Let’s Go to the One Happy Island, Aruba!

We’ve traveled all over the Caribbean and really enjoy the tropical vibe you find there. If you asked us to pick one island, it would be an easy choice: Aruba.

They call themselves the One Happy Island, and we’ve found it to be true. If you like great beaches, watersports, sumptuous food and great outdoor adventures on a safe desert island hosted by some of the friendliest people in the world, this is your place to leave the rest of the world behind. It certainly is for us! And since Aruba is outside the hurricane belt, you can plan your visit any time of the year with the confidence that the weather will not interfere with your fun. The weather forecast is just about the same all year round: Sunny, highs in the 80’s, breezy and very little chance of rain (only about six inches a year).

Like a lot of people, we discovered Aruba when we stopped there on a cruise. We’ve returned many times, and we’re looking forward to going back very soon. In today’s Covid-19 world, you’ll need a negative PCR test within 72 hours of departure. As long as you pass the temperature and other health screenings upon arrival in Queen Beatrix International Airport, you’re good to go, without any quarantine required. When the CDC’s new rules take effect on January 26, you’ll need a negative test within 72 hours of departure in order to board your flight back to the US. It appears that Aruba is gearing up for this and has testing available for their guests.

Ready to go? Good! Here are some tips for planning your trip.

First, check out the official Aruba travel website https://www.aruba.com/us. It’s full of great information about everything Aruba, and not just a glossy travel brochure. Make sure you check the latest rules and regulations surrounding Covid-19. If you’re thirsty for more information, dive into One Happy Podcast, available through Apple Podcasts as well as online at http://onehappypodcast.com/. Our friend Aruba Curt Robinson hosts the podcast, which features interviews with locals, business owners, comedians and long-time visitors to the island. You’ll get an in depth look at everyone’s favorite things to do in Aruba. If you have a little time, go to YouTube and search for videos about Aruba. There are plenty that will whet your appetite.

Several US airlines fly to Aruba directly from multiple US airports. There is direct service from New York, Newark, Chicago, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Atlanta, Orlando, Miami, Houston and probably many more. Shop around. . .airfare ranges from around $400 to $800. If you can be flexible and fly during the week, you should be able to find a route at the lower end of that scale.

The high season in Aruba starts around Christmas and runs through April, but the weather is terrific and dependable year-round. They call November their rainy month, but we’ve been there in November and we think that means you’ll have a ten-minute shower every other day or so. You’re virtually guaranteed sunshine 365 days a year.

There are three main areas to stay in Aruba, with accommodations ranging from decent to deluxe to be found in each one. The biggest and busiest area is Palm Beach, which features over a dozen hotels and timeshares lining a beautiful strip of sand about a mile and a half long. Within ten minutes’ drive, you’ll find plenty of Airbnb’s and other rental properties. There are tons of great restaurants up and down the price scale along with a shopping mall and several casinos. And it’s all within easy walking distance. This is also called the High Rise area. . .as opposed to the Low Rise area, which borders it to the south.

The Low Rise area is based on Eagle Beach, which you will typically find in listings of great beaches in the Caribbean and the world. It’s quieter and more laid back but offers just as many great lodging and dining choices. Some of the smaller boutique hotels on Eagle Beach are spectacular.

You can also stay in Oranjestad, Aruba’s capital, at one of the Renaissance hotels. . .either on the beach or in the city itself. Either way, you’ll have access to their private island, which is a lovely oasis shared with wild pink flamingos. Oranjestad is in the middle of the action for dining and nightlife. And if you’re looking for jewelry or watches, this is where you’ll find the best stores with the best selections.

Aruba is a relatively small island, only ten miles long and about six miles wide, but there’s still plenty to explore. We recommend renting a car for at least three or four days so you can venture out and see more than the touristy areas. There are several car rental agencies at the airport and just as many offsite. If you’ll be returning the car before you head back home, make sure you select an agency that allows you to drop the car off near your hotel. That will save you a few precious vacation hours.

Those are the basics: flights, lodging and rental car. Beyond that, there’s plenty to do and plenty of time to not do anything. Here’s how we spend a week in Aruba:

• Try to get there as early in the day as possible. While this might mean you’re getting up at an ungodly hour, it’s worth being able to get on the beach that day and take in the sunset.
• While you’re waiting for your luggage in the airport terminal, wander over to the duty free store. Here you’ll find the best prices for liquor on the island. Each adult can buy one bottle.
• Rent a car at the airport; it’s most efficient from a time standpoint. We like National, especially because they allow you to drop the car off at either of two locations in Palm Beach. . .very handy if you don’t keep the car for your entire stay.
• If you need to buy groceries and/or other supplies, go directly to SuperFood. It’s located on the main road between Oranjestad and Eagle/Palm Beaches. If it’s too crowded for your liking, bypass it and go back the next morning right after they open.
• Go to your hotel or wherever you’re staying, check in and do a fast unpack. The goal is to get to the beach as soon as possible. Word of caution: Aruba is only about 870 miles from the equator. Apply 30+ sunscreen liberally and often! The combination of very low humidity and a constant breeze keeps you cool, but your skin may be frying. Be careful. Plus, here’s a chance to support local industry: we highly recommend the products from Aruba Aloe, made on the island (you can visit their local plantation, factory and museum). Their sunscreens, moisturizers, lotions and gels have been developed by the people that spend 365 days a year in the hot Aruban sun.
• Make your first evening low-key, with dinner close by. We’ll list our favorite restaurants at the end of this post. Celebrate your arrival in Aruba!
• Favorite things to do? Here’s a list, but it’s by no means comprehensive. Make sure you leave time to unwind and relax. Don’t book more than one planned activity each day.
• Get out on the water. Red Sail Sports http://www.aruba-redsail.com/index.shtml and Jolly Pirates https://www.jolly-pirates.com/ are our favorites.
• For an interesting diving or snorkeling experience, check out Aruba Bob https://www.arubabob.com/. You’ll need your car to get there, but it’s worth the drive to explore an underwater world that isn’t as crowded as most areas (yet).
• Explore the wild and rugged east side of the island. You can do an organized tour with ABC Tours https://abc-aruba.com/ or DePalm Tours https://www.depalmtours.com/. Another word of caution: You will get dirty and dusty. But it’s a blast and very interesting.
• Jump in the car and drive down to San Nicolas, Aruba’s second city. Home to native art and food, this is still off the radar for most tourists. And nearby Baby Beach is a terrific place to swim and snorkel.
• Get up early and go to the California Lighthouse before it gets too hot. Climb up for unparalleled views of the island and the ocean.
• If you like to shop for jewelry and watches, spend a few hours in Oranjestad. You’ll see more variety in about a half mile strip than just about anywhere in the world, and the prices are pretty good. We have found that designer jewelry is typically 10% off US retail and there is no sales tax. You can negotiate even better savings on non-branded jewelry. The best deals can be found when you know your stuff, so check out pricing on the internet before you buy. And try to go on the days when there aren’t any cruise ships in port. . .fewer customers can mean lower prices.
• Whenever possible, keep the car parked and walk around your area. It’s safe, and you’ll stumble across a great little restaurant or bar or shop that has just what you’re looking for.
  Try to eat outside whenever possible. Making a reservation in advance goes a long way toward securing that outdoor table, so plan a few of your meals before you leave and reserve a table online. Here are our favorite spots:
  • Azzurro, J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 87, Palm Beach https://www.giannisgroup.com/azzurro
  • The Flying Fishbone, Savaneta 344 https://www.flyingfishbone.com/ Note: This is one of our favorite restaurants in the world. Make a reservation in advance for a table on the beach a half hour before sunset. Incomparable!
  • MooMba Beach, J.E. Irausquin Blvd 230, Palm Beach https://www.yummyaruba.com/restaurants/moomba-beach Note: This is one of the best bars in the Caribbean!
  • Papiamento, Washington 61, Noord https://papiamentoaruba.com/
  • Quinta del Carmen, Bubali 119 http://www.quintadelcarmen.com/
  • Screaming Eagle, J.E. Irausquin Blvd 228, Eagle Beach https://screamingeaglearuba.com/ Note: The unique attraction here is to be served in a bed. Not sure that’s currently available. . .email or call them to find out if that’s an option. The food and wine are both terrific.
  • Yemanja Wood Fired Grill, Wilhelminastraat 2, Oranjestad https://www.yemanja-aruba.com/
• If you’re a fan of comedy, it doesn’t get any better than Aruba Ray’s Comedy Club, now located in the Grand Ballroom of the Holiday Inn Resort in Palm Beach. Comedian Ray Ellin has been performing in Aruba for several years, and he brings along a few of his very funny friends for an evening of laughs that’s rated the number one nighttime activity in Aruba by Trip Advisor. You’ll probably want to make reservations; visit https://www.arubacomedy.com/comedians/ray-ellin.

That’s about all you need to know. There are plenty of other things to do and see, great places to eat and drink and be entertained. When you come back, please share your favorites with us. Be safe and have a wonderful time on the One Happy Island. Bonbini!