Could Aruba be the happiest place in the world? We find out on a blissful twin-centre break and island exploration
Words: Sandy Cadiz-Smith
The Caribbean island of Aruba proudly promotes itself as ‘One Happy Island’. Located just off the coast of Venezuela it’s celebrated for its picture-perfect white-sand beaches, dazzling turquoise waters and year-round sunny weather (it’s located outside the hurricane belt). And the warmth extends beyond the tropical climate to the people’s hearts, making for an incredibly welcoming atmosphere. What else could you need in the pursuit of happiness?
Well there’s more. Aruba also offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Beyond the beaches (rated as some of the best in the world), there’s rugged Arikok National Park, the island’s dramatic, untamed wilderness. For the active at heart there are watersports and hiking opportunities aplenty and foodies will discover an impressive array of restaurants serving surprisingly excellent and diverse cuisine.
Aruba also weaves a rich cultural tapestry reflecting its Dutch heritage intertwined with influences from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean and there are myriad colourful festivals to enjoy throughout the year.
Our two-centre break starts in the Aruba’s high-rise hotel neighbourhood at the luxurious Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino. It’s right on beautiful Palm Beach with multiple pools, bars and restaurants and proves to be the perfect base for exploring the island. There’s so much to see.
We sail around the island, snorkelling the colourful coral reefs and swimming in the balmy waters before enjoying an onboard barbecue. We take to the hills by jeep for a bone-rattling, adrenaline-inducing tour of Arikok National Park. And enjoy a rejuvenating meditation in the peace and beauty of the Aruba Butterfly Farm.
We take a walk through the charming town of San Nicolas with streets adorned with magnificent street art and stock up on restorative locally made aloe products at Royal Aruba Aloe. And of course we enjoy plenty of beach time at the likes of Baby Beach, Mangel Halto and Eagle Beach. Aruba is home to seriously sigh-inducing beaches.
When it’s time to eat, we sample a range of fabulous restaurants across the island and one night we enjoy a private sunset picnic on the beach. All uniquely special and delicious experiences.
For the second half of our stay we move to the all-inclusive Divi & Tamarijn for a different vibe and holiday experience. The low-rise hotel has rooms scattered through the gardens and along the beach. Ours is set right on the hotel’s stunning beach and the view from our balcony takes our breath away. We’re just a few steps from that white powdery sand and bluest of blue sea and the characteristic divi trees wave lightly in the ocean breeze.
We take it down a gear and spend our days revelling in the luxury and beauty of our surroundings. From beach bed lounging to leisurely walks, dips in the ocean and sunset cocktails, it’s everything anyone could dream about from an island escape. Walking into the sea is like wading through the softest cotton-wool ever, it’s warm and crystal clear and the azure shades are astounding. Pelicans dive for fish around us with speed and majesty.
There are five fine dining restaurants (make sure you book ahead) and more casual bars and grills to choose from. And the food is incredible, from Italian to Mediterranean, Mexican and classic international cuisine and our favourite set-menu tapas with sunset views at Club Margot. And we love the Pelican Bar, shaded by the divi trees and hanging over the sea for bare-footed cocktails straight off the beach and early evening vino. We enjoy every facility at our oceanside utopia for four heavenly sun-filled days. The ultimate in relaxation and indulgence.
We leave Aruba sun-kissed and sandy-footed with smiles on our faces and that unique Aruban happiness and warmth enveloping our hearts and bodies. The joys of Aruba have exceeded its reputation. There’s no doubt the island lives up to its highly aspirational nickname.
Planning an Aruba wedding
Aruba is the perfect place for a honeymoon, but if you’re thinking of getting married here The Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino has a stunning oceanfront location with unique outdoor event spaces to accommodate between 10 and 500 guests. There are several packages to choose from, and with Marriott Certified Wedding Planners who can help coordinate all styles of weddings. They will also assist with event budgets, menus, tablesettings and tried-and-trusted local suppliers.
The hotel’s expert planners are on hand to make wedding dreams a reality. Each Marriott Certified Wedding Planner is qualified to coordinate weddings of all types. They can help determine an overall vision and help to execute every detail. That includes setting an event budget; deciding on a menu; arranging table settings; and finding florists, photographers, a band and other entertainment for the big day. marriott.com
Aruba fact box
Key Aruba names to know if you’re planning a visit
Divi & Tamarijn – diviandtamarijn
Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino – marriott.com
Monforte Luxury Cruises – monfortecruise.com
ABC Tours – abc-aruba.com
Picnic Aruba – picnicaruba.com
Aruba Butterfly Farm – thebutterflyfarm.com
Royal Aruba Aloe – arubaaloe.com
And 4 recommended restaurants
There are some excellent restaurants in Aruba, and here are four we particularly enjoyed:
Bohemian – French flair with a bohemian twist in a lively setting
Zeerovers – locals’ favourite on the dock specialising in fresh fish and shrimp
Lima Bistro – a must visit for delicious modern flavours from Peru, with an Aruban twist
West Deck – delightful and laidback beach grill and beach bar at Linear Park.