Showing posts with label Aruba. Show all posts

Top Things To Do In Aruba

Aruba is an island in the Caribbean just off Venezuela, that has a friendliness that can't be beaten, beautiful azure waters, a rich and diverse cuisine, and year-round sunny weather.  It's the perfect destination for first-timers to the Caribbean, a gorgeous honeymoon destination and is a special place to visit.  I recently visited as the guest of Aruba tourism, staying at the Hilton Aruba, and here is my post on the top things to do on this amazing Caribbean island.

 Enjoy the beaches and watersports

Aruba has some beautiful beaches

Aruba has some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. All the beaches are clean and the sand is a fine almost white, coloured powder, safe to walk barefoot. In fact, Eagle Beach has been voted the third best beach in the world by Tripadvisor travellers.
The winds make it perfect for sailing, surfing and windsurfing

If you don't want to relax on the beach, you could also consider one of the watersports for which Aruba is known. The trade winds cool the heat and give the added benefit of making perfect weather conditions for sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing.  Don't forget the high factor sun cream though as it's easy to get burnt, I recommend at least a factor 30. The sea is also warm and the water crystal clear so perfect conditions for snorkelling too.

 Explore the Aritok National Park
Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins

 Nearly 20% of Aruba, to the north, is a national park and it a great area to get off the beaten track and go exploring. On my recent trip, I took a jeep safari by ABC Tours. We explored the north of the island, a rough and ready landscape with towering green cacti, jaw-dropping limestone cliffs, the historic Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins and the beauty of the 'Conchi' Natural Pool.


The Natural Pool can only be accessed by a 4 wheel drive vehicle, horseback or on foot due to the rough terrain but it's worth the journey to get there. The locals know it as 'Conchi' which means bowl, and it's a beautiful swimming hole, just be careful of the slippery rocks you have to cross to get there. 

Admire the street art in San Nicolas 
San Nicolas street art

Sint Nicolaas or San Nicolas is a town on the south-east of the island and was home to an oil refinery which closed in 2012. To attract more people to the area, street art has been encouraged and each year more murals cover old shops and buildings. I thought it was the best street art I have ever seen, some of it even looks three-dimensional and it is a great reason to visit this town.

So colourful and vibrant 

 Cosecha San Nicolas is also worth a visit if you are in the area. Here you can find artwork and crafts by local artisans such as jewellery, paintings and ceramics. If you want to support the local artists, buy something, even if it is small as the money goes to the talented craftspeople.

Make your own jewellery at Terrafuse

Terrafuse has a Trip Advisor certificate of excellence 

 Terrafuse Aruba is a non-profit organisation that promotes the art of glass making, ceramics crafting and bronze sculptures in Aruba. Marian and Ciro Abath, have many years of experience as artists and they run workshops from their home for people from beginners to more experienced artists. I participated in the glass making workshop during my stay and found it fascinating. 

I made these glass beads at Terrafuse!

Marian taught us how to manipulate glass in the simplest terms, how to make glass beads by building up the layers and how to heat the beads to the correct temperature to shape them.   Safety is taken seriously as the glass melts at 1300 F/700 C, and you need to wear goggles. After making tiny seed beads (the most difficult step in the workshop!) you make several bigger beads with different designs.  Marian was very patient with me which I think is the mark of an excellent teacher and I was amazed at the result - a beautiful leather bracelet with individual glass beads.

Find out about the uses of Aloe Vera

Aruba Aloe is worth visiting for the small museum and tour

When you are in Aruba take a visit to Aruba Aloe. Aruba Aloe make products from Aloe Vera, a succulent (like a cactus), known for its caring and healing properties, and it is especially good for sunburn, skin care and stomach problems. At the small factory, you can take a short 15-minute tour, find out about the properties of this fantastic plant, read about Aloe Vera in the museum and then buy products in the gift shop too. 

Aloe Vera has many health properties

It was interesting to find out that the juice of the unprocessed plant smells like onions and that unless it is treated, it has a laxative effect! All products here are, of course, treated and made of the finest quality. I can particularly recommend the sun cream which has a lovely subtle coconut smell and feels very nourishing on the skin.

Admire the architecture

Alto Vista Chapel

Aruba has some interesting architecture, from buildings with a colourful Caribbean vibe to architecture that reminds you of Aruba's Dutch influence.  One building worth visiting if you are in the north of the island is the Alto Vista Chapel. The island's first Roman Catholic church was built in 1750 and reconstructed in 1953. A small, winding road dotted with cacti leads to the chapel – the white crosses on the road mark the way. Inside it's simply decorated, the altar and small lighted candles being of significance. 



The California Lighthouse is also worth a stop if you are doing a tour of the north of the island. The lighthouse was named after the S.S. California - which sunk previous to its construction in 1910. For a small charge, you can walk to the top and see the amazing views. Also, there are refreshments stands and a cafe in front of the lighthouse. I had some amazing fresh coconut milk here, the vendor just cut off the top of a coconut, gave me a straw and let me drink the sweet and refreshing milk. The perfect drink on a hot day. 

Eat the local food


Fresh fish at Westdeck

Ah Aruba, I fell in love with your delicious fresh seafood and fish! The most common fish found includes mahi-mahi, red snapper and grouper, and the shrimps are outstanding in Aruba, so large and juicy. Also try the local hot papaya sauce, which tastes amazing with fresh fish.


Balashi the local beer

If you want to try a traditional Aruba cocktail, I recommend the Aruba Ariba, a mix of vodka, rum and fruit juices. The local beer which is called Balashi is very light and refreshing and in my opinion, tastes a little like Kronenburg lager. 
Keshi Yana at Papiamento

For a taste of traditional Arubian cuisine, try the Keshi Yana a spicy mix of chicken, peppers, capers, olives and tomatoes, baked with a shell or topping of Gouda cheese. Why Gouda you may ask? Well Aruba is part of the Kingdom Of The Netherlands and its citizens are Dutch nationals, so it's only right that the traditional Dutch cheese Gouda, be incorporated into one of its dishes. I tried Keshi Yana at Papiamento and it's an incredibly tasty dish but very filling, so have it only if you are hungry.  


Elements restaurant

Other restaurants to recommend include Elements for the best beachside location, Caribbean music played on kettle drums and high end beautifully presented food and Pelican Nest, a laid-back beach shack place, think fish tacos, conch fritter, chicken sandwiches and pan-fried mahi-mahi. As you can see Aruba food is delicious so be sure to try the local cuisine.

Take in the famous Caribbean sunset
Sunset dining at Elements

 Lastly, take in the famous Caribbean sunset on this beautiful island. You can't miss it, just look out of your hotel window, or take a stroll on the beach. I saw the best sunset at Elements restaurant. Eating delicious seafood outside with the warm orange glow of the sun makes an unforgettable experience. My only disappointment is that I didn't have my husband with me to share. 
Hilton Aruba view from my room

 Aruba is such a vibrant and amazing destination for a holiday. I hope you get the chance to visit one day.
Hilton Aruba room

 I stayed at the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort and Casino, a luxury hotel, right on Palm Beach. With a spa, casino, kids club, beautiful pools and plenty of places to eat and drink, it's a great place to stay and highly recommended.

Pin for later
Here is a video I created for the travel blog and YouTube channel I have with my husband, Fly Drive Explore.


For more information to plan your holiday in Aruba, visit the Aruba Tourism Website or follow them on Facebook and Twitter or follow the hashtag #OneHappyIsland on social media.

Have you been to Aruba? What activities would appeal to you?

*I was a guest of the Aruba tourist board. Natural pool courtesy of Anna from Don't Cramp My Style

Suitcases and Sandcastles
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The Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort And Casino Review

The Hilton Aruba Carribean Resort and Casino is set on Aruba's beautiful white sand Palm Beach. Situated a short drive from the airport and 7 miles from the capital of Aruba Oranjestad, it's well positioned to explore Aruba, a relaxed island in the Caribbean. 
The Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort and Casino

I stayed there recently as part of a press trip to Aruba with the Aruba tourist board, to raise the profile of Aruba to British tourists.  Lucky me!

 I hadn't been to Aruba before so I was super excited to see what the trip would bring. I've stayed in Hilton hotels on numerous occasions and know they always represent a good standard of hotel so I was looking forward to my stay.

Check in was efficient and a warm Arubian welcome was given. Staff were very friendly and invited me to try the cooling Aruba Aloe Vera drink, a welcome relief from the heat outside. A nice touch!
Aloe Vera juice
I was given a room on the second floor overlooking the main resort. The room was spacious, with a large king sized bed, a table, a chair and desk and another comfy armchair. The decor was in muted shades of grey, white and beige, but corporate it was not. I really loved the Aruba print on the wall and the colourful canvas design above the bed of the local beach and crystal blue sea. A nice touch of vibrant colour!
Hilton Aruba bedroom


Love the wall art

Built in the late 1950's this hotel was refurbished in 2016 to a high standard and it showed. Every room has a private balcony or patio to watch the famous Caribbean sunsets. Rooms were well appointed with complimentary toiletries, robe, slippers, complimentary water, and a coffee machine. 
Hilton Aruba bathroom

Quality toiletries
With the toiletries was complimentary mouthwash and combined with other touches like the robe, slippers and complimentary water, which you don't get in every hotel room, it made the stay feel just that little bit more luxurious than most hotel stays.
Bathrobes and slippers as standard

I also really liked the fact that there were USB chargers built into the lamps so you could charge your phone or laptop easily with just your USB charging cable. A great touch, so essential these days and no need for an adaptor. Just for your information, Aruba is on the same voltage as the USA so you need to take USA adaptors for other electrical items like laptops if you are from outside of the states.

 A safe and fridge were also very welcome in the room. There was no mini bar but the fridge was empty so you can stash away your own drinks and keep them cool. 

View from my balcony

Every room has a private patio or balcony and the view from my room was lovely, of the lush green plants and trees in the resort. I could even see the sea peeking through the trees. What a pretty view and a lovely place to sit!

 So after putting away my clothes and freshening up, I decided to explore the hotel more and went off for a wander.
Foyer
Seating area

The foyer was large with a reception, some areas to sit, a concierge area to book tours, and a general gift store. A coffee shop called Smit & Dorlas, and the signature restaurant, Sunset Grille was also in the foyer.

Smit & Dorlas coffee shop
Ice cream and snacks

 Smit & Dorlas serves freshly brewed gourmet coffee, and a range of teas as well as sandwiches and pastries, snacks and some amazing looking ice cream, such as a Snickers inspired recipe. It is also open from 6am to 10.30pm so perfect if you don't want a big breakfast, need a snack, or coffee hit later in the day.

General gift store

 The general gift store sold a variety of items including beachwear, clothing, sun cream and gifts as well as snacks, soft drinks and wine.

 Just off the foyer too was a medium-size casino with a large range of slot machines and a few gaming tables.
Hilton Aruba casino

I had a little look inside, purely for research purposes of course, and was impressed with the 'starlit' sky! The slot machines were from a few cents each, so if you liked a little flutter you could have a go and not spend a fortune. There is a variety of gaming tables including blackjack and poker and they also have daily bingo too.

Mira solo bar

Next to the foyer is the Mira Solo bar. An outdoor lounge which is open to the cooling breezes, with live music, a menu of cocktails, wines and beers and a small bite menu. Sample dishes include mouthwatering appetizers such as Caribbean chicken wings and crab cake sliders.

A variety of activities are available

The two pool areas in the hotel were exceptional, one a lively area and one a more chilled out and quieter space.

One of the pools at the Hilton Aruba 

Both the lively pool and the quieter pool had zero / shallow entry, perfect for kids. The lively pool had a host of activities such as Aquacise and pool volleyball too.
Beach hut

You can rent a beach hut to relax in for a service fee that covers towels. They looked a cool place to chill out in, whilst providing some much-needed shade from the Arubian sun. Perfect for families or couples, and when we are talking about families, the hotel has a kids club too called Shoco Land which is for kids between the ages of 4 and 12.
Gilligan's seafood shack

 Virtually on the beach is Gilligan's seafood shack. With a mix of casual seafood mains like lobster roll, grouper sandwich, beef burgers and quesadillas, it looked a great spot to grab something tasty to eat. To sit there with a cold beer and a view of the sea was the best with though.

Shrimp Scampi at the Sunset Grille

 So after a day relaxing in the hotel, that night I went to the Sunset Grille with my friend Anna and Paula from Aruba Tourism.  

 The Sunset Grille, the signature restaurant is stylish and chic inside. It's certainly a place where you can dress up, but also it wasn't stuffy at all. The menu consisted of well thought out salads, 100 percent Black Angus beef steaks, amazing sounding chops, fresh fish and seafood. It has something for most people and was the most upmarket eatery at the hotel.

  I ordered the burrata with pesto and tomatoes and the shrimp scampi.  The food when it came was very well prepared. I really enjoyed my shrimp scampi made with garlic, the freshest tomatoes, a smattering of basil and a dash of white wine. Perfection! It was lovely sitting in the outdoor area, looking at the sunset and eating the finest food too. I just wish I was there with my husband as it would have been quite romantic.

 So tired after a long day travelling, that night I retired to my very comfortable bed for the best night sleep I had in ages.  
Laguna restaurant with a view of the koi carp pool
The next morning I went down to breakfast at the Laguna restaurant.

 The Laguna restaurant was in a beautiful setting with a view of a koi carp pool. It certainly was an idyllic spot to sit with your breakfast.
A visitor

 The breakfast options were A La Carte or buffet style. I had the buffet and with such a variety of choice, I felt well and truly spoilt. 

The breakfast included pastries, bagels, a variety of bread, fresh fruit including papaya, cereals, fruit shots, juices, sausages, bacon and other hot choices that varied every day like corned beef hash, quiches and burritos.
A well-presented array of pastries
Lots of lovely fresh fruit


Fruit shots are available

If you wanted a smaller breakfast you could order a bagel, fresh fruit granola and yoghurt or a continental breakfast plate too.

Hot choices changed daily and included corned beef hash, burritos and quiche

My favourite section was the made to order omelettes cooked right in front of you. 

 I must say that I have been in a few Hilton hotels around the world, and the buffet breakfast is one of the best I've come across in any chain hotel, in fact, in any hotel.


A lighter choice at breakfast


Staff were attentive, clearing plates quickly and bringing any requests to you. Lilian was really friendly and personable and spent time chatting with me about my travels. 

I must admit I looked forward to my breakfast in the warm Arubian heat with a relaxing view and the wide choice of breakfast. It was fun to see how it differed every day too.   I really wanted to try the breakfast burritos one day but I was still full from my meal the night before, mental note, to keep room for breakfast!

On the beach
During my time at the Hilton Aruba, I visited the eforea Spa for a Swedish massage. As soon as you enter the spa, the relaxing music and calming decor make you immediately start to unwind. I don't know about you but I can sometimes find it hard to switch off - well I had no problem here. After a brief health questionnaire, I was given a robe and slippers and shown where to change. 

eforea spa
eforea spa reception area
At the eforea Spa, they use only the best natural products from ESPA, and I was given a full body massage from a very competent masseur with a luxurious coconut massage oil. Unfortunately, I didn't catch her name, but this lovely lady who was from Jamaica had been working at the hotel for 20 years and was an expert at putting me at ease. So important when you are having a personal treatment like this.

Such a relaxing environment 

After the massage, I was offered a glass of champagne or orange juice and was invited to sit and relax in the communal areas. The spa also has a sauna, steam room and plunge pool that you can make use of before or after your treatment, showers and changing rooms.


Amazing sunset at the Hilton Aruba
That night I sat on my balcony and took in the famous Aruba sunset, thinking life couldn't get much better than this.

Sit by the fire pit and have a mojito at the Mira Solo bar

After a cheeky Mojito in the outdoor Mira Solo bar, and with the band playing  Copacabana I returned to my room and my comfortable bed singing 'At the Copa, Copacabana, music and passion were always the fashion.... '

and slept soundly until the next morning.

My time at the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort and Casino was unfortunately up but I had the best time ever. I have only touched on the various restaurants, activities and services this hotel offers, and you can easily spend a week here without ever leaving the hotel.

If you are looking for a luxury resort in Aruba, with the most idyllic beach location, friendly staff, tasty food and a Trip Advisor Certificate Of Excellence, then come to this hotel. You won't be disappointed. Highly recommended.

The Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort and Casino
J.E. Irausquin Blvd 81, 
Palm Beach
Aruba 
TEL: +297-586-6555

*I was offered a complimentary stay as part of a press trip with the Aruba tourist board.
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