by Tom Wuckovich

Aruba owes the Beach Boys a debt of gratitude for writing and performing Kokomo. All together now…Aruba, Jamaica, oooh, I wanna take ya. I understand if that stays in your head for the next few hours—it does it to me every time! While the song is a great advertisement for Aruba, the Arubans themselves may be their island’s best promoter.

Tourists are welcomed with open arms, and Aruba’s hospitality hasn’t gone unnoticed. This Dutch paradise been honored as the “Best All-Around Caribbean Destination” by readers of Travel & Life magazine and lauded by honeymooners and cruise ship passengers who’ve made it one of the top ports of call in the Caribbean. The reasonsare many and varied: warm and inviting locals, turquoise waters, long, luxurious white sand beaches, pulsating nightlife, intriguing sightseeing and plenty of hotels and resorts to match any pocketbook.

Aruba is relatively small in landmass, measuring just 20 miles by six miles with most of the visitor areas lined up along the southwestern shore. Minutes away is the capital of Oranjestad with its typical Dutch architecture and flamboyant Caribbean colors. It’s also the place to do some shopping for souvenirs. Browse the marketplace for Aruban art and local handicrafts and the upscale shops for luxury items.

While you’re in town, stop in at any of the local restaurants and sample the island fare. Some also come alive at night and feature live music and dancing. Carlos & Charlie’s along the harbor is a wise choice, as is the Crow Bar atop the Royal Plaza Mall, though the music is more for the younger crowd—or young at heart. If you’re in the mood to make a night of it, try Mambo Jambo, Choose A Name, La Fiesta, Cheerios and Café Bahia. For those who just want to sit and listen to either jazz or more relaxed live music, definitely stop in at Plaza Café, Chaos or Scandals. (CONTINUED...)