Aruba: The Caribbean's Sunniest Wedding Destination
Destination: Aruba
Location & History
Considered one of the top 5 southern Caribbean islands, Aruba is located about 20 miles north of the tip of Venezuela. Its geographic location gives it unique benefits apart from some other Caribbean islands. Thanks to the island’s proximity to the equator, its lack of volcanoes, and its location outside the hurricane belt, Aruba’s climate stays primarily sunny, making it the perfect place to vacation virtually year-round!
Aruba’s history and culture, like that of most other Caribbean islands, has been influenced heavily by colonialism, slavery, and African heritage. The island was originally settled around AD 1000 by two indigenous groups, the Archaic and the Caquetio people. Beginning in the early 1500s, Aruba experienced nearly five centuries of Spanish, Dutch, and British rule before becoming an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 1986.
The oil industry was Aruba’s biggest industry through the 1900s, until tourism overtook its place as the country’s leading contributor to economic success.
(Map of Aruba pictured here)
Getting To & Getting Around
Queen Beatrix International Airport offers daily nonstop flights to and from most major U.S. cities and other major cities around the world.
A visa is not required for travelers from North American countries, as well as several others. All visitors must fill out their Embarkation-Disembarkation Card online. Travelers should ensure they are well informed of all travel requirements and restrictions by visiting the official Aruba tourism board website before entry, as restrictions vary depending on the country of departure.
Planning transportation around the island in advance is simple and recommended before arriving at the airport.
Public Transportation
Arubus, the main bus system, is reliable and government-owned. Buses run every 15 minutes during normal hours. Retour cards, day passes, and other services provide transportation for all needs, whether single fare or round-trip.
Taxis & Limos
Taxis are a good option, offering a fixed charge, qualified drivers, and direct transportation from the airport to hotels. An additional service fee applies for travel on Sundays and weekdays after 11 PM.
Rentals
Bikes, available throughout the island, are great for light travel. Renting a car or scooter offers more flexibility and makes island travel a breeze. For those wanting to explore freely and visit rural areas outside the tourist zone, a rental vehicle is a must-have.
Walking
Walking allows travelers to get their steps in while fully immersing themselves in the energy of Aruba’s streets. The island’s compact size, just 70 square miles, makes many tourist attractions easily accessible on foot.
6 Reasons Why Clients Love Aruba
Aruba’s Diverse Gastronomy
Aruba’s multicultural population gives the island’s culinary scene the feel of a vast cosmopolitan food hall in the Caribbean. Visitors can experience a variety of international cuisines, from tasty fusion fare to traditional Aruban dishes. From fine dining experiences to beachside bites in sandals, there’s an option for every taste.
For Lovers of Nature
Almost 20% of Aruba is preserved within Arikok National Park. This nearly 8,000-acre park offers half a day’s worth of adventure exploring the island’s flora and fauna, exotic animals, and hidden beaches.
Sunny Days & Warm People
Aruba has more sunny days than any other Caribbean island. Beyond the weather, locals are well known for their warmth and welcoming culture—making this destination the ideal vacation haven.
Pristine Beaches & Crystalline Waters
Several of the island’s beaches rank among the best in the Caribbean. Clear waters are ideal for snorkeling and exploring shipwrecks and coral reefs, windsurfing, sailing, lounging, and much more.
After-Hours Social Scene
The energy doesn’t fade with the sun on this island. From lively music and dancing to chic bars and eateries, Aruba offers an abundance of vibrant evening entertainment.
Weddings
From private beaches to tranquil poolsides and scenic terraces, Aruba’s idyllic weather makes it the perfect outdoor wedding destination. There are also plenty of beautiful resort ballrooms and restaurants to choose from.
St. Regis Aruba
Ultra-Luxury
• Location: Located on Palm Beach, this ultra-luxury resort just opened in 2025, bringing a new top-tier level of service to Aruba.
• Dining: 6 food and drink options, ranging from Italian poolside lunch fare to an Asian cuisine rooftop dining experience with panoramic views of the resort and ocean.
• Room Amenities: 252 premium rooms, most with balconies, offering spacious layouts, stunning views, and luxurious amenities.
• Spa + Fitness: Guests can unwind at the world-class St. Regis Spa, featuring Aruban aloe, praised as some of the world’s best. A 24/7 gym is also available.
• Family-Friendly Programming: Programs include the Little Chefs Academy, Family Yoga, Cultural Storytelling, a Children’s Club, and more.
• St. Regis Casino: The St. Regis brand raises the stakes with its first-ever casino destination—a new luxury gaming experience.
• Wedding Services: 5 event spaces, with the largest accommodating 900 guests. Terrace Suites are also available for an intimate, ocean-breeze ceremony.
Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort
Premium
• Location: This highly celebrated resort, just minutes from the airport, is Aruba’s only resort located in downtown Oranjestad along the coastline.
• Dining: 10+ dining options, from light fare enjoyed with an ocean breeze to fine dining at a gourmet steakhouse, plus a 4-course private Dining Under the Stars experience on the private island.
• Room Amenities: 555 rooms and suites across three distinct lodging options, accommodating both family getaways and adult-only experiences.
• Wellness & Fitness: Okeanos Spa, or Spa Coves on Renaissance Island, offers spa and salon treatments for the perfect relaxation in paradise, along with a 24/7 premium gym.
• Private Island & Beaches: A key highlight is the 40-acre Renaissance Island, home to Aruba’s only private beaches and its pink flamingos, available exclusively to resort guests for maximum privacy.
• Two Wind Creek Casinos: Guests can game at two elegant casinos, including Aruba’s only 24-hour casino gaming experience.
• Wedding Services: This resort features Aruba’s largest ballroom and offers a distinctive “private island” tropical wedding on Coral Beach.
Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino
Budgeted
• Location: Located on Aruba’s celebrated Palm Beach, this resort sits close to the local buzz.
• Dining: 7 gastronomic experiences, from breakfast fare to the resort’s 50-year iconic steakhouse to romantic, gourmet private dinners on the beach.
• Room Amenities: 358 rooms, each with a private balcony or patio and stunning views. Palm Beach Club members enjoy enhanced amenities and close proximity to the restaurants and bar on the top floor.
• Renovations & Expansion: All guest rooms, the Palm Beach Club, and three dining venues were recently refreshed to modern tastes. The resort is currently building a new 161-room beachfront tower and a new dining facility.
• Las Vegas-Style Casino: Featuring blackjack, table games, and more, guests can try their luck and win big at The Casino Aruba.
• Wedding Services: 10+ indoor and outdoor wedding venues. Hilton Aruba boasts the widest stretch of Palm Beach, which can accommodate up to 1,000 guests.
*The eforea Spa is temporarily closed for renovations.
New Happenings: Hyatt Secrets Baby Beach Aruba — New Hotel Alert!
Premium
This all-inclusive, adult-only resort is Hyatt’s first Inclusive Collection property on the island of Aruba. Its strategic location on Baby Beach in southern Aruba provides easy access to nearby dining and entertainment options.
The resort opened its doors on June 5, 2025, and has been making waves ever since!
13 gastronomic experiences include 6 bars and 6 restaurants, where guests can savor a taste from around the globe.
Each of its 304 luxury suites includes a private furnished terrace or balcony with ocean, pool, or garden views. Preferred Club members enjoy upgraded room amenities, including a soaking tub, as well as access to an exclusive lounge area.
Guests will find total relaxation with one or all of Secrets® Spa’s offerings, including a cenote-style pool, hydrotherapy, and holistic body massages and treatments using premium skincare products.
From elopements and intimate garden weddings to grand-scale productions, Hyatt Secrets’ dedicated wedding team ensures seamless execution of every celebration.
Deals Radar
Jamaica July Deals – All-inclusive packages with round-trip flights from Dallas. Stay 3 nights for great discounts, including deals like Kids Stay Free and new resort renovations.
As always, thanks so much for taking the time to read our newsletter. Your engagement with us is tremendously valuable!
Hope you all had an incredible 4th and are enjoying time with your loved ones!
Cheers!
– Stan
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