Feb 22

Written by: chris
2/22/2013 

Bon Bini

Bon Bini means ‘welcome’ in the lyrical language of Papiamento on Aruba – which is where I am this week. I am here to discover for myself why this small island has the highest repeat visitation of any destination in the Caribbean. And I get my first clue as I set foot on the island and my Passport is stamped ‘Welcome to Aruba’. I can’t remember ever seeing that before when faced with a country’s Immigration Officer! And this theme of friendly welcome suffuses my every contact with the Aruba people. No wonder it’s called ‘One Happy Island’…

Around Aruba

My first day on the island was spent seeing the sights on a guided tour with Jonathan from the local Tourism office. The island is only 32 kms long by 10 kms wide, so it’s perfectly possible to tour the must-see places in a day – and Jonathan ensured that we missed nothing! Starting at the northwestern tip, we visited the California Lighthouse with panoramic views of the surrounding coast. Next, Alto Vista Church, picturesquely perched high up above the rugged North coast and site and first built in 1750. Down on the coast below we clambered around the Bushiribana Ruins – the remains of the smelter where the gold from the island mines inland was processed and stored. On to Baby Bridge, a natural stone arch over the ocean that spans the foam below, besides the crumpled remains of its even bigger neighbor that collapsed a few years ago.


Moving eastwards, we explored the atmospheric Ayo Rock Formations, massive diorite boulders that lie scattered like gigantic marbles in the arid interior of the island. We entered Arikok National Park where I learnt more about Aruba’s unique geology and wildlife at the new Visitor Centre. Twenty percent of Aruba is protected land. In the Park we delved into Fontein Cave, festooned with stalagmites and stalactites with some enigmatic ancient cave art on the walls. We closed the loop of the tour by returning through the lively capital town of Oranjestad with its busy harbour full of visiting cruise liners.

Brilliant Beaches

Aruba is justly famous for its beautiful, fine white sand beaches – but don’t forget your sunglasses, as these silky soft strands reflect the tropical sunlight strongly! I am seeing most of the beaches as we tour the island and what I love most is that there is a beach for everyone here. If you like busy beaches with every watersport under the tropical sun – Eagle Beach and Palm Beach are perfect for you. If you like calm, shallow waters for safe, family fun, the appropriately-named baby Beach fits the bill. But if you want to get away from everyone and have a beach to yourself, well that’s possible too: try Arashi beach or one of the quiet corners of Renaissance Island or De Palm Island.

Family Friendly

Aruba has long been known as a weddings and honeymoons destination, but it is also earning a well-deserved reputation as a great family destination. I am finding happy kids and even more content parents all over this happy island. Aruba offers fabulous children’s facilities and high standards at its resorts, plus there are all kinds of dining choices on the island to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. And a wide range of activities for all the family.

The Butterfly Farm is particularly recommended as a perfect place to entertain and inform both kids and parents – I watched as a swallowtail emerged from its chrysalis and took its first, darting flight. Kids love getting up close and personal with the many colourful and benign iguanas everywhere. And what child would not be in seventh heaven on beaches such as these? If you are thinking of a family vacation on Aruba from Canada, the ThomasCook.ca “Kids First” program promises fun filled family vacations, plus up to $500 in added extras like aircraft seat selection and airport lounge passes and features three resorts on the island. Check out www.ThomasCook.ca/kidsfirst

Aruba Activities

I am a ‘wriggle-puss’. The definition of this term is one who cannot sit still in one place for any length of time whatsoever. So…I always look for activities in the destinations I visit – and there’s no shortage here! Land-based activities include glorious horseback riding opportunities at several stables on the island – I encountered one horseback tour exploring the wild North Coast. There is spelunking – exploring the caves in the island reef limestone terraces. And golf at one of three courses; I admired the Divi Links at one of the Divi Resorts.

But it’s with the sea-based activities that Aruba truly excels. Everything is here from snorkeling to scuba to Sea Trek to Snuba. The windsurfing and kite surfing are world-famous. Parasail over Eagle Beach. Sail, jet boat, seadoo, banana boat and tube…I’m going to exhaust myself trying all these!

Resorts Resplendent

Aruba is the Caribbean with infrastructure and the glamorous resorts really reflect this. The island has some magnificent accommodations ranging from All Inclusive to European Plan to time share. I stayed at the Brickell Bay Beach Club & Spa Boutique Hotel, which as the name suggests, is a smaller hotel in a perfect position right in the heart of the main Palm Beach area; highly recommended.


I have also been making the rounds of many of the principal resorts on the island during my stay here. I particularly liked the Renaissance with its choice of adults-only or family resorts, coupled with its own offshore island hideaway; the Divi and Tamarijn Resorts on a perfect beach with All Inclusive bells and whistles; the RIU Palace Aruba with its grandiose air and outstanding buffet; and the Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort with its pretty Dutch architecture and beach sand restaurant.

Cuisine Cornucopia

My hospitable hosts are introducing me to some fine restaurants – and there are over 200 restaurants of every cuisine on this small island, so the choice is mouth-watering! Here are my favourites so far.

Hostaria da’ Vittorio – a splendid Italian restaurant where the Master Chef flies in most of his ingredients fresh from Italy. You have the choice of air-conditioned comfort inside, a large open-air patio under the stars and even a half-way house conservatory space which is where I chose to dine.


Buccaneer – a seafood restaurant with a difference, themed to the inside of an ocean galleon, with most tables beside large aquariums full of tropical fish and one massive tank that features free swimming turtles. The seafood is great and if you ask the owner nicely he may let you help him feed the turtles!

Papiamento - the Ellis family has served award-winning Caribbean food in their 200-year-old cunucu (farm) home for almost two decades. Over the years, tables have spilled out from the thick-walled, antiques-filled interiors to the large fairy-lit palm garden. At twilight, birds serenade outdoor diners around the luminescent pool…It’s a magical setting for fine food and this was where I enjoyed the island specialty of Keshi Yena - Edam or Gouda cheese rinds stuffed with beef, chicken, fish, or shrimp, embellished with raisins, grated cheese, bread crumbs, olives, capers, and spices.

Masha Danki

My trip to Aruba was made even more enjoyable by the sparkling company and assistance from Colleen LesSard of the Aruba Tourism Authority and her charming colleague, Jonathan Boekhoudt. Each shared with me some of their favourite bits of Aruba. I also enjoyed the hospitality of Juan Keyter, General Manager at the Brickell Bay Beach Club & Spa. Masha danki (many thanks in Papiamento) to each. Here are some useful links:
www.Aruba.com
www.Brickellbayaruba.com