This romantic island -- 15 miles off the coast of Venezuela and a four-hour flight from New York City -- ranks as a top honeymoon spot. And that's not all making Aruba such a hot (and dry) destination; the country registers an average temperature of 82 degrees year-round -- and things get even hotter when the sun goes down and the 11 casinos and disco nightlife gear up.
Where to stay? Aruba has a range of hotels to suit different budgets. Several participate in the One Cool Honeymoon program, which presents a package of goodies to newlyweds featuring a free bottle of wine, discounted car rental, a free roll of film, and more.
Accommodations worth considering include:
Hyatt Regency Aruba Beach Resort & Casino - megacomplex with casino and waterslide, right on the beach.
Bucuti Beach Resort -- an eco-friendly luxury low-rise resort located on one of the Caribbean's most expansive beaches.
Divi Aruba Beach and Tamarijn Aruba Beach Resorts -- all-inclusives with gorgeous beach locations, right next to the Alhambra casino.
Sculpted by trade winds, the outstretched arms of Aruba's divi-divi trees bid welcome to honeymooners.
The delightful thing about visiting an island is that you can explore Aruba by land or by water. Stroll along the island's seven miles of white beaches -- some of the most beautiful anywhere -- and explore the secluded coves dotting its coastline.
On foot, horseback, or by mountain bike, wander winding, hidden roads leading through the hills to Yamanota, the island's highest point. Other scenic spots include Palm Beach, the rock formations of Ayo and Casibari, the coves of Andicuri, and the Spanish Lagoon.
A tour in a glass-bottom boat that has visibility down to 50 feet begins to reveal mysteries below the shimmering turquoise waters. Snorkelers and scuba divers at the island's California and Antilla shipwrecks get an even closer view.
Aruba's historical museum, gold mill ruins of Bushiribana and Balashi, and Indian petroglyphs will intrigue those with an interest in the past. Golfers may want to try their skills at Tierra del Sol, the island's 18-hole golf course.
Shoppers can find local crafts, well-made goods from neighboring South American countries, and international treasures in Oranjestad and at the Alhambra Shopping Bazaar, Midtown Mall, and Seaport Marketplace.
Aruba boasts more than 100 restaurants, and cuisines range from French to Japanese to Mediterranean to local island dishes. Sweethearts with sweet tooths can end a meal with kesio (Aruban flan) or take away a few pieces of cocada, a candy made from coconuts.
