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Destination ARUBA – One Happy Island!By Becky J. BeallThe southern Caribbean island of Aruba offers a taste of paradise with amazing blue skies and a perfect temperature of 82 degrees. On this small island (19.6 miles long and six miles wide), the caressing feeling of serenity engulfs visitors, sweeping them away with its magical allure. And be prepared… a never-ending trade wind is quite the norm on this happy island, reinforcing the carefree lifestyle. Radisson Aruba Resort & Casino
Adventures & Must-See'sAlthough the beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world and the calm, azure waters are more than deserving of a tourists’ leisure time, you really need to see “the wild side.” On the northeast coast, along the windward shore, there is another world.
Souvenirs are a must on a trip like this and the main street vendors (the local’s) will likely became your favorites. From their charming demeanor to their love of the tourists, they treat visitors like kings and queens, offering their wares at “bargain” prices and always making sure your new treasures are wrapped and ready for travel. Most adventures can be booked through De Palm Tours, who have the reputation for outdoing themselves and other excursions are provided by Red Sail Sports. So many options are available, making decisions is a real struggle. Tour the coastline on horseback? Parasail over gorgeous blue waters? How about a half-day sail on the sundeck of a catamaran with a snorkeling adventure and a tropical lunch on board? However indulging you imagine it to be, it is even better! The crew is fabulous and the food is scrumptious. In fact, it is so enjoyable that you just might end up booking an additional fantasy dinner and dance cruise one evening and a sunset sail another. You just can’t get enough of the storybook sunsets and crystal clear waters. If you are traveling on a romantic getaway, the fantasy dinner and dance cruise will probably be the highlight of your trip. It is mostly couples, lots of honeymooners, all dressed up, hands intertwined, wind blowing across the boat, and music playing. The hour and a half sail to the restaurant concludes with a sunset that could rekindle any spirit. After dinner, reclaim your crew and catamaran to begin the dance cruise portion of the evening. You’ll never want this evening to end. Other available adventures include helicopter tours, glass-bottom boat rides, golfing and tennis. Of course, the Radisson’s in-house casino, offers its own tale of delight -- excitement fills the air and the night-life is the high-life! There is something for everyone --- no matter what your interest. Island CuisineThe enticing island cuisine requires some “taste-testing” to determine your favorites but many guests agree that morning meals at The Radisson’s breakfast buffet are unbeatable. The buffet consists of every imaginable fruit, yogurt, eggs, waffles, bacon, sausage, bagels, toast, muffins, cereal – you name it, they serve it! A fresh pot of coffee is left on the table along with juice, allowing for a relaxing contemplation to each day. Favorite lunch spots are plentiful. If you are shopping on Main Street, eat at Iguana Joe’s… you’ll fall in love with its atmosphere and charm. Also, Gilligan’s, a hut-covered grille located at the resort is fabulous. They serve the best fruit bowls and sandwiches. The iguana’s come up and eat any scraps that fell to the deck. It is more than lunch – it is an experience! Another have-to --- make an evening reservation to dine at Twinkletones, the number two tourist attraction on the island. The singing waiters at this family-owned establishment make the wait for your food entertaining – you’ll have a blast joining the train of guests dancing around the room wearing strange hats and jewels. Their menu is a combination of seafood and steaks – get the coconut shrimp – ummm! Their motto is “Come with your camera, appetite and a festive spirit.” For Italian taste buds, Don Carlos is superb and it’s right on the dock. Dinner and a sunset – it doesn’t get much better than that. You’ll probably need reservations, as with almost every elegant restaurant in Aruba. A great time-saver is purchasing the “dine around” program, so be sure to inquire about it with the travel agency or at the hotel. You can arrange all of your reservations at once, then relax and enjoy! Do’s and Don'tsBe careful if you are fully relying on your check card or debit card… sometimes they don’t work (in fact, more often than not, they don’t). However, the old stand-by’s (Mastercard, Visa and American Express) work fine. There is access to Plus and Cirrus systems if an emergency comes up – but watch out, the fees are higher than normal. Prepaid calling cards do not work from Aruba; they will only place calls by phone company calling cards or collect calls. There is a government building where you can pay up front and make a call but your best bet is to say your good-byes and send a postcard. Don’t forget that although the weather is magnificent, the sun is extremely hot and sunscreen is a must! You won’t feel like you’re burning but you’ll be a lobster before you know it! Passports or original birth certificates are both acceptable forms of identification on this trip and you will have to show it, so be prepared.
A principal concern for many is whether or not Aruba is subject to hurricanes. Not only is the island outside the hurricane belt but there is no major rainy season – simply a mild, divine climate and temperature. They call Aruba, “One Happy Island!” Ditto! Photo credits: Becky J. Beall Sources: Radisson Aruba Resort & Casino De Palm Tours Red Sail Sports Twinkletones Authors Bio: Becky J. Beall is editor of Tennessee Valley Christian Family magazine. She also does freelance writing from her home in Pelham, Alabama, where she and her husband, Larry, are raising their four children. |
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The Dutch Island of Aruba offers many wonderful resorts
including the exotic Radisson Aruba Resort & Casino. This resort is
situated on 14 acres with 1,500 feet of beachfront area, all of which are
some of the most well-kept and stunning sands imaginable. The Radisson does its part in seeing that travelers experience
a true enchantment from the moment they stroll through the open-air lobby to
the bidding of farewell.
The entire trip could be spent on the property of the
Radisson, walking through a delight of gardens, visiting the exotic birds,
swimming in the lagoon-style pools or dining at a variety of elegant
restaurants. However, this island has so much to
offer – you’ve just got to wander around! 
One of the “have to’s” of visiting Aruba is this – rent
an open-air jeep and drive down the northeast coast. It’s the total opposite
of the other side of the island. Constant trade winds have molded and
sculpted the trees into pieces of artwork. You’ll get a close-up view of the
California Lighthouse, the Alto Vista Chapel, wishing-rock gardens, the
natural bridge and natural pool. The raging waters on this side of the
island are almost frightening to watch, producing waves that spray
ferociously about. It is simply breathtaking!
Even
if it’s only a disposable model, take a camera and tons of film – everything
on the island of Aruba is worthy of being photographed.