ARUBA

Aruba is a Dutch protectorate and became a nation unto itself in 1986. It’s one of the Caribbean’s most popular destinations, has more than a dozen resort hotels and greatly inhabited.

It’s a relatively safe environment, maintains an average temperature of 82 degrees during the day, receives only 17 inches of rainfall annually and stands outside the path of hurricanes.

The highlight of Aruba’s winter season is the annual pre-Lenten Carnival which lasts a month, including events day and night. It attracts many visitors as it consists of music, dancing, parades, costumes and "jump-up" (Caribbean haedowns).

It’s water is pure and comes from the world’s second-largest desalination plant. Aruba is on Atlantic standard time year-round, which is one hour ahead of U.S. time, except during daylight savings time, when our times are the same.

Getting Around

Taxis are unmetered, but rates are fixed. Aruba has excellent bus service, with regular daily service. Since its roads are in good condition and the roads are flat, many visitors like to rent mopeds and motorcycles. It’s easy to rent a car and most agencies accept U.S. or Canadian driver’s license.

Where to Stay

A. Very Expensive

Allegro Resort Aruba

Aruba Grand

Aruba Sonesta Resorts at Seaport Village

Hyatt Regency Aruba

Wyndham Hotel & Resort

B. Expensive

Bucuti Beach

C. Moderate

Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort

Caribbean Palm Village Resort

Aruba cont.

The Mill Resort

Playa Linda Beach Resort

D. Inexpensive

Aruba Blue Village Suites

Coconut Inn

Stauffer Hotel Aruba

Where to Dine

A. Expensive

Boonoonoonoos Chez Mathilde Gasparito

La Trattoria L’Escale

De Olde Molen The Old Cunucu House Valentino’s

B. Moderate

Frankie’s Prime Grill Kowloon La Dolce Vita

The Waterfront Crabhouse Chalet Suisse Mi Cushina

The Buccaneer La Paloma Ventanas del Mar

Brisas del Mar Charlie’s Bar and Restaurant

C. Inexpensive

Mama’s & Papa’s The Paddock

Beaches

Palm Beach Eagle Beach

Punta Brabo Manchebo Beach

Baby Beach Hadikurari