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| Key Features
Aruba - a lively mid-size island, quite developed (particularly in the west), off the coast of Venezuela in the southern Caribbean. An autonomous territory attached to the Netherlands, well connected to USA, South America and Holland, languages Dutch, Papiamento creole, some English (mainly in the tourism industry) and some Spanish. Gracious and welcoming islanders and a strong local culture, a mix of Dutch and Spanish. Two spectacular main beaches, backed by hotels, a few smaller and remote, generally quite ‘American’ in style – high levels of service, several large, mid-range hotels with casinos and entertainment, just a few smaller independent inns and guest houses. Plenty of activities, many restaurants, casinos, some natural life, horse-riding, golf, day sails, scuba, good windsurfing, considerable cruise tourism. | | |
Accommodation
Aruba is most notable for its large hotels, which are set along the fantastic sand of the island’s west coast. They stand in line in two main areas, most noticeably Palm Beach, which is known as the ‘high rise’ strip because of its clutch of huge hotels complete with casinos and Vegas-style shows.
While some of these hotels do a fine job, Definitive Caribbean feels generally that travellers will get the best of the island in smaller, more individual and independent hotels. Some of these can be found at the second area, Eagle Beach to the south of here, though even these are not small by standards of elsewhere in the Caribbean.
Elsewhere around the island you will find other (usually smaller) hotels, a couple of which have a distinctive local Arubian style. There is also quite a bit of self-catering accommodation in Aruba, in the various condominium and apartment complexes. There are also a few private villas. In Oranjestad itself there are a couple of business hotels and a handful of less expensive places to stay.
Hotels & Resorts
Among many huge, international standard hotels in Aruba, there are some with their own individual character –
Divi Dutch Village Resort, Druif Beach, 97 suites, all suite resort in a private garden setting behind beachfront sister property Tamarijn Aruba.
Divi Village Golf Beach Resort, Druif Beach, 153 suites and golf villas, set around The Links at Diva Aruba’s 9 hole golf course and clubhouse.
Bucuti Beach Resort featuring Tara Beach Suites & Spa, 104 rooms, attractive colonial style hotel on a pristine beach
Manchebo Beach Resort and Spa, Oranjestad, 71 rooms, very pleasing low-rise, Aruba beach hotel with emphasis on rejuvenation.
Talk of the Town Hotel & Beach Club, 63 rooms at Surfside Beach, good Aruba accommodation for business people and travellers looking for a central location.
Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort, Eagle Beach, 72 rooms, friendly, family run hotel with own beach facilities across the road.
Small Hotels & Inns
Although Aruba is top heavy with large resorts, there is a handful of smaller hotels and inns with their own charm and easy style -
Arubiana Inn, Nr Eagle Beach, 18 rooms, cosy, owner run inn with well priced rooms, approx 3 minutes drive to the beach.
BoardWalk Vacation Retreat, Palm Beach, 15 rooms, all suite retreat near beach on a former coconut plantation.
Cunucu Arubiano, Santa Lucia, 3 cottages, owner-operated retreat for adults set in the hills. Swimming pool, cigar tent and wine bodega next to donkey sanctuary.
Villas
Aruba does not have many private villas. There are more options in the villa resorts and condominium complexes.
Villa Resorts
There are a couple of Aruba resorts which offer villa accommodation, including Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort (see under Hotels). Other good examples include –
Tierra del Sol Resort, Spa & Country Club, Arashi, 244 condos, villas, estate homes on a 600-acre estate, Robert Trent Jones II, 18-hole PGA championship golf course.
Cottages, Apartments and Condominiums
Condos and apartments in Aruba are a popular choice and there is a good selection to choose from -
Vistalmar Apartments, Oranjestrad, 8 units, owner-run, good value sea front apartments.
Sunset Beach Studios, Malmok Beach, 10 studios and 2-bed house, easy going, seaside retreat, 100 yards to beach. Windsurfing shop.
Guest Houses
There is a handful of less expensive places to stay, some guest houses and bed and breakfasts in the usual style, others actually small self-catering places tucked in the back of Oranjestad.
Sailing and Cruising
Condos and apartments in Aruba are a popular choice and there is a good selection. While some are on the beach, others are set on the waterfront or inland.
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