It really was “One Happy Island”. We just returned from the island of Aruba. What a great place! Beautiful people, beaches, fun snorkeling and sunset cruise excursions and a bunch of excellent restaurants.
We stayed at La Cabana Beach and Racquet Club and found this resort to be perfect for us. It was right across the road from gorgeous Eagle Beach. We had a splendid view of the resort and beach from our balcony and the unit was equipped with a kitchen (very handy).
This small Caribbean island looks tropical, but has large dessert like areas, although the resorts all boast lots of palm trees, grass and flowering shrubs.
We had a blast on the Jolly Pirates morning snorkel tour and would definitely do that again next time and there will be a “next time” soon, I hope. I even took a turn on the Pirate rope swing – twice.
One of our favorite snorkeling spots was off the west coast at Arashi Beach with shallow water, excellent visibility and lots of colorful fish. Baby Beach on the southeast coast was also fun and you might even catch a lobster for dinner there.
These little black and yellow striped fish were my favorite. They would come within inches of your snorkel mask almost posing for you. There were also schools of little silver fish that would actually nibble your fingers and toes if you stayed still.
We had several memorable meals, including a romantic anniversary dinner at Passions on the Beach. (I want one of their color changing cone lights that they used on the tables.) ☺ One of my favorite lunches was at Zee Rover in Savaneta, a place we found after talking to some of the locals. It is a combination fish market and casual pier restaurant. You tell the server how much you want of the fish of the day or shrimp, etc. and she weighs it, puts it in a basket and sends it off to the cook. We were fortunate to have Mahi Mahi as the catch of the day. First time I’ve ever had whole cooked shrimp too (snapping the heads off was a little disconcerting, but well worth the effort). ☺
A lot of places served mashed sweet potatoes with the entrees – very good and we liked the chimichurri sauce that was served with the steak.
After visiting Aruba, it’s not hard to see why so many people visit year after year. One couple we talked to at the resort pool said it was their l5th year of visiting the island.
We had a wonderful sunset display each evening around 7:15.
This was one of our best vacations ever. I love Aruba.
