Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Honeymoon Ideas: Aruba

Choosing a honeymoon destination is a big decision... after all, this is the first trip of your married life, the chance to get away together after all the stress of planning the wedding, time to just relax and enjoy each other's company. And there's no better place to enjoy your honeymoon than the beautiful Caribbean island of Aruba.

Aruba's slogan is "One Happy Island" - and it shows! The people of Aruba are among the friendliest in the world. They love their homeland and are enthusiastic about sharing its beauty and history with visitors. Dutch is the official language, since Aruba is a colony of the Netherlands, but all Arubans also speak fluent English, as English is a required subject in Aruba’s schools. The native language of the island, however, is Papiamento, a lovely and melodic tongue spoken only on the three “ABC” islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao.

The popularity of summer and early autumn weddings - which is prime hurricane season - has made Aruba a hot spot for honeymooners. The island is outside of the Caribbean hurricane belt, which means that you don't have to worry that your trip will be disrupted (or even canceled!) due to a hurricane. In fact, chances are slim that you will see any rain at all on this unique desert island. Aruba experiences constant trade winds, which keep clouds moving quickly and prevent rain formations from hovering over the island. And the winds provide a cooling breeze for sunbathers as well!

Aruba boasts several unique and exciting sightseeing destinations, from the famous natural pool (a secret, hidden pool on the windward coast surrounded by rocks) and natural bridge (the Caribbean's highest coral structure, 25 feet above the sea) to snorkeling among the ruins of sunken ships – there is something for everyone! Take a Jeep tour of the island and marvel at the fact that this island in the Caribbean is actually a desert… take a tour of the Butterfly Farm and watch these gorgeous insects hatch… visit one of the many glamorous casinos on the island… enjoy water sports such as water skiing, para sailing, windsurfing, or scuba diving… or take a bar-hopping tour to see all the nightlife downtown.

One of the most appealing features for honeymooners is Aruba’s range of accommodations. From luxury hotels to choices for the more budget-minded couple, you’ll find it all here. Whether you’re looking to splurge and stay in a deluxe high-rise or an all-inclusive resort, the perfect choice is waiting for you in Aruba. And you’re likely to find that many of the other couples in your hotel are honeymooning as well!

Dining in Aruba is an experience unto itself. You’ll find choices ranging from casual restaurants overlooking the ocean to international cuisine in a restored mansion – even dinner on a shipwrecked boat! Fine dining options can be found in most of the larger hotels, and many restaurants specialize in native Aruban favorites. And for a fun, romantic evening on the sea, be sure to make reservations on Tattoo – Aruba’s floating nightclub! For more information on the many varied dining options in Aruba, visit http://www.arubadining.com

If it’s shopping you’re into, you’ll never want to leave Aruba. The island’s shops are packed with great deals on imported luxuries such as perfumes, crystal, china, and designer fashions. In fact, many of the larger hotels contain specialty shops offering watches, jewelry, and lavish gifts. Local handicrafts are also abundant to allow you to take home the feel of the island.

Of course, the nicest feature of Aruba is how joyously the island caters to honeymooners. Be sure to ask your travel agent about the “One Cool Honeymoon” package which is available through participating resorts, offering a complimentary bottle of chamagne or wine, a souvenir gift, a certificate for a free night stay when you return to celebrate your first anniversary – even a complimentary honeymoon door hanger! The package also includes terrific discounts for dining and local attractions.

Aruba is truly a honeymoon paradise, the perfect place to celebrate your marriage and create new memories to enjoy forever!

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