Aruba

Guaranteed Sunshine, glorious uncrowded white sandy beaches and pristine waters, stunning architecture and super friendly laid-back inhabitants, make this tiny island in the southern Caribbean a brilliant bet for a Tropical holiday! Perfect for simply kicking back and relaxing on the beach or by your pool, Aruba is also fantastic for activities including hiking, horse-riding, snorkelling and diving to see fabulous marine life, shipwrecks and aircraft wrecks, windsurfing and kiteboarding made possible by constant cooling breezes, and exploring the little gem of a capital, Oranjestad. When to Visit - Aruba is an all-year destination, with sunshine, blue skies and refreshing trade winds on the forecast whatever month you visit. Average temperatures hover around the high 20s all year round; any showers vital for the tropical plant life are brief! As Aruba is located on the southern fringe of the hurricane belt, it has minimal possibility of a direct hit. What to do After spending some time in Aruba, you'll struggle to understand how an island so small can fit in so much. From navigating secluded coves, shopping in the boutique stores of Oranjestad, and visiting the charming galleries of San Nicolas, to sipping on refreshing tropical sundowners in the island's beachfront lounges, your days in Aruba can be as active or laidback as you like. Here are some of my recommendations for your time there. Hiking - Embark on an adventurous hiking experience through the Aruba Arikok National Park guided by a real park ranger who will show you different flora & fauna that can be found in Aruba along with some of the most amazing views on the island. UTV off road safari - Super-charge your vacation and jump behind the wheel of a unique UTV vehicle in a professionally guided off-road safari along the Andicuri Trail. Snorkelling - Aruba is home to some of the best snorkelling locations in the Caribbean. With its warm, clear waters, abundance of colourful marine life, it´s any divers dream. Snorkelling can be enjoyed right from the shore but for the best diving, I recommend heading out on a boat trip from Palm Beach. What to eat - Drawing inspiration from the Caribbean, Latin America and settlers from the Netherlands, Aruba's cuisine boasts a unique mix of flavours and influences with some dishes that would appear out of place elsewhere in the region. These are my picks of the dishes to try during your time there. Fresh Seafood Influenced by the Netherlands, South America and the Caribbean, local cuisine includes lots of wahoo, red snapper, mahi-mahi and barracuda. Stoba Among other island specialities are beef, chicken or goat stoba (stew) served with arroz moro (rice and beans) or funchi (cornmeal mash). Traditional Dutch dishes Traditional Dutch dishes you might encounter during your stay include pea soup, bitterballen and thin pancakes with sweet or savoury toppings. Keshi Yena This classic recipe of spiced meat encased inside of a hollowed shell of Edam is often regarded as Aruba’s national dish. Where to Stay Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort : This adult only boutique retreat on lovey Eagle Beach the island’s best known, includes a spa with the option of massages in an ocean view cabana on the beach and couples’ treatments, many featuring natural local ingredients such as coconut milk and aloe. There’s also an oceanfront restaurant with a chef’s-table experience, a beach bar and movies under the stars. Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Apa and Casino : Everything from full moon and aerial yoga and poolside Pilates fusion to kids’ activities are available at this sleek Palm Beach offering with its activity pool and new adult only pool with private cabanas. Exceptional on-site dining includes seafood at Ruinas del Mar, built around the concept of gold mill ruins, with a koi lagoon, waterfall and rooftop bougainvillea garden. Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort: Located in the vibrant capital Oranjestad, this expansive property embraces the one bedroom Renaissance Ocean Suites and the newly renovated, adult exclusive Renaissance Marina Hotel. Highlights are relaxing on Aruba’s only private beaches on private Renaissance Island, accessed by complimentary water taxi, indulging at Okeanos Spa with its private Spa Cove, and dining at the locally inspired Fish Shack.