By Anne Marie Bailey
"Aruba, Jamaica, ooh I wanna take ya ..." Are you singing the
beach Boys, dreaming of having the best island vacation? Clear blue waters, tropical sun and a fruity libation in hand all come to mind when thinking of the
Caribbean island of Aruba. Located just off the South American coast of Venezuela, it charms visitors with its world-famous hospitality, elegant
resorts and activities galore.
Carnival
Aruba's Carnival is an islandwide festival of colorful parades, streets lined with people, food, music and dancing. Carnival takes place the two weeks preceding Lent, usually in February. The celebration culminates with the Old Mask Parade and the Burning of King Momo. Don't plan to do anything the day after except rest and replenish; the whole island takes a holiday.
Carnival
enjoyaruba.com/carnival/
Bon Bini Festival
If you can't be there for Carnival, don't worry. The island of Aruba has something going on every week. On Tuesday evenings, Aruba celebrates Bon Bini. Meaning "welcome" in the island language of Papiemento, the festival boasts live music, local artists, island delicacies and lots of dancing.
Bon Bini Festival
aruba-guide.info/activities/events.and.festivals/
Jolly Pirates Snorkel
Grab your hook and parrot and head off on a cruise with the Jolly Pirates. Sail aboard a wooden pirate ship to the snorkel destinations of Malmok, Boca Catalina and the World War II shipwreck, Antilla. Tours include a barbecue, open bar, snorkel gear and a rope swing. Sunset sails are also available.
Jolly Pirates Snorkel
(+297) 586 8107
jolly-pirates.com
Pincho's Grill and Bar
The best Aruba vacation must include a meal at Pincho's Grill and Bar. Located at the Surfside Marina Hotel, Pincho's serves elegant island fare such as Dark Rum-Infused Bleu Cheese Crusted Tenderloin to your candle-lit table literally over the water.
Pincho's Grill and Bar
LG Smith Blvd. 7
Oranjestad, Aruba
(+297) 583 2666
arubarestaurants.com/international/pinchos-grill-bar/
Explore Off the Beaten Path
One quarter of the island has been made a conservation park. Rent a bike or a moped in town and set off exploring. Aruba is a relatively flat island with cool breezes. Ask the rental shop for a map. Visit the Gaudariki Caves where hieroglyphs from the original Gaudariki Indian settlers remain. Check out the collapsed natural bridge and the Boca Prins Sand Dunes. Keep in mind that Aruba drives on the other side of the street. There are many rental shops, but one right in town is George's Cycle Center.
George's Cycle Center
LG Smith Blvd. 136
Oranjestad, Aruba
(+297) 587 8300
Renaissance Aruba Resort and Casino
How about staying on a 40-acre island with private beaches for your vacation? Throw on every amenity you can think of and you've arrived at the Renaissance Aruba resort. Actually two hotels, one for an adult crowd and the other geared toward families, the Renaissance has it all. Shopping, casinos, spas, pools and waterfalls barely scratch the surface. Try one of seven property restaurants ranging from fine-dining steak and seafood to casual fare on the beach. The main street of Oranjestad runs between the two hotels, so you will never be far from the rest of Aruba's wonder.
LG Smith Blvd 82
Oranjestad, Aruba
(+297) 583 6000
marriot.com
Resources
About the Author:
Based in Southern California, Anne Marie Bailey has been a freelance writer since 2008. She has been published in "EAT Magazine" and is a regular contributor to Trails.com and eHow. Bailey holds a Bachelor of Arts in cultural anthropology from the University of Colorado.
