We visited Aruba for a weekend trip in September. I have always wanted to go to this small Caribbean island (located less than 20 miles off the coast of Venezuela). Lying outside the hurricane belt, this dry, desert island is perfect to visit any time of the year.
Our Itinerary:
- Flight: Los Angeles – Orlando on Delta Airlines and Orlando – Queen Beatrix Airport, Aruba on Southwest
- 2 Nights at Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa
- 1 Night at Holiday Inn Resort Aruba – Beach Resort & Casino
- Flight: Queen Beatrix Airport, Aruba – Orlando on Southwest and Orlando – Los Angeles on Delta Airlines
Day 1:
We arrived at the Queen Beatrix airport around 1 PM and after quick immigration we made our way to the Budget Rental office just outside the terminal. After getting our car, we drove to the Radisson resort where we were staying for the first two nights. The Radisson resort is located in the high-rise area, on Palm Beach.
I would definitely advise everyone in favor of rental car if you are staying here for more than a day. It is extremely easy to drive in Aruba. The streets are fairly non-congested and you drive on the same side of the street as the US. The only tricky thing (if you are not used to it) is the Roundabout but you will get the hang of it after the first two or three. One more thing to remember is that there is NO right-turn on red.
We made a quick stop at the Ling & Son’s grocery store before driving to the hotel. The store is huge and has all kinds of grocery and food items to make your stay comfortable. We picked up some water, chips and snacks.
After check-in and freshening up, we made our way to the beach located just behind the hotel.
After spending about 2 hours in the water, we finally went back to our rooms. After shower, we spent an hour exploring the hotel.
Later in the evening we had dinner at the Gilligan’s Beach Bar & Grill Restaurant.
Day 2:
After breakfast, we decided to visit Baby Beach.
The Baby Beach is about 30 Km from the resort and we passed by Oranjestad on the way. Close to the beach we came by this interesting piece.
Aruba is arid, desert like climate with cactus everywhere. We saw some goats grazing, along our way to the beach.
The arc shaped Baby Beach is spectacular when it comes to the beautiful, clear water. There is a rocky breakwater that creates a lagoon where the water is shallow.
Karen had brought her snorkeling gear and she spent some time snorkeling in the lagoon.
After spending about 3 hours at Baby Beach we went back to the hotel to change. We were starving by this time and so headed out to Red Fish Restaurant for some lunch.
After lunch, we had a sweet tooth and drove to Oranjestad for some gelato at Lecca Lecca.
Next we walked the streets of Oranjestad for an hour checking out some souvenir shops.
Later in the evening we decided to check out the happy hour deals at one of the bars at the Radisson Resort.
Day 3:
After breakfast, we drove to nearby Eagle Beach. This beach has appeared in top 10 Caribbean beaches by Travel Channel and I can see the reasons. This is a long public beach with powdery white sand and calm, clear water.
After spending a couple of hours at Eagle Beach, it was time for lunch. We drove to the Super Food Plaza complex and found the Daily Fish store (in the same building, but not part of the Super Food Plaza).
The special of the day was the fish burger so we decided to go with that. It was oh soooo good!! We also ordered a side of calamari rings.
Later we checked out of the Radisson Resort and checked in at the Holiday Inn Aruba resort. This hotel is also located on Palm Beach and only a few hotels down the beach from the Radisson.
One of the best things about this resort was the distance to the beach from the hotel. We spent some time at the hotel balcony people watching.
Close to dusk, we drove to California Lighthouse at the northernmost tip of the island. We were not very impressed and left after just a few minutes. On the way back, we enjoyed the sunset at Arashi Beach.
Later we walked around various shops and restaurants lining Irausquin Boulevard (the street where all the resorts are located) and settled on Salt & Pepper Restaurant for some tapas. We had some Ceviche, Potato Egg Tortilla and Pineapple Curry Shrimp. As soon as the plates were delivered to the table, we started eating and forgot to take some pictures :). Everything was delicious and perfect for the price !!
Then we walked over to Gelatissimo, a pretty fancy gelato place on the same street (Irausqin Boulevard) across the street from Radisson resort. There were over 30 different flavors of gelato there and on top of that, home made waffle cones.
Next we retired to our hotel for the night.
The next day was our last, so we drove back to the airport for our flight back home. We had a great time in Aruba and will definitely come back again.
Cost (Total for 2 travelers):
- Airfare, Hotel & Rental Car:
- $135 in taxes and fees for Southwest award booking and $10 in taxes and fees for Delta award booking,
- $70 for 1 night cash + points booking at Holiday Inn Resort award booking, $3 in taxes for Holiday Inn Resort award booking and $6 in taxes for Radisson award booking
- $102 for 3 days Budget Rental car.
- Miscellaneous:
- $19 gas for rental car
- $32 for 4 day airport parking at LAX airport @ 405 Airport Parking
Miles/Points/Certificates Redeemed:
- 65,000 Delta Skymiles for 2 Round Trip tickets for Los Angeles – Orlando (Saver awards were not available for both segments so outbound was saver and inbound was mid level award)
- 17,920 Southwest Rewards points for 2 Round Trip tickets for Orlando – Aruba
- 50,000 Club Carlson points for 2 nights at Radisson Aruba resort
- 2,500 IHG reward points for 1 night Cash + Points booking at Holiday Inn Resort Aruba
Miles/Points/Cash-back Earned:
- Cash purchases were done with cards earning Ultimate Rewards points.