Aruba Relax: the Happy Island among Beaches, Resorts and Natural Pools

descriptionDescription

Aruba — the One Happy Island — sits outside the hurricane belt and prides itself on some of the Caribbean's best beaches with perfect weather all year round. This 7-day itinerary starts in Oranjestad — the capital of colonial Dutch houses in pastel colors, duty-free shops and a harbour where cruise ships and sailboats dock. Lodging concentrates on the hotel strip between Eagle Beach — consistently voted among the world's best with its white sand, leaning divi-divi trees and calm water — and Palm Beach, the zone of luxury resorts with infinity pools and lounger service on the beach. Arikok National Park, covering 20% of the island, offers a wild contrast: desert scenery of giant cacti, natural pools formed among volcanic rocks for bathing as the waves break nearby, and caves with Arawak indigenous pictographs. Flamingo Beach on Renaissance Island is the trip's Instagram-worthy indulgence: a private beach with pink flamingos strolling freely. Sunsets from the Palm Beach chiringuitos, Aruba Ariba in hand, close each day.