Time away from the daily routine you know so well can do wonders for your vantage point on just about everything in life! When you’re someone who finds they can enjoy a vacation state of mind with ease when they wake up each day of their stay somewhere sunny, scenic, and inviting, there’s no better place to find yourself than Aruba. This little piece of paradise is one that’s beloved by travelers from across the map who are seeking out a destination where they can perfectly pair outdoor adventure and restorative moments with ease. No matter what time of year you head to Aruba, you’re guaranteed an experience that comes complete with gorgeous and powdery shorelines, inviting blue waves rolling in, and plenty of sunshine to top it all off in idyllic island style.
Sitting outside of the hurricane belt, Aruba enjoys year-round amazing weather and far fewer chances for rain to ruin any of your vacation plans. That makes it easy for those coming here in the name of vacation to fully customize their itineraries with outdoor and indoor activities, fun, and adventure alike. Whether you’re one for spending as much time with your toes dug into the sand as possible, or you can’t wait to dive under the waves and encounter spectacular marine life, the options are endless when you make Aruba your vacation destination of choice. It’s also a place where travelers will find themselves constantly immersed in rich history and culture with opportunities to try cuisine from around the globe while learning more about the island’s dynamic past. If you’re someone with an unwavering passion for hiking, off-roading, or caving, you’ll quickly discover Aruba is also a prime place for those seeking adrenaline-pumping fun. Adored for its friendly ambiance, beautiful views, and a long lineup of options for entertainment of all types, Aruba is a vacation destination that truly has something for everyone to enjoy no matter when you arrive.
While Aruba certainly has an impressive number of inviting features, characteristics, and landmarks to draw travelers to its sandy shorelines, picking the right place to stay while you’re here can make a huge difference in your overall guest experience from start to finish. To that end, taking time to look into and understand more about the many incredible and unique neighborhoods and communities to choose from across the island is important. When it’s time to book your accommodations, having a clear view of the best places to stay in Aruba can help you further personalize your adventure and make it a getaway to remember.
Settle Right in Oranjestad to Pair Incredible History and Flavor with Personalized Options for Fun
If you’re looking to stay in the heart of the capital, you’ll want to make sure you make plans to book your stay in Oranjestad while you’re visiting Aruba. This vibrant, historic, and rich area of the island is packed with beautiful boutique shops to check out when a little retail therapy would go a long way, and there’s no shortage of fantastic restaurants where you can try everything from local fare to dishes inspired by far-flung destinations.
If you’re looking for one of the top places to stay in Aruba with high energy, Oranjestad is bustling when cruise ships come in at certain times of the year and drop off passengers for a few hours at a time. When the cruise ships aren’t on schedule, you’ll find Oranjestad to be a more tranquil locale where you can take your time browsing storefronts and cafes or just people-watching. History buffs will adore every second they spend in Oranjestad for its rich history and opportunities to dive into island traditions. The Dutch Colonial architecture that abounds here is fascinating, and when you’re looking for a guided experience through the stories that make up this area, hopping on the local trolley and enjoying a tour is a must.
Staying in Oranjestad also means you’ll be within easy reach of Fort Zoutman as well as the Historical Museum of Aruba. You won’t have to go far to find yourself at the Willem III Tower when you stay in this part of Aruba, and if you want to integrate yourself into tradition even further, an Oranjestad stay keeps you within walking distance of the Bon Bini Festival which happens each Tuesday evening from 7:00 pm until 8:30 pm. It’s a chance to gather with visitors and locals and enjoy traditional island dance, music, storytelling, and more.
Oranjestad also has plenty of green spaces to enjoy, including the impressive Queen Wilhelmina Park. Eateries like the West Deck are must-try locales when you’re excited to enjoy a mouthwatering meal on an open-air patio that can easily be matched up with just the right hand-crafted cocktail upon request. There are options to walk through and around Oranjestad enjoying public art and sculptures while time at the Marketplace is always a treat when you want to shop or restaurant hop your way through a stay.
Enjoy Art-Focused Fun and Entertainment in San Nicolas
If you’re heading to Aruba and have a passion for art-focused getaways, making it a point to settle in the area known as San Nicolas is always going to be the right choice. Across San Nicolas, you’ll be treated to a seemingly endless array of public art displays to admire just about everywhere you look. The walls are brimming with murals while sculptures adorn the adjacent walkways and lawns. In fact, a large portion of the downtown area of San Nicolas is a space run by COSECHA which translates to “harvest.” This is a community-led organization entirely dedicated to supporting local artisans. When you swing by, you’ll find you have options to browse certified locally crafted works of art right on-site that are available for purchase and support the continuation of San Nicolas flourishing as a hub for creativity on the island. Another art-focused highlight of staying in San Nicolas during your next trip is that you’ll have seamless access to the Carrubian Festival that’s hosted in this area every Thursday between 7:00 pm and 10:00 pm. This weekly festival is very much a mini-carnival type experience for locals and visitors alike to enjoy. There’s live music, stilt walkers, arts and crafts for sale, dance shows on the street, and opportunities to settle in and savor traditional island fare alongside family and friends. The colorful parade of carnival costumes is always a highlight and tends to bring crowds back for the fun week after week.
History buffs heading to San Nicolas can enjoy time admiring the building known as the Nicolaas Store which dates back to a construction date of 1940 and today, is open as a museum. It’s a fascinating one-stop hub for browsing displays, exhibits, and artifacts highlighting Aruba’s rich and dynamic history and cultural foundation. Afterward, you can head over to O’Niel Caribbean Kitchen which is a popular family-friendly eatery in the area known and loved for menu favorites like the fried red snapper. This restaurant offers up a wonderful fusion of Jamaican and local cuisine, and it can all be enjoyed on an open-air patio offering up inspiring views too.
For a Vibrant Experience Packed with High-Energy Entertainment, Focus Your Stay Around Palm Beach
It’s fair to say that Aruba’s Palm Beach Strip might just be one of the best places to stay in Aruba. If you’re up for easy access to amazing daytime adventures and a kicking nightlife scene, this is the place for you. When you book a stay in the greater Palm Beach area, you can easily spend your days on the sand playing volleyball, sunbathing, hopping in the waves, or just watching the water roll in as others enjoy the same activities around you. Palm Beach is always bustling and is loved for its proximity to the many surrounding shopping centers, restaurants, beach bars, and clubs. If you’re looking for a unique place to explore while you’re staying in the Palm Beach area that’s a bit off the beaten path from the beach parties and gatherings, consider heading over to the Butterfly Museum. This is just a 25-minute walk or bike ride away and offers up a place where you can be surrounded by hundreds of exotic butterfly species of all types while learning more about and witnessing their lifecycles in real time alongside family and friends.
Experience Savaneta at Its Best
Where Palm Beach is all about energy, those who are looking for exactly the opposite approach to vacation and crave tranquility will find it waiting for them in Savaneta. This area of Aruba has earned the title of the island’s oldest settlement and is a place where you can count on being steeped in rich history and endless charm at every turn. Coastal beauty and fascinating heritage go hand-in-hand in Savaneta with visitors often thrilled by the picturesque residences that line the shoreline. Savaneta is very much tucked away from those island destinations that might typically be pointed to as tourism hot spots. Here, you can find an authentic sense of Aruban culture, and slow things down to appreciate the simplicity of life near the Caribbean Sea. There are opportunities to get out on the water and explore local mangroves or go snorkeling at Mangel Halto Beach as well. Savaneta’s prime location on the Southwestern coast of the island made it a top pick as Aruba’s first capital in 1797. Today, you can still visit a mud hut that’s nearly 150 years old and considered the island’s oldest residence.
When relaxing days and delightful vistas are what you’re after, you’re sure to fall in love with the views waiting for you across Savaneta. It’s impossible to overlook the laidback appeal this area of the island boasts, and those with a passion for angling will find it’s a picture-perfect place to cast a line. In Savaneta, you won’t find towering high-rises or bustling luxury storefronts. Instead, you’ll have access to small local boutiques and eateries that serve up fresh seafood in the open air. This is a haven of opportunity for beach hoppers and a place where you’re sure to feel revitalized by the infectious island lifestyle!
Settle in the Center of It All in Paradera
When your trip to Aruba is all about location, location, location, it doesn’t get any better than Paradera. This central community on the island puts you right in the heart of it all, and within easy reach of just about any community, neighborhood, activity, or attraction you’ve added to your itinerary, making it one of the top places to stay in Aruba. The central location gives Paradera an inviting and charming vibe to enjoy. Many who stay and explore here fall in love with the combination of traditional homes, gorgeous island landscapes, and the friendly demeanor of the locals. Whether you’re one for city-center shopping or beach hopping, a stay in Paradera means you’re not far from either option. While Paradera may be considered one of the smaller island districts, it goes big in the way of landscapes. Here, you’ll encounter impressive cone-shaped mountains, diorite boulders, stunning rock formations to admire, and Arawak tribal rock drawings as well that point to the island’s rich past. Another historic landmark you’ll want to be sure to check out while you’re here is the iconic Roman Catholic church known as Santa Filomena which makes for an impressive photo opportunity.
Book Your Aruba Adventure in Luxury and Style Today
When adventure calls you to Aruba, Casiola Aruba is here to make sure you have incredible accommodations in place to match the moment flawlessly. Our rental options are located across the island and designed not only to inspire through the inclusion of amazing amenities and customized features but keep our guests close to the places they’re most excited to experience and explore. Take time today to browse our extensive and impressive listings online and when you find the property that speaks to you, booking your place begins with the simple touch of a button. We can’t wait to help you enjoy an amazing and unforgettable adventure and very much look forward to seeing you on the beautiful island of Aruba soon.
