Windsurfing Paradise: Aruba Island Guide
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The thing about Aruba is the great weather and the location out of the hurricane belt. It is also one of the easiest islands to get to with direct flights from many US cities. This “One Happy Island” is a sunny and beautiful destination with something for everyone. Beautiful white sand beaches are the perfect setting for a relaxing vacation but there are lots of activities on the water and in the desert. When you are on Aruba you get a sense of the Dutch influence with the unique architecture all over the island.
What to do:
Venture outside of the usual tourist spots and visit Boca Grandi for windsurfing, which is located on Aruba’s southern tip. Boca Grandi is a scenic stretch of white sandy Aruba Beach where steady trade winds provide challenging conditions for advanced windsurfers. On the west coast, just north of the Ritz Carlton, there is a great place for windsurfing lessons and rentals, for all levels of experience and it’s run by a company called Windsurfing Aruba. Learn more about rentals & lessons here.
Check out Wacky Wahoo’s for a fresh catch of the day and one of highest rated restaurants on the island and family run - it is off the beaten path but walking distance from most of the high rise hotels - book your reservation in advance, here is their website. Quinta del Carmen is a one of kind experience – located inside a building from the 1920’s which was originally a hospital, the building has been renovated and has some of the best fine dining on the island. To take a look at their menu and to contact them for reservations, visit their website here.
Where to Stay:
Amsterdam Manor is a charming low rise property along Eagle Beach – more of a low key experience, great service and easy going vibe. Take a look at their website here. The Boardwalk is another great boutique style property named by USA Today as a Hidden Gem Hotel. There are many high-rise style resort options as well on Aruba, we would recommend the Ritz Carlton, Hyatt or Marriott, all located along Palm Beach. But most of the hotels are located right along the beach and you can’t go wrong with the location of any resort! And you must visit the Ritz Carlton Gift Shop where you can buy our custom HIHO Caribbean “One Happy Island” shirts featuring the Aruban Flag. For more information about the Ritz Carlton Aruba, visit their website here.
