Rosalie Klein - Moon Aruba

HANDBOOKS

Rosalie Klein

Peek out the window when coming in for a landing on Aruba. Youll be struck by the intense blue of the surrounding Caribbean Sea and snowy white beaches. Aruba is right next door to heaven, is how one long-time visitor describes it.

Aruba is a small island, but rich and varied, fulfilling the vacation needs of families, singles, honeymooners, athletes, adventurers, and those who simply wish to do nothing but relax on the beach.

Some of the most stunning beaches in the Caribbean line the west coast of the island. Their turquoise waters are as calm as a lake. Its where youll find Palm Beach, a parade of resorts, each at least 10 stories tall, standing side by side over a one-mile length. Turn a corner at the Westpunt going north, and the dramatic contrasts of the island become apparent: It is a lunar landscape of coral rock and pillow basalt, where spume surges high from the crashing waves, carving the rock into fantastical shapes. At Eagle Beach and adjacent Manchebo Beach are smaller, more intimate resorts which stretch to the outskirts of the main town of Oranjestad.

These tourist areas offer a wealth of easily accessible activities, eateries, casinos, and shopping. But a visit to Aruba is not complete without exploring beyond their limits. Discover Arikok National Park, Conchi (Natural Pool), and the caves, dunes, and bocas (coves) of the eastern end near San Nicolas.

In Aruba, theres little divide between island dwellers and tourists. Dont be surprised to find a table of islanders sitting right next to you at a resort restaurant or casino any night of the week. This congenial relationship with vacationers has made Aruba the most popular repeat destination in the Caribbean. It is an extension of the ease among the locals themselves.

Aruba can be a tranquil respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday existence. Each day can be an exciting discovery of nature, island culture, or a new sport on land, sea, or in the air. It is a place where modern luxury and the rugged landscape exist side by side. Your Aruban vacation can embrace either or boththe choice is yours.

Arubas capital offers visitors a taste of authentic island life. Playa, as it is also known, boasts quaint side streets interwoven with major shopping avenues. Right next to malls with designer shops, the town residents are still living in homes from the 18th century. Explore Arubas history and culture here in museums such as the National Archaeological Museum Aruba (NAMA) or the Aruba Historical Museum. Then enjoy superb dining, shopping, and casino play.

Oranjestad also features a harbor filled with deep sea fishing boats; the major resort, the Renaissance Resort; and many attractive guesthouses. Some local beaches like Nikky and Druif Beaches are practically deserted during the week but fill up with islanders on weekends.

This resort area offers a tranquil, secluded getaway. Miles of beaches are shadowed by large copses of sea grape. There are many spots where a visitor can settle down, look around, and not see a soul.

Manchebo Beach

The apartment-style resorts here are well suited to families. Divi Links golf course is surrounded by a beautiful resort where golfers can roll out of bed to an early tee time. Organized resort activities, such as arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, pool games, and contests for kids keep the rest of the family happy. Close proximity to Oranjestad allows history buffs and shoppers easy access to museums and designer stores.

Palm Beach, Malmok, and Noord

Palm Beach is the best place on the island for lounging on the beach and for nightlife. Restaurants, casinos, and clubs are next door to glamorous resorts. It is the center of every water activity imaginable. Sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving off the Antilla shipwreck, tubing, deep sea fishing, parasailing, windsurfing, and Seaworld Explorer are all here. Close by is the exhilarating Butterfly Farm and Philips Animal Garden for family fun.