Travel
Aruba: "One Happy Island" with Countless Adventures by Christopher Sandlin
EDGE Gulf Coast Regional EditorMonday Dec 1, 2008
Take a trip below the belt - the hurricane belt, that is - and you’ll quickly realize why Aruba bears the national slogan "One Happy Island" and claims the most return visitors of any Caribbean island. Though quite touristy in certain areas, Aruba is the perfect pick for a gay-friendly destination with year-round good weather (around 82 F most of the time), pristine beaches, world renowned cuisine, and as little or as much activities as you can handle. With an area of just 75 square miles (about the size of Washington, DC), this small Caribbean nation packs a mighty punch.
Aruba 101
|
The Basics
Originally claimed by the Spanish in 1499, Aruba’s real identity was shaped after it became a Dutch colony in 1636. Though Aruba seceded from the Netherlands Antilles in 1986, it’s still a separate, autonomous part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and its Dutch influence isn’t disappearing any time soon. Not just architecturally and economically, but culturally too - Arubans are some of the most warm, friendly and tolerant people you’ll meet. Even though Dutch is the official language, most of the time you’ll hear Spanish or Papiamento (the native Aruban language...a mélange of Spanish, Dutch and other languages)
It’s the smallest and southernmost island of the Lesser Antilles, also known as the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao), and just 15 miles from the coast of Venezuela.
If you’re expecting a lush tropical paradise, look elsewhere. While the northern coast is marked by a jagged coastline with wild waves, Aruba’s rugged eastern interior is often compared to a Martian landscape. It’s really beautiful in its own way, not to mention some of the natural landmarks you shouldn’t miss. Of course, some of the biggest draws are Aruba’s miles of gorgeous, white and honey-colored beaches on the south side. The compact size of this island makes it easy to get around on your own on the safe, well-marked roads. If you get lost, the coast can’t be more than 3 miles away to show you the way back!
Getting There
International flights arrive at Quean Beatrix Airport, outside of Oranjestad, Aruba’s capital. American Airlines has frequent direct flights from Miami and New York City. www.aa.com.
Visitors will mostly stay in the low-rise and high-rise sections east of Oranjestad (Palm Beach and Eagle Beach), but downtown Oranjestad is also an increasingly common choice. Getting from one area to the other means a short taxi ride (or long, long walk), but don’t let that keep you in the area right around your hotel: To enjoy Aruba to its fullest, you need to see it all by walking, swimming, boat, jeep, ATV or even on horseback.
Where to Stay
|
Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino
The Renaissance sits smack dab in the middle of downtown Oranjestad, with a pool looking out over the harbour and main shopping road. This resort really offers the best of both worlds: if you’re in an urban mood, take advantage of the location by walking to the city attractions like bars, clubs, restaurants and casinos...then get away from it all by taking a complimentary 5-minute boat ride to Renaissance Island, the resort’s secluded island accessible only to guests. Except for the occasional roar of airplanes, it’s easy to spend a whole day on the private island and forget there’s a bustling city a short distance away. Adults and most gay visitors will opt to stay at the main Renaissance (rather than the separate building for families with children). In the chic lobby, make sure to enjoy some of the lobby bar’s great cocktails as you look out over the main drag below.
www.arubarenaissance.com.
Westin Aruba Beach Resort & Casino
If downtown isn’t your style, head over to the high rise area and stay at the recently renovated Westin Aruba. The Westin now has a sophisticatedly modern lobby with soaring ceilings and stunning marble floors. During renovation, Westin did away with the tacky pastels and island prints of the previous hotel, and updated the rooms with soft colors and casual elegance. Most rooms look out toward the sea and pool area. The pool is so enticing that it’s hard to choose between lounging by the pool or walking out to the beach and picking out a cabana for the day. Plan your day right and you’ll have plenty of time to laze around the pool or beach. The Westin has some good restaurants and a fantastic casino, but if time is limited, make sure you take a stroll down the winding path connecting all the hotels in this area.
www.westinaruba.com.
More after the jump...
|
|
|
Email
Print
Share
