SHADES OF PARADISE

About Aruba

Cradled within the southern Caribbean, the Dutch island of Aruba is 15 miles north of the Venezuelan coast and has long lured discerning travelers to its sun-soaked shores. Part of the ABC Islands–together with Bonaire and Curaçao–Aruba is ideally located outside of the hurricane belt, offering those who visit near-perfect weather 365 days a year. Clear skies, warm sunshine, refreshing, constant trade wind breezes, average temperatures in the low 80s, and only about 15 inches of rainfall for the entire year are just a few of the many reasons the island has one of the highest return-visitor rates in the Caribbean.

While youÊre in Aruba, the friendliest residents (claiming over 90 distinct nationalities from more than 130 countries) are sure to make your holiday feel like home. Although the official languages are Dutch and Papiamento–a language drawn from Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, African dialects, and more–most Aruban residents are multilingual and also speak English and Spanish. ArubaÊs rich, multicultural history can be seen throughout the entire island, from the vibrant architecture and island excursions to delectable cuisines and, of course, ArubaÊs monthlong Carnival celebration (uniting the entire country) with over-the-top pageantry, music, parades, parties, and more.

Where to Stay

Nestled on ArubaÊs famous two-mile stretch of Palm Beach is a spectacular, beachfront all-inclusive resort. ItÊs an oasis thatÊs known to mesmerize with its captivating white sandy shores, picturesque palapas, and fascinating sites. Your Aruban stay begins at the Barceló Aruba. Here, guests will enjoy only the finest in Aruba luxury, complete with VIP service. Panoramic ocean views prevail from each of the hotelÊs 373 room balconies, but itÊs within the 44 Royal Level rooms, where discerning couples will truly enjoy elite amenities and VIP services within the resort. In addition to all the standard comforts the Barceló Aruba has to offer, including spacious accommodations, bathrobes, slippers, room service, free Wi-Fi, personal concierge service, priority reservations, and a private lounge for check-in and check-out, guests choosing Royal Level accommodations can also expect first-rate linens, pillows, towels, a minibar (restocked daily), and nighttime turndown service, as well as dining at the Royal Level Restaurant–exclusive for Royal Level guests.

Traveler Health Requirements (updated as of January 13, 2021)

1) An embarkment form must be completed through an online portal prior to visiting. 2) Travelers will need to have a negative PCR test 72 hours before coming to the island; results need to be uploaded or showed at the airport upon arrival. 3) In the event that a PCR Covid-19 test is not taken prior to travel to Aruba, one will be administered and required at the airport when arriving in Aruba. A mandatory quarantine is required at the travelerÊs booked accommodations up to 24 hours, while the test results are assessed. In the event you test positive, you will be isolated to a facility of their choosing. 4) You will also be required to take out temporary health insurance to cover any Covid-19-related expenses up to $75k; price is $30 per person flat fee. Visit https://www.aruba.com/us/traveler-health-requirements#arrival, for continuous and the most recent updates regarding health requirements.

Island Temptations

Whether youÊre craving poolside snacks or full-course meals, the Barceló Aruba has a variety of delectable restaurants to choose from to satisfy your tastebuds in the resortÊs seven restaurants and three bars. During the day, fulfill all of your cravings at The Beach Club, serving light fare, grilled specialties, soups, salads, and more lunch alternatives; enjoy international provisions at The Palm (buffet-style); or enjoy Italian, Mexican, Japanese, or local Aruban seafood at the themed à la carte restaurants.

Although all meals, snacks, and drinks are included at the all-inclusive Barceló Aruba, you may want to try one of the great restaurants the island has to offer. Off property, Aruba also has over 100 international restaurants, with cuisine ranging from French and Italian to Japanese and Indonesian. If you would like to try a variety of restaurants, check out the Aruba Gastronomic Association (www.arubadining.com), which represents more than 20 well-known ethnic and international restaurants on Aruba. This unique dine-around program is perfect for travelers who are new to Aruba. Purchase combination meals at an affordable price for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that include an appetizer, entrée, dessert, coffee or tea, and service charge (where applicable). And while youÊre on the island, donÊt forget to try the local cuisine as well.

Beyond the Beach

While relaxing and doing nothing at all is an all-time favorite for those who visit, thereÊs so much more to Aruba than just the beach that highlights ArubaÊs natural beauty. The California Lighthouse offers breathtaking views of the western coastline and entire island, while the Fontein Caves emphasize ArubaÊs history with drawings made by the Arawak Indians. Schedule an off-road UTV tour along the islandÊs desert side with a stop at the Natural Pool for a quick dip, or stop for a romantic picnic under the famous divi divi trees in Arikok National Park. You can even check out the Aruba Aloe factory for a brief tour to see the process of making aloe products, and bring a few soap, lotion, or sunscreen products back home as a souvenir. For those looking for something a bit more artsy, head over to the town of San Nicolas, where art galleries, restaurants, and bars, as well as historic buildings of architectural interest await. YouÊll also want to stroll through shopperÊs paradise–Downtown Oranjestad–where youÊll find locally made artisan crafts and international brands from jewelry and fragrance to Dutch delicacies, Aruba aloe products, and even Cuban cigars!

For the adventure seeker, the steady trade winds and crystalclear waters make this island perfect for chartering a catamaran, windsurfing, kite surfing, and spending your days exploring. Snorkeling, sailing, and surfing are just a few of the water activities you can participate in, and De Palm Tours Aruba is there to help coordinate all of the details. From spectacular sunset dinner cruises, nightlife, entertainment, casinos, and resort activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and fitness classes like beach Zumba–you can do it all or nothing at all.

One Happy Day

Couples who dream of tying the knot in a romantic setting, where clear skies harmoniously meet turquoise waters, will find their destination wedding fairy tale can in fact come true. With magical sunsets and starry nights, along with planners and wedding professionals to bring your ideas to life, your special day is sure to be one happy day. While legal ceremonies in Aruba must take place at the Civil Town House located in downtown Oranjestad, couples are then welcome to have a second ceremony of their choice on the island, or at the Barceló Aruba with the sweeping water views as your backdrop. Whether you envision a grand celebration or an intimate dinner on the beach, the Barceló Aruba offers a unique wedding experience with a variety of packages for every type of engaged couple.

Getting There

With nearby airlines offering nonstop and direct scheduled flights to and from Aruba, getting to this tropical oasis is quick and easy. With a four-hour flight from the New York and New Jersey areas, most major air carriers (American Airlines, US Airways, United Airlines, Delta, and JetBlue) will fly into the Queen Beatrix International Airport.

Whether you choose to relax beachside or adventure the island, youÊre sure to create the best memories on one happy island as you start your life together as newlyweds. For more information about Aruba and to book your honeymoon or destination wedding, visit www.barceloaruba.com.

Resort photos compliments of Barceló Aruba

What to Know Before You Go

1) Entry Requirements: Passport and return ticket. 2) Flight Time: Four hours from New York City and two and a half hours from Miami. 3) Currency: Aruban florin (Afl). 4) ArubaÊs drinking water is purified through the second largest desalinization plant in the world, making it pure and safe for consumption straight from the tap. 5) Aruba ranks as one of the safest and cleanest islands in the Caribbean with the highest return-visitor rate at almost 60 percent. 6) ArubaÊs sun is strongest from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM; donÊt forget to protect your skin by reapplying sunscreen often. 7) Aruba is known for its casual and laid-back island vibe. By day, vacationers wear bathing suits, cover-ups, hats, sunglasses, and flip-flops, but donÊt forget to bring along sturdy walking shoes or sneakers for off-road adventures.