Aruba
Lapped by the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea, just 15 miles from Venezuela’s coastline, Aruba is framed by alabaster-white sand beaches and wind-sculpted fofoti trees. Beyond the shoreline, the Dutch Caribbean island offers inland adventures in Arikok National Park, a vibrant arts scene in San Nicolas, and the lively rhythms of steel drums and calypso at the weekly Bon Bini Festival. This is the island to relax on the beach, unwind in nature, and join the party, too!
Aruba
Quadiriki cave in Arikok National Park, Aruba. Sunbeams extend from openings in the cavern roof to the floor.
Tourists swimming in a protected pool. The pool is a natural phenomenon whereby rock formations provide an area for swimming, sheltered from the rough North coast of Aruba.
Must-Do: Covering nearly 20 per cent of Aruba’s northeast, Arikok National Park showcases the island’s natural beauty. Adventures unfurl in this rugged, desert-like landscape, with everything from horseback riding and off-road 4WD tours, to hiking trails that wind through the park between the towering cacti. Climb California Lighthouse for sweeping ocean views, discover ancient Arawak paintings at Fontein Caves, or watch a movie at the free, monthly “cinema in the park,” held outdoors beneath Aruba’s star-filled sky.
Eat: Aruba’s cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of Dutch, Venezuelan, African, and Indian influences. For a taste of Venezuela, stop by the bright-yellow, no-frills food truck, Tia Rosa Snack, serving up legendary (and arguably the best on the island) patacónes—sandwiches made with flattened fried plantains instead of bread. Expect to queue, the reward: a delicious Venezuelan-style sarnie oozing with flavor. For a romantic meal, book a table at Papiamento, set in a more than 100-year-old Aruban cunucu house. Be sure to try keshi yena, considered the island’s national dish: stuffed cheese filled with meat, raisins, and olives.
Day Trip: For a fun family day out, hop on the five-minute ferry to De Palm Island’s Splash Park. With Body Drop slides, unlimited banana boat rides, a lunch buffet, and twice-daily snorkel tours, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained. You can also try SNUBA or upgrade to a VIP palapa or cabana for the chance to meet the island’s elegant flamingos.
