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Used to be Cruise vs Island, now the upcoming Aruba trip. (1 Viewer)

Sitting in Aruba right now.....This is by far the best island in this sea, and quite possibly one of the best destinations on Earth IMO.
The beaches and the water is incredible. I was there a couple weeks ago and apparently this is Aruba's "off" season. So the vast amount of space and openness may have been a product of the season. I have not been to enough other Caribbean Islands to rate as #1....but may be the last one standing after this hurricane season. If you enjoy just relaxing and doing beach stuff....great place! 

 
Sitting in Aruba right now.

Zero threats whatsoever of a hurricane, weather has not moved from the 81-87 range in 5 days, the clouds that have scarcely come have been welcomed, but mainly sunshine and a breeze.

if your wife is in to some kinky stuff (mine is not :kicksrock: ) prostitution is legal in San Nicolas 30-45 minutes from the hotels, if not the restaurants are excellent and there are tons of casinos.

The beaches are spread out with amazing soft white sand and lots of comfortable seating not on top of a neighbor, the ocean is warm and crystal clear, the jet ski guys have good blow or weed if that's your thing, & the pool is 87 degrees 24/7/365. 

If you live in the eastern part of the US, it prob isn't more than a 5 hour flight max. This is by far the best island in this sea, and quite possibly one of the best destinations on Earth IMO.
I'm gonna stop in Aruba next year on a cruise...along with a few other islands. Very excited to check it out.

Have you done any excursions there?

 
About a month out for our Aruba trip. Getting there late Monday night and staying 7 nights. Anymore recommendations on restaurants, things to do, etc?

 
Day 1 complete. Just got done with a very nice dinner on the beach. 

Tomorrow and Thursday we have a 4 wheel drive side by side rented. Plan to be all over the island from morning to evening! 

 
Day 1 complete. Just got done with a very nice dinner on the beach. 

Tomorrow and Thursday we have a 4 wheel drive side by side rented. Plan to be all over the island from morning to evening! 
We did Aruba for our honeymoon...loved it. Exploring the island is really fun, especially the caves in the north. Went in one that was filled with bats.

Have fun!

 
Planning on a trip to Aruba for our 5 year anniversary in June, and leaving the little one at home with grandparents!

Does anyone have recommendations on smaller beachfront hotels where you can walk to the good stuff offsite? We haven't loved the massive complexes/high rises in other places and I'd like to avoid that here. I know FC mentioned Bucuti and Tara across a couple of threads. It would fit the bill perfectly as it's just over 100 rooms and seems to offer everything else we'd want. But they have a 5 night minimum and we're hard capped at 4. Honestly if I can't find a better option I might just pop for the 5th night and not tell my wife  :lmao: .

Tripadvisor's "top 10 boutique hotels in Aruba" put the ####### Marriott at #1. Thanks for nothing. 

 
Planning on a trip to Aruba for our 5 year anniversary in June, and leaving the little one at home with grandparents!

Does anyone have recommendations on smaller beachfront hotels where you can walk to the good stuff offsite? We haven't loved the massive complexes/high rises in other places and I'd like to avoid that here. I know FC mentioned Bucuti and Tara across a couple of threads. It would fit the bill perfectly as it's just over 100 rooms and seems to offer everything else we'd want. But they have a 5 night minimum and we're hard capped at 4. Honestly if I can't find a better option I might just pop for the 5th night and not tell my wife  :lmao: .

Tripadvisor's "top 10 boutique hotels in Aruba" put the ####### Marriott at #1. Thanks for nothing. 
This is where we stayed. About a ten minute walk from the beaches near the high rise hotels and the restaurants. Nothing fancy but clean and they made sure we were well taken care of.

http://modernhotelaruba.com/ 

 
Planning on a trip to Aruba for our 5 year anniversary in June, and leaving the little one at home with grandparents!

Does anyone have recommendations on smaller beachfront hotels where you can walk to the good stuff offsite? We haven't loved the massive complexes/high rises in other places and I'd like to avoid that here. I know FC mentioned Bucuti and Tara across a couple of threads. It would fit the bill perfectly as it's just over 100 rooms and seems to offer everything else we'd want. But they have a 5 night minimum and we're hard capped at 4. Honestly if I can't find a better option I might just pop for the 5th night and not tell my wife  :lmao: .

Tripadvisor's "top 10 boutique hotels in Aruba" put the ####### Marriott at #1. Thanks for nothing. 
Trip booked. Can't wait.

The day we arrive is our actual anniversary, so I'm looking to book a dinner on the beach, sunset view type place for that night. We usually eat late on vacation but will hopefully take advantage of the view. Leaning towards Passions on the Beach for that one. 

 
Trip booked. Can't wait.

The day we arrive is our actual anniversary, so I'm looking to book a dinner on the beach, sunset view type place for that night. We usually eat late on vacation but will hopefully take advantage of the view. Leaning towards Passions on the Beach for that one. 
We were walking by Passions as they were setting up for the sunset dinners. Some of the tables were set up where your feet would be in the water. 

 
We just booked our honeymoon trip to Aruba last week. We're staying at the Bucuti resort. 
Awesome. I ended up emailing them about their minimum stay requirement and they said to reach out a month before, and depending on how availability is looking, they could waive that and accept a four night reservation. My booking at Manchebo can be cancelled up to 14 days in advance so I'm good. 

We were walking by Passions as they were setting up for the sunset dinners. Some of the tables were set up where your feet would be in the water. 
Sweet. I was able to make a reservation online and just got the confirmation back. 

 
Try and make it to Wilhelmina, fantastic food there.

I'm also very partial to Daniels, you get a great steak and sides at a reasonable* price.

Bavaria is nice, cheapish and has a GREAT beer selection. Good Austrian/German food. 

Quinta del Carmen is a nice romantic spot, as is Elements. Elements is also adult only, so no kids making noise there and it's on the beach. We watched a wedding happen while we were eating, which was cool. Small ceremony, just the couple and a photogrpaher/priest fellow.

BLT is a chain, but they were excellent and the view is outstanding from the Ritz. If you don't eat there, at least go to the Ritz (where it's at) to grab a drink and watch the sunset.

If you're staying at Bucuti, you HAVE to go to Matthews Beachside for breakfast. Right on the beach, it's incredible for breakfast. Best on the island IMO for an "American" breakfast. Their potatoes are made with onion and bacon in them. I LOVE it. You probably could walk there.

You also could walk to Pizza Bob's, which IMO is the best pizza I've ever had. Guy is from Wisconsin, does it right. Trust me. Go there.

 
Try and make it to Wilhelmina, fantastic food there.

I'm also very partial to Daniels, you get a great steak and sides at a reasonable* price.

Bavaria is nice, cheapish and has a GREAT beer selection. Good Austrian/German food. 

Quinta del Carmen is a nice romantic spot, as is Elements. Elements is also adult only, so no kids making noise there and it's on the beach. We watched a wedding happen while we were eating, which was cool. Small ceremony, just the couple and a photogrpaher/priest fellow.

BLT is a chain, but they were excellent and the view is outstanding from the Ritz. If you don't eat there, at least go to the Ritz (where it's at) to grab a drink and watch the sunset.

If you're staying at Bucuti, you HAVE to go to Matthews Beachside for breakfast. Right on the beach, it's incredible for breakfast. Best on the island IMO for an "American" breakfast. Their potatoes are made with onion and bacon in them. I LOVE it. You probably could walk there.

You also could walk to Pizza Bob's, which IMO is the best pizza I've ever had. Guy is from Wisconsin, does it right. Trust me. Go there.
I hope I remember to read this quote when we go back! Sounds like great recommendations!

 
Me and Mrs Ravioli are headed back to Aruba in December to celebrate our 30th.

Lots of things we want to redo from our last trip eight years ago but also looking for some new adventures.

Anyone ever done a fishing charter while in Aruba?
 
Went to Aruba a few times in the early 2000s. El Gaucho was my favorite place to eat back then. Looks like it is still there.
 
Me and Mrs Ravioli are headed back to Aruba in December to celebrate our 30th.

Lots of things we want to redo from our last trip eight years ago but also looking for some new adventures.

Anyone ever done a fishing charter while in Aruba?
One of the best meals we had was here https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaur...ws-La_Tavola_By_Anate-Pos_Chiquito_Aruba.html

Basically tremendous food served by a local couple in their outdoor area at a house. Felt like dining with family.
 
Me and Mrs Ravioli are headed back to Aruba in December to celebrate our 30th.

Lots of things we want to redo from our last trip eight years ago but also looking for some new adventures.

Anyone ever done a fishing charter while in Aruba?

Did a fishing charter a couple of weeks ago. Caught 4 Mahi and ~6 Bonito, crew cleaned and we cooked them back at the timeshare. We had a great day, but the water can get pretty rough so keep that in mind. Our boat, was Ke Pasa, totally recommend them if they are available.
 
Me and Mrs Ravioli are headed back to Aruba in December to celebrate our 30th.

Lots of things we want to redo from our last trip eight years ago but also looking for some new adventures.

Anyone ever done a fishing charter while in Aruba?
One of the best meals we had was here https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaur...ws-La_Tavola_By_Anate-Pos_Chiquito_Aruba.html

Basically tremendous food served by a local couple in their outdoor area at a house. Felt like dining with family.
I looked them up and we definitely want to try them. 5 star reviews on trip advisor and Google. I’m assuming you had to make reservations?
 
Me and Mrs Ravioli are headed back to Aruba in December to celebrate our 30th.

Lots of things we want to redo from our last trip eight years ago but also looking for some new adventures.

Anyone ever done a fishing charter while in Aruba?
One of the best meals we had was here https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaur...ws-La_Tavola_By_Anate-Pos_Chiquito_Aruba.html

Basically tremendous food served by a local couple in their outdoor area at a house. Felt like dining with family.
I looked them up and we definitely want to try them. 5 star reviews on trip advisor and Google. I’m assuming you had to make reservations?
We did make a reservation as it's a tiny space. But we did not have any issues booking one during the week. You'll love it.
 
Me and Mrs Ravioli are headed back to Aruba in December to celebrate our 30th.

Lots of things we want to redo from our last trip eight years ago but also looking for some new adventures.

Anyone ever done a fishing charter while in Aruba?
One of the best meals we had was here https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaur...ws-La_Tavola_By_Anate-Pos_Chiquito_Aruba.html

Basically tremendous food served by a local couple in their outdoor area at a house. Felt like dining with family.
Just made my reservations here last night with La Tavola. Not only on your recommendations but the reviews on Google and Trip Advisor are awesome! Very excited about this one! Thanks for suggesting!
 
Me and Mrs Ravioli are headed back to Aruba in December to celebrate our 30th.

Lots of things we want to redo from our last trip eight years ago but also looking for some new adventures.

Anyone ever done a fishing charter while in Aruba?
One of the best meals we had was here https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaur...ws-La_Tavola_By_Anate-Pos_Chiquito_Aruba.html

Basically tremendous food served by a local couple in their outdoor area at a house. Felt like dining with family.
Just made my reservations here last night with La Tavola. Not only on your recommendations but the reviews on Google and Trip Advisor are awesome! Very excited about this one! Thanks for suggesting!
Enjoy and please let us know how you liked the experience.
 
Me and Mrs Ravioli are headed back to Aruba in December to celebrate our 30th.

Lots of things we want to redo from our last trip eight years ago but also looking for some new adventures.

Anyone ever done a fishing charter while in Aruba?
One of the best meals we had was here https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaur...ws-La_Tavola_By_Anate-Pos_Chiquito_Aruba.html

Basically tremendous food served by a local couple in their outdoor area at a house. Felt like dining with family.
Went here tonight! Met the couple who own/run the place. Awesome meal and experience! Thanks for the recommendation!!
 
This time next week I will be in a plane with Mrs Ravioli headed to Aruba to celebrate our 30th anniversary.

Have gotten some great recommendations that we are doing but thought I would ask one more time if someone has a “must do” or “must try” in Aruba.
Favorite activity - atv tour on the north coast

Favorite restaurant - Yemanja Woodfired Grill.

Tour is a must do, Yemanja was really good.
 

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