Aruba vacation: welcoming comforts and unforgettable attractions

Make the most of your precious vacation days in a place where the divi-divi trees delight and the cacti stands tall. In Aruba, you can enjoy the comforts of home in luxury accommodations while experiencing Dutch beauty and nature's charms.

Bom bini, or welcome, to an easygoing escape in a tropical paradise.

Why travel to Aruba?
Aruba is an island in the southern Caribbean, 20 km north of Venezuela. It lies outside of the Hurricane Belt and typically enjoys sunny weather with an average temperature of 28C and an average of just about 16.1" of rain per year. Oranjestad is Aruba's capital city – and the heart of the action on the island. Take a day trip to Oranjestad and shop for souvenirs in the many stores you'll find there.

Aruba was part of the Dutch Netherlands Antilles until 1986 so when you stroll down the streets of Oranjestad, you'll notice they are lined with fine examples of Dutch architecture; painted in colours you might expect to find in the Caribbean: lime greens, banana yellows, bright corals and flamingo pinks.

See local artists' masterpieces at Access Art Gallery and stop for some coffee at their onsite cafe.

Where to stay and eat
If you're looking for a centrally located hotel that's clean, stylish and on the beach, check into the Aruba Marriott Resort, fresh from a $50 million renovation. You can expect roomy accommodations and loads of amenities including a good selection of shops and on-site gaming at the Stellaris Casino.

Melt away winter's chill with a soothing massage at Mandara Spa where you can enjoy the Elemis Aroma Stone Therapy massage ($160 for 75 minutes). It's a warm and therapeutic experience that'll leave you feeling like a brand new you.

You don't have to go far from your room for a satisfying meal. There are 10 restaurants and bars at the Marriott, including:
- Ruth's Chris Steak House
- La Vista, a newly renovated restaurant with a killer view
- Simply Fish
- Waves Beach Bar & Grill and;
- Ketsu Sushi Bar.

Looking for a little extra TLC? Go for the Tradewinds upgrade that includes express check-in, a pillow menu from which you can choose your preferred pillow texture, a packing and unpacking service and access to the Tradewinds Lounge where there are yummy meals and an open bar.

Click to continue your journey through Aruba...

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What to do
Explore Aruba on an off-roading jeep adventure with De Palm Tours. Sign up for the Aruba Safari Jeep Adventure and you'll stop at the California Lighthouse on Aruba's northwest shore for a little scenic glory and a touch of Aruban history. The structure dates back to the early 1900s and is named after a ship that sank off the coast nearby.

Then pass by the wish rock garden, a series of rock formations that represent people's wishes along the northern coastline. Make your way to the Alto Vista Chapel, Aruba's oldest Catholic church built in 1750 and remodeled in 1952. This limestone walled chapel stands in the middle of desert-like terrain, framed by cacti, and is a nice place to enjoy some quiet time.

Next, check out the Bushiribana Gold Smelter Ruins. Built in 1825 and made of natural stone, the ruins overlook the ocean and make for postcard-perfect photos; it's an idyllic place to stop and take in your surroundings.For yet another pretty photo op, check out the Natural Bridge ruins. The coral formation once formed a 100 ft. long bridge about 25 feet over the Caribbean Sea and was one of Aruba's most visited sights before it succumbed to the ocean's fury and collapsed in September 2005. Even though the bridge no longer stands, the dramatic rocky shore that lines the sapphire blue ocean water here makes for stunning scenery.

Dinner at Pinchos restaurant
There's no shortage of familiar businesses where North Americans can feel right at home in Aruba. You can satisfy homesick cravings for McDonald's, KFC and Pizza Hut fare here but when you want a local dining experience, head to Pinchos Grill and Bar for dinner on a pretty pier.

Complete with comfy sofa seating and a padded swing where you can sway with the island breeze, take time to indulge in a true island experience at Pinchos. This family-run business serves up great food in an unforgettable setting, so don't leave the island without experiencing at least one dinner here.

Safety concerns
Tragedy can happen anywhere and it happened in Aruba when American teen Natalee Holloway went missing on May 30, 2005 while vacationing on the island. Understandably, some travellers may be wary of choosing Aruba for their next travel destination but if you've got safety concerns, you should know that Aruba's crime rate is lower than in many other Caribbean destinations. The island boasts low unemployment rates and a tourism-based economy, so you're likely to find plenty of warm and friendly locals who really want you to enjoy your stay. That's not to say you shouldn't use a reasonable amount of caution during all your travels, no matter where you go.

Whether you're looking for fun in the sun or sea, a bustling entertainment scene or relaxation and rejuvenation, you'll have no trouble designing your perfect island vacation in Aruba. So pack your bags and give Jack Frost the cold shoulder by heading for the sun and sand at Aruba's world-renowned beaches.

Click here to view our slideshow of must-see sights for a weekend in Aruba.

Or, cross the globe and discover paradise in exciting and exotic French Polynesia.

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