Aruba is much more than a Caribbean paradise. The world-class beaches, perfect weather, and welcoming culture are only a part of what makes Aruba so special. Spend just a few moments on Aruba’s shores and you’ll feel it – an overwhelming sense of happiness and peace that fills you up. And here’s the best part – this feeling stays with you after you leave, sending you off with a happy afterglow that never fades. The island is alive with Dutch heritage and history. Pastel-painted houses in nearby Oranjestad offer boutiques and malls for those wanting to shop.
Aruba is hardly what you might call a famous name when you think about holiday destinations in the Caribbean; we think that’s a real shame. Part of the ABC Islands (with Bonaire and Curacao providing the latter initials), it is tucked away in the south of the Caribbean, looking on the map more like an extension of Venezuela than a nation in its own right.
The location, close to South America, is a big part of what defines Aruba, but it also provides a genuine contradiction for your expectations. That’s because Aruba is a former colony of the Netherlands. This becomes immediately obvious when you hear Dutch spoken on the streets and marvel at the cutesy Amsterdam-esque architecture. But don’t go expecting a ‘Netherlands in the Caribbean’ – Aruba has a distinctive and fascinating culture all of its own.
Sitting below the “hurricane belt” and with a 28C degree average temperature, it’s easy to see why Aruba is such a big hit with Dutch and American holidaymakers. However, it has yet to catch on with British travellers – something that will be difficult to understand after a week here.
Aruba’s perfect beaches
The sun-drenched beaches are tempered by mild Atlantic trade winds making sun-bathing here a very comfortable experience. This is a good thing too, as the beaches are not to be missed. Popular destinations include the areas around Palm Beach and Eagle Beach.
These stretches of palm-fringed sand are developed with a number of resorts and boutique hotels, all with modern facilities of a very high standard. Some are all-inclusive, but if you want a real experience of the island, it might be worth choosing a bed and breakfast option like the lovely Bucuti and Tara Beach Resort.
