Our guide to Aruba

Improved flight connections have made the Dutch island of Aruba even more enticing – here’s what to do on the island

There are 562 steps to the summit of Mount Hooiberg, which translates from the Dutch as ‘Mount Haystack’ and is the second-highest point on Aruba. It’s a steep 165-metre climb that’s best done early in the morning since Aruba, which lies just 15 miles north of Venezuela, has temperatures averaging 28C.

At the summit, my effort is rewarded with a 360-degree view over this arid, cactus-dotted isle that returned to the Caribbean holiday map in March 2023 when British Airways introduced flights from Gatwick, via a short touchdown in Antigua.

Still relatively unknown to many in the UK, Aruba is a good option for clients looking to try a different Caribbean destination with high service standards – and this lofty viewpoint is the ideal spot to take stock of what it has to offer.

Introduction to Aruba

Smaller than neighbouring Curaçao and Bonaire, Aruba is heavily developed in parts, with tourism mostly concentrated on a six-mile strip of white-sand beaches that run north from the capital Oranjestad, which is also home to the cruise ship terminal.

By law, only 40% of holiday accommodation can be all-inclusive and the resort area is divided into a low-rise zone at Eagle Beach, and high-rise at Palm Beach, with the latter’s nightlife and casinos making it the livelier of the two.

While officially part of the Netherlands, Aruba feels more international than Dutch – US dollars are widely used and most of the guests I encounter during my stay at Tamarijn Aruba, a large and busy all-inclusive resort, are sociable North Americans happily soaking up sunshine and rum cocktails beside a bewitchingly turquoise sea. Activities here range from guided bike rides and salsa classes to a tennis clinic and synchronised swimming show.

Dive-bombing pelicans and colourful lizards provide further entertainment, but my heart is stolen by a family of endemic shoco (owls that dig burrows in the sand) that have brazenly set up home amid the sunloungers and parasols of popular Druif Beach. As Aruba’s tagline, which is displayed on every car number plate, puts it: this really is ‘One Happy Island’.

What to see in Aruba

Aruba is only 20 miles long and it’s worth renting a car for a day or two to see the best of it. The star sight is Arikok National Park, a raw and windswept wilderness that covers a fifth of the island and couldn’t be more different from the bustling resort areas. There are walking trails to follow and you can tour independently by 4WD vehicle, stopping to admire wave-pounded cliffs, thousand-year-old paintings inside Fontein Cave and the ruins of 19th-century gold mines.

In the north, suggest clients climb California Lighthouse, erected in 1916, then take a dip at nearby Arashi Beach, a local favourite.

The National Archaeological Museum in Oranjestad is a rewarding stop, as is the Royal Aruba Aloe factory, which produces beauty and skincare products made from aloe vera grown on the island. In the south, San Nicolas was once home to a major oil refinery but is now redeveloping as an arts and heritage hub.

Many buildings in the town centre are painted with vivid murals that offer both celebration and social comment about the island’s story. To learn more, book a guided walk with Aruba Mural Tours (two hours, from $30).

New hotels in Aruba

Aruba will up its game this winter with the debut of the newly built five-star Joia Aruba by Iberostar resort, which is set to open beside the immaculate sands of Eagle Beach in December. It will feature 240 suites that include a balcony with a whirlpool bath and guests will have access to the Tierra del Sol golf course a 15-minute drive away.

Following in spring 2025 is the 304-room adult-only Secrets Resort near Baby Beach at the southern tip of the island.

Also in the pipeline is the St Regis Aruba Resort in Palm Beach, which will offer 252 rooms plus a spa, casino and rooftop restaurant; and a new oceanfront tower at the Hilton Aruba, where construction is ongoing.

Where to eat in Aruba

With more than a hundred different nationalities living here, Aruba’s engaging mix of cultures is reflected in a thriving culinary scene. Local staples include funchi (polenta), fried plantain and Gouda cheese, and there are many accomplished restaurants.

Stand-outs include the French Caribbean cuisine at Papillon, Caya House for its sublime Peruvian ceviche and duck breast with a tangy Mexican mole and the eightcourse tasting menu at Infini created by acclaimed Aruban chef Urvin Croes. Building on this prowess, the island launched the Autentico Aruba Culinary Festival last month (October 7-13) showcasing local and invited international chefs – more evidence Aruba’s reputation is on the rise.

Book it

Caribtours offers seven nights’ allinclusive at Tamarijn Aruba from £2,499 per person, based on two sharing a Deluxe Oceanfront Queen Room, departing December 8, 2025, with BA flights from Gatwick and transfers.
caribtours.co.uk

Kuoni has seven nights’ B&B at Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort from £3,158, based on two sharing a Standard Room, including BA flights on February 2, 2025, and transfers.
kuoni.co.uk

Ask the expert

Ronella Croes, chief executive officer, Aruba Tourism Authority

“The UK has a been a priority market for many years and in 2023 we welcomed 6,985 visitors. Most were couples coming for a week who were attracted by our beaches and hassle-free ambience.

Aruba has hospitable people from diverse countries who understand the importance of tourism to the economy.

In July, the island legalised same-sex marriage and we are paving the way for a more inclusive future that welcomes LGBTQ+ travellers. We also lie outside the hurricane belt and have many cultural events throughout the year, including the Aruba Carnival, which reaches its peak on March 1-2, 2025.”

PICTURES: Shutterstock/Steve Photography, Serge Yatunin, Yingna Cai