Caribbean
Aruba
Guaranteed sunshine, glorious uncrowded white-sand beaches and pristine waters, gorgeous architecture and super-friendly, laid-back inhabitants make this tiny island in the southern Caribbean a brilliant bet for a tropical holiday.
Perfect for simply kicking back and relaxing on the beach or by your pool, Aruba is also fantastic for activities including hiking, horse-riding, snorkelling and diving to see fabulous marine life, shipwrecks and aircraft wrecks, windsurfing and kiteboarding made possible by constant cooling breezes, and exploring the little gem of a capital, Oranjestad.
On top of this, Aruba has just become an even more attractive destination for year-round sun-soaked getaways thanks to the launch of British Airways flights from London Gatwick from March 2023.
When to visit
Aruba is an all-year destination, with sunshine, blue skies and refreshing trade winds on the forecast whatever month you visit. Average temperatures hover around the high 20s all year round; any showers – vital for the tropical plant life – are brief! As Aruba is located on the southern fringe of the hurricane belt, it has minimal possibility of a direct hit.
Summer
30°C
Autumn
30°C
Winter
28°C
After spending some time in Aruba, you'll struggle to understand how an island so small can fit in so much. From navigating secluded coves, shopping in the boutique stores of Oranjestad, and visiting the charming galleries of San Nicolas, to sipping on refreshing tropical sundowners in the island's beachfront lounges, your days in Aruba can be as active or laidback as you like.
Here are some of our recommendations for your time there.
Hiking
Embark on an adventurous hiking experience through the Aruba Arikok National Park guided by a real park ranger who will show you different flora & fauna that can be found in Aruba along with some of the most amazing views on the island.
UTV off-road safari
Super-charge your vacation and jump behind the wheel of a unique UTV vehicle in a professionally guided off-road safari along the Andicuri Trail.
Snorkelling
Aruba is home to some of the best snorkelling locations in the Caribbean. With its warm, clear waters, abundance of colourful marine life, it´s any divers dream. Snorkelling can be enjoyed right from the shore but for the best diving, we recommend heading out on a boat trip from Palm Beach.
Drawing inspiration from the Caribbean, Latin America and settlers from the Netherlands, Aruba's cuisine boasts a unique mix of flavours and influences with some dishes that would appear out of place elsewhere in the region. There are our pick of the dishes to try during your time there.
Fresh seafood
Influenced by the Netherlands, South America and the Caribbean, local cuisine includes lots of wahoo, red snapper, mahi-mahi and barracuda.
Stoba
Among other island specialities are beef, chicken or goat stoba (stew) served with arroz moro (rice and beans) or funchi (cornmeal mash).
Traditional Dutch dishes
Traditional Dutch dishes you might encounter during your stay include pea soup, bitterballen and thin pancakes with sweet or savoury toppings.
Keshi Yena
This classic recipe of spiced meat encased inside of a hollowed shell of Edam is often regarded as Aruba’s national dish.
Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort
This adult-only boutique retreat on lovey Eagle Beach – the island’s best-known – includes a spa with the option of massages in an ocean-view cabana on the beach and couples’ treatments, many featuring natural local ingredients such as coconut milk and aloe. There’s also an oceanfront restaurant with a chef’s-table experience, a beach bar and movies under the stars.
Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa And Casino
Everything from full-moon and aerial yoga and poolside Pilates fusion to kids’ activities are available at this sleek Palm Beach offering with its activity pool and new adult-only pool with private cabanas. Exceptional on-site dining includes seafood at Ruinas del Mar, built around the concept of gold-mill ruins, with a koi lagoon, waterfall and rooftop bougainvillea garden.
Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort
Located in the vibrant capital Oranjestad, this expansive property embraces the one-bedroom Renaissance Ocean Suites and the newly renovated, adult-exclusive Renaissance Marina Hotel. Highlights are relaxing on Aruba’s only private beaches on private Renaissance Island, accessed by complimentary water taxi, indulging at Okeanos Spa with its private Spa Cove, and dining at the locally inspired Fish Shack.
From 26 March 2023, British Airways will operate year-round twice-weekly routes (Thursdays and Sundays) from London Gatwick to Aruba via Antigua, aboard the airline’s B777-200 aircraft. The first-ever flights by the operator to this Dutch Caribbean paradise, they bring the number of Caribbean destinations served by British Airways up to 17.
Economy
British Airways’ World Traveller ergonomically designed seats include a personal flatscreen with headphones, a soft cushion and blanket, a three-course meal with a choice of non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks, mid-flight snacks, checked baggage and the freedom to choose your seats.
Premium Economy
These World Traveller Plus seats upgrade you to a quieter, more spacious cabin. Seats are wider, with more legroom, and you enjoy two meals and complimentary bar service including signature cocktails or mocktails, an amenity kit made from recycled plastic bottles, a larger free baggage allowance and priority boarding.
Business
British Airways’s Club World seats convert into fully flat beds and come with stylish bedding and amenity kits designed by The White Company. You’ll also benefit from a large screen with noise-cancelling headphones, access to private airport lounges and dedicated check-in desks, and priority boarding.
