To Relax In Beautiful Aruba

Sometimes it’s hard to differentiate between many destinations of the Caribbean. On some level they’re all incredible beach getaways, and in most cases they combine luxury resorts, pristine beaches, and some interesting natural and historical attractions. You can certainly have a similar experience at a lot of the different islands and destinations. However, they’re not all the same, and one that doesn’t get quite enough attention as a gorgeous and enjoyable place to visit is Aruba.

A small island closer to Venezuela than any other mainland country, Aruba is actually technically a part of the Netherlands. Geographically it’s something of a low-key island, with soft beaches and relatively calm waters. And in terms of attractions you’ll find a nice mix of modern accommodations and lingering European influence. Below are some of the highlights of visiting this beautiful island.

Famous Beaches

Perhaps it should go without saying, but there are some absolutely incredible stretches of sand to enjoy on the island. Some of the best Aruba beaches include Arashi Beach, Boca Catalina, Palm Beach, and Eagle Beach, with Eagle Beach perhaps being the most famous of them all. As stated there’s generally calm waters and soft sand on this island, so these are all relaxing beaches to explore and let your hair down, though if you do just a little bit of research you’ll find some differentiating factors that help you decide which ones to prioritize.

Top-Notch Casinos

For anyone interested, Aruba is one of the better arguments for the enduring relevance of brick-and-mortar casinos as well. But many see these places as obsolete. Online casinos offer more convenience, a greater gaming variety, and various introductory features that entice people to join. There’s a lot to like. But at places like Aruba’s top casinos – Stellaris and the Hyatt Regency, to name a couple – you can enjoy an atmosphere you just can’t find online. There’s something uniquely enjoyable about stepping in from a tropical environment to have a few drinks and play some cards (or whatever other game you like).

Parks & Reserves

If there’s one thing that’s profoundly under appreciated about the Caribbean in general it’s probably that many of the islands have incredible national parks and nature reserves. The beaches rightfully get more attention, but these parks do just as much to showcase the areas’ natural beauty. Aruba is no exception here, with places like Arikok National Park and various famous rock formations making for excellent stops during your trip. Arikok is particularly interesting, with landscapes reminiscent of the American Southwest, complete with cacti, abandoned gold mines, and interesting wildlife.

Seaside Indulgence

Any chance you have to enjoy a cocktail or share a meal near the water in the Caribbean, you probably ought to take. Nothing quite tops being able to sit down and indulge in food or drink in such a pretty setting, particularly if the weather’s nice or you get to watch the sun set. In Aruba you can take the indulgence to another level with a few beach side spas as well. But the beachfront bars and restaurants are must-see spots during your vacation.

Water-sports

Water-sports and activities in Aruba are wonderful as well. While it’s not as much of a surf destination, it’s really suited to snorkeling or scuba diving, as well as kayaking or jet ski rides. On a windier day, the calmer waters will also make it excellent for trying kite boarding, though this is a slightly more involved sport for which you need an instructor. Suffice it to say if you want to pack a little activity into your getaway, you certainly can.