ARUBA
A big reason visitors choose Aruba is that the island is located outside the hurricane belt, pretty much assuring good weather year round. Summer vacationers like the extra assurance they're out of the path of storms. The island is a desert, so there's only 15 inches annually of rainfall. Most falls between October and December, but even then you're only looking at 3 inches monthly. Temps average 85 degrees with summer being the warmest time. Consistent trade winds keep temperatures comfortable.
Another is safety. Arubans enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the Caribbean. Visitors aren't confined to their resorts like in many island destinations. Visitors find dining out enjoying the wide variety of cuisines here to be one of the highlights of their vacation. Foodies will love Aruba That's thanks to the confluence of cultures who make the island their home. Restaurant prices in Aruba are quite reasonable when compared to many other islands in the Caribbean. That's not to say that there aren't some spectacular dining spots for that splurge evening out. Food is taken seriously here.
Another is safety. Arubans enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the Caribbean. Visitors aren't confined to their resorts like in many island destinations. Visitors find dining out enjoying the wide variety of cuisines here to be one of the highlights of their vacation. Foodies will love Aruba That's thanks to the confluence of cultures who make the island their home. Restaurant prices in Aruba are quite reasonable when compared to many other islands in the Caribbean. That's not to say that there aren't some spectacular dining spots for that splurge evening out. Food is taken seriously here.
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ARUBA ACCOMMODATIONS
Aruba's hotels and resorts are located in Oranjestad and north on the island's leeward (or western) coast. In Oranjestad, on the waterfront is the Renaissance Resort which features its own private island ten minutes off shore.
Heading north is the "low rise" section, which refers to the height of the hotels. It borders on spacious white sand Eagle Beach, one of the Caribbean's best. Further north still is the "high rise" district along more crowded Palm Beach.
It's a bit busy and more crowded here. The two areas are 10 minutes apart.
There are also a number of all-inclusives on the island, but not to the degree of the Dominican Republic or Mexico.
There are only two adults only properties in Aruba. The Bucuti, which is a luxury hotel on Eagle beach, and the RIU Palace Antillas in the high rise area. The Renaissance in Oranjestad has an adult's only building, pool, and beach in addition to a family friendly complex. The Ren Aruba also offers an all-inclusive plan.
Adults only pools are available at the Ritz Carlton and the Marriott. The Hyatt Regency has one under construction.
Heading north is the "low rise" section, which refers to the height of the hotels. It borders on spacious white sand Eagle Beach, one of the Caribbean's best. Further north still is the "high rise" district along more crowded Palm Beach.
It's a bit busy and more crowded here. The two areas are 10 minutes apart.
There are also a number of all-inclusives on the island, but not to the degree of the Dominican Republic or Mexico.
There are only two adults only properties in Aruba. The Bucuti, which is a luxury hotel on Eagle beach, and the RIU Palace Antillas in the high rise area. The Renaissance in Oranjestad has an adult's only building, pool, and beach in addition to a family friendly complex. The Ren Aruba also offers an all-inclusive plan.
Adults only pools are available at the Ritz Carlton and the Marriott. The Hyatt Regency has one under construction.
SUGGESTED ARUBA RESORTS
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VIDEO: Renaissance Aruba Resort
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Renaissance Aruba ResortLocated on the water's edge in Oranjestad, The Ren Aruba is divided into two sections. The Marina complex, next to the casino is strictly for adult's only and features a separate pool. Nearby are the more spacious Renaissance Ocean Suites. Here there's a pool with swim up bar open to all, plus a man made beach with swimming area. Both offer exclusive access to Renaissance Island, with Aruba's only private beaches. There's also an adults only section on the island. The island is well equipped with a restaurant and full bar, as well as attractive Bungalow Cabanas available for rent. Renaissance Island is also home to the hotel's famous flock of pink flamingos who roam freely around the beach. The island is easily reached by frequent shuttle boats departing the hotel lobby for the 10 minute ride. The Ren Aruba also offers a reasonable all-inclusive option of high quality with dining at the property's restaurants as well as cocktails - including the frozen ones. Marina Rooms begin at $225 per night inclusive of tax and service, while Ocean Suites start at $275 and are adjusted seasonally. Promotions are frequently available. |
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VIDEO: Bucuti and Tara Beach Resort
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Bucuti and Tara Tower Beach ResortTravel, bridal, and business magazines and websites worldwide have bestowed accolades on my top choice in Aruba, the Bucuti and Tara Beach Resort. This four diamond hotel offers a peaceful and casually luxurious ambiance beachfront on the Caribbean sea. Which is why it's so hard to get a reservation here.
At the adults only Bucuti you'll find reasonable year round rates offering an excellent value for a resort of this caliber. Prices include a full American breakfast, WiFi, and all taxes and service. There are no floor shows, no speakers blaring music, and the beach bar is reserved for guests only. And there's no palapala drama on the hotel's beautiful stretch of white sugar sand beach. The Bucuti was just named the Caribbean's first Carbon Neutral hotel. There are a wide array of rooms, bungalows, and suites on offer here which I'll be happy to review with you. My price is their price as I book direct with the hotel. A total of 104 guestrooms and suites are on offer. Rooms begin at $365 per night, while suites starting at $585, inclusive of tax and service, and are adjusted seasonally. Reservations should made well in advance. |
SUGGESTED ARUBA APARTMENTS
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VIDEO: Bubali Bliss Apartments
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Bubali Bliss ApartmentsBubali Bliss is a recent renovation of an Aruban Villa into ten Euro-style holiday apartments. Accommodations consist of a studio, deluxe studios with a separate sleeping area, and a one bedroom units. The later two apartment styles come with a small patio. All are equipped with kitchens and televisions.
A beautifully landscaped small pool area is available for swimming and sunbathing. Hammocks also hang in the shaded area of the pool area. Outside guests enjoy free wi-fi. Bubali Bliss is just behind Aruba's leading grocery store, Superfoods. Sugar sand Eagle Beach is just a short walk away. The charming owner Marcel is usually on property from 9 - 11 AM for advice and questions. Check-in codes are provided to enter. My price is their price as I reserve your accommodations with the owner. Rates usually start at $100 - $150 nightly plus tax and service. and increase during high season. CALL FOR IMMEDIATE CONFIRMATIONS |
HOW TO SEE MORE HOTEL PROFILES
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MORE ARUBA HOTEL AND CONDO OPTIONS HERE |
GETTING AROUND
Aruba has a super efficient and modern bus system to get around. Taxis are readily available. Rental cars are inexpensive.
GOVERNMENT
Aruba is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
ARUBA NIGHTLIFE
Aruba has a number of casinos, some open 24 hours. Clubs pick up later in the week, with Saturday nights being the most popular.
LGBT TRAVEL TO ARUBA
Dutch culture has a large influence in Aruba. Many Aruban students are educated in the Netherlands. Homosexuality is an afterthought.
@7 is the gay club in Oranjestad, though everyone is welcome. Things pick up late. Saturday is the big night out.
Many of Aruba's hotels are TAG (Travel Alternatives Group) certified or members of IGLTA.
@7 is the gay club in Oranjestad, though everyone is welcome. Things pick up late. Saturday is the big night out.
Many of Aruba's hotels are TAG (Travel Alternatives Group) certified or members of IGLTA.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Aruba.com is the tourist board web site and a great resource.
JUST CLICK ON MAGAZINE TO READ
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