Anyone Been to Aruba?

[Black Mountain Industries]

Good afternoon y'all. Well, my better half and I are going to Aruba for our honeymoon next week, and I figured I would reach out to y'all in addition to using google-fu. We're staying in one of the adult only all-inclusive resorts with all the booze and food we can eat. Its a good thing I've lost some weight leading up the the wedding Saturday!

Has anyone on here been? If so what are some of the places to go, restaurants to try or things that we absolutely have to go to? Sunset sailboat cruise, Natural Pools, etc.

Or conversely, what are some of the things we need to avoid while there? Certain areas that aren't safe or sketchy?

 

[ReganR6]

Not much to avoid as crime equals no tourists and tourism is what Aruba thrives on.

Get a rental car for sure if you plan on going anywhere. You HAVE to go to baby beach and bring your own snorkel equipment. They is some of the best snorkeling I have ever done and it was free right off of the beach. I can't remember what it is called ,but if you ask someone at your hotel about renting a 4x4 and going to see the "hidden waters" or something like that. I will ask my wife what it was called ,but that is a must see as well.

Food wise I know it is a chain ,but Texas de Brazil was amazing. There is also an Italian restaurant in the light house that is top ****ing notch.

 

[rockyfatcat]

Natalee Holloway?

 

[(M)]

My wife and i went to Aruba for our honeymoon 17yrs ago. Its warm, its windy and the island was covered in wild goats when we were there. I fully agree with ReganR6. The most memerable dinner we had was at the lighthouse on the north shore. Beautiful location and i got a baby octopus soup that was not only delicious but grossed out all the tables around us. It is a little spicy and tomato based but the little octopus were fully intact and looked great on the end of a fork.
I would avoid the booze bus if its still running.

 

[jmartinroe]

I went about 19 years ago to go Windsurfing.
It is a windy Desert Island.
The Hotel area is kind of like Miami Beach with gambling.

 

[bhmgatech]

Went for our honeymoon 14 years ago and went back again a few years later. Would definitely recommend a 4-wheeler or dune buggy tour of the island.

 

[Black Mountain Industries]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I'll look into the Italian restaurant in the lighthouse and renting a 4-wheeler. I've never been a huge fan of octopus, but it may be worth the order to gross out the "warden".

 

[Cadcom]

Not much to avoid as crime equals no tourists and tourism is what Aruba thrives on.

Get a rental car for sure if you plan on going anywhere. You HAVE to go to baby beach and bring your own snorkel equipment. They is some of the best snorkeling I have ever done and it was free right off of the beach. I can't remember what it is called ,but if you ask someone at your hotel about renting a 4x4 and going to see the "hidden waters" or something like that. I will ask my wife what it was called ,but that is a must see as well.

Food wise I know it is a chain ,but Texas de Brazil was amazing. There is also an Italian restaurant in the light house that is top ****ing notch.

I second Tejas de Brazil. It was OUTSTANDING. Senor Frogs was worth a trip for a few nights as well.
And try the local beer Balashi, its pretty decent.

And keep an eye out for these two gals:

 

[Black Mountain Industries]

It looks like the Italian restaurant has lost some of its cooking flare, but still has one of the best views. Thanks y'all

 

[BillsCamino]

Natalee Holloway?

We've been to Aruba a few times...once even over New Years weekend (amazing fireworks !! ) but have boycotted that island ever since Holloway disappeared.
IMO, many Caribbean islands that are even nicer than Aruba.
I'll be visiting Cuba, Belize & Honduras in two weeks.