Aruba Wanderlust

In the last few weeks I’ve been experiencing what can only be called a pretty serious case of wanderlust. I don’t know if it’s the miserable state of the weather we’ve been experiencing – my neighbour’s garden is currently completely exposed to mine thanks to those spectacular winds we had a couple of weeks ago and there’s a countrywide shortage of fence panels – or the fact I haven’t been out of the country for a little while. But I want, no, NEED some sunshine. These toes are desperate to feel sand between them, my face needs to feel the sun on it! We’re getting desperate over here.

To feed my current holiday obsession I’ve been maniacally searching for last minute breaks on the the First Choice website. But because I need heat, warmth, sunshine and all that good stuff I’ve been looking further afield than Europe. That’s right, I need some Caribbean in my life! So with the help of Trip Advisor I’ve decided on Aruba as my imaginary soon-to-be holiday destination of choice. I love Trip Advisor, it’s like going on holiday without leaving the sofa. Kind of.

So how do I love Aruba? Let me count the ways…

First there’s Palm Beach. A high-rise, high glamour resort in the north-west of Aruba, this has been named one of the world’s best beaches by Conde Nast Traveller – good enough for me. It has 5 kilometres of white sands, clear blue seas, yet all the amenities you could ever want: hotels, malls, casinos. It’s like Vegas by the sea! Palm Beach is the island’s top destination and it’s as family-friendly as they come with bowling, water rise, a butterfly farm and even an ostrich farm, too! You will never be bored on Palm Beach.

Next up is Druif Beach. Do you get the feeling I like beaches? Yep. A lot. Druif Beach is a much quieter, slower-paced resort on the west coast of Aruba and it’s your quintessential Caribbean beach. Stretching as far as the eye can see, there’s a glorious 11km of white sandy beaches, with so much space it neverseems to get busy. I like the fact I won’t be struggling for sunbathing space here!

Aruba is only 30km x 10km so it’s great to explore on a push bike. The northern coast is rugged, a whole different experience to the rest of the island. And the capital of Oranjestad is never far away with its Dutch colonial architecture, pastel-coloured houses and beautiful boutiques. And when it’s time to eat the fancy French restaurants go head-to-head with rustic places serve up traditional Caribbean fare.

Where to stay when in Aruba? My eye is on the Divi Aruba on secluded Druif beach. The main pool is right on the beach and there’s a sea-front bar as well as a restaurant with gorgeous sea views. It’s small enough to feel intimate yet you can use the bars, restaurants and pools of the next door Tamarjn Aruba so you will be totally spoilt for choice! It’s all inclusive too, so you need not worry about any money when you’re there.

Where are you going on holiday this year? Hypothetical or not, give me some wanderlust inspiration!

Thank you to First Choice for giving me things other than diets and children to write about :) Check out my disclosure page for more info.

Image sources – All taken from Flickr’s Creative Commons

Palm Beach : http://flic.kr/p/7B8rux

Druif Beach: http://flic.kr/p/bW8S25

Divi Aruba – http://flic.kr/p/dc4fBH