Aruba

Introduction

Good things often come in small packages. Aruba is one of them. It is totally equipped with all the elements needed to chill and have fun: powdery, white beaches, crystal waters, fabulous cuisine, casinos and great nightlife. Best of all, the trade winds make the tropical climate palatable. The winds also force the island's trademark, the watapana or divi-divi tree, to grow at a 45-degree angle.

Who goes there?

In a word, everyone. The island caters to the upscale traveller and those looking for a moderately-priced vacation; the party animals and the visitor that likes to curl up with a book on a secluded beach; families and honeymooners.

Where in the world?

Aruba, approximately 184 sq km (70 sq miles), sits in the southern Caribbean, just 20km (15 miles) off the coast of Venezuela. It is the most westerly of the A, B, C islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao) which are all below the hurricane belt. It is part of the Kingdom of The Netherlands.

Beach

It doesn't get any better than a walk on powdery sand and turquoise waters sliding over your feet. Bordering the hotel zone, Palm Beach, located about 17km (11 miles) north of Oranjestad, is often crowded. It is the place for watersports (diving, parasailing, kite surfing) or just lazing in a lounge on the sand. Many prefer the calm surf and sand expanse of Eagle Beach, 20km (15 miles) north of Oranjestad.

Beyond the beach

Not all the wildlife is at the dance clubs. Donkeys, as well as scores of birds and lizards, find Aruba just as appealing as humans do. Nearly 20% of the island is a national park with exotic landscape like petroglyphs, odd rock formations and caves. Learn all about aloe production at Aruba aloe in Oranjestad, the island's charming capital.

Family fun

Shallow Baby Beach, about 14.5km (9 miles) south of Oranjestad just passed San Nicolas, is calm and wading pool-like, so it is perfect for the little ones. Hikes and off-road jeep adventure are fun terra firma trips for everyone. Learn about creatures at the butterfly farm, on J E Irausquin Boulevard in Palm Beach, or the ostrich farm on Makividiri Road.

Retail therapy

Since Aruba has it roots in Holland, think Delft pottery and cheese. The island is also the world's largest producer of aloe. It is available in every form imaginable. Browse the ‘duty free' shops on Oranjestad's primo shopping street Caya G F Betico Croes. Sometimes luxury items (jewellery, cameras, perfumes and so on) are discounted by as much as 25%. But be a savvy shopper. Price and compare in Aruba and before leaving home. The best deals on such items, especially liquor, can be had at the airport. And a word to the wise. Don't even thing about haggling. Locals consider it rude.

A night on the town

No problem looking for action when the sun goes down. The nightlife grooves with 11 casinos and tons of clubs and bars. Things don't start shakin' until around midnight but continues to the wee hours. The funky Kukoo Kunuku, takes revellers to dinner and bar hopping aboard a 50-year-old, brightly coloured bus. The tour operates Monday through Saturday from 1800 until midnight and changes watering holes daily.

Eating out

Cuban, Brazilian, Italian, Japanese, French, Caribbean, seafood. Aruba's eateries run the gamut. Sample local specialities like pan bati (a pancake-like sweet bread), keshi yena (a brown sauced covered, spiced seafood or beef baked in a Gouda cheese shell), or scavechi (marinated fish). To save a little bank, check out the Aruba Gastronomic Association (website: www.arubadining.com). They offer three-course, discount dine-around packages at high end restaurants.

Getting around

Arubus, the island's reliable public transportation, runs every 20 minutes. It will take you practically any place you need to go. Car rentals are available but to navigate the isle's rugged terrain, get a four-wheel drive. For true adventure, rent a Harley.

Exploring further afield

Hop a puddle jumper (Dutch Antilles Express: website: www.flydae.com) to Aruba's neighbours, Bonaire or Curacao. Each has its own personality. While Aruba is party central, Bonaire is laid back. With 86 awesome dive sites and 213 fish species, it is tops with those who like to explore the ocean's bottom. Curacao has fine beaches and lots of watersports but is more cosmopolitan. In fact, it looks like a pastel-coloured Holland with palm trees.

Splashing out

Visit Charlie's Restaurant and Bar on Mainstreet in San Nicolas. Paste your business card on the wall. Everyone else does. This island institution, one of the most popular watering holes on the island, has been around for 65 years. The staff will fill you in on the happenings of the little hamlet of San Nicolas.

Flying in

Aruba Queen Beatrix Airport (AUA)