"ONE HAPPY ISLAND"
"A wonderful change of plans!!"
My trip to Aruba was supposed to be a trip to Cabo San Lucas, but because of a nasty hurricane they had I thought it was best to alter my trip and Aruba seemed like the best fit, given the time of year. Aruba is located outside the hurricane belt with cooling trade winds and is known to have more sunny days than any other Caribbean island. Well, Aruba was a wonderful change of plans!! The moment I stepped foot into the Aruba Airport I thought, "wow this is a super fancy & modern airport for a tiny Island" (even nicer than LGA.. which really needs to step it up by the way..). I instantaneously learned that this was one Island that really had it together! I was shocked by the immaculateness of the Island, the lack of extreme poverty and the feeling of maximal safety everywhere I explored. Every person I met greeted me with a smile and open arms, its no wonder why they call Aruba "One Happy Island". And did I mention how stunning every inch of the Island is?! Aruba’s white-sand beaches are completely harmonious and the prestine turquoise waters are unlike any others!
FUN ARUBA FACTS!!
* Aruba has an exceptionally diverse population, with more than 90 nationalities present.
* Dutch and Papiamento are Aruba's official languages, but most Arubans speak at least four languages, including English, Spanish and Portuguese (some people I met even spoke 5 languages!)
* Aruba has a dry climate, with an average of 82 degrees
My trip to Aruba was supposed to be a trip to Cabo San Lucas, but because of a nasty hurricane they had I thought it was best to alter my trip and Aruba seemed like the best fit, given the time of year. Aruba is located outside the hurricane belt with cooling trade winds and is known to have more sunny days than any other Caribbean island. Well, Aruba was a wonderful change of plans!! The moment I stepped foot into the Aruba Airport I thought, "wow this is a super fancy & modern airport for a tiny Island" (even nicer than LGA.. which really needs to step it up by the way..). I instantaneously learned that this was one Island that really had it together! I was shocked by the immaculateness of the Island, the lack of extreme poverty and the feeling of maximal safety everywhere I explored. Every person I met greeted me with a smile and open arms, its no wonder why they call Aruba "One Happy Island". And did I mention how stunning every inch of the Island is?! Aruba’s white-sand beaches are completely harmonious and the prestine turquoise waters are unlike any others!
FUN ARUBA FACTS!!
* Aruba has an exceptionally diverse population, with more than 90 nationalities present.
* Dutch and Papiamento are Aruba's official languages, but most Arubans speak at least four languages, including English, Spanish and Portuguese (some people I met even spoke 5 languages!)
* Aruba has a dry climate, with an average of 82 degrees
Where I stayed: Radisson Aruba Resort Casino & Spa
The Radisson is the perfect Aruba resort, with two large pools, spacious pool decks to hang out on, the most beautiful white sand beach front and enough activity to keep you busy all year.. why stay anywhere else? The resort is located on the largest section of Palm Beach with tons of palapas available to relax under. The staff at the Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa were all amazing. They were promote, attentive, happy and made you feel right at home.
I stayed in the Bonaire tower which was surrounded by tropical gardens with views of the pool and beach. Every room at the Radisson has a private balcony or patio which is just what you need to sit back with a cocktail after a day of excursions! One of my favorite features of the resort was The Starlit Themed Casino (although I wasnt too lucky, it was still lots of fun!). You cant go wrong with incredible live music by the pool, unique bird interaction sessions around the resort, fun activities and games all day long and my favorite.. The Biba Aruba Festival (which is every Tuesday at the resort) that featured Carnival dancers and musicians, a Fire Show and a Limbo Show!!
I stayed in the Bonaire tower which was surrounded by tropical gardens with views of the pool and beach. Every room at the Radisson has a private balcony or patio which is just what you need to sit back with a cocktail after a day of excursions! One of my favorite features of the resort was The Starlit Themed Casino (although I wasnt too lucky, it was still lots of fun!). You cant go wrong with incredible live music by the pool, unique bird interaction sessions around the resort, fun activities and games all day long and my favorite.. The Biba Aruba Festival (which is every Tuesday at the resort) that featured Carnival dancers and musicians, a Fire Show and a Limbo Show!!
MUST DO ACTIVITIES!!
1) ABC Aruba Tours -
ABC Aruba Jeep Tours are the absolute BEST excursions to do to see Aruba’s charm in the most thrilling and adventurous way! Aruba has much more to offer than just white sandy beaches and crystal clear water and after touring the Island with ABC I legitimately felt like I got a real look into what Aruba is all about. If you are looking to explore Aruba’s northern coast, its stunning countryside and alluring seascapes, this off-road sightseeing tour will help you do just that. ABC offers half- or full-day tours, caravan-style jeep tours and convenient departure times that fit your schedule. You can even drive their 4×4 Land Rover Defenders!! On the longer tours you can also get a yummy authentic Arubian lunch at "WAKA WAKA Adventure Cafe"!!
ABC Tours is Aruba’s leading jeep tour company and its not hard to see why. I cant imagine having visited this Island without touring with ABC!
ABC Tours is Aruba’s leading jeep tour company and its not hard to see why. I cant imagine having visited this Island without touring with ABC!
2) Pelican Adventures Sailing Cruise -
If youre looking for an excursion to do to get off your resort for a couple hours and relax on the water then Pelican Adventures Snorkeling Tour is a great idea! They offer a 2 ½ hour sailing trip which includes a VERY generous open bar, great snacks such as meats & cheeses, chicken nuggets and a variety of rolls.. plus you'll love the music, and snorkeling. Their catamaran has shaded areas if youve had enough sun for the day, and they make two snorkel stops; the famous WWII German shipwreck ‘Antilla’ and Arashi Reef!
3) Jolly Pirates Snorkeling -
For an upbeat, fun, Sail, Swim and Snorkel excursion Jolly Pirates is where its at!! On this tour you will stop at 3 great sites: Malmok, Boca Catalina and a WWII shipwreck! After you've snorkeled all the best spots and seen some really cool underwater life you've most likely worked up a bit of an appetite.. which will be wonderfully satisfied by the delicious BBQ on board! On the pirate ship you will also get open bar & free gear. One of the best parts of the ship is the rope swing!! The adrenaline you'll feel from swinging on the rope swing into the water will surely have you hooked. This is one of the most requested tours of all the Aruba Excursions. And of the the coolest parts about the trip is the Jolly Pirates talented crew, who will perform back flips off the rope swing keeping all guests on their toes!!