by Karen Nowalsky of Take Wing Travel 609-618-9599

You’ve spent months planning it all – from personal vows to precise seating charts, the perfect dress, cake topper and place cards. Yes it’s been stressful. But when it’s time to honeymoon and all the stress is over, you may want to do more than beach yourself for days in the sun. Sure the beach is bliss, but…Want lively nightlife? Want glittering casinos? Want Vegas-style cabarets? Yearn for friendly and welcoming islanders? Aside from white sandy beaches and beautiful blue waters, Aruba's in many ways the opposite of the Antigua I just wrote about (although no lush mountain scapes here either, like Antigua).

People come to party, and they come back; Aruba has the highest repeat-visitor rate in the Caribbean. English is spoken everywhere, the dollar is accepted and nowhere else will you find more fellow Americans. With the sheer number of U.S. flights, it's easy to see why: Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, N.C., Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Miami, Newark, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. all fly to Aruba nonstop.

It's certainly simple to navigate this tiny island, which is just a little larger than Washington, D.C., and most westerly of the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao). It lies 19 miles north of Venezuela and -- an important consideration for vacationers -- lies completely outside the hurricane belt. Most activity and lodging are on one of the two biggest beaches: either Eagle (affectionately called the low-rise area) or Palm (with the high-rises).

Aruba's heritage is Dutch, although strongly influenced by the Indian culture that initially inhabited Aruba and a blend of Spanish and other nationalities who have settled in Aruba over the centuries. By nature, Arubans are friendly, mild-mannered and have a keen sense of hospitality. They go out of their way to make sure you enjoy your stay!

The unemployment rate is very low and, not surprisingly, so is the crime rate, giving it a reputation as a safe place to visit. It is illegal in Aruba to sell on the streets or at the beach, so vendors won't pester you, as is often the case in other Caribbean destinations.

Honeymooning couples have always received the red carpet treatment in Aruba. Best of all, the island is continuing its ever-so-popular value-added One Cool Honeymoon Program for 2010. It’s the perfect complement to your honeymoon in Aruba. Discounts can be found on jeep tours, snorkel sails, car rentals, sunset dinner cruises and much more.

So where to stay?

For affordable accommodations, Take Wing recommends the sprawling Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa, on wide Eagle Beach, quiet, but just 5 miles away is downtown Oranjestad, Aruba's capital, where the nightlife really thrives. All 71 rooms in this two-story resort have been recently renovated, and include a balcony or patio, a king-size bed or 2 double beds, air-conditioning, flat-screen televisions, coffeemakers, refrigerators and microwaves. There’s an all-inclusive option as well. The soothing spa is quite something: Treatments are individualized at the open-air Spa del Sol, housed in a rustic setting overlooking the beach. There are Balinese massages, body wraps, facials, a steam room, and a whirlpool. Sign up for yoga and meditation classes. Doubles start at $169/night in low season (mid-April through mid-December). Beach Wedding packages available at their Wedding Chapel and Open Air Events Pavilion.

Shown Below: Spa Del Sol at Manchebo Beach Resort

 

Another low-budget alternative is Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort for easy-going brides and grooms who can appreciate its savings in exchange for limited facilities. Still, a good value, with palapas, beach chairs and paddle boats available to guests. And you can do all-inclusive here. Rooms are straightforward though showing some wear. Free Internet and free parking, Eagle beach is across the street. Standard rates start at $169. Simple "beach blessing" or civil ceremony wedding packages begin at $455.00.

Exterior view of low-rise  Amsterdam Manor located opposite Eagle Beach.

Couples can't say enough about elegant Bucuti Beach Resort, Manchebo's next-door neighbor. It is also for independent brides and grooms with a flair for European sophistication. Children are discouraged (openly) since they'd disturb the famous peace and calm honeymooners and other romantic travelers crave. The new Tara Wing has the must-book accommodations, each suite is oceanfront, has a big balcony or terrace with beautiful wooden and upholstered furnishings. The striking king bed allows for an incredible beach and oceanfront view. Doubles from $263 per night.  

Name brand hotels are safe bets in the high-rise section, you can't go wrong with the Westin or Marriott or Hyatt on Palm Beach. They have all the bells and whistles plus a dizzying array of nightlife with dazzling casinos to boot.

The Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino in particular has been newly renovated to the tune of $50 million, and opened its new 59-room hotel-within-a-hotel penthouse, the Tradewinds Club. All-inclusive option is available. The resort's fully renovated guest rooms are the most spacious (400sq ft) in Aruba. From $279 in low season. The private Tradewinds lounge gives members a quiet, intimate space to relax and five food and beverage presentations daily. Rooms in the top-floor Tradewinds Club from $504 in low season.

An outside view of the impressive
 Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino on Palm Beach.

Also don't overlook the crowd-pleasing timeshare resort on Palm Beach, Playa Linda Beach Resort. Quite handsome in design, it obviously appeals to upscale independent travelers and families for long stays as some units sleep six and come with kitchenettes. Studio rates start at $195.

Shown Below: Oceanfront apartment suites at Playa Linda Beach Resort.

 

In the adults-only category, there are two others to consider: the Renaissance Marina Hotel is a playground designed exclusively for adults. The no-children-allowed policy makes it very appealing to many and bride and groom. The hotel has also designated several parts of the resort as adult only as well. The Renaissance Ocean Suites remain the hotel's family friendly all-suites. What’s unique at this property too is Renaissance Island, a 40-acre paradise exclusively for guests, offering Aruba’s only private beaches, with areas for families and adults, just an eight-minute ferry ride from shore. The Renaissance also recently opened the new 3,500 square foot Okeanos Spa, featuring island-base treatments in seven treatment rooms including a dual massage room and a wet room; two manicure and two pedicure stations, a sauna and new locker room facilities.

Shown Below: Exterior view of Renaissance Marina Hotel, 
featuring adult-only amenities and pool area.

Last but not least, is Cunucu Arubiano, Aruba’s newest adults-only, boutique resort featuring stays in individual casitas. This member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World is also part of the Aruba Donkey Sanctuary, located on the Santa Lucia hill. Each of the resort’s casitas reflect 19^th-century, Dutch-Aruban architecture. It was built in 2009, rates include breakfast, and the property is situated near many of Aruba’s most popular attractions.

Shown Right: One of Cunucu Arubiano’s free-standing casitas.

For more information on these or other suggestions, contact Karen Nowalsky, resident honeymoonologist and ACE agent (Aruba Certified Expert) of Take Wing Travel, here in South Jersey at 609-618-9599; www.takewingtravel.com for the honeymoon, destination wedding or vow renewal of your dreams. Take Wing Travel is your personalized romantic travel and honeymoon specialist offering unique custom vacation packages since 2002. From experienced destination planning to the best value and professional service, Take Wing Travel provides convenient one-stop shopping. E-mail travel@takewingtravel.com. All quotes and consultations are complimentary, no-obligation and can be made according to your schedule, including evenings and weekends.

For more on Aruba, see also the article: Honeymoon in Aruba

Check out some of our many honeymoon articles on everything from cruises to all-inclusive resorts in our Honeymoon Article Archives