As owner of Bucuti & Tara Beach Resorts, I often get asked how I chose Aruba out of all the beautiful islands in the Caribbean. In today’s post, I’ll discuss with you the many reasons why I, as well as millions of travelers from across the globe, have chosen Aruba and why the island has one of the highest repeat visitation rates in the Caribbean.
Sunshine 365 Days a Year
Most Caribbean islands are known for their powder-sand beaches, sun and palm trees, but did you know that Aruba has more sunny days than ANY other island in the region? Aruba has a dry climate with an average temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit and continuous cooling trade winds. The average humidity factor is 65 percent. Best of all, the island is uniquely located outside of the hurricane belt, so our visitors don’t have to worry about their vacations being disrupted during hurricane season. With just a few inches of rain per year, Aruba’s terrain is desert-like, similar to Arizona, surrounded by the beautiful sea.
Ease of Access
These days, time is a precious resource, and today’s travelers want speedy, stress-free travel. Fortunately, Aruba is easily accessible with direct flights from 14 major U.S. cities and one-stop connections from many cities in North America, South America and Europe.
Eco-friendly
As you may already know from my previous posts, I am committed to the environment and serving as a champion of sustainability, so Aruba, which is at the forefront of the energy revolution, was an obvious choice. Currently, nearly 20 percent of Aruba’s electricity is generated by wind turbines. This number is projected to soar to 50 percent in 2015, and within 10 years, it is expected that all of the island’s energy will come from renewable sources.
As part of our conservation efforts here at Bucuti, on the third Wednesday of each month, we host a beach cleaning day, which draws both employees and guests. To read more about our other eco-initiatives, click here:
www.bucuti.com/resort/eco-friendly.
Health and Safety
The health and safety of our guests is our top priority, and we are happy to report that our “happy island” is safe for both travelers and residents. Thanks to a strong economy, largely due to our prosperous tourism industry, Aruba is fortunate to not struggle with the many issues seen in other Caribbean islands.
Travelers to Aruba need not have health concerns as the island’s state-of-the-art medical facilities are well equipped to handle every medical problem or emergency. The island’s doctors graduate from universities in the Netherlands and the U.S., and the hospital is first-class in comparison to other islands in the region.
At Bucuti, we have a dedicated doctor who is on call 24/7, and local companies offer excellent rental equipment for guests with accessibility needs.
Aruba is a safe island; travelers should not be concerned to walk, drive and explore. The infrastructure is excellent, the airport is modern and efficient, and utilities are reliable. We enjoy state-of-the-art technology and communication, a network of quality roads and superior education for the community.
Due to the lack of poverty and high employment rates, the streets and beaches can be enjoyed without the disturbance of vendors hawking wares.
Wealth of Activities
We invite our guests to get out and explore our beautiful island and immerse themselves in the variety of activities it has to offer. Arikok National Park is perfect for exploring our dramatic coastlines, ancient caves and natural pools. Throughout the island guests will find kayaking, paddle boarding, jet skiing, hiking and biking trails, or for those looking for something more intense, ATV and Jeep rentals are available. Aruba is also one of the world’s best places to windsurf, kitesurf and parasail, thanks to our perpetual trade winds. Colorful coral reefs stretch along Aruba’s southern coast, providing 20 dive sites, including 11 wreck sites. For the golf-lovers, Bucuti is just eight miles south of the Tierra Del Sol Championship Golf Course, the island’s only 18-hole course, and a five-minute walk from Divi Links, a nine-hole course.
Shopping is an attractive activity on Aruba. The island is home to renowned brands and stores with bargains on European jewelry, crystal, watches and perfumes.
Cuisine
I know what you’re thinking – “what about the food?” I can assure you that Aruba is a “foodie’s paradise” with influences from more than 90 nationalities. Many of the island’s 100-plus restaurants offer toes-in-the-sand dining, including romantic, torch-lit dinners. With a variety of culinary options, guests are sure to find something that suits their specific needs. Our very own Elements restaurant uses natural and organic ingredients and provides a diverse menu with plenty of gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options.
The water is locally distilled and safe to drink. At Bucuti, we gift our guests with complimentary canteens for refilling at our water stations so that they can enjoy our pure water and stay hydrated.
Although many may ask “Why Aruba,” I’d like to think that the real question should be “Why go anywhere else?”