Whether you are looking for the perfect location for an adventurous honeymoon or an intimate destination wedding, Aruba might be just the place for you! Located 15 miles north of Venezuela in the warm waters of the southern Caribbean, the small Dutch colony is home to miles of uncrowded, beautiful beaches and 82-degree sun-filled days.
We were so excited recently to be invited to visit Aruba and have the opportunity to explore all the wonderful things this 70 square mile island has to offer couples. Charming is the word that continually comes to mind. From the warm greeting of Bon Bini, to the colorful buildings of downtown Oranjestad and the local homes, you are reminded that this is a place people love to be. The people truly deserve to call their home “One Happy Island!”
There is something for everyone here. Located just below the hurricane belt (unlike many islands in the Caribbean) the climate is dry, with rarely have a rainy day. This allows you to make the most of the good weather and explore the rugged beauty of the island. A jeep ride into the interior of the island will allow you to explore Arikok National Park, a desert-like preserve with a variety of wildlife, cacti and dramatic rock formations. Stopping for a refreshing dip in the Natural Pool gives you a chance to see Aruba’s raw beauty at it best.
If hanging out at a beach without crowds is what you love, you will be in heaven at Baby Beach, so be sure to stop here before heading back to your hotel. If a beach with lots of action is more your passion, head back to your hotel, which will be located on a seven mile beach located on the west coast. Once there you will be able to relax on your loungers, do some beachside yoga, or go swimming, snorkeling, kite surfing, waterskiing, tubing, or parasailing. We were treated to a wonderful catamaran cruise on Red Sail Sports that gave us the opportunity to see the beautiful coastline while enjoying the wonderful tradewinds.
After all of the activity (or not), you will not be disappointed at the wide range of wonderful restaurants. Our favorite was Pinchos Bar and Grill, which is located on a pier off the shoreline. The seafood, wine and service were wonderful and it is a place that has to go at the top of your list.
There is lodging available for every taste and budget. If your idea of the perfect hotel is a larger property with direct beach access, beautiful pools and staff ready to help you with every detail, the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino should be at the top of your list. If the beach isn’t enough to entertain you, there is a to-die-for spa and a casino on site as well. In fact there are several casinos on the island, so trying your luck at a different one every night is entirely possible!
Aruba has it all – sunshine, blue skies, beaches, the ocean and beautiful sunsets – all it needs now is you!
