Discover Aruba ‘‘One Happy Island’’
A place of dazzling beaches, year-round sunshine, and a welcoming spirit that makes every visit unforgettable.
Greetings from Aruba.
Reaching Aruba from the UK is easier than many people expect. The most convenient option is to fly with KLM via Amsterdam Schiphol, which offers daily connections to Aruba year-round.
The beauty of this route is its flexibility: KLM links through most UK regional airports, so you can check in close to home — whether that’s Cardiff, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Glasgow, or others — and your luggage is checked all the way through to Aruba. The transfer at Schiphol is quick and well-organised, making the journey smooth and stress-free.
From Amsterdam, the onward flight to Aruba takes around 10 hours, with a choice of cabins from Economy through to World Business Class. On arrival in Oranjestad, you’ll step straight into warm Caribbean air and Aruba’s famously friendly welcome.
It’s also possible to travel via the US, combining Aruba with cities such as Miami or New York for a twin-centre holiday.
Why Travel To Aruba?
Aruba is known as the “One Happy Island” not just for its warm hospitality, but also for its reliable sunshine. Unlike much of the Caribbean, Aruba sits outside the hurricane belt, which means you can enjoy the island’s beaches and activities with confidence almost any time of year.
With over 300 days of sunshine annually, Aruba is one of the driest islands in the region. Rainfall is rare and usually brief, so you’ll find bright skies and warm temperatures averaging 28–32°C throughout the year. This consistency makes Aruba a fantastic option whether you’re planning a winter escape from the UK, a summer holiday, or even a last-minute getaway.
Trade winds keep the island pleasantly breezy, so while the sun is strong, the climate feels comfortable and refreshing. It’s perfect for families looking to travel in the school summer holidays, when other Caribbean islands are in hurricane season, and equally ideal for honeymoons or romantic escapes at any time of the year.
My Visit to the Happy Island
Hotels I Discovered
I visited some of Aruba’s most impressive hotels, each with its own character and style. The Aruba Marriott & Stellaris Casino offers lively luxury with a wide range of facilities, while the Boardwalk Boutique Hotel feels colourful and intimate, perfect for those who prefer something smaller and more authentic. At the Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, we saw why it is so highly regarded for adults-only elegance, while Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa blends wellness and beachfront relaxation. We also toured the brand-new Secrets Baby Beach Aruba, the chic and modern St. Regis Aruba Resort, and the centrally located Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort — famous for its exclusive private island where guests can relax alongside the resident flamingos, an experience you won’t find anywhere else on Aruba.
“In Aruba, life really is a beach — and it’s waiting for you.”
Dining in Aruba
Food is an important part of any trip, and Aruba didn’t disappoint. We were treated to warm welcomes and delicious meals at Papiamento, a family-run restaurant set in a historic Aruban home; Screaming Eagle, which combines fine dining with a stylish atmosphere; and Taste My Aruba, where local flavours and hospitality take centre stage. Each meal reflected the island’s unique blend of cultures and its genuine sense of warmth.
Sailing the Caribbean Waters
A highlight of the trip was a sailing excursion with Tropical Sailing. We spent the day on the water, enjoying the turquoise seas, swimming and snorkelling stops, and a relaxed lunch on board. Seeing Aruba from the ocean offered a completely different perspective and reminded me why sailing trips are such a popular choice for visitors.
Exploring San Nicolas & Beyond
Aruba is much more than its beaches, and our island tour brought this to life. The desert-like landscapes dotted with cacti and dramatic coastlines offered a striking contrast to the soft white sands. We also visited San Nicolas, Aruba’s artistic hub, where colourful street murals have transformed the town into an open-air gallery. Another unforgettable highlight was a visit to the Renaissance’s private island, home to the island’s famous flamingos. Watching these elegant pink birds wander freely along the shore was truly magical and added a touch of the extraordinary to the trip.
Beaches & Relaxation
Aruba’s beaches are every bit as beautiful as the postcards suggest — soft white sands, crystal-clear turquoise water, and a sense of calm that instantly slows you down. What makes the island special is the variety of beaches, each with its own character.
Eagle Beach is often voted one of the best in the world, with wide, powdery sand and calm waters perfect for swimming. It’s also known for its iconic fofoti trees, which lean naturally toward the sea and make the perfect backdrop for photos. Palm Beach, by contrast, has a livelier atmosphere, with luxury resorts lining the shore and plenty of water sports for those who like to stay active.
For something quieter, Mangel Halto offers sheltered coves and shallow waters ideal for snorkelling. The reefs here are teeming with marine life, and it feels tucked away from the main tourist areas. If you’re looking for romance or pure escapism, Baby Beach on the island’s southern tip provides calm, shallow waters and a more local feel.
Wherever you go, the constant sunshine, cooling trade winds, and laid-back atmosphere make Aruba’s beaches the perfect place to switch off, recharge, and soak up the Caribbean lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
Aruba surprised me with just how much it offers — dazzling beaches, a rich cultural heartbeat, adventure on both land and sea, and a warmth that goes far beyond the weather. Whether you’re dreaming of a summer family holiday, a romantic escape, or simply a dose of winter sunshine, the “One Happy Island” has a way of making every trip unforgettable.
If Aruba is calling you, I’d love to help design your perfect Caribbean escape — from the right flights to the best hotels and those unique touches that turn a holiday into something truly special.
