With VALERIE MILLER TRAVEL

Book the perfect vacation with American Airlines Vacations. Get the best rates and savings on flights, hotels, cars and more when you book your vacation together. You can create a package to anywhere they fly – and you'll save time and money doing it. I booked my package with air and hotel. The flight out of Chicago O’Hare to Aruba had a connection through Charlotte. The hotel I chose was the Hyatt Aruba. You can book your trip online at: aavacations.com or call them directly.

Aruba is one of the Lesser Antilles islands located in the Southern Caribbean Sea. The island is located miles off the coast of Venezuela and on clear days it is possible to see Venezuela from the south-eastern side of the island. The island is 21 miles long, 6 miles wide and has an area of about 75 square miles. Aruba is mainly flat with a few hills and is renowned for its white sandy beaches. Aruba is located south of the hurricane belt which means that it rarely rains for extended periods. The climate is mostly dry and doesn't allow for a lot of vegetation. Constant trade winds cool the island and the temperature is about 82 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Aruba is a popular destination for a wedding or honeymoon. During our stay we witnessed two weddings on the beach. It was magical! Aruba offers a large and varied choice of accommodations. Aruba's high-rise resorts are located on Palm Beach while the low-rise resorts are located on Eagle Beach. Besides the corporate and local resorts, Aruba has several apartment complexes, vacation villas or condos and timeshare rentals throughout the island.

My Choice: Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino

Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort, Spa and Casino is situated on world famous Palm Beach and offers guests an idyllic setting that includes an extraordinary arrival experience, an outdoor oasis with koi lagoon, cascading waterfalls, two unique pool experiences, spa, casino, and refreshing dining options. For a day of complete relaxation spend your day at the Tankilo adults-only pool. Private cabanas, food and beverage services are available at Trankilo pool. Or, spend the day on the beach under a Beach hut. Rent a floater, and swim and drift off in the sparkling Caribbean waters. The service at the pool and beach was outstanding! I’ve stayed at the Hyatt Aruba a few times and I wouldn’t hesitate to stay with them again.

The Hyatt’s location on Palm Beach is ideal. You can walk along the beachside of the hotel to other hotels, shops and restaurants. On the street side of the hotel, they have more bars, jewelry stores, restaurants and shops as well. Catch the local bus in front of the hotel, this can take you into town. Hop off at one of the casinos on the way to town or in town and have some fun. Check out the shopping areas in downtown Oranjestad.

Shopping: There’s plenty of shopping in Aruba. Shoppers often visit Aruba for its shops devoted to jewelry, perfumes, leather goods, designer fashion, electronics, locally made crafts, Cuban cigars, Dutch licorice, Dutch Cheese, and much more! In addition to the main shopping areas of downtown there is a large Flea Market that takes place on cruise ship arrival days, just across from the cruise port, (as well as further down the street along the marina).

Tours and Watersports: There’s an abundance of water sports which include diving, deep sea fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing, snorkeling, tubing and wind surfing. Take a guided island tour on an air-conditioned bus. Take a guided tour on a ATV. Visit The Natural Bridge a popular landmark which was formed naturally over the centuries by the pounding sea. Discover the Majestic California Lighthouse or explore the Antilla, Aruba's Largest Shipwreck. There is so much more to do and see. For more information visit: www.visitaruba.com.