Finding Aruba all-inclusive resorts is definitely the way to go to try and save costs because it isn’t the cheapest place to vacation. But Aruba is beautiful, fun and I felt safe! It’s not a very big island so we were able to see a lot during our trip. My fiancé and I went early November of 2016. Aruba weather was wonderful! It is south from the hurricane belt and although they have had hurricanes, it’s rare. So, it’s not really a big deal what time of the year you go, unless you’re watching your spending as room prices can rise in the winter months. I don’t believe it rained at all when we went, we had beautiful weather the whole time we were there. It was our first trip away from our son. He was only 2 but that allowed both of his grandparents to spend quality time with him. We went to Aruba for my fiancé’s birthday. Spoiled, right? 😉 Well he took me to Jamaica for my birthday so we’re even and I guess you could say we are both spoiled, ha!
The resort we stayed at was called the Riu Palace Antillas in Palm Beach and it’s an adult only, all-inclusive resort. So, if you’re looking for a getaway without the kids, we both highly recommend this resort, especially because of course it’s all-inclusive. The staff was very friendly and our rooms were clean and nice. There are two pools and we also got to use the pool next door at the Hotel Riu Palace Aruba. They also have different water activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, rafting and parasailing and we choose to experience the rafting and parasailing. The parasailing I had done before so I had no fear, plus we saw a gigantic turtle swimming all by itself in the ocean, so pretty! As for the rafting or tubing whichever you want to call it, I had been rafting before but not like this! My experience in Aruba was a lot different. They went so fast and in so many circles I thought for sure I was going to fall off and get attacked by a shark. I couldn’t control myself I was in tears! And I don’t usually have a lot of fear but I guess because this was happening out in the ocean it was a little more nerve racking than going out on the river! Talk about adrenaline rush! But overall, we did have fun.
Riu Palace Antillas also offered shows, spas, hair salon, and a casino. We did catch one of their shows and it was really good! We also walked into their casino to check it out, it was nice but not the place we wanted to spend money at the time.
The first few days we just relaxed by the pool and ocean and familiarized ourselves with everything around the resort. Our favorite pool was the swim up bar pool. It was so fun, there was a long table in the middle of the pool with stools where you could play games, relax talk and drink, or do what some college kids did; wet the table and slide across it! That was funny to watch. The ocean water is so clear and warm and the sand feels amazing on your feet; it’s the softest sand I have ever felt and it’s also the whitest sand I have ever seen! I found so many beautiful seashells every time I went for a swim.
On the third or fourth day, we decided to rent a jeep and drive around the island on the winding dirt roads. On the way we stopped along the side of the road and walked down near the ocean and saw so many huge conk seashells, they were beautiful and hardly broken! We then headed up near the California Lighthouse and around the Arashi Dunes to the other side of the island where not much action takes place, it’s the ancient side of the island which I loved because it gives you the true feeling of how Aruba was in the ancient times.
We went inside an ancient gold mill known as the Bushiribana Gold Mill, we went inside a small Catholic chapel (Alto Vista Chapel) which was also known as the Pilgrim’s Chapel, we saw big waves crashing up against huge rocks, we saw little rock pyramids and ancient caves as well as the remnant of the Aruba Natural Bridge.
I LOVE history but not until about 10 years ago did I really start enjoying learning about the past. It’s funny because when I was in school, I wasn’t interested in history at all it was my least favorite subject. Now, I wish I were a history teacher!
Below, I put together some information for each place we stopped at so you have a better idea of their history and what they are.
California Lighthouse
The lighthouse was named from a ship called California that was wrecked close by in the late 1800’s. They constructed the lighthouse in the early 1900’s and we were actually there on it’s 100th year!
Arashi Dunes
Beautiful rolling, white sand dunes that look like Aruba’s own desert! You can’t drive on them but you can certainly walk around and explore. These dunes expand along the north shore.
Bushiribana Gold Mill
This historic gold mill was awesome to see! We went up inside and walked around. Adventurers from back in the 1400’s and 1500’s used to search the area for treasures. There are actually two mills on the island but this one is the only one we visited. This mill once processed ore from mines in the hills nearby when Aruba’s gold rush took place in the 19th century.
Alto Vista Chapel
This chapel is also known as the Pilgrim’s Chapel. It stands on the north side of the island. It was first built in the mid 1700’s and was later rebuilt in the mid 1900’s. They used to convert local Indians into Catholic Christians. It is the cutest little church and I believe they still hold weekly services.
Aruba Natural Bridge
This bridge was formed out of coral limestone! It actually collapsed in early 2000’s and is a remnant of an ancient cave!
Towards the end of our trip, we took a drive downtown to Oranjestad, the capital of Aruba. There is a lot of shopping and restaurants and so many cool looking multicolored houses. It was nice to walk around and grab lunch, see a cruise ship come in and then head back to the beach. Everywhere I went in Aruba I felt safe. Aruba is considered one of the safest destinations in the Caribbean any time of the day and night. I know incidents happen and have happened but it’s always recommended to use common sense and know your surroundings.
One evening instead of eating dinner at our hotel, we decided to walk down the street to the Paseo Herencia Mall with shopping, restaurants and a water show! This was different than downtown Oranjestad, it wasn’t as big, just another shopping and food experience. There are two locations with the I Love Aruba signs. The bigger sign is located downtown in Oranjestad and the other is located in the Paseo Herencia Mall where we had our picture taken at.
Aruba is true beauty with the warm, clear water, natural landscapes, culture and history as well as places for leisure time, shopping and water activities. I have a pretty big bucket list but Aruba is definitely a place I would love to go back to, especially because I have yet to see a pink flamingo!! I wish I had more pictures to show but I cannot find them anywhere on my computer, I’m hoping they weren’t accidentally deleted. If I come across them, I will definitely put them up here!
Leave a comment if you’ve been to Aruba and what your experience was, I’d love to hear it!
