Aruba, a tiny island in the Caribbean just 20 miles long, has plenty to offer, from chic boutique hotels and top-tier eateries to golden sandy beaches and crystal-clear seas. And according to the tourist board, it sees more sunny days than any other Caribbean island, has a "practically non-existent" rainy season, and is largely safeguarded from tropical storms.
Palm Beach, the main tourist hub, is ideal for those who prefer having all amenities at their fingertips. You'll find a variety of cuisines here, ranging from Japanese to Mexican, and watersports huts are dotted along this bustling stretch of sand.
However, we found Eagle Beach more appealing, with fewer sunbeds vying for a shady spot under a palm tree. Here, you might spot the occasional red and white fence safeguarding a turtle nest in the immaculate white sand. If you're fortunate, you might witness one of the nests hatching, reports the Mirror.
READ MORE: ‘I went on a wellness trip to Arizona but this activity made my heart race’
READ MORE: ‘I stayed at Brad Pitt’s Italian mountain retreat and one thing took my breath away’

We also spent time at Arashi Beach in the north and Baby Beach in the south, both local favourites due to their distance from the crowds from the big hotels. If you don't fancy lying on the sand, bring your own sunloungers as hiring them can be costly.
The beaches on the wild Atlantic coast are also worth exploring. Although swimming there is too risky, watching the massive waves crash into the shore is mesmerising.
Where to stay in Aruba
Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa
Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa is a chic boutique hotel on Eagle Beach with an air of relaxed luxury. With only 72 rooms and suites, many with views of the expansive stretch of soft sand in front of the hotel, it never feels overcrowded.
There's a large pool for those who prefer not to take a dip in the sea, or you can unwind under one of the palapas (umbrellas crafted from woven palm leaves) dotted across the beach. The hotel also offers complimentary sun cream, which is a thoughtful touch.
We loved the wellness offerings at Manchebo, from the morning yoga sessions in the pavilion – accompanied by a view of the sea and the sound of birdsong to help you discover your inner Zen – to the snug spa with its treatment rooms that open onto the beach. There's something uniquely calming about a full body massage when it's accompanied by the soundtrack of waves lapping against the shore.
There are also pilates classes – we appreciated that some of these don't kick off until 9.30am so there's no need for an early rise – and a small gym, although we confess we gave that a miss in favour of lengthy strolls along the shore.

Boardwalk Boutique Hotel
After three delightful nights at Manchebo, we relocated to Boardwalk Boutique Hotel for a contrasting but equally luxurious stay. Here, 49 vibrantly painted casitas (guest houses) are nestled among the tropical plants in the stunning grounds, which were formerly a coconut plantation.
Our little holiday home was airy and roomy, with comfy beds, a walk-in shower and a fully kitted out kitchen. We were particularly taken with the barbecue (and the hammock) on our private verandah. You can request a BBQ Box at reception that includes everything you need for an outdoor dinner.
The peaceful gardens house two pools, shaded seating areas and the cosy Coco Bay restaurant, where all meals are served. The main pool is especially popular from 3-5pm as it's happy hour daily, with discounted cocktails. If you fancy your lunch with a sea view, the hotel provides a complimentary shuttle service to Palm Beach, where it has its own area with sunbeds and palapas, and you can order food and drinks from the friendly staff there.

Where to eat in Aruba
Without a doubt, the highlight meal of our trip was the eight-course chef's table experience at Infini. Our evening began with a glass of bubbly on the terrace while watching the sunset, then we were seated at a curved table that offers diners an uninterrupted view of the chefs preparing the dishes. Each course was a burst of flavours and textures, and the thoughtfully selected wine pairing was the perfect final touch.
Another standout moment was our open-air dinner at Papiamento, nestled in the beautifully illuminated courtyard of a century-old Aruban cunucu house. Here, we were treated to a tour of the house and wine cellar before settling down to one of the restaurant's signature stone specials – local fish, shrimp and rock lobster served on a sizzling stone for you to cook to your preference.

We also had an extraordinary meal at the family-owned Peruvian bistro Lima, where we indulged in ceviche and scallops on the outdoor patio with oceanfront views. And at Taste My Aruba, we adored the fresh, local ingredients, the evident delight owner Nathaly de Mey takes in the menu, and the fantastic cocktails that were tailor-made for us by her master mixologist.
For a unique cocktail experience, make your way to The West Deck to sample its renowned beer-rita. It may not look like it should work but this unusual twist on a margarita, with a bottle of local Balashi beer flowing into it as you sip, is wonderfully crisp and refreshing.

As for lunch, Zeerovers is a must-go. Once a docking area utilised by fishermen, now locals and tourists alike swarm there for its fresh-off-the-boat seafood, which is fried and served in a basket. We perched on the sea-facing wooden deck and enjoyed the best prawns of our trip here.
What to do in Aruba
Topping our list of activities was the Aruba Outdoor Adventures kayak and snorkelling small group tour at Mangel Halto. To our surprise, the kayaks didn't come with oars – instead, you paddle with your feet, which is much simpler than rowing. We trailed our guide along the coast before venturing further out to sea and docking at a platform where the water is shallow enough to stand. Then our snorkelling adventure kicked off, revealing a seabed bustling with coral and fish of every hue – it was absolutely breathtaking.
We also went snorkelling independently at Tres Trapi Beach, where three steps carved into the rock provide easy access to the sea. There are hundreds of fish here as well, but the real spectacle is the giant turtles swimming in the crystal-clear water. Tres Trapi is a 30-minute stroll from the Boardwalk Boutique Hotel – we recommend going early to dodge the crowds that arrive with the tour boats.

A trip to Aruba wouldn't be complete without a visit to its national park, Arikok. Here, we enjoyed a guided hike through the towering indigenous cacti, explored the bat-filled caves and dared to try a natural fish pedicure in the island's only freshwater pond – a slightly unsettling but not unpleasant experience. The park's main attraction is its Natural Pool, formed by a depression in the volcanic rock. Sea spray soars over the rugged sea wall as you swim in the naturally formed basin and there's plenty to see underwater, so don't forget to bring your snorkel here too.
Back on dry land, we were enamoured with the street mural tour in the town of San Nicholas. Art lover Tito Bolivar embarked on his mission to rejuvenate San Nicholas in 2015, inviting skilled muralists from around the globe to adorn walls, buildings and benches, aiming to inject new life into the overlooked town. The outcome is a captivating display of street art, and our enthusiastic guide shared some of the tales behind the murals, explaining how the project has uplifted the area and sparked creativity across the island.
How much does it cost?
KLM flies to Aruba from the UK daily (via Amsterdam). Rooms at Boardwalk Boutique Hotel start from £300 per night. Rooms at Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa start from £300 per night. See aruba.com/uk for more info on the island (Facebook: facebook.com/ArubaFansUK; Instagram: @arubatourismuk).
You can also search for the best flight route and price on Skyscanner.