Aruba Beach Chalets are a great place to stay in Aruba and this photo essay will show you a few of the reasons why. In the first place, this unassuming string of 6 units is in Savaneta, my favorite neighborhood on the island. Savaneta was the original capital of the island way back when. It’s a sleepy place now with 2 fantastic restaurants, a number of local quick snack joints, and Zeerovers, a fisherman’s wharf where you can dance and shoot pool. Back to Aruba Beach Chalets. There are a few off-street parking spots inside the compound just off the frame showing the entrance to Number 1 below:

Number 1 unit is basically twice the size of the Numbers 3-5. It also has a private pool of it’s own, as does Number 6, but we’ll get to that later. Let’s go inside a regular unit, in this case, Number 3:

This is the ground level, where you can see there is a little kitchen space, TV, sitting area, and just off to the right a convenient powder room. Looking out that sliding door at the far end of the photo, you’ll notice a covered porch that fronts the Caribbean.

That’s just a tease. More to follow. First, let’s go upstairs and have a look at the bedrooms. On the island side of the building, you’ll find a two-bed room like this:

That’s a cozy space with a bathroom of it’s own. Showers only, by the way, no tub. (Who needs that anyway?) The other bedroom is a queen bed, and this one has a mosquito netting just in case you want to sleep with the windows open. Check it out:

The reason you may want to leave the windows open, or rather the sliding door, is because this is your view:

Nice, eh? Well, going back downstairs, take a gander at the pool for Number 1 unit:

Very convenient, no? Well, stepping back a few feet, you can see how you could in the pool, a drink in your hand, looking out over the Caribbean Sea where the pelicans are fishing for lunch. Don’t believe me? Here it is.

That’s the view basically looking to the south, southeast. Turning around 180 degrees, you see this:

You can see the row of units, each with it’s own sitting area, the little beach, and how it all fronts the water. Number 6 has its own pool, too, and this unit rents on a longer term basis. Check with the owners through the website: www.aruba-beach-chalets.com. You can click right there and be transported to it, just the website, not the actual place here in Aruba. Sorry.

At any rate, if you’re looking for a place away from it all, give this one a try. I stayed here many times until I bought a shack. Sometimes I wish I hadn’t bought the shack and just rented there. It’s hard to beat.

Bon dia.

Those seeking comfortable accommodations away from the big hotels should consider Buffam’s Tropical Haven in Aruba. There are only three rooms to rent and the owners live on the premises. A friend of mine introduced me to this place, and I’m glad he did, because people frequently contact me in search of alternatives to the usual hotels here on the island. Add Buffam’s Tropical Haven to your list. (By the way, there are many more and much better photos on their website which is posted below.)

There are comfortable common areas such as this covered space:

If you want to go for a dip to cool off, a pleasant pool awaits.

Don’t miss those big, comfortable chairs in the back there, a great place to relax, read a book, and recharge. Each room features a fridge, modest cooking facilities, and a well appointed bathroom. (Your average big hotel is going to charge mightily for such amenities, especially the fridge where you can stock your own goodies at regular prices instead of the exorbitant mini-bar rates.) Here’s a snap of one of the rooms.

There’s plenty of space to spread out and join friends around the table. With the owner’s on site, you have that extra measure of service should some small need arise. And since there are only three rooms, the place can not be crowded. The small touches count here, including the decorations, such as this pair of planters:

Little things mean a lot to travelers, and I think you will find the little things in ample supply at Buffam’s. Check out their website for more details at www.buffamstropicalhaven.com.

Bon dia from Aruba.

Harry the Iguana lives at the Paradera Park Apartments, located as you would expect in the Paradera neighborhood on the island of Aruba. Debby de Weerd, the manager at PPA took this photo of him.

Brilliant photograph of Harry, eh? There are tons of Iguanas on this island, most of them not very large. However, from time to time, you come across one that is three feet long. Just one of the many types of wildlife, like those owls I posted about a while ago, that can be found here.

More important, if you’re looking for a different place to stay for your island retreat, give the Paradera Park Apartments a try. They are located inland, away from the crowds of the high-rise area. Yet, the beaches, restaurants, and sights are only a short drive away. The rates are more reasonable, which allows for a longer stay on the same budget. Furthermore, you’ll meet interesting people who like to get off the beaten path, explore, and experience a culture from the inside out. This year, I had the good fortune of meeting Judith, who introduced me to her friend Will, and so on and so on and so on. This is an aspect of Aruba that makes it the cross-cultural mecca that it is, thanks to places like the Paradera Park Apartments.

So, if you see Harry, say, “Bon dia,” and if you’d like check out the Paradera Park Apartments, give this link a try: http://www.paraderapark-aruba.com/. It’s a good place to start your travel planning.

Bon dia from Aruba.

Sea Breeze Apartments are located in the Pos Chikito area of the island, just a few blocks from Mangel Halto where there is some fantastic snorkeling. Years ago, I stayed here for several days. This week, I went back to visit an old friend who was staying there.

The Sea Breeze Apartments sit within a walled compound that ensconces the guest in quaint comfort. There are studio and one bedroom apartments for short and longer term stays. As seen below, there is a wood-fired BBQ, too.

There is also a large palapa hut where you can gather with your friends.

As you can see, this place is well-decorated and comfortable. It has a genuine feel as opposed to something that’s over-done. And don’t forget the pool, which is just big enough to cool off after lounging in the sun.

In the rear of the photo above, you can see one of the stand-alone apartments. The others are clustered around the central courtyard.

If you’re looking to get away from the high-rise hotel area of the island or for an experience different than renting a time share, try the Sea Breeze Apartments. You’ll be amidst a regular neighborhood, among other like-minded individuals, and generally enjoy a relaxing stay.

Bon dia from Aruba.

The Tamarijn Resort in Aruba is located along the “low-rise” hotel portion of the island. The rooms are literally on the beach. The staff is friendly and helpful. And there is a shuttle service that will connect you to other Divi owned properties. Take a look at the video.

I held a book signing here for An Island Away. The staff was incredibly gracious, supported the effort with announcements, and steered people to my table with a warm smile. This type of hospitality is what put Aruba on the map as a favorite destination in the Caribbean.

Enjoy your stay and don’t forget the sunscreen. Bon dia from Aruba.

Aruba is a great wedding destination. During the northern winters you can have the perfect day here on the the island. One of the keys to a pleasant and memorable day is selecting the right location and official. The Bucuti Beach Resort and the Reverend Robert Gibson are a fantastic combination. Yes, Reverend Gibson is a friend of mine, but I’ve been to my share of weddings here in Aruba. His ceremony is the most thoughtful and heartfelt of any. Take a look at this video to get an idea of the setting and see Reverend Gibson in action.

It was the perfect day, complete with a beautiful sunset. If you’re thinking about having your wedding here, be sure to check out all your options and talk with others so that you are sure to have a stress free day.

Bon dia from Aruba.

The Westin Hotel in Aruba was one of the first high rises on Palm Beach. It started out as the Concorde, and along the way has been a Hilton, a Wyndham, and now the Westin. I stayed here in the 1990’s and a friend of mine also did as recently as March of 2008. Here’s a look at the main building.

The rooms here were recently remodeled. Most have a great view either up or down Palm Beach. The balconies are little small but with room enough for two people to enjoy a beverage as the sun rises or sets. I enjoy coming to the lobby bar where the service is exceptional and the drinks spot on.

Normally, I don’t like television screens in a bar, especially a lobby bar, but thanks to the good company and service I manage to ignore these. There’s also a nice place for informal gathering as shown below.

There are several restaurants in this hotel including Pago Pago, Blossoms, and a breakfast buffet on the lower level. There’s also a slew of shops featuring everything from cigars to clothing to jewelry on the same lower level. Naturally there are a pair of large fresh water swimming pools as shown here.

There’s plenty of room to have fun with your friends and family. Plus, they host water aerobics, water volleyball, and things of that nature for the athletically inclined. For the rest of us, there are a pair of bars close by to ensure proper hydration. Then there is Palm Beach, just on the other side of the pool.

Pull up a chair, a good book, and enjoy the sun. The sand is powder soft, the breeze steady, and the possibilities endless for proper relaxation. Isn’t that why you came to Aruba in the first place?

The Radisson Hotel in Aruba is a menagerie of buildings in a complex that has a “not so big” feel. There are separate towers housing the rooms as well as a main building with the reception desk, shops, and a restaurant. Then there are some separate bars that flank the pool and stretch out toward Palm Beach. Let’s start at the entrance.

It’s nice to pull up under that portico where there is always a doorman ready to help you with your bags or in an out of a taxi. The main lobby area is open air in the sense that the breeze passes through from one side to the other. There are gathering spaces like these for informal meetings, relaxation, and just hanging out.

Jewelry lovers will note the Diamonds International Store there in the background. Opposite this photo on the left side (not shown) is the casino. But let’s pass through the other side of the lobby to the outdoor spaces which feature plenty of flowing water and more gathering places like this.

Can you see yourself having a beverage here? I can. Anyway, there’s more, like this bar which typically features live music every night.

And then there are the swimming pools with the shallow entry points like this one.

And then there is Gilligan’s Restaurant which fronts the beach. Good place for a lunch between sun and fun.

They have some fantastic photos from days gone by on display here. Take the time to check them out. Finally, you’re under a palapa hut on beautiful Palm Beach. Doesn’t get much better than that.

Unless you need some spa treatments, in which case the Larimar Spa is on site and ready to take care of your needs.

I would say that the Radisson is a balance between the high-rise and low-rise hotels in Aruba. It has all the features of a much bigger establishment but still has a low-key feel. Just wanted to show this option to those of you who ask me about places to stay in Aruba.

Keep checking for more updates as I will be covering all types of accommodations on the island.

In previous posts, we looked at a high-rise on Palm Beach, a low-rise on Eagle Beach, and now we’re going to have a glimpse of the Renaissance Hotel, which is located in downtown Oranjestaad, Aruba. The hotel fronts the main road which runs the length of the island.

On the opposite side of the road is a handsome marina where you can charter a fishing boat or go on a submarine ride to see the undersea life up close. I’ll show that in a separate post on those subjects. Here is the bar and lobby area.

I should note here that this area is a full level above the street. When you take a few steps up from here, you’ll come to the pool which has a spectacular view of the marina, out to sea, as well as the street below. Have a look for yourself.

That fellow over there is standing at a glass wall so don’t worry. No doubt he’s having a gander at the Adventure of the Seas in the distance. At night, this is a great place to watch the coming and going of both the cruise and cargo ships. This pool is very nice and worth a second photo.

The tent in the rear of the shot is used for events such as weddings, retirement parties, and so forth.

So, now I’ve posted about the various types of hotels that can be found in this part of the island. I’ll be adding some more, names you may recognize from the international brands as well as one-of-a-kind establishments. As this blog continues to grow, I’ll also add guest houses, and small joints where I used to stay before I had a house here. Hopefully, you’ll get an idea of the variety and quality that can be had here in Aruba.

The Amsterdam Manor Resort in Aruba is a striking contrast to the high-rise hotels that can be found on the island. The resort fronts Eagle Beach, one of the nicest beaches in the world, which is also photographed in this post and other places on this blog. Here’s a first look at the entrance.

The resort is a cluster of one and two-level buildings that surround a courtyard. In the courtyard you’ll find a bar, restaurant, and the pool shown here.

That’s the bar up there on the second level. From it you have great views of the water and beyond. This place has a completely different feel than the high-rises. There are rooms just a few yards from the pool. As you can see in the next photo, you can walk not ten steps for your morning swim from these.

Depending on what you’re looking for, it may be an option to consider. There are rooms tucked in around another courtyard (where you have a bit more privacy and quiet) like this:

Naturally there is a bar on the beach. Don’t forget to stay hydrated while you’re out there in the sun.

And, of course, here is a look at that beach as the sun is getting ready to set.

Whatever type of accommodations you prefer, make the most of your stay by remembering why you came to paradise: To relax! (Bring a good book, too! May I suggest An Island Away?)