Aruba has a rich, multicultural past reflected in the artwork, architecture, cuisine, traditions, and warm, friendly people. What started as a fishing outpost for the Amerindians has changed hands between the Spanish and Dutch for centuries. It is now a diverse constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
CLIMATE AND SEASONS IN ARUBA
| The best time of year to visit Aruba is from April to August. It’s a large window of time when the island’s high prices take a holiday.
September and October are the least expensive time to travel for those who love a bargain and hate crowds. During these months, many travelers avoid the island because the trade winds die out, leaving an average daily temperature near 90 degrees. Aruba is outside the hurricane belt, so there’s very little threat of a hurricane or a tropical storm. A memorable meeting could include a dining option on the beach. Seating-time permitting, it might be possible to watch a spectacular sunset while enjoying an unforgettable culinary experience. |
Average Temperature 89℉ Seasonal Temperatures
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MORE TO LEARN AND EXPLORE
What makes a destination a fantastic place to hold a meeting? It’s not just the weather because some like it hot, and some like it cold. And it’s not just the four walls of the ballroom but world-class restaurants, activities, off-site venues, and attractions. Aruba offers it all wrapped in perpetual sunshine.
Aruba has a lot to offer beyond the miles of sandy beaches. Groups can enjoy the outdoors with a wide range of activities. If some people want to live on the adventurous side, they can consider skydiving, parasailing, windsurfing, or a diving excursion. Or, if attendees wish to relax and take it slow after a long day of meetings, they can book a sunset sail or visit one of the many outdoor spas or yoga studios. The possibilities are endless.
Beaches and Coves – Aruba is the home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. The view is gorgeous, where the pristine white sand meets the turquoise sea. Visitors can get off the beaches and participate in watersports or visit secluded coves located between the limestone cliffs. The breathtaking variety of beaches offers something special for everyone.
Under The Water – The turquoise water of Aruba’s southern border is embraced by the Caribbean Sea. As beautiful and warm as the air above, under the water comes to life as well. Its crystal-clear depths are home to vibrant reefs and shipwrecks just waiting to be explored by snorkelers and scuba divers.
Natural Wonders – Aruba is blessed with a bounty of nature and many wonders found nowhere else. Visitors can explore the calm sandy stretches of the west coast and the towering Bocas to the north or climb the windswept steps to the peak of Hooiberg hill, Aruba’s iconic mountaintop forged by ancient volcanoes.
In Arikok National Park, the beautiful Caribbean beaches give way to rugged deserts, towering green cacti, and limestone cliffs which have been pounded smooth by centuries of waves and trade winds. It’s where you’ll find Fontein Caves and the Natural Pool – two of the most unspoiled and unforgettable wonders.
Golf – There are two fantastic golf courses in Aruba, making it a desirable golf destination. Tierra Del Sol Resort & Golf, located on the northern tip of the island, has an 18-hole PGA course designed by Robert Trent Jones II. There are sweeping panoramic ocean views and spectacular desert scenery at every hole.
The Links, a 9-hole course at Divi Aruba, is located between the vacation villas at the Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort. The course was designed by Litten & Viola. The Links offers beautifully manicured fairways surrounded by indigenous vegetation for a unique setting in the Caribbean. It is open to the public, with preferred tee times for Divi Resort guests.
Arts and Culture – Aruba’s culture comes alive in the spirited rhythms, art, and dance that fill the streets, homes, galleries, and hearts. Aruba has always been dedicated to bold, bright, passionate, artistic expression. It’s such a beautiful place that inspiration can be found everywhere.
Museums of Aruba – Aruba’s storied past and generations of immigrants from all over the world have contributed to Aruba’s lively heritage, much of which is preserved or documented in the many museums. To Mention a few:
- The Aruba Aloe Museum & Factory – The Aruba Aloe Museum and Factory tour will give you an inside look into how Aloe is produced. You will learn all about the 160-year old history of Aloe on Aruba and see how Aruba aloe is ‘fileted,’ and discover the many benefits of Aloe Vera.
- Etnia Nativa Art Gallery & Museum – Discover the untold story of the real, authentic Aruba.
- Archaeological Museum – The oldest part of Aruba’s cultural heritage is exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Aruba. This permanent collection gives the visitor a taste of early periods in the history and pre-history of the island.
- Museum of Antiquities – The Louis XV Antiques & Curiosities is housed in the beautiful Rococo Plaza building at Tanki Leendert and was partially built with building material originating from the 17th century. The roof and red copper onion-shaped towers are the most outstanding parts of the building.
Tours – The only thing easier than navigating the island on your own is to let a local show you around Aruba they know and love. Participating in an organized group or individual sightseeing tour is a safe, authentic way to explore every corner of Aruba by land, sea, and even submarine.
Shopping in Aruba – Aruba is a shopper’s paradise and a haven for locally made crafts and international brands. Stroll through downtown Oranjestad’s bustling shopping area steps from the Port, lined with jewelry, fragrance, designer stores, Dutch delicacies, Aruba aloe products, and Cuban cigars. Or peruse the colorful galleries, shops, and boutiques of San Nicolas and take an authentic piece of Aruba home. There are one-of-a-kind gifts, goods, and accessories made by Aruba’s artists and artisans.
WHY IS ARUBA APPEALING FOR A MEETING?
There are no shortages of luxury resorts on Aruba, each offering fantastic meeting facilities appropriate for large or small gatherings. Aruba creates a perfect balance for meetings.
Visiting Aruba is easy. Travel to Aruba from the U.S., Canada, South America, Europe, and the Caribbean is possible via most major carriers, either non-stop or convenient. When entering the country, a current passport is required of all passengers. American, Canadian, and EU citizens do not require visas. As an added convenience, you can fill out your Embarkation-Disembarkation Card online before you leave home.
Aruba has its currency called the Aruban florin, but dollars are also widely accepted on the island.
Some things to consider when planning your meeting in Aruba:
What is the objective? Some examples:
- Many company retreats are designed to improve productivity and to “refocus” the efforts of their employees. Aruba provides an ideal destination to break away from the confines of an office and allows employees to socialize with people beyond their department and relax. This can be very helpful for meetings where fresh ideas, new perspectives, or/and networking is essential for high-priority initiatives.
- Executive retreats are also popular in Aruba as this destination offers exclusive luxury where leaders can recharge as well as connect with each other.
Incentive travel combined with meetings can be valuable for companies, key stakeholders, and top performers. Aruba provides unique, memorable experiences and an outstanding destination for exchanging information that improves growth, solves problems, and engages change-makers.
Do you need help planning a corporate meeting or incentive travel reward to Aruba? Contact Gavel International for more information.
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