View from a sandy beach of a small boat on the water

Planning Your Trip

This Caribbean island is a melting pot of cultures that resonates throughout the island’s rich food, art and architecture. Bright houses, clear blue water, fresh seafood and beautiful vistas make it even more of a traveler’s paradise.

Aruba
What To Pack

The San Nicolas section of the island is home to colorful Caribbean street murals and vibrant mixed-arts boutiques where you can purchase jewelry and homewares created by local artists. Save room in your suitcase to bring back a one-of-a-kind artistic souvenir or gift from Aruba.

Beach Vacation

Aruba, as the locals say, is one happy island, and visitors will see that whether they are on a catamaran or just checking out the local rum bars.

  • This gorgeous island is blessed with sunshine and windy breezes. Make sure to bring a hat that can block the sun and stay on when the wind picks up.

  • Water shoes are a good idea if you plan to try wind sailing or kite surfing. Rocky areas might lurk right past the sandy beachheads.

  • Bring a waterproof bag or pouch for your devices, and a waterproof GoPro camera. Snorkeling and scuba diving are musts here, and a GoPro is the best way to capture your underwater moments.  
Resort Essentials

The list of activities in Aruba is endless, from snorkeling to yoga to premier golf. We narrowed down the things you must not miss for a quick checklist of what you need before your flight takes off.

  • Brush up on your blackjack game — the resort offers a 24-hour vibrant casino. Enjoy delectable refreshments while the dealers shuffle the decks.

  • Bring your workout gear. The resort’s fitness center has classes throughout the week that include yoga, circuit training and weightlifting.

  • Golfers should know that just minutes away from the resort, Tierra del Sol has the only 18-hole championship golf course on the island.   
Day Trips

In between sunning by the pool and hitting the beach, make time for a few excursions that will make your Aruban adventure even more meaningful.

  • Check out the caves in Arikok National Park. This beautiful preserve comprises almost 18 percent of the island. Enjoy gorgeous vistas of the island’s rugged terrain in an open-air Jeep and explore the caves whose centuries-old drawings are still being interpreted.

  • Drive dune buggies along the wild open coast near the island’s Bushiribana Gold Mine Ruins. You can mix adrenaline with history as you drive through the sand banks of this historic spot.

  • Feed baby ostriches at the Aruba Ostrich Farm. This is a must-stop for any Instagramming traveler. The farm is a refuge for birds of all types, from peacocks to full-sized ostriches. But the key photo to post is during feeding time for the baby ostriches.
A setting sun casts a glow over an ocean?s rippling waves
A setting sun casts a glow over an ocean?s rippling waves
Aruba
What To Reserve

The San Nicolas section of the island is home to colorful Caribbean street murals and vibrant mixed-arts boutiques where you can purchase jewelry and homewares created by local artists. Save room in your suitcase to bring back a one-of-a-kind artistic souvenir or gift from Aruba.

Ritz Carlton Hotel image
Ritz Carlton Hotel image
Aruba
Itineraries

One of the most picturesque destinations in the Caribbean, the friendly island of Aruba, delivers rich, cultural, outdoors, and culinary experiences. Discover the national park, Arikok, with its variety of different caves, wildlife and ruins. Take dreamy horseback rides through glistening natural pools. Dine on delicious seafood and handcrafted cocktails right on the shores of Palm Beach, while connecting with loved ones. When the beaches are as breathtakingly beautiful as they are on this island, you’ll want to get in as much time on the sand as you can.