A Caribbean Adventure in Aruba

Aruba is part of the Dutch "ABC" islands and is currently ranked among one of the most U. S. friendly spots in the Caribbean, so for a traditional Caribbean vacation that includes swaying palm trees, breezy beaches and great sea's take a closer look at Aruba.

Palm Beach is the island's most famous beach offering resort after resort that line the shore giving a wide selection of activities to please all.

If you are looking for a resort where kids stay for free, eat free, enjoy water-sports, banana boat rides or love to take part in organized activities then the Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort is the place for your family.

Or you may prefer that the kids have their own swimming pool in that case the Hotel RIU Palace Aruba may be what you are looking for.

But there are plenty more resorts to take into consideration such as the Hyatt, Radisson and Westin. Each of these offers their own set of services that may have appeal for you and your family.

The capital of Aruba is Oranjestad and is best known as a cruise port and has thousands of visitors spilling out of cruise ships every day. For those who stay in Aruba will find that Oranjestad will discover a highly desirable and different side to the city.....one that is really geared for couples or groups of friends traveling together.

Oranjestad has an active-life with plenty of dining and entertainment opportunities.

For dinner you may dine at a chic spot such as L.G. Smith's Steaks and Chop or choose somewhere a little more local like one of the seafood restaurants.

Once dinner is over it is time for some fun of which there is plenty to be found. You could go and have a flutter at one of Oranjestad's many casinos or take in a Vegas like show at one of the theatres or perhaps just enjoy happy hour and dancing to live DJ sets into the wee hours. The choice is yours and you are unlikely to be disappointed.

Of course after a heavy night of partying it is important to pamper yourself the morning after and again Oranjestad can offer plenty of pampering. A trip to the Larimar Spa at the Radisson Aruba resort in Palm Beach for example will allow you indulge in a body treatment, facials and a massage that uses two of Aruba's most famous products, rum and Aloe Vera.

Talking about Aloe Vera a trip to the Aruba Aloe Vera Museum and Factory is worth a little of your time. During the tour of the museum you hear the story of the aloe plant's

Introduction to the island in the 1840's and the influence it has had on the island's health, commerce, art and architecture.

For something a tad less touristy then take a trip to Arikok national Park. Here you will find a protected part of the island that receives few visitors from tourists or locals. It is here that the island's foundation changes with lava, quartz and limestone supporting a lush array of plants and animals that are to be found nowhere else on the island.

So for a vacation that offers something for the whole family Aruba may well be the place to go.

Source: Continental Airlines Guide to the Caribbean