Aruba’s Bucuti & Tara is the perfect romantic escape

The small island of Aruba in the southern Caribbean Sea is only 18 miles from the north coast of Venezuela. With sandy beaches, cooling trade winds, and friendly people the island is dubbed “One Happy Island.” Aruba is considered one of the safest Caribbean destinations. 

One of Aruba's most romantic getaways is the intimate Bucuti &

Tara Beach Resorts, an all-adult, non-smoking luxury resort. It is perfect for guests who seek a tranquil and romantic beach vacation along with a focus on wellness and a relaxing ambiance. Pampering starts with sit-down check-in where staff offers guests a refreshing towel and a glass of champagne.

Their concierge will be happy to assist with booking a jeep safari tour of Aruba, nearby diving and sailing excursions, horseback riding, golf and so much more. Don’t be surprised if the owner greets you during your visit.  It is that kind of place – the owner takes pride in his property.  Bucuti is adjacent to the Alhambra Casino and a variety of restaurants, shopping and entertainment. But why leave the resort?

Located on magnificent Eagle Beach there is a comfy sunbed for

everyone – no need to rush down in the early morning to claim a spot! Staff is available to serve you and often show up with a treat throughout the day. It is the perfect place to watch the glorious sunsets. There is also an infinity pool. In the evening enjoy free movies under the stars – life is good.  

As one would expect the accommodations are superb with free Wi-Fi, a patio or balcony, and many amenities including walk-in showers along with unique features such as dehumidifiers and air purifier. Start the day with an extensive complimentary buffet breakfast with eggs cooked to order. Dine inside or, better yet,

on the oceanfront deck.  Dinner at the oceanfront Elements Restaurant is an affair to remember with menu options that include Organic/Natural, Vegetarian/Vegan, Gluten-Free and World Cuisine. The ultimate in luxury and romance is a candlelit dinner on the beach in a private palapa. 

Bucuti is a place to relax but there is a fitness center and spa. The best recommendation is grab a book from their lending library and head to the beach.  The beach is what it is all about. For more information check www.bucuti.com.

The Holiday Inn in Aruba is a great choice

There a many hotels and condos to choose from when visiting Aruba but you can’t go wrong when booking a stay at the Holiday Inn Aruba. Perfect for couples and families. The hotel has been completely remodeled with a lobby that offers a view to the sea and rooms that have a bright, fresh look.  The beach is wonderful with

plenty of palapas on one of the longest beaches in Aruba. They can be reserved after 4 pm for the following day.  There are three pools one of which is designated for children. Take note of the lounge island in the middle of one of the pools. 

The newly redecorated, air conditioned rooms offer a choice of bed configurations and sport a balcony. Guests can expect all the usual amenities such as cable TV, refrigerator, hair dryer, iron and, the best of all, complimentary Wi-Fi.  There are no complimentary bottles of water because the water in Aruba is safe to drink.  

There are several dining options which have all be upgraded with

new offerings.  Choose between a casual lunch at the Oceanside Bar and Grill or dinner and the ocean side Sea Breeze Restaurant. Of course, fresh fish is the order of the day. In the evening listen to the haunting sounds of the solo saxophone, trumpet or clarinet player while dining.  Several times a week there is a special beachside dinner featuring a Mardi Gras or Circus theme. 

There are a variety of beach/water activities from yoga to volleyball to bingo. Nearby there is a sports rental company for those who want to take a sunset cruise or rent some fun-in-the-sun equipment.  Families will appreciate the children’s activity center with various supervised free activities throughout the day. Babysitting is available. There is an onsite casino for those who are feeling lucky.

IGH hotels take good care of those who are members of their

loyalty program. Elite members can expect a free room upgrade, morning paper and first choice on a palapa while gaining more points for future stays. Nice touch. All this plus the Holiday Inn is one of the more reasonable ocean front accommodations. For more information check www.holidayarubaresort.com or www.ihg.com. 

Sunset Beach Studio in Aruba

Sunset Beach Studios is an excellent place to get away from it all. Located just steps from the ocean the studio-style accommodations are set is a tropical garden with a lovely salt water pool and Jacuzzi. Several of the 13 studio accommodations have a view to the ocean perfect for watching the glorious sunsets. And, best of all the cost is reasonable and the staff is Aruba-friendly ready to help with whatever is needed.

All accommodations have air-conditioning with a kitchen that includes a refrigerator, hot plate, microwave, toaster, coffee maker and all necessary cooking utensils.  There are also two charcoal broilers for guests to use.  There is a Super Food store a short distance away where there is everything one might need for any and all meals.  Of course, there are plenty of restaurants and fast food places like Wendy’s and KFC. Daily maid service is provided except on Sunday afternoon. 

There is no end to the fun things to do. There is something to please

everyone from shopping to snorkeling to wind surfing and all

manner of day trips that the staff can arrange. Or, just lounge around the pool or walk along the ocean. A rental car is handy but there are non-metered taxis and the bus can be picked up right outside the hotel.

The staff and owners are excellent resources for things to see and do. They have a wonderful lending library and snorkel equipment for rent. For more information log on to www.arubasunsetbeach.com or call toll free, 800-813-6540.