Inside hidden gem Caribbean island with perfect beaches and city centre that's like stepping back in time
Its lives up to the Beach Boys' classic tune
THE BEACH JOYS Inside hidden gem Caribbean island with perfect beaches and city centre that's like stepping back in time
STEPPING out of the airport into the warm, almost bath-like climate of Aruba, I wasn't sure what to expect.
On paper this was far from the usual type of holiday I would go for.
Advertisement
8
Aruba Marriott Resort
Credit: Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
8
Palm Beach at Aruba
Credit: Alamy
8
The main pool area of the Stelaris
I've never been great at the whole idea of 'relaxation', so a beach break is an absolute foreign concept to me.
I'm much more at home discovering new cities or out on the hillsides, rather than lounging next to the sea.
But after tucking into a delicious dinner watching the sunset dip over the gentle waves on a table just inches from the shoreline, something started to click.
If you haven't heard of Aruba, the stunning sunshine island is located right in the very south of the Caribbean, just off the north coast of Venezuela.
Advertisement
Known for its appearance in the legendary Beach Boys song Kokomo, it lives up to the ideal imagery conjured up in the sun-soaked lyrics of Brian Wilson.
Sister islands with both Bonaire and Curacao, the Dutch colony feels like a tiny stretch of paradise.
My partner Katie and I stayed at the stunning Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, a luxurious lodging located directly on the beautiful Palm Beach.
Our garden view suite had a lovely, spacious balcony overlooking the main pool area, silhouetted by the looming ocean in the distance.
Advertisement
The resort has a bustling bar area with excellent nightly performances from musicians, a decently-sized casino, two pools (one of which featured an incredible swim-up bar) and several other bars and restaurants with a great selection of food and drinks.
Most notably for us was their beach side restaurant Atari and their stunning sunset dining experience which we enjoyed on our first night.
Traveller has great money saving hack that also allows you to experience destinations better
The Stelaris has everything you could want from a resort, with its spacious roster of sun loungers and bookable pallapas, to easy access to nearby activities if you feel like trying out something more adventurous.
On our first morning we headed out to do just something completely different.
Advertisement
Making our way to a bay just outside the colourful island capital of Oranjestad, we met up with the lovely crew at Tropical Sailing Aruba.
Laying sunbathing on the nose of the yacht with a Caribbean rum in hand as we sailed up stream to the south east side of the island, it was hard not to be taken aback by the beauty of the shifting colour of the ocean.
Literally shimmering and shifting from teal to a deeper sapphire, it was absolutely breathtaking.
And getting right into that sea was next on the agenda, as we dived off the boat into the crystal clear waters to snorkel and join the amazing aquatic life, including the beautiful blue tang, better known as the Dory fish to Finding Nemo fans!
Advertisement
GO ARUBA
Getting there: Daily flights with KLM via Amsterdam, fares start at £1046 return. Visit klm.co.uk/
Staying there: Marriott Bonvoy, Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, for the best rates visit marriott.com
More Info: For more on visiting Aruba see aruba.com/uk
The strong current helped us work up a healthy appetite and as we very slowly made our way back into shore we were presented with a brilliantly tasty barbecue, grilled to perfection by the boat's private chef.
Back at the hotel we took to the water again as we tried out some stand up paddle boarding and windsurfing.
Of the former there really is nothing more peaceful than gently cresting pale blue waves towards distant palms, with the cooling island breeze at your back.
That is until you end up backside over elbow flying into the water. That didn't stop us from getting back on the board and trying again though!
Advertisement
The following day we enjoyed an excellent private jeep tour of the island with the brilliant Ross from Isla Aruba tours.
Catering the stops to match our vibe, he gave us a great sense of the history and community on the island and let us in on local hidden gems far away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist crowds.
From ancient cave paintings, to animal sanctuaries where you can feed adorable donkeys and secluded secret beaches, it felt like being passed a set of hidden secrets from a friendly, local expert.
8
ORANJESTAD, ARUBA
Credit: Alamy
Advertisement
Now, although it first it didn't sound like my kind of thing, stopping in for a tour of Aruba Aloe company's factory was fascinating.
The miracle gel is one of the island's primary exports, right, and an essential to help in recovering from the effects of the sun.
As the locals say, it's no joke out there, with even the intermittent clouds between the glorious bursts of blue a bit of a burn risk, as Katie sadly found out on the first day.
The capital Oranjestad is a feast for the eyes, with it vibrant coloured buildings — it's like Tobermory on steroids!
Advertisement
The blend of the modern with traditional gives the city a lot of character and its got a good mixture of big brand name bars and restaurants to make it worth a trip away from your luxury hotel and the glorious beaches.
8
Palm beach in Aruba
We loved exploring the local businesses being built up and thriving away from the main resort strip, with places like the excellent Pepe Margo distillery and its collection of rums, gins and other delicious Caribbean favourites a must see.
We loved the delicious aloe liqueur (yes that eponymous plant again) which tastes unlike any drink I've had. Works well in a Mojito or mixed with lemonade.
Advertisement
Despite its tiny size, Aruba packs a punch when it comes to food and has a phenomenal up-and-coming culinary scene.
Sure, there's lots of familiar fast food haunts to satisfy its main tourist population of Americans, but why settle for that when the local restaurants are as incredible as they are.
For upscale and elegant dining Wilhelmina and Pappillion are the places to be, with the fantastic combination of European and Caribbean flavours.
For South American and island fusion, Caya melds a more casual vibe with some out of this world dishes.
Advertisement
8
Me and my partner Katie couldn't get enough of the beautiful beaches
The top of the list however is the truly incredible Ever Chef's Table, where a group of culinary geniuses guide diners through a stunning eight-course tasting menu with excellent paired wines.
Each chef was friendly and chatted to us throughout the dinner, making sure each and every diner got the best experience possible.
Having been lucky enough to have eaten at Michelin star restaurants in the past, I can confidently say Aruba is a true hidden culinary gem but I reckon its secrets won't last for long.
Advertisement
Easily the best part of a holiday here however, is the people.
Everywhere you go they are genuinely happy to stop, chat and make sure you're having the best possible time.
It never felt forced or fake during our stay and Aruba sure lived up to its name of 'one happy island'.
And as for me and beach holidays? With the glorious sunshine, amazing food, and lovely people it's safe to say, Aruba has converted me.
Advertisement
8
Chef Christopher preparing our steak
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Daily Record
Ryanair scraps flights from EU airport but adds new route from Scotland in major reshuffle
The carrier has consistently criticised countries for rising taxes and has bailed from one European airport while adding another route in Scotland Ryanair has pulled all of its flights from an EU airport amid its ongoing battle over rising aviation taxes. The budget carrier has also added new flights from Edinburgh Airport in a move one expert said was the airline showing two 'clear signals'. All flights from Maastricht Airport in the Netherlands are to be axed from October 26 as the company said it was one of Europe's 'most expensive' airports. Ryanair has criticised the airport's costs along with the country's rising aviation taxes and said both will 'irreparably damage Dutch connectivity'. But the low-cost carrier is also introducing twice weekly flights to Rzeszów in Poland from Edinburgh with fares reportedly as little as £15, reports the Mirror. Ryanair's decision to pull out of Maastricht Airport following the introduction of an eco-tax in 2021 which they are required to cover. The tax, of almost €30 per passenger, has been blamed for the airport's inability to recover its traffic since covid, says the airline. The slashing of Ryanair routes from the airport removes options for passenger to fly to Alicante, Bari, Girona, Porto, and Zadar. It means the loss of 150,000 seats per annum, as well as five direct connections. Ryanair's CCO Jason McGuinness said the airline was 'disappointed' with the decision, blaming Maastricht Airport for its 'soaring' taxes which have increased by 275 per cent in the last four years. He said: "Ryanair continues to grow traffic (this year from 200m to 206m) by offering unbeatable low fares to customers across Europe at airports that have low access costs. "Maastricht's sky-high costs are damaging its connectivity. [This is] evidenced by the Airport's failure to recover its traffic post-Covid, lagging far behind the rest of Europe at just 50 per cent of pre-Covid traffic in 2024 – a figure set to fall even further following Ryanair's exit." The airline has previously hit back at aviation taxes by pulling flights from an airport. And earlier this year it said it was cutting its summer traffic in Spain by 18 per cent meaning a loss of 800,000 seats and 12 routes to the popular holiday hotspot. Ryanair has also scrapped all flights to and from Aalborg, after Denmark confirmed a 50DKK (£5.57) fee, will be applied to all passengers departing from Denmark and will be paid for by airlines. The new flights to the lesser-known Polish city of Rzeszów means customers can take in it's stunning architecture, rich history, and acclaimed Christmas markets. Rzeszów is the largest city in southeastern Poland and dates back to the Middle Ages. For years, it's stayed out of the tourist limelight - overshadowed by the likes of Krakow and Warsaw - but the new flights may quickly change that. In a statement sent to the Mirror, Anton Radchenko, Aviation Expert & Founder of AirAdvisor, said Ryanair's route reshuffle sends two 'clear signals'. He said: "Regional airports in the UK are getting more love, while underperforming bases like Maastricht are being cut loose. "For UK passengers, this creates more direct options from places like Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Norwich, but also leaves them exposed to short-notice route cancellations." Maastricht Airport has been approached for comment.
Time Out
3 days ago
- Time Out
The ultimate guide to Amsterdam's 750th birthday celebrations in 2025
They say 75 years is a diamond anniversary, so what do you call 750? A whole crown jewel, perhaps. As Amsterdam gears up to celebrate its 750th birthday, the city – home to historic diamond trade giants like De Beers – is polishing itself up for a year-long celebration worthy of its glittering past. Long considered one of Europe's finest gems, the Dutch capital is about to shine brighter than ever. From now until the big official birthday on October 27, 2025, the Dutch capital will come alive with special events, festivals, and cultural happenings. Whether you're a local or a visitor, here's everything you need to know about this historic celebration – and how to get involved. What is Amsterdam 750? Amsterdam's 750th anniversary marks 750 years since the city received its official city rights in 1275. While Amsterdam has grown from a small fishing village into a global hub of culture and commerce, this milestone is an opportunity to reflect on its rich history and vibrant present. The festivities, known as Amsterdam 750, will span an entire year and feature a diverse array of events that showcase the city's creativity, inclusivity, sustainability credentials and community spirit. What events are happening for Amsterdam 750? The anniversary year is packed with events, ranging from neighbourhood gatherings to large-scale festivals. Some highlights include: Opening Concert at Ziggo Dome (October 27, 2024): The celebrations kicked off with a spectacular, one-off concert tribute that told 'the story of the city' through renowned Dutch musicians and artists from the past and present alongside an orchestra, dance troupes, acrobats, and more. Festival Op de Ring (June 21, 2025): One of the biggest and most anticipated events, this festival will transform the city's A10 ring road into a 15-kilometer car-free zone filled with music, art, and activities. More on this below. SAIL Amsterdam (August 20-24, 2025): SAIL only happens once every five years anyway, so this edition is sure to be extra spectacular. The maritime event brings a massive fleet of tall ships and special vessels from all over the world to the IJ and docks in the city centre, creating a wonderous view that celebrates Amsterdam's seafaring heritage. 24H Amsterdam: Various districts of the city will host 24-hour events, allowing visitors to explore each neighbourhood and discover hidden gems through workshops, performances, and culinary experiences. Noord and Zuid are up next in the program. ToekomstTiendaagse (FutureFest) (June 12-21, 2025): This ten-day event aims to answer the question: 'What will our city look like in the future?' Focusing on creating 'a liveable Amsterdam', it will feature discussions, conferences, VR experiences, and showcases of innovation that will impact on food, travel, design, technology, and community. What is Festival Op de Ring A10? Perhaps the most unique event of the anniversary, and the main highlight, is the Festival Op de Ring, taking place on June 21, 2025. For one day, the usually traffic-heavy A10 ring road will be closed to vehicles and transformed into a massive open-air festival. What to expect Green transformation: Portions of the highway will be transformed into a temporary forest, featuring 750 large and 7,500 small trees. After the festival, these trees will be planted throughout the city as a lasting gift. Cultural activities: The festival will feature music performances, theatre, dance, sport, and art installations across three zones: A10 West, South, and East. Highlights will include a nine-hour highway rave hosted by Audio Obscura and performances by local artists. Community engagement: Attendees can participate in activities like the Run Op de Ring, a 7.5-kilometre race, and enjoy communal meals at long tables, celebrating the city's diversity. Practical Information Date and time: June 21, 2025, from 12pm to 11pm. Location: A10 Ring Road, Amsterdam. Tickets: Admission is free, but for certain zones and time slots, advance booking is required. Tickets can be reserved at How can tourists get involved? Amsterdam 750 is, much like the city itself, designed to be inclusive – visitors will be every bit as welcome as locals. Many of the anniversary events, including Festival Op de Ring and SAIL Amsterdam, are free and open to the public, and the 24H Amsterdam events offer a unique opportunity to explore different neighbourhoods and experience local culture, food, and art. Some events may require advance booking or have limited capacity, so it's advisable to plan your visit accordingly and secure tickets where necessary – keep an eye on official websites like and for the latest updates and information. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, Amsterdam's 750th anniversary offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience the city in a new light and be part of history in the making.
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Mystery surrounds ‘abandoned' Center Parcs lodges left to rot with algae on windows and furniture still inside
Watch the video to see the creepy footage of the abandoned buildings HOL NO Mystery surrounds 'abandoned' Center Parcs lodges left to rot with algae on windows and furniture still inside EERIE footage shows an abandoned Center Parcs building that has been left to rot, with furniture still inside it. 4 Kempervennen is a popular holiday park in the Netherlands Credit: TripAdvisor 4 It is not clear why the buildings have been abandoned Credit: vsnelson_author/TikTok 4 Furniture has been left inside the lodges Credit: vsnelson_author/TikTok Center Parcs may be a popular family friendly holiday destination but this lodge looks more like something out of a zombie apocalypse film. Advertisement Algae covers the dirty patio windows, whilst overgrown plants have taken over the outside area. Exposed brick on the outside wall makes the buildings look like they were never finished whilst dirt covers the interior of the lodges. The lodges are situated at Kempervennen in the Netherlands, a popular resort which boasts two large lakes, "endless activities" and even an "indoor snow hall". The website for the Dutch holiday resort features adverts for stylish modern cottages, featuring TVs, huge patio doors and chic kitchens, with no mention of the abandoned cottages. Advertisement Read more World stories ghost ride Inside theme park left abandoned for 18 years with empty stadium & Ferris wheel The video of the decaying buildings was posted by author V S Nelson (vsnelson_author), who explained: "It's part of the park that's not used. "It's not even on the map." It is not clear why the cottages have been abandoned, or whether there are any plans to do anything with the buildings. The video has attracted the attention of social media users, who rushed to the comments section to share their thoughts on the dilapidated buildings. Advertisement One person said: "Didn't know there was a partially built centre parcs!" A second person said: "Where on site was this was? Abandoned theme park left 'frozen in time' where stranded Orca whales and bottlenose dolphins have been left to rot "I was there a few months ago would love to take a look." Another person commented: "I hope your lodge didn't look like this." Advertisement Despite the abandoned buildings, Kempervennen, where cottages start from 197 euros a night has countless good reviews, with TripAdvisor users rating it 3.7 stars overall. One person said: "Wonderful! We rented a cottage for four, with a stream at the bottom of the garden, surrounded by trees. "If you love nature, this is for you!" A second person said: "Brilliant stay. Advertisement "The cottage was clean and comfortable with plenty of appliances for self catering." A third person said: "For us, this will always be a special place. "Nice park, quiet with lots of greenery and a nice environment." Center Parcs has been contacted for comment. Advertisement 4 The windows are covered in algae Credit: vsnelson_author/TikTok
