Aruba

[Angel]

I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions for a trip to Aruba? What to pack, where to eat, what to do, what to wear???
We are leaving Saturday (8/11) and I have never been. I can't wait :)

[Jodi]

Angel,
Can you take me with you?? Just went to Aruba in April for my honeymoon and had the most relaxing week ever. It is HOT, HOT, HOT there, but (at least while we were there), there was always a nice light breeze so it didn't seem gross and sticky. The restaurants are mostly casual, but some require a jacket for men, so check before you go.

We had all kinds of good food while we were there. Let's see what I can remember off the top of my head. The restaurant by the lighthouse had delicious Italian food. I'm not a seafood eater, but DH had some fresh fish there that was excellent, and my pasta was delicious, too. We ate outside as the sun set. We also went to a restaurant called El Gaucho, which DH liked more than I did (but it's known for steak, and I'm more of a chicken kind o' girl...). La Petit Cafe was fun. The food wasn't remarkable, but they bring whatever you order partially cooked on a hot stone so you can cook the meat to the done-ness you prefer. There's a website that has links to just about every restaurant on the island -- arubadining. com maybe? (I'll pull out my info and let you know.)

As for what to do, there's not a whole lot in the way of tourist attractions. There's the natural bridge, of course, and just about any kind of water sport you can imagine. The "mood" of the island is much more relaxed than a lot of others in the Caribbean. It seems like a lot of people are there for serious R&R rather than to go, go, go. But at the same time, there's stuff to do, if that makes sense.

I'll see what else I can remember, and if you have specific questions, feel free to email me. Have a great trip -- let us know all about it when you get back!

Enjoy!
Jodi

[SandyM]

Hi Angel,

I can also tell you that the restaurant that Jodi refers to (by the lighthouse, Italian food) is very, very good. I cannot for the life of me remember the name of it (La Trattoria, maybe? Don't quote me on that), but it's American owned, and the food is awesome. When we were there (3-4 years ago) there was also a biker bar and a putt putt golf course there. An odd combination, agreed, but for some reason it works!

The Buccaneer is a great restaurant also. It has fish tanks built into the walls throughout, it's very dark and has a great atmosphere. The seafood was outstanding, but my DH, who does not eat seafood, had a great selection to choose from.

There's also a Tony Roma's there, if you like ribs.

I don't know where you're staying, but if you get a chance, head over to the Hyatt. The grounds are fabulous. Tiki bars all throughout the beach, with friendly bartenders and great drinks.

Baby Beach (which is where the Natural Bridge is) is beautiful. DH played at the golf course and said it was really nice.

Hope this helps. Have a great time!!

[Veronica]

It's been several years since we've been to Aruba, but the restaurants we liked best were Boonoonoonoos, Chez Mathilde (French, jacket required), and Brisas del Mar (our FAVORITE!).

Have a great time!

[food girl]

I love Aruba!! My DH and I have been 3 times! Our all time favorite restaurant is Papeimento. You must go and eat the cocobana dessert. It is a nice restaurant, but kinda $$$.
Last year we ate at a Cuban restaurant downtown that was great. They had this incredible lime iced tea that was $2 a glass and worth every penny IMO.

We always stop and the Kong Hing grocery store and stock up on snacks and sandwich stuff so that we don't have to eat expensive hotel food. Being so close to Venezuela they have great produce and cheap avacados!

Don't worry about drinking the water - it is fine - it actually tastes much better than mine does here. Getting around the island is easy because of the abundance of (nice) cab drivers.

Our favorite outing is to go on the day long snorkelling trip on the tranquillo. I don't think they advertise much to the English speaking guests, but it is by far the best snorkeling trip.

Have fun!!!!!
Lisa

[Angel]

Thank you so much everyone. Your suggestions are great! I am looking forward to trying as many as I have time to. We are going on Saturday the 11th and returning on the following Saturday.

We are staying at the Marriott Villas so we do have a kitchen, Food Girl thank you for the comment about the grocery store. We had planned on purchasing food to cut cost but I wonder if I would be able to get "good fresh" food or would we have to live on prepackaged stuff.

Has anyone tried Wind Surfing? I am really wanting to try this but...I am a big chicken (fear of sharks and anything that might eat me :))