Suggestions for Aruba.....

[ArtsieAng Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close ArtsieAng]

I am leaving for Aruba on May 6th. We are staying at the Ocean Club, and have rented a car.

Can anyone suggest some things to do, places to see, and restaurants to try. We will not have any children with us on this trip, just me and my husband.

Also, should I make reservations in advance for anything?

Thankyou for any suggestions.......

[bigfrank Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close bigfrank]

Look at this thread You can read through it or go to the last page and look at the finale review. I have soon good restaurants listed there. You can also search in this forum for Aruba. A few come up with lots of Info.

[ArtsieAng Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close ArtsieAng]

Thanks Frank..,.I just read throught the post you recommended, and I think I will try these restaurants: El Gaucho, Sunset Grill, Madam Jeanettes, The Flying Fishbone, Ventanas de Mar, and the Lighthouse.

Do I need to make reservations now, or can I wait until we arrive in Aruba?

going to aruba.... going to Aruba.... going to Aruba.... going to Aruba....

[bigfrank Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close bigfrank]

IOwould try to plan it out asap so you get the days and times you want. See if you can find the places online for a toll free # or online reservations.

[Beaglemom3 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Beaglemom3]

I am currently (real-time, now) at the Marriott Aruba Surf Club directly next door to the Marriott Ocean Club I have a wealth of info now re: grocery stores and other handy-things-to-know. With the help of Pat (GrayFal), I managed to get oriented right away. The island is friendly, easy to navigate and compact.
I can email you when I get back.
'Til then.......
B

[ArtsieAng Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close ArtsieAng]

Thanks Frank...I was able to make reservations on line for all the restaurants except Sunset Grille. I think I will have to call them tomorrow.......


Beaglemom3.....I hope you are having a wonderful time. I am counting down the days till we leave. I have never been to Aruba, so any info you can give me would be greatly appreciated. Have fun, and I will look for your email.....

[ArubaOC Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close ArubaOC]

Aruba Jeep Tours

If you want to see the desert side of the island, I suggest taking the Safari Jeep Tour. They will pick you up at the Marriott and drop you back. Included snorkling at very scenic locations. You'll have to do a bit of rock climbing with the group but it is worth it. Our tour guide/lead driver was LeRoy and he was excellent. I drove the Range Rover diesel behind him and that was even more fun (you need to be very good at driving a clutch vehicle in order to handle steep rocky hills-Otherwise, sit in the back on the comfortable seats and don't volunteer to drive). Bring suntan lotion and be prepared to get a bit dusty and bring only what you need for the trip (half or whole day). This is about as rough as it gets on Aruba! Enjoy! Jeff

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

I like to do my reservations before I go so I know where and when I am going.....and for the sunset restarants, you want your reservation about 30 minutes before the sunset....that would be the Lighthouse (& Mirandi).
Madame Jeanettes is closed on Tuesdays so be sure to look at the websites to see when others are closed.

Go to the websites and make your resies...the only one I had to call was the Radisson Sunset Grille.

A real favorite of my whole family is Mirandi.....you might want to go there instead of.....Ventanas del Mar (my son had a disappointing meal there this week) or the flying fishbone.
Actually, Venatanas is VERY nice for lunch with its' golf course' views.....and it is literally 5 minutes from the Marriott.

[ArtsieAng Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close ArtsieAng]

Pat,

I am not sure what time the sun sets in Aruba, so I will check that tomorrow. I currently have a reservation for the Lighthouse at 7:30. Also, I am adding Mirandi.....

Would you know anything about the Golf course in Aruba? My husband is a golf freak, and keeps asking me if I found out anything about it yet.

Also, are there any fun things you would suggest doing? Or, anything in general that we should not miss?

Thanks for all your help......

Aruba....

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

There is a new 9 hole course at the Divi tht our friends played last year.....and it is fairly reasonable...under $100.
The course up by the lighthouse (drawing a blank on the name) is expensive and very open so more likely to be super windy.....

http://www.tierradelsol.com/golf/index.shtml
http://www.tierradelsol.com/restaurant/index.shtml
http://www.wyndham.com/hotels/AUAPB/...ffers/main.wnt
Eternita
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http://madamejanette.arubahost.com/
http://www.marandiaruba.com/
http://www.ledome-aruba.com/
http://www.papiamentorestaurant.com/
http://www.elgaucho-aruba.com/
http://www.texasdebrazil.com/index2.php

[ArtsieAng Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close ArtsieAng]

Pat,

I just made the reservation for Mirandi.

OMG, that spa treatment sounds wonderful, I wish I were there at this very moment......

Thank you so much for all the info. I will make reservations for the spa, and golf tomorrow..... right now, I need to


thanks again!

[ArtsieAng Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close ArtsieAng]

I took care of the spa, and golf this morning.....so, now my husband and I are both happy....

I found these suggestions on the II travel site. Has anyone tried any of these:

Cruise to DePalm Island...includes dinner and dance
Aruba Safari.....1/2 day or 1 whole day
Cruise to Catalina Island....includes 5 star dinner at Le Dome restaurant
Atlantis Submarine tour
Jolly Pirates cruise/tours

Thanks.......

[TomR Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close TomR]

You might want to take another look at the Lighthouse Restaurant. The views are great, but most of the reviews that I have read about the food are not very good. We never had dinner at the Sunset Grille, but its Sunday Brunch is very good. The Tuscany Room at the Marriott Hotel is one of our favorites.

[ArtsieAng Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close ArtsieAng]

Thanks Tom for your suggestions.....It is good to know that you really enjoy the Tuscany Room. We will definitely be eating there......

[Beaglemom3 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Beaglemom3]

Angela,
I brought you back a lot of free brochures/maps/planner/coupons from Aruba if you want them.
Please email me with your address if you're comfortable with doing that.
Beags