5 Reasons to Visit the One Happy Island

“Bon Bini!” That’s how Aruba welcomes you in its native language of Papiamento, but why should you visit the “One Happy Island”? We have five reasons that will have you packing your bags for this tropical destination, which welcomes more return travelers every year than any other Caribbean island.

Wonderful Weather

Rain can put a damper on any beach getaway, which is why Aruba is such an alluring destination. The island claims to have the most sunny days of any Caribbean island – more than 300 – and with an average temperature of 82°F year round and cool trade winds, Aruba is pure paradise. It’s perfect for enjoying a family vacation or celebrating a destination wedding with its consistent warm sands and clear skies.

Exquisite Dining

With more than 90 nationalities represented, Aruba is a favorite foodie destination in the Caribbean. More than 250 restaurants, many in the island’s capital city of Oranjestad, serve up international gourmet delights as well as local cuisine. Aruban dishes includes influences from the Netherlands, South America, and the Caribbean, like keshi yena, stuffed cheese with savory filling, and quesillo, caramel custard. Book your vacation during the Aruba Wine & Dine Restaurant Week for 3-course menus and special pricing at some of the island’s famous restaurants.

Natural Adventures

Go beyond the beach and see Aruba’s adventurous interior. Arikok National Park stretches across 20 percent of the island with natural sights to see and explore. Only accessible by 4x4 vehicles, the Natural Pool is a favorite site for visitors and locals, and is actually two pools to cool off and relax. The Fontein Cave and the Quadirikiri Caves provide underground adventures. Families must stop by Aruba’s Butterfly Farm, which features tropical gardens filled with these colorful flying creatures.

Some of the World’s Best Beaches

Every vacation to the Caribbean demands those soft sands and warm turquoise waters, and Aruba delivers. If you want to stretch out and relax, then Arashi Beach is your destination. It also has gentle waves and a color underwater life, perfect for snorkeling. For families, especially those with young children, the aptly named Baby Beach offers shallow waters and a gentle current for an ideal beach day. Palm Beach is a favorite for those travelers who enjoy water sports, though surfers will want to catch their wave at Dos Playas, located in Arikok National Park.

Great Options & Accessibility

Aruba welcomes every type of traveler with accommodations to match. Luxury seekers will find pampering, beachfront retreats, accented with lavish gardens, shimmering waterfalls, and breathtaking ocean views. All-inclusive options as well as smaller, intimate resorts line the island’s powder-soft beaches, and with direct flights from most major cities – including New York City, Boston, Miami, Philadelphia, Fort Lauderdale, and Washington – you can start your tropical vacation quicker.

It’s easy to see why Aruba is routinely named as one of the most frequented islands by return travelers, and after one trip, you’ll want to return to this island paradise, too. Contact a travel consultant to book your next Caribbean vacation to the One Happy Island and get ready to get on island time.