Aruba by Suzanne Wright Nothing spoils an island getaway faster than bad weather. Perhaps that’s why Aruba enjoys increasing popularity among sunshine seekers: it’s the only Caribbean destination that is not in the hurricane belt, so you’re practically guaranteed blue skies. I had to get out a map to find Aruba. Just 20 miles long and six miles wide, it’s a mere 19 miles from Venezuela. Although its only 750 miles from the equator, trade winds keep this semi-arid island in the Dutch West Indies cool. “Bon bini” means “welcome” in Papiamento, the native language that dates back to the 16th century. I indeed felt welcome at the AAA four-diamond, high-rise Wyndham Aruba Resort, located on the curved white sands of Palm Beach, recently named the best beach in the world by Porthole magazine. I’d come to check out the recent multimillion-dollar renovation and see why the island is gaining such popularity. My suite, 802, has floor to ceiling windows, a king-size bed, a marble bathroom, a parlor, in-room coffeemaker and two balconies. Donning a bathrobe, I gaze out at the free-form pool and the translucent aqua water. The resort was fully booked on my June visit, with good reason: it’s the only hotel in Aruba where all 481 rooms have an ocean view and offers numerous packages to satisfy such travelers of all ages and tastes. Most visitors stay for seven nights; I am in for just four. After wandering the grounds — the pool features a concierge, there’s an interactive bird center, a fitness center and a number of iguana lumbering across sidewalks — I hit the Intermezzo Spa, located on the lower level, near the Cuban cigar store, for several treatments, including a soothing aloe wrap. There I run into Claire, from New Jersey, who says, “Bermuda used to be my favorite island. Now it’s Aruba.” I pad back to the elevator and upstairs to change for dinner. But first I stop in for a cocktail at the handsome outdoor Sirocco lounge. The resort boats seven restaurants, including Pago Pago, an “American steakhouse with Caribbean flair.” As I sip on Chilean wine, a distinguished waiter makes a Caesar salad tableside. I can recommend the baked Caribbean shrimp in coconut milk, any of the Black Angus steaks and the white chocolate mousse. I can also recommend working off the calories at the attractive Casablanca casino. Both the slot machines and the craps table gave my arms — not to mention my wallet — a workout. The next morning I join De Palm Tours for a half-day, Jeep tour of the island. The bright yellow, tiger-striped Landrovers are a dusty, bumpy ride over the scrubby, often volcanic, countryside. We make several stops: at an aloe factory (Aruba is the world’s number one importer of the moisturizing product), the gold mill ruins at Bushiribana, the Natural Bridge and a Catholic church. We gape at the white caps, as the surf pounded the rocks along the raw, undeveloped coastline. We spy cacti, divi divi trees with their characteristic westerly bend, iguanas, surfers and tourists on horseback. I notice the Aruban license tag says “One Happy Island.” Back at the hotel, I dine at Blossoms for lunch. The Japanese teppanyaki grill is kitschy fun, as the chef-cum-standup comic cooks in front of you. I catch the bus outside the hotel into town, a 15-minute ride away. Downtown Oranjestad looks like the board game Candyland with its colorful buildings, Dutch architecture and bridges. Holland is in the semifinals of the World Cup, so the oceanside bars are packed with revelers. Shoppers look for deals on jewelry. That night, I eat at Papiamento Restaurant, run by the Ellis family for 18 years. Queen Beatriz has also dined here and I see why. The setting is enchanting: tiny lights are tucked into the branches of the trees in the tropical garden; white linen-draped chairs and tables surround the pool; there’s even a cozy nook called the “honeymoon room” inside the nearly 200-year-old Aruban manner charmingly decorated with family antiques. The food is also splendid, especially the keshi yena, a traditional sweet and savory dish of minced tenderloin and chicken, stewed with prunes, raisins and cashews and topped with cheese, fish cooked on a hot stone and a rich chocolate cake. The following day, I take up residence under an assigned beach hut at the hotel, where I catch some rays; in the distance are parasailers and jet skiers. After some reading and napping, I contemplate my next move. With so much to do, including golf, kite surfing, touring the butterfly farm, beach bingo, fishing, it’s hard to decide. I opt for a two-hour sunset cruise with Pelican Adventures. The catamaran glides over the calm, clear sea while I sip a rum punch. I’ve booked a morning dive with Pelican Adventures. A quick boat ride deposits me into the spearmint waters, where the famed Antilla wreck lies about 40 feet down. I see giant grouper, eels, sea cucumbers, parrot fish and sea slugs. Back at the hotel for my final night, I kick off my shoes to dine on the sands at Azull. First, I am shown to my private lounge chair, where a waiter brings me champagne while I toast the setting sun — and the couple 20 yards away, reciting their vows under the orange glow. Then I am shown to my beachfront table surrounded by tiki torches. The barefoot waiter brings me four courses, including a kebab of grilled shrimp, beef, chicken and fish. It seems that not only are you guaranteed sunshine on Aruba, you’re guaranteed a happy ending, I decide, as I take in the strains of the DJ from the palapa and the luminous crescent moon rises in the inky sky above. To book your Aruba getaway visit www.wyndham.com or call 1-800-WYNDHAM.
			Above: Aruba spells relaxation.