A perennial favorite for honeymooners and others looking for romantic getaways, Aruba is known for its year-round high temperatures and beautiful white sand beaches. This is the perfect destination for couples who love to relax on the beach, shop, gamble, enjoy a great nightlife, and practice water sports.
WHAT TO DO: For water lovers, opportunities abound in Aruba, including some of the best diving in the entire Caribbean, including wall and reef diving. Both the shipwrecks and the beautiful and rare marine life exist in the always warm water. Snorkeling and a hybrid of snorkeling and diving called snuba are also offered through water sports companies. For those who want to see the sea without water sports, Atlantis Submarines and Seaworld Explorer Semi-Submarine offer the opportunity to see marine life on board a boat. Sailing, kitesurfing, and windsurfing are also popular due to the constant winds. Aruba also offers the opportunity to gamble at the casinos and enjoy a lively nightlife. All gambling is conducted in US dollars and many of the best resorts offer casino games on site. Caribbean Stud Poker, an Aruba invention, is especially popular. LG Smith Boulevard in Orajestad is a popular spot for bars and nightclubs that operate from midnight until dawn again. World-class shopping, including stores like Gucci and Ralph Lauren, are available in the open-air malls. Local artisans selling their wares can easily be found in Oranjestad. Aruba’s connection to the Netherlands creates a colorful mix of European and Caribbean products. Personal items are tax free.
WHERE TO STAY: Most of Aruba’s resorts are located along the southwest coast, particularly around Palm and Eagle Beaches. The large high-rise resorts are primarily located in Palm Beach, while the smaller low-rise hotels are concentrated in Eagle Beaches. Locally owned hotels and villas are located on both beaches. Some options are also available in downtown Oranjestad. Several hotels offer an all-inclusive option, including the Holiday Inn Sunspree, the Riu Palace, the Occidental Grand Aruba, and many others. Options for adults-only resorts are limited, but Bucuti Beach Resort and Renaissance Marina Hotel offer these options. Cruises are another way to experience Aruba – most of the major cruise lines offer ports of call in Aruba. Contact us to learn more about all the great options you can have when staying in Aruba.
DESTINATION WEDDING INFORMATION: Catholic, civil, Jewish and Protestant weddings are available in Aruba. Same-sex engagement services are available in Aruba and the country recognizes same-sex marriages. Specific resorts are very gay-friendly and offer same-sex engagement ceremony packages. Many hotels offer complete wedding packages on site. A ship captain cannot officiate a wedding in accordance with Dutch law unless authorized by the laws of the country in which the ship is registered.