. What better way to soak in the perfection of this island than dining right on its sandy shores? The chefs and sommeliers at the resort will work with you to craft a perfect menu and make sure your sunset meal is one you will never forget. If you’ve worked up a hearty appetite, reserve dinner at BLT Steak, the island’s premier modern steakhouse highlighting a variety of excellent cuts, Aruban flavors and an expansive wine list.

SPA APPOINTMENTS

Aloe is one of the island’s biggest exports so make sure to take advantage of this locally grown healing ointment while you are there. Designed as a sanctuary of relaxation, the 15,000-square-foot spa features 13 tranquil treatment rooms where a complete range of treatments are delivered, like the Misterio Di Aloe, which hydrates, rejuvenates and refreshes your skin.   

CABANAS

Take in Aruba’s glorious ocean expanse and dreamy sunset from the shade and privacy of your own luxurious cabana. Reserve a private pool or beachside cabana featuring plush lounge chairs, personalized amenities, seasonal fresh fruit selections and refreshments for a perfect day.

DAY TRIPS

Just 10 minutes from the resort is Oranjestad, the colorful and charming city brimming with cultural, shopping and culinary treasures. Don’t miss a trip to the California Lighthouse, on the island’s northern tip, at sunset. Afterward, enjoy a perfect dinner overlooking the ocean at Faro Blanco. This Italian-inspired restaurant has been helmed by a local family for decades and never disappoints. In addition to its culinary feats (the Gamberoni Giulio Cesare has jumbo shrimp wrapped in prosciutto and is quickly sautéed in white wine and olive oil), the dessert menu offers a panna cotta that is finished off with hot chocolate.  

One of the most picturesque destinations in the Caribbean, the friendly island of Aruba, delivers rich, cultural, outdoors, and culinary experiences. Discover the national park, Arikok, with its variety of different caves, wildlife and ruins. Take dreamy horseback rides through glistening natural pools. Dine on delicious seafood and handcrafted cocktails right on the shores of Palm Beach, while connecting with loved ones. When the beaches are as breathtakingly beautiful as they are on this island, you’ll want to get in as much time on the sand as you can.

A boat carries a jet-skier across the water at sunset

Island Adventures

Set along the powder-fine sands of Aruba’s Palm Beach, The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba ideally situates travelers near all sorts of exciting island excursions. Explore the national park full of colorful wildlife, caves and natural pools.

 

 

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Aerial view of a pier, surrounded by lush greenery, leading to the ocean

Romantic Getaways

The refreshing Caribbean breeze, the finest white sand, water so clear you can see the ocean floor — Aruba is one of the dreamiest islands you could visit, but the destination has much more than peaceful beaches to experience with your partner. 

 

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