Oranjestad, Aruba Family Travel Guide presented by
Winter-Spring 2013
An introduction to
Oranjestad, Aruba Presented by
Thomas Cook Kids First Family Vacations A selection of all-inclusive family resort vacation packages designed to provide the ultimate holiday experience for parents and children.
Cover images courtesy of depositphotos.com.
Oranjestad, Aruba Located in the Eastern Caribbean, the island of Aruba has been influenced by the Dutch, the Spanish and even the African people. The result is an island rich in history, culture and colour. The result is also an incredibly popular tourist destination. Most tourists touch down in the island’s capital, Oranjestad. Home to some of the island’s best beaches, restaurants and bars, Oranjestad makes for the perfect base to enjoy all that the island has to offer. Should you be considering Oranjestad for your next family vacation, here’s all that you need to know.
Climate Like much of the Caribbean, Aruba experiences a dry, tropical climate. With a year round average temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit, you can expect beautiful days at the beach regardless of when you visit. Rainy season officially lasts from September to November, but most years this means little other than a few mild showers. The hurricane season is also not something that holiday makers need to be worried about with direct hits being incredibly rare.
When to Go Despite the year round sun, the island of Aruba is definitely at its busiest from December until April. The island’s popularity during this time pushes up prices, and as such, you can expect to pay as much as thirty percent more for your accommodations and airfare. Time your visit outside of these months, and you can not only expect lower prices but also a much more peaceful island. Beaches are quieter, restaurants are more intimate and you can get a much closer look at genuine island life.
Where to Eat To cater for the wealth of tourists that arrive in Oranjestad each year, the islands capital has no shortage of world class dining establishments. Here are five of the most popular. • Gostoso: Consistently voted the best restaurant in Oranjestad, Gostoso offers Caribbean dishes with a Portuguese twist. Delicious seafood, an excellent collection of Portuguese wines and incredibly friendly staff. • Barefoot Restaurant: Offering a selection of both Caribbean and international dishes, you’re sure to find something that you’ll enjoy at Barefoot.* And thanks to its location directly on the beach, shoes are indeed very much optional. • Windows on Aruba: Located directly above The Links golf course, Windows is an upscale restaurant offering impeccably prepared meals in an intimate atmosphere. Reservations are very much recommended. • Pinchos Grill: Located by the sea, Pinchos grill serves some of the best steak on the island. To make the most of your visit, arrive around six to watch the sunset over the water. Special mention should also go to the restaurants perfectly prepared swordfish. • Hobi Bon: If you’re in the mood for something a little bit different, Hobi Bon specializes in Asian cuisine. The portions are a little on the small side but both the preparation and presentation are truly top notch.
What to Do Most holiday makers arrive in Oranjestad with no other plans than to laze on the beach for a week or two. On the off chance that you find yourself growing tired of idyllic beaches however, here are five of the best things to see in Aruba. • Arikok National Park: Located close to Santa Cruz, the Arikok National Park includes sand dunes, caves, a natural pool and even a few wild goats. Plenty of great views and even a nice restaurant. • Ayo and Caribari Rock Formations: Incredibly scenic area just northeast of Hooiberg. While the highlight is certainly the rock formations, the unique landscape is worth the trip alone. The butterfly gardens are also well worth looking for. • Alta Vista Chapel: 250 years old and originally built by Spanish missionaries, the Alto Vista Chapel is believed to be the first church ever erected in the Caribbean. Best visited around sunset when the surrounding area is incredibly peaceful. • Museo Arubano: Small museum in the heart of Oranjestad. If you’d like to learn a little about the islands history, this is where you go. Housed inside a beautiful building that’s believed to be one of the islands oldest structures. • Philips Animal Garden: Small animal reserve with friendly staff and incredibly well cared for animals. With no shortage of interesting creatures to see, it’s a day out that the kids are guaranteed to love.
Arikok National Park.