A Visit To “One Happy Island”
Driving on this 75 square mile piece of paradise can be a bit tricky, as the many roundabouts on the drive from the airport to my final destination of Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort showed, but the roads are well paved, safe and traffic is driven on the right. Another thing for Americans to bear in mind, is that there is no right turn allowed at red lights.
My resort destination soon appeared and off I went to check in—greeted by friendly staff with cold juice and a refreshing face towel. Once the check in formality was dispensed with, I was shown to my suite overlooking Eagle Beach—there were some welcome gifts for me, including local chocolates, fruits and on the bed, a personalized bath robe and a T-shirt with a bucket list of things to do during my stay. A sharpie was included so I could check off the bucket list boxes on the back of the T-shirt! The suite was beautifully airconditioned and very comfortable, had front and rear entranceways and a private beach view terrace.
Cocktails at Sunset, Island Style
The first evening rolled around and everyone headed to the beautiful rooftop Horizons Lounge for cocktails with restaurant manager Maurice and resort owner Jurgen, followed by a wonderful dinner, overlooking Eagle Beach to one side and the resort pool to the other.
After a wonderful night’s sleep and a refreshing shower, breakfast was delivered to my suite, a very tasty combination of omelet, fresh fruits and yogurt.
Smoothies, Shrines & Gold Rush Ruins
After fueling up, I headed outside to get into an open-air jeep, driven by DePalm Tours’ experienced guide “Uncle Don” and off we went on a local on and off-road tour through Aruba’s outback and best sightseeing spots.
Driving north on the west coast, we passed through the popular tourist areas of Palm Beach, Hadicurari Beach and Malmok Beach, with their high-rise hotel blocks and luxury holiday homes, until turning off the main road and heading East to drive up towards California Lighthouse; named after the British steamship S.S. California, which sank in 1891.
The stop at the lighthouse gave us the opportunity to grab a couple of very tasty smoothies and fresh coconut water, while taking in the breathtaking views of Aruba, then it was back into the jeep for a ride through the back country, off road for the most part, firstly to the tiny catholic chapel of Alto Vista, originally built by Venezuelan missionary Domingo Silvestre and rebuilt in 1952 after falling into ruins. Then it was off to the Bushiribana gold mill ruins – a part the history of Aruba’s gold rush of the nineteenth century.
Desert Vibes on a Tropical Island
The drive through the outback served as a reminder that, despite the tropical climate, Aruba is in fact a desert island, with some incredibly diverse landscape beyond the pristine white beaches of the popular west coast. Very little rain falls on this piece of the Caribbean, barely 15 miles from the coast of Venezuela and for the most part, is immune to hurricane activity, only experiencing fringes of that tropical weather.
After some exploration and photo opps at Bushiribana, it was time to head south again and onto the charming little town of San Nicolaas, a town that is home to over 50 street murals, some art galleries, souvenir shops and eateries. We stopped at Kultur Café, located inside the old San Nicolaas’s bookstore. The food was wonderful and there was a selection of great coffees and juices. The prices are very reasonable, especially with an exchange rate of two florins to the dollar when I visited.
Penthouse Dining
After lunch, we headed back to Amsterdam Manor, driving through the capital city of Oranjestad, taking in the sights and sounds including seeing a massive cruise ship tied up, looking like it was parked at the end of one particular street.
That evening, we were treated to a 35th Resort Anniversary themed private dinner on the Penthouse Suite balcony. Some wines specially chosen for the occasion were served to accompany an incredibly tasty Aruban style meal, which included a wonderful coconut shrimp and a first for me, goat, which was incredibly delicious.
After dinner, we headed off to Horizons Lounge for nightcaps, before retiring for the night, lungs filled with sea air, bodies starting to tan and a tiredness brought about by a day filled with pleasure and great experiences.
A breakfast picnic on Eagle Beach was laid on for the following morning, with some entertainment being provided by colorful local dancers and also a visit from Miss Universe Aruba, Anouk Eman.
Party on Wheels
The rest of the day was spent lazing on the beach, shopping in Oranjestaad and generally relaxing before the evening entertainment – an unforgettable evening aboard the Kukoo Kunuku party bus!
Starting off with a drink at a local bar, then a sunset Champagne toast back at California Lighthouse, followed by a casual Caribbean dinner and finally onto a local bar/nightclub for some drinks, dancing and fun. The party bus crew kept everyone in full party mode, great music blaring from the speakers, maracas shaking and the driver showing just why he should really be a DJ in a top club!
Schooner Life: Cruising the Spanish Lagoon
No trip to Aruba is complete without a Pelican Adventures luxury lagoon cruise: This cruise along Aruba’s southern coast on board a luxury schooner was an experience of a lifetime.
We sailed south for an hour until we reached Spanish Lagoon, where the water is clear and crystalline, perfect to anchor and go snorkeling, swimming and kayaking, watching the local marine life and having a ton of fun.
While we were enjoying our aquatic pursuits, a very tasty barbecue was being prepared onboard, the perfect way to eat after working up an appetite in the water!
A particular highlight for me was the rope swing from the bowsprit, swinging out from the side of the boat and dropping back into the clear waters from some twenty feet up, exhilarating enough for me to do it twice and wishing I could do it more!
Sunset Finale: Dining in Technicolor
All too soon the last evening came around and again, it turned into something very special, a sunset dinner on Eagle Beach, wonderful food, great cocktails, local beer and mocktails and a stunning sunset over the calm Caribbean sea; heavenly.
This Caribbean slice of heaven, with its melting pot of cultures, its super friendly people, and wonderful climate is safe, fairly economical and definitely tourist friendly. I can’t wait to book my next visit to “One Happy Island”.
