The Best Aruba Vacations

Aruba is one of the more physically beautiful Caribbean islands. There is much to do for the outdoors lover, whether your idea of a good time is exploring the island in search of adventure or you just feel like lounging around the beach. No matter what you're in the mood for, you'll find it in Aruba.

Where to Stay in Aruba

Aruba features some truly extraordinary eco-lodges. Consider Cunucu Arubiano, a lodge that is made up of three villas. The stucco style cottages are situated in the midst of a desert beach paradise with minimal impact on their surroundings. Take part in tons of outdoors fun at the resort, including mountain biking, hiking or relaxing at the Eco-Smarte pool. The resort is also a donkey sanctuary. Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa is another beautiful eco-lodge on the island. The rooms are filled with tropical decor and feature a balcony, air conditioning, in-room refrigerators and daily maid service. Enjoy a fresh water pool and picturesque tropical gardens.

Cunucu Arubiano
Santa Lucia 4
Santa Cruz, Aruba
011 +(297) 594-4491
cunucuarubiano.com

Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa
J.E. Irausquin Blvd. 55
P.O. Box 564, Oranjestad
Aruba, Dutch Caribbean
+(297) 582-3444
manchebo.com

Things to Do in Aruba

When you come to Aruba, you simply have to partake in the outdoors fun. Consider the Natural Pool, also called "Cura di Tortuga." This stunning natural pool is surrounded by cascading cliffs, and the pool itself has crystal blue waters in the midst of paradise. Don't miss another one of the island's natural wonders, Arikok National Park. The park itself covers over 20 percent of the island's land and is the perfect place for the nature lover to explore the island's flora and fauna.

Natural Pool
Windward Coast
10 Kms East of Oranjestad
Oranjestad
+(297) 582-3777
nileguide.com/destination/aruba/things-to-do/natural-pool/62025040569

Arikok National Park
North of Huliba
East Coast of Aruba
Oranjestad
+(297) 582-8001
aruba.com/OurPeoplePlaces/Attractions/Arikok_National_Park.aspx

Where to Eat in Aruba

The restaurants and dining on the island are known to be a bit more expensive than on other islands, but you can find some truly delicious local fare on the island. Diners can get a true taste and feeling of Aruban culture at Gasparito Restaurant and Art Gallery just by stepping into the authentic restaurant. Start off with fresh island squid and scallops served in a buttery pastry crust. Then enjoy the Fisherman's Loot, a fillet of fresh fish with a spicy Creole sauce.

Gasparito 3
Oranjestad
Aruba
+(297) 5867044 - 5867144
www.gasparito.com

Article Written By Catherine Madison

Catherine Madison is a full-time freelance writer specializing in travel and food. She has written for "Stir Magazine," My Food Place, Hispanic Kitchen and Sustainability. Madison holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from the University of Georgia.

Editor's Pick

5 Top North American Wildflower Hikes

Springtime brings a sense of new beginnings and new life as flowers begin to bloom and fill the air with their sweet and pleasant fragrance. Luckily we can see wildflowers all summer long, since spring hits at different times throughout North America. See flowering cactu...
More National Parks...
Popular Article

National Park Substitutes: Great Spots Without the Crowds

Coping with crowds at national parks can get tiresome, especially during the peak tourist season. If you want to escape from the herd, or just take a breather from the bustle of bigger attractions, the United States has plenty of less-visited but still worthwhile spots t...
More National Parks...
Featured Destination

Prevent Yourself from Getting Lost While Hiking

When you're hiking you're going to want to make sure you stay found. What I mean by that is that you've put an itinerary in the car, you know the area that you're hiking to, you know the route and the trail you plan on being on, you know what the trail markers are going ...
More Camping Basics...