The best places to eat, sleep and play in Aruba this spring and
Transcription
The best places to eat, sleep and play in Aruba this spring and
ARUBA SPRING & SUMMER GUIDE 2008 The best places to eat, sleep and play in Aruba this spring and summer With more than 15 million reviews and opinions, TripAdvisor makes travel planning a snap for the 25 million travelers visiting our site each month. INTRODUCTION TripAdvisor, the most trusted source for where to eat, sleep and play in thousands of destinations around the world, has collected the best insider tips from its 25 million monthly visitors to produce a unique series of travel guides. In addition to the best hotels, restaurants and attractions for every type of traveler, you’ll get great advice about what to pack, how to get around and where to find the best views. Be sure to check out the guides at www.tripadvisor.com. You’ll find reviews for more than 215,000 hotels, 75,000 attractions and 260,000 restaurants on TripAdvisor.com. Learn from other travelers what to expect before you make your plans. PACKING TIPS 1. Don’t forget your passport—even for travel from the United States. It’s required for all air and sea border crossings. 2. “Bring some cheap rafts from home for the lazy river as they will soak you for them at the resort.”—TripAdvisor Member, Moultonboro, N.H. 3. “If you have the space to bring your own fins, mask and snorkel, it might be worth it. Or bring your own snorkel and mask and just rent fins.”— TripAdvisor Member, United States Inside ARUBA If you like to travel to a new destination with every vacation, Aruba isn’t what you’re looking for. This tiny island—with the highest repeat-visitor rate of any country in the Caribbean—is the kind of place that will entice you to return year after year. But don’t worry, you won’t mind. Despite Aruba’s Lilliputian size, other, much larger destinations have a hard time competing with all of its seductive attributes: reliable and nearly perfect weather (plus it’s nowhere near the hurricane belt), friendly residents, ideal beaches and a stunning range of quality hotels, truly decadent dining options and a range of activities from horseback riding and rock diving to gambling and club-hopping. With all this, you just might find your visit is the first of many. 4. “Bring a collapsible cooler for the beach.”—TripAdvisor Member, Massachusetts tripadvisor.com 2 Top VIEWS ARUBA’S BEST VIEWS “For hiking, climb Hooiberg. Take a lot of water, and try to go early in the morning before it gets too hot. The view from the top of the Hooiberg is great!”—TripAdvisor Member, Minneapolis, Minn. Hooiberg, the second-highest point of elevation on the island Where to “The Natural Bridge’ is gone, but there are two lesser known (and much smaller) natural bridges still on the island. One can be found a little to the north of ‘The Natural Bridge,’ and the second is in the area of The Colorado Light, down by Baby Beach. Even if you don’t find it, the view at this elevated point along the Southern Coast is worth the trip.”—TripAdvisor Member “Go to the California Lighthouse not only for the lighthouse itself, but for the view, which is just beautiful.”—TripAdvisor Member, Massachusetts California Lighthouse, Northern Aruba PLAY TOP 10 Attractions 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. JADS Dive Center, Seroe Colorado z/n San Nicholaas, 297 584 6070 The Antilla, Northwestern Aruba ABC Jeep Tour, Oranjestad, Hotel pick-up, 297 582 5600 Rancho Daimari, Tanki Leendert 249, 297 586 6284 Natural Pool, Windward Coast Arashi Beach, Northwestern Aruba 7. 8. 9. 10. Butterfly Farm, J. E. Irausquin Boulevard, Oranjestad, 297 586 3656 Natural Bridge, Windward Coast, 297 582 3777 Fort Zoutman, Zoutmanstraat 1, Oranjestad, 297 582 6099 Malmok Beach, West Side FAMILIES “I loved Baby Beach. We snorkeled and someone was feeding the fish, so we were among a swarm. The beach was clean, and the water was crystal clear. We thoroughly enjoyed it and had most of the beach to ourselves.”—TripAdvisor Member, San Antonio, Texas Baby Beach, Southeast Coast “Butterfly Farm is great for both kids and adults. It is basically an enclosed garden filled with many varieties of beautiful butterflies. The entrance fee is minimal, and it includes an interesting tour. All the kids were mesmerized and asked a ton of questions.”—TripAdvisor Member, New York, N.Y. Butterfly Farm, J.E. Irausquin Blvd., Oranjestad, 297 586 3656 ROMANCE Riding horses down the beach is about as romantic as it gets. Bring the fantasy to life with Rancho Notorious. Rancho Notorious, Boroncana, Noord, 297 586 0508 Perhaps you’ll be inspired to buy a certain piece of jewelry at Diamonds International Outlet Store. “The employees were very knowledgeable, courteous and friendly. Great deals, unique items. It’s worth a visit.”—TripAdvisor Member, Green Bay, Wis. Go under the sea together with Atlantis Submarines to view Aruba’s underwater attractions, like sea creatures, coral reefs and even two shipwrecks. Atlantis Submarines (Aruba) N.V., Atlantis Adventure Center, L.G. Smith Blvd. 82, Oranjestad, 297 588 6881 “All the kids were mesmerized” Pack some sweets, take a hike to Seroe Colorado cliff and witness a gorgeous sunset. Seroe Colorado, Southeastern Aruba, near Baby Beach Diamonds International Outlet Store, L.G. Smith Blvd. 17, Port of Call Marketplace, Oranjestad, 800 515 3935 Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 877 633 3716 tripadvisor.com 3 Where to PLAY BUDGET Bring your binoculars and see how many birds you can spot at Bubali Pond, a sanctuary for black cormorants, pelicans, wood storks and more. Bubali Pond, Western Aruba (near Palm and Eagle Beach) “…quite an experience.” “The Natural Pool was a highlight of our trip. The walk down to the pool was quite an experience. It was kind of tricky getting in the pool. The rocks were sharp and slippery, and there were some crabs crawling around you didn’t want to grab hold of. But hey—this is a NATURAL POOL!”—TripAdvisor Member, Michigan Downtown Oranjestad has a secret: Wilhelmina Park, named after the queen of the Netherlands, is a bit of green on the ocean’s edge and a great place to relax and people-watch. Wilhelmina Park, Oranjestad Natural Pool, Windward Coast (you will need a 4-wheel drive vehicle or horse plus directions or a guide) ADVENTURE Test your luck at Alhambra Casino. “It is a very nice casino with plenty of slots, video poker games, etc.”—TripAdvisor Member, Arlington, Va. Alhambra Casino, J.E. Irausquin Blvd. 47, Oranjestad, 297 583 5000 “The Antilla was the best thing we saw in Aruba. We were feeling ambitious, so we swam the 750 meters to the wreck. It was a lot of kicking, but it made the experience more of an adventure. Great fish and amazing to see such a wreck while snorkeling.”—TripAdvisor Member, Houston, Texas The Antilla, Northwestern Aruba Thanks to its strong trade winds, Bachelor’s Beach offers an ideal venue for your windsurfing pursuits. Bachelor’s Beach, Southeastern Aruba TripAdvisor members have posted more than 1,100,000 photos on the site. The good, the bad and the very candid. It’s almost like being there! EDUCATIONAL/HISTORICAL Don’t miss the Ayo Rock Formations. The “Stonehenge of Aruba is just amazing.”— TripAdvisor Member, San Antonio, Texas Stonehenge of Aruba, Northeastern Aruba Relive Aruba’s colonial history at Fort Zoutman, built by the Dutch in the late 18th century to defend Aruba from marauding pirates. Fort Zoutman, Zoutmanstraat 1, Oranjestad, 297 582 6099 RELAXATION “Such a peaceful way to spend the day!” “Arashi Beach is a bit more secluded and less commercialized than the other popular beaches. This beach does not have any facilities. The water is calm, for the most part, and clear. Such a peaceful way to spend the day!”—TripAdvisor Member, Woodbridge, N.J. Arashi Beach, Northwestern Aruba The only championship course on the island, Tierra Del Sol Golf Course is “a beautiful course! We played after 3:00 at the reduced rate and were still able to finish 18 holes. There was hardly anyone on the course. It was very windy play but well worth the experience.”—TripAdvisor Member, Connecticut Tierra Del Sol Golf Course, Northwestern Aruba, 297 586 0978 Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 877 633 3716 Alto Vista Chapel, established in 1750, was thought to be the first Caribbean church. “It is a small, pretty chapel with a good view of the ocean on the rough north side of the island. It is accessible by dirt road.”—TripAdvisor Member, Bucks County, Pa Alto Vista Chapel, Northwestern Aruba “Intermezzo Day Spa ... total relaxation. I had a massage and body scrub. The experience was wonderful. The technician was pleasant, and the facility was beautiful and quiet.”—TripAdvisor Member, Boston, Mass. Intermezzo Day Spa, La Cabana All-Suite Beach Resort, J.E. Irausquin Blvd. 250, Oranjestad, 297 587 4356 tripadvisor.com 4 What’s the TOUR How to Get Around “You MUST rent a car and explore the island; if you’re somewhat adventurous, then make it a Jeep. Aruba is easy, safe and fun to drive and explore. At least one day of this is a must!”—TripAdvisor Member, Raleigh, N.C. WHERE “Arubus travels from one end of the island to the other, almost 24 hours a day.”—TripAdvisor Member to eat Want more information on Aruba? TripAdvisor.com offers free weekly e-mail updates filled with new deals, reviews and articles for Aruba or any other destination you choose. “Aruba offers everything from casual fast food to upscale dining. Most restaurants are casual dress, which makes your vacation relaxing.”—TripAdvisor Member FAMILIES Smokey Joe’s Island Grill, with its hamburgers, chicken wings and fried Oreos, “is a great place to take the kids.”— TripAdvisor Member Smokey Joe’s Island Grill, J.E. Irausquin Blvd. 87, Palm Beach, 297 586 2896 “At The Waterfront Crabhouse, we had this amazing dinner—big Caesar salad, huge plate of crab-king crab legs, snow crab legs, stuffed soft shell crab, crab cake, plus potato or rice and tiramisu dessert.”—TripAdvisor Member, Denver, Colo. The Waterfront Crabhouse, L.G. Smith Blvd., Oranjestad, 297 583 5858 ROMANCE Serving an array of seafood, “Ruinas del Mar is very good. Make sure you get a table outside because the ambiance is very nice (small moat, torches at night).”—TripAdvisor Member, Minneapolis, Minn. Ruinas del Mar, Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Casino, J.E. Irausquin Blvd. 85, Palm Beach, 297 586 1234 “…the most romantic restaurant in Aruba.” “Flying Fishbone is by far the most romantic restaurant in Aruba. The ambiance is best when viewing the sunset. The tables are in the sand and very close to the water’s edge.”—TripAdvisor Member Flying Fishbone, Savaneta 344, Savaneta, 297 584 2506 “Le Dôme is outstanding! The best service we have ever had. Their food is delicious, and the Belgian chocolate is to die for! Romantic, beautiful ambiance.”— TripAdvisor Member, Missouri Le Dôme Restaurant, J.E. Irausquin Blvd. 224, Eagle Beach, 297 587 1517 BUDGET “Iguana Joe’s is located downtown and is a great place for lunch or a light dinner. The menu is inexpensive and varied.”— TripAdvisor Member Iguana Joe’s, Royal Plaza Mall, Oranjestad, 297 583 9373 “El Gaucho is an Argentinian steakhouse that offers succulent steaks at a great price. The strolling minstrels around the restaurant offer a fun and lively atmosphere.”— TripAdvisor Member El Gaucho, Wilhelminastraat 80, Oranjestad, 297 582 3677 Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 877 633 3716 “Passions Beach Bar & Restaurant sets up tables, chairs, tiki torches, etc., on the beach for a romantic dinner at sunset. The menu is varied, so there is something for everyone. Very affordable, as well.”— TripAdvisor Member Passions Beach Bar & Restaurant, Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort, J.E. Irausquin Blvd. 252, Oranjestad, 297 527 1100 Go for the affordable Cuban food. Go for the fun, relaxed atmosphere. Or “go to Cuba’s Cookin’ for a mojito.”—TripAdvisor Member Cuba’s Cookin’, Wilhelminastraat 27, Oranjestad, 297 588 0627 tripadvisor.com 5 WHERE to eat HEALTH-CONSCIOUS At Gasparito Restaurant & Art Gallery, “you can sample traditional Aruban dishes, local fresh seafood or the finest filet mignon. Vegetarians will also be impressed by their menu selections.”—TripAdvisor Member Vegetarians will delight in the extensive menu at Hostaria da’ Vittorio, with a number of veg-friendly pastas and risottos. Hostaria da’ Vittorio, L.G. Smith Blvd. 380, Palm Beach, 297 586 3838 Gasparito Restaurant & Art Gallery, Gasparito 3, Oranjestad, 297 586 7044 The Chalet Suisse, J. Irausquin Blvd. 246, Eagle Beach, 297 587 5054 Salt & Pepper Restaurant, J. E. Irausquin Blvd. 368A, Noord, 297 586 3280 “Truly a memorable experience” HIDDEN GEMS “The Chalet Suisse offers continental dining. This restaurant has a familiar following by locals who appreciate fine cuisine. Try the fondue dessert.”— TripAdvisor Member “Salt & Pepper Restaurant is a tapas place and has nightly entertainment on the plaza.”—TripAdvisor Member, Washington, D.C. “If you’re looking for a terrific meal somewhere different, try Madame Janette. Truly a memorable experience, with attentive staff, gourmet food and portions that are very generous.”— TripAdvisor Member, Brampton, Ontario “Rumba Bar & Grill is great for dinner or lunch. It’s a casual place with great food and prices.”—TripAdvisor Member, Minneapolis, Minn. Rumba Bar & Grill, Havenstraat 4, Oranjestad, 297 588 7900 Madame Janette, Cunuco Abao 37, Eagle Beach, 297 587 0184 SPECIAL EVENTS Motor sports are all the rage on Aruba, and the Royal Nationals Drag Race is one of the premiere events on the island’s racing calendar. The 25th anniversary of the event should be quite a spectacle. (May 1-3) Leap into the waves for the annual Aruba Hi-Winds Competition. Windsurfing takes place at Fisherman’s Huts on Malmok Beach and kiteboarding at Boca Grandi beach across the island. Men, women, juniors, masters and freestylers are all welcome. (July 2-7) Royal Nationals Drag Race, Palo Marga International Raceway Park, San Nicolas, 297 584 0322 Aruba Hi-Winds Competition, Malmok and Boca Grandi beaches, 297 586 0908 Hosted by comedian Sinbad, the annual Soul Beach Music Festival, brings together great comedy and smooth grooves under the stars each Memorial Day weekend. Among this year’s performers are Erykah Badu, Sean Kingston, Wyclef Jean, and Ledisi. (May 21-26) Aruba’s annual International Pro-Am Golf Tournament is held at the swanky Tierra del Sol Resort and Golf Course. In this 36-hole event, teams are comprised of one professional and four amateur golfers. The fee is 400USD for each amateur player; professionals are free. (August) Soul Beach Music Festival, Various venues, http://www.soulbeach.net International Pro-Am Golf Tournament, Tierra del Sol Resort and Golf Course, Malmokweg, 297 586 7800 Aruba’s annual National Beach Tennis Championships are held over three days at the lively Moomba Beach. Often called “XTennis,” beach tennis is a mixture of tennis and volleyball. Played on a volleyball court, players use tennis racquets to hit a ball over the net without letting it bounce. (May 29-June 1) National Beach Tennis Championships, Moomba Beach, 297 583 7074 Inspired by the annual North Sea Jazz Fest in the Netherlands, the second annual Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival promises a wonderful line–up, featuring great international musicians and local interpreters playing for charity under the stars. (September 6) Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival, Cas Di Cultura, Vondellaan 2, Oranjestad, 297 582 1010 On St. John’s Day (or “Dera Gai”), the image of the rooster is seen all over Aruba. Festive songs, bright yellow and red costumes and traditional dances surround the annual festival. Dating back to 1862, Dera Gai is celebrated on the Feast of St. John the Baptist to give thanks for a successful harvest. (June 24) The Aruba Music Festival was originally called the Aruba Latin Jazz Festival, but in 2002, the event became mainly a classic rock concert. Past performers have included Crosby, Stills & Nash, Chicago, Peter Frampton, and John Mayer. (October 10-11) St. John’s Day, Various venues Aruba Music Festival, Aruba Entertainment Center, Oranjestad, 297 582 3777 Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 877 633 3716 tripadvisor.com 6 Where to STAY FAMILIES “I was concerned about traveling with an infant, but the Radisson Aruba Resort and Casino staff was awesome! We were able to check in early, and they even provided a minirefrigerator and crib when we requested them, at no additional charge.”—TripAdvisor Member, New York, N.Y. Radisson Aruba Resort and Casino, J. E. Irausquin Blvd. 81, Palm Beach, 297 586 6555 “At the Costa Linda Beach Resort, the rooms are a bit dated but very clean. The staff is very friendly and helpful! The resort itself is beautiful. The pool and beach are by far the best my family has ever experienced.”— TripAdvisor Member, Ambler, Pa. Costa Linda Beach Resort, J.E. Irausquin Blvd. 59, Eagle Beach, 297 583 8000 “We all had a blast at the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort. Even though the rates are somewhat higher than some of the other hotels around, there is no comparison in the quality of the rooms, the attention and the overall atmosphere.”—TripAdvisor Member, Powell, Ohio Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino, J.E. Irausquin Blvd. 85, Palm Beach, 297 586 1234 “We were very sad to leave.” ROMANCE “My husband and I enjoyed our honeymoon at Bucuti Beach Resort. It was absolutely gorgeous! There is nothing quite like the view of the beach each morning. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. We were very sad to leave.”—TripAdvisor Member, Raleigh, N.C. Golden Tulip Bucuti Beach Resort, L.G. Smith Blvd. 55-B, Oranjestad, 297 583 1100 “We just returned from our honeymoon at the Marriott Aruba Resort. If you’re into quality and class, this is where you want to be. The rooms are very spacious and very clean. The staff is always friendly and smiling. The pool is beautiful, as is the beach.”— TripAdvisor Member, Easton, Pa. Marriott Aruba Resort & Stellaris Casino, L.G. Smith Blvd. 101, Palm Beach, 297 586 9000 BUDGET “Comfortable, clean, happy and relaxing, the Arubiana Inn is a great alternative for those who wish to experience the beauty of Aruba, but don’t want to break their budgets in doing so. There’s something to be said when the owner of the place takes a personal interest.”—TripAdvisor Member, Colorado Arubiana Inn, Bubali 74, Oranjestad, 297 587 7700 LUXURY “The Riu Palace is the best all inclusive that we’ve ever stayed at. The pool is great, and the rooms are large, clean and well-maintained. The staff is friendly, and the restaurants are the best. It’s nice to find a place that does everything right.”— TripAdvisor Member, New Jersey Riu Palace, J.E. Irausquin Blvd. 79, Palm Beach, 297 586 3900 “Our room was very nice and newly redone. We fell in love with La Quinta Beach Resort! The employees couldn’t do enough for you. Granted, it is not one of the larger hotels on the beach with all activities present, but you actually start to feel like a local and that this is your home.”— TripAdvisor Member, Brick, N.J. “We just returned from our honeymoon of a week at the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino. The private island is amazing. You are right by town, but feel a thousand miles away.”—TripAdvisor Member, Tustin, Calif. Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino, L.G. Smith Blvd. 82, Oranjestad, 297 583 6000 Have questions about Aruba? Get insider advice from local experts in our forums. The majority of questions are answered within 24 hours. Quiet studio apartments just an eightminute walk from Eagle Beach, the Sasaki Apartments feature air conditioning and a BBQ area. “An EXCELLENT value for a very expensive island.”—TripAdvisor Member, Newmarket, N.H. Sasaki Apartments, Bubali 143, Noord, 297 587 7482 La Quinta Beach Resort, J.E. Irausquin Blvd. 228, Eagle Beach, 297 587 5010 “Marriott’s Aruba Surf Club is a time share, but it’s more like a resort. The hotel employees have an ‘at-your-service’ attitude. There was a never a problem with chairs or umbrellas or towels. The rooms are brand new; everything is extremely clean and the hotel exceeded my expectations. Believe me, I am picky!”—TripAdvisor Member, New York, N.Y. “Rooms are great. Restaurants are brilliant. Pool is really clean. We stayed at Occidental Grand Aruba for ten days and had a fantastic time. The staff makes the place!”—TripAdvisor Member, United Kingdom Occidental Grand Aruba, J.E. Irausquin Blvd. 83, Palm Beach, 297 586 4500 Marriott’s Aruba Surf Club, 1L.G. Smith Blvd. 103, Palm Beach, 297 586 9000 Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 877 633 3716 tripadvisor.com 7 Where to STAY HIDDEN GEMS MVC Eagle Beach is “small in size, but big on comfort and cleanliness.” There’s no pool, but it’s “only 100 feet from the beach. The staff were all friendly and always helpful. I would go back in a heartbeat.” —TripAdvisor Member, Ottawa MVC Eagle Beach, J.E. Irausquin Blvd. 240, Oranjestad, 297 587 0110 “I would go back in a heartbeat.” About A 2008 Traveler’s Choice Award winner for Best Hidden Gem and Best Bargain in the Caribbean, Paradera Park is truly a find. “After a few days in the lush green oasis, with its amenities and ‘down home’ feel, we both hated to leave. The atmosphere is quaint, friendly and secure—qualities you don’t always find in the larger hotels.”— TripAdvisor Member, New York “Aruba Surfside Marina is the best-kept secret in Aruba. It’s beautiful, right on the ocean and has only five rooms. Continental breakfast served on your balcony every morning at whatever time you specify. Free internet in your room. It can’t be beat.”— TripAdvisor Member, Weston, Fla. Aruba Surfside Marina, L.G. Smith Blvd. 7, Surfside Beach, Oranjestad, 297 583 0300 Paradera Park Apartments Aruba, Paradera 203, Oranjestad, 297 582 3289 TRIPADVISOR TripAdvisor is the largest travel community in the world with 25 million monthly visitors and featuring more than 15 million reviews and opinions of 290,000 hotels and attractions. TripAdvisor.com is the most trusted source for travel recommendations about where to go, where to stay and how to play for 30,000 destinations around the world. TripAdvisor.com also provides easy access to the major online travel sites to make booking your next vacation, your best vacation, easier than ever. 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Further, reference to any products, services, processes or other information of any third party does not constitute or imply endorsement, sponsorship or recommendation of or affiliation with, such third party by TripAdvisor. Such third parties are owned and operated by independent retailers or service providers, and TripAdvisor cannot ensure that you will be satisfied with their products, services, business practices or provided information. TripAdvisor recommends that you pursue any and all investigation you feel necessary or appropriate before transacting with any third party. Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 877 633 3716 tripadvisor.com 8