With spectacular award-winning beaches of powdery white sands and crystalline waters, Aruba offers an endless array of entertainment and outdoor activities that even the most experienced of travelers revel in.
We’ve all heard the alluring name of this heavenly island, and when we think of it, perhaps the first thing that pops to mind may be a picture-perfect Caribbean beach scene —such as the one often set as a screen saver image of a computer monitor. And yes, though this may be an accurate rendition, there’s just so much more to this magical island that we felt compelled in sharing a few insights that go beyond the cliches.
Beyond its palm-fringed beaches, Aruba’s Arikok National Park covers nearly 20 percent of the island and features a myriad of biodiversity, as well as expansive natural pools. The North Coast is home to limestone caves with over 300 historic cave drawings and pictographs of the ancient Caquetio shamans who inhabited Aruba a millennia ago. Touring Aruba’s “wild side” visitors will encounter goats, roaming donkeys, and ostriches!
Aruba's beaches are nothing short of spectacular. Eagle Beach, often ranked among the world's best, offers pristine white sand and calm turquoise waters. It is adorned gracefully by the iconic Divi Divi trees, also Aruba's natural compass as these trees nearly always point elegantly to a southwestern direction. For the adventurous, Baby Beach on the southern tip provides excellent snorkeling opportunities with its shallow, protected waters teeming with marine life. Interesting to know is that Aruba’s white sand beaches are barefoot-friendly even at high noon!
One of the most memorable aspects of any trip to Aruba is the warmth and hospitality of its people. Known as "Arubans," the island's residents are friendly, welcoming, and proud of their beautiful home. Aruba's cultural landscape is a fascinating blend of influences, including Dutch, Spanish, African, and indigenous Arawak. This rich heritage is reflected in the island's architecture, language, and cuisine.
Wander through Oranjestad, the vibrant capital city, and you'll see colorful Dutch colonial buildings, visit museums like the Aruba Historical Museum, and indulge in local dishes such as keshi yena (stuffed cheese) and pastechi (savory pastries). The California Lighthouse, standing tall at the island's northernmost point, offers panoramic views of the coastline. Visitors can’t miss the Butterfly Farm, where one can walk among hundreds of exotic butterflies in a lush tropical setting. And for those who want to blow off some steam with a round of pulsating dancing, Aruba’s Soul Beach Music Festival is known to be the most iconic music event in the whole of the Caribbean.
Aruba's remarkable surge in tourism arrivals has not only rebounded from the global pandemic but also surpassed pre-pandemic levels. This robust growth can be attributed to the island's strategic marketing efforts, improvements in tourism infrastructure, and the implementation of favorable travel and visa policies. Aruba is making waves in the travel industry with its new visa-free entry policy for 70 countries.
With so much to explore, it's easy to understand why visitors are drawn to this idyllic island. Many who visit once, often come back for more, hence offering Travel Agents a high potential for repeat business opportunities and a guaranteed high level of customer satisfaction.
With all the potential that Aruba has to offer, JOIA Aruba by Iberostar, our newest and perhaps most ambitious resort features 240 suites and is now open for bookings with an opening date set for December 18, 2024.
Inspired by the island’s vibrant culture and nature, the property is designed to appeal to guests of all ages and intends to offer an elevated take on the all-inclusive experience. You can read more about JOIA Aruba by clicking here : the best option for those who are looking to raise the bar for their next beach escapade.
SOURCES:
https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/aruba-is-surging-the-travel-industry-with-new-visa-free-entry-policy-for-70-countries-including-united-states-canada-schengen-area-the-united-kingdom-and-ireland/
https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-hotels-in-aruba
https://www.aruba.com/us/blog/16-facts-about-aruba-that-will-surprise-you