Aruba - One Happy Island

I could probably sit for hours and list the things I love about Aruba! Year round sun and 80 degree weather, beautiful blue water and skies, and some of the most friendly locals you will ever meet rank among the top reasons I keep going back. It’s easy to see why Aruba earned its title of “One Happy Island.” Be prepared to be greeted with a smile and a warm “Bon Bini” or “welcome” from locals everywhere you go!

On our most recent trip, we stayed at Holiday Inn Resort Aruba - Beach Resort & Casino. The resort is perfectly situated on a pristine stretch of quiet beach on the Northwest side of the island. Within walking distance are many restaurants, beach bars and activities. If all inclusive is what you desire, I’d also highly recommend the adult only Riu Palace Antillas or neighboring family-friendly Riu Palace Aruba! Both resorts offer a fun, party-like atmosphere with nightly activities including shows and karaoke!

My favorite thing to do in Aruba is scuba diving. I had a wonderful few days underwater with Palm Beach Divers! The shop is within walking distance from the hotel. If you love spotting sea turtles, this is the destination for you!

If scuba isn’t your thing, there’s plenty more to do! I rented a UTV from Justin’s ATV and Tours and took myself on a private island tour. One stop you cannot miss includes the Conchi Natural Pool within Arikok National Park! Bring a snorkel to see a multitude of sea creatures within the pool and pack a lunch and spend the afternoon on the trails!

At the end of a sun filled day, head to Pelican Pier for sunset drinks and THE BEST coconut shrimp at Pelican Nest Restaurant. All the while, you can enjoy watching pelicans dive into the water around you as they too enjoy their meal! If you’re still feeling thirsty, take a short walk over to Carlito’s Sport Beach Bar and Grill, a fun dive bar on the beach serving up tasty 2 for 1 drinks during their lengthy happy hour.

Whenever anyone asks for recommendations on a Caribbean destination, I never hesitate to exclaim “ARUBA!” There are activities abound for any type of vacationer from beach bum to adventure seeker!