Sun, salsa and snapper
The Caribbean island of Aruba dances to salsa, dines on red snapper, and sunbathes year-round. Its charming capital, Oranjestad, contrasts historic, Dutch colonial, pastel- coloured houses with modern thoroughfares and bustling shopping malls.
WHAT TO SEE
Natural charm
The 870-acre Arikok National Park boasts exotic flora and fauna (+297 585 1234). Mount Hooiberg, a 168-metre conical hill, offers stunning views of the island. The Archaeological Museum of Aruba (Schelpstraat 42; +297 582 8979) houses a permanent collection of artefacts showcasing the island’s indigenous history.
WHERE TO EAT
Fusion cuisine
European culinary traditions fuse with feisty Caribbean flavours using the island’s bountiful tropical produce and fruits of the sea. Highlights range from lobster with lemon- garlic butter at the Flying Fishbone (www.flyingfishbone.com) to keshi yena – chicken and Gouda cheese bake – at Nos Cunucu (+297 582 7122).
WHERE TO BOOGIE
Feel the beat
Aruba’s nightlife is concentrated around the Palm Beach and Eagle Beach resorts on the western coast. Salsa-lovers will adore Latin beats at Cuba’s Cookin’ (www.cubascookin.com), while MooMba Beach Bar (www.moombabeach.com) pumps out Calypso until dawn.
HOW TO GET THERE
KLM operates two direct weekly flights, and one direct weekly flight in cooperation with Martinair, to Aruba Queen Beatrix Airport from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
Tourist information www.aruba.com
Looking for handy, up-to-date travel information? Check out KLM’s Destination Guide pages – and book your flight – on klm.com. Content provided by Frommer’s Unlimited © 2010, Whatsonwhen Limited.
DON’T MISS
True blue
The Renaissance Resort & Casino’s hip poolside Blue Martini Bar in Oranjestad has become a popular pre-dinner gathering venue. Grab a table or sit at the central bar surrounded by a blue-hued decor and swaying palms. www.marriott.com
