Aruba Luxury Rentals Archives - Blue Aruba Rentals

March 7, 2025March 7, 2025

Top Reasons to Plan Your Caribbean Family Vacation in Aruba

family on the beach during vacation in Aruba

When you are planning a family vacation in the Caribbean, you have hundreds of islands to choose from. While all of the islands offer sunshine and beautiful beaches, not all offer a family-friendly atmosphere. Bring your family to Aruba and experience the perfect blend of safety, convenience, kid-friendly beaches, diverse activities for all ages, and family-friendly lodging. Choose Blue Aruba Rentals as your lodging partner and support a local business that has been providing vacation rental homes on the island for more than 15 years. Read on to learn why Aruba is the perfect family vacation destination!

Family-Friendly Beaches

Aruba’s beautiful beaches offer the perfect setting for kids of all ages to play and swim. Destinations like Baby Beach are a family favorite because of the shallow water and calm waves. Plus, many of our vacation rentals are located near Eagle Beach, the widest beach on the island, offering plenty of space for your family to spread out and enjoy watersports.

Safety

Aruba consistently ranks as one of the safest islands in the Caribbean. Enjoy peace of mind as you explore the island’s many attractions and activities with your family. Our properties also offer 24/7 security!

Activities for Everyone

Whether you are traveling with toddlers or teens, Aruba offers fun activities for all ages:

Try different watersports like snorkeling, kayaking, and windsurfing.
Explore the natural beauty of the island at Arikok National Park.
Sightsee with a local guide on a jeep, ATV, horseback, or bike tour.
Visit wildlife at animal sanctuaries, like Philip’s Animal Garden or The Butterfly Farm.
Learn about Aruba’s history and culture at the Archaeological Museum.

Family-Friendly Condo Rentals in Aruba

Find the perfect lodging for your Aruba family vacation with Blue Aruba Rentals. We offer vacation rentals within larger resort complexes like Azure Beach Residences, Blue Residences, Oceania Residences, and Harbour House. All of these resorts come with 24-hour security, reserved parking, and concierge services. Inside the properties, you can enjoy convenient amenities for your family, like kitchens for preparing meals together and in-unit washers and dryers. We can also provide you with pack-n-plays and highchairs for families traveling with infants.

From one-bedroom condos to five-bedroom penthouse properties, we offer space for families of all sizes. Book with us online or contact our team to help you find the best accommodation for your family!

February 21, 2025February 21, 2025

Get Off the Beaten Path: Unique Things to Do in Aruba

visitor exploring caves, an unique things to do in Aruba

Aruba’s world-famous sandy beaches are a big draw for tourists. But there is much more to our island than just relaxing on the beach. We are also home to a rich history, diverse culture, a vibrant arts scene, and gorgeous landscapes. Get off the beaten path and discover several unique things to do in Aruba during your vacation. From the breathtaking caves of Arikok National Park to the vibrant murals lining the streets of San Nicolas, there is something for everyone to discover. Stay with Blue Aruba Rentals and enjoy an unparalleled guest experience from local experts who live and work in the area.

7 Unique Things to Do in Aruba

Making up nearly 20% of the island, Arikok National Park is home to several unique attractions and cultural heritage sites. Ask a ranger for a tour of Fontein Cave or Quadirikiri Cave and see rock drawings, stalagmites, and stalactites.
Also, in Arikok, you can visit the Historic Gold Mines and see the remnants of the island’s gold rush history.
If you are looking for scenic beaches away from the crowds, we recommend heading to Dos Playa Beach or Boca Prins within the National Park. The water can be quite rough here, so these beaches are best for relaxing and taking in Aruba’s natural beauty.
Spend a day in San Nicolas on the island’s southeast end and stroll the streets admiring the city’s murals. Make sure to stop for a drink at Charlie’s Bar while you’re here and support one of the island’s longest-running businesses.
One of the best ways to get off the beaten path is on a UTV vehicle. Sign up for a UTV adventure with De Palm Tours and see the best sightseeing spots on the island from the eyes of a local.
Near the California Lighthouse, the Sasarawichi Dunes are a unique place to explore on foot and take in views of Aruba’s varied landscapes.
Before cars, donkeys were the primary mode of transportation on the island. Today, many of these donkeys now reside at the Donkey Sanctuary, where you can visit, pet, cuddle, and hug one of their adorable donkeys.

Reserve Your Aruba Vacation Rental and Discover Unique Adventures

With Blue Aruba Rentals, you can rest assured that you are booking with a team with years of experience and expertise. Ask us for recommendations on more unique things to do in Aruba during your visit. With over 250 vacation rentals in Aruba, we have the perfect lodging for everyone’s needs. From downtown condos to rentals near the beach, we have you covered!

January 16, 2025January 16, 2025

Aruba Scuba Diving Guide

Person scuba diving at the wrecks in Aruba

Aruba is a world-class scuba diving destination, offering the ideal combination of warm, crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and breathtaking underwater landscapes. Whether you are an expert diver or are looking to try something new on vacation, our diving sites offer the perfect conditions for all skill levels and interests. Get your scuba diving certification on the island or sign up for a Discover Scuba Course and experience diving without completing a full certification. Reserve your stay with Blue Aruba Rentals and read on to learn more about scuba diving in the Caribbean:

What Do I Need for Scuba Diving in Aruba?

To go scuba diving in Aruba, you must complete a certification or sign up for a discovery dive with a local dive shop.

Discovery Dives

Discovery dives are the perfect option for beginners, allowing you to learn the basics of scuba diving without needing a full certification. These courses are led by certified diving instructors and cover important items like diving theory, how to use the equipment, how to move underwater, and safety rules. Once you have learned the basics, you will head into a pool or shallow water to practice your skills before diving into the open water:

Diving Certification

If you want to get your PADI Open Water Course certification, Aruba is a great place to do it! Once you complete the certification, you will be able to dive on your own at sites around the world:

Where to Dive in Aruba

Aruba is home to 17 incredible dive sites, including reefs, shipwrecks, and drift dives. Aruba is famous for its shipwreck dives like the Antilla Wreck, which is the largest in the Caribbean, or The Pedernales, where you can see sections of wreck between coral reef formations. Here are a few additional dive sites to check out:

Visit Aruba and Explore Our Underwater World

Scuba diving in Aruba is a one-of-a-kind experience, allowing you to explore coral reefs and shipwrecks while seeing incredible marine life. If you want to experience our underwater world without all the gear and certifications, consider snorkeling instead. However you want to spend your time, Blue Aruba Rentals offers the perfect basecamp for your adventures. Browse our Aruba vacation rentals and book your Caribbean vacation with us today!

December 31, 2024January 13, 2025

Aruban Food: Signature Dishes and Food to Try in Aruba

Pastechi, a popular Aruban food in Aruba for snacking

One of the best parts of traveling to Aruba is the cuisine. Our island offers a diverse selection of food influenced by our national history, geographic location, and natural resources. This blend of cultures converges at our local restaurants, where you can find a wide variety of fresh and delicious Aruban food inspired by our Indigenous, Dutch, and African roots. To get you acquainted with the local food scene, Blue Aruba Rentals has put together a list of popular traditional foods. From the national dish, Keshi Yena, to the popular snack Pastechi, here are five Aruban specialties you won’t want to miss:

Keshi Yena

No getaway to Aruba is complete without sampling our national dish–Keshi Yena, a stuffed ball of cheese filled with chicken, tomatoes, green olives, and spices.

Where to Get Keshi Yena: Taste my Aruba , The Old Cuncu House Aruba, West Deck, Gasparito Traditional Aruban Restaurant.

Patacon

Originating in Latin America, Patacon is a delicious sandwich made with two slices of fried green plantains and filled with shredded meat, cheese, and salsa.

Where to Get Patacon: Tia Rosa Snack, Don Jacinto

Dutch Pancakes

Dutch pancakes are from—well, you guessed it–the Netherlands. These thin pancakes resemble crepes and can be made sweet or savory.

Where to Get Dutch Pancakes: The Dutch Pancakehouse, Linda’s Dutch Pancakes, Diana’s Pancakes Place.

Pastechi

Pastechi is a popular Aruban snack made from deep-fried pastries filled with cheese, meat, vegetables, and seafood.

Where to Get Pastechi: The Pastechi House, Huchada Bakery, Bright Bakery

Stobas

Stobas is a traditional Aruban stew made by marinating chunks of beef, goat, or fish in a tomato-based sauce with veggies and spices. Pair your stew with some fresh Pan Bati– an Aruban flatbread made with corn and wheat flour.

Where to Get Stobas: Papiamento, The West Deck, Cocoplum

Discover More Aruba Dining Options Near Your Vacation Rental

Discover even more Aruban food during your getaway with Blue Aruba Rentals at the restaurants near our rental properties. Stay at our Harbour House properties and enjoy a meal of Peruvian cuisine at Lima Bistro, Indonesian cuisine at NUSA Restaurant, fresh seafood at SharQys, and fine dining at Ever Restaurant.

Stay at Blue Residences and experience fine dining at the award-winning Infini Restaurant. Or choose our Oceania Residences and easily access dozens of restaurants along Eagle Beach. No matter what you are craving, dozens of restaurants are available at your fingertips!

December 5, 2024December 5, 2024

Join the Celebration: Aruba Carnival Season

People dancing during a parade during Aruba Carnival season

Escape to the Caribbean this winter with Blue Aruba Rentals and celebrate Aruba’s rich culture during Carnival Season. What began as a small street festival has evolved into a two-month celebration of Aruban culture full of parades, costumes, music, and dance. Plan your trip during January and February and join the festivities of our island’s most anticipated events. From the Jouvert Morning Pajama Party in San Nicolas to the Grand Parade in downtown Oranjestad, there are endless Carnival events to complement your winter vacation in Aruba!

Brief History of Carnival

Carnival is not a Caribbean invention; similar festivals have been celebrated throughout history, dating back to ancient Rome. Over time, Carnival evolved into a major cultural event celebrated throughout the world. Since the 1950s, Aruba has adopted this traditional festival, incorporating African and Indigenous influences. Learn more a bout the history of Carnival in Aruba before your visit!

Signature Events

With two months of Carnival celebrations, there are dozens of events to add to your vacation itinerary. Check out the full 2025 schedule and read on to discover a few of the island’s top events:

Lighting Parade: Held in downtown Oranjestad, this is one of the most popular parades of the season, featuring thousands of tiny lights on costumes, road pieces, and floats.
Children’s Parade: The largest children’s parade of Carnival, held in downtown Oranjestad.
Jouvert Morning Pajama Party: Late-night revelers abound in San Nicolas for the annual street party that continues through sunrise!
Grand Carnival Parade: The carnival season ends with a Grand Parade, starting in San Nicolas and continuing into Oranjestad.
Grand Carnival Parade in Oranjestad: The biggest celebration of the season, featuring music, floats, costumes, and decorations.

Lodging for Aruba Carnival Season

Join the celebration and book your stay with Blue Aruba Rentals during the Aruba Carnival season. We offer luxury condo rentals at some of the best complexes on the island, near the Carnival celebrations in Oranjestad and Noord. From our Harbour House properties in downtown Aruba to our beachfront properties in Oceania, Blue, and Azure Beach Residences, we have lodging for everyone’s needs. Book with us today and experience the excitement of Carnival!

October 23, 2024October 23, 2024

Aruba Holiday Shopping Guide

Gift bags on the beach with a starfish: Aruba shopping

The holiday season is the perfect time to experience Aruba’s warm white sandy beaches, tropical charm, and festive events. It’s also the perfect opportunity to find gifts from your holiday shopping list. Attend one of our holiday markets in December and embrace the festive cheer while shopping from dozens of local vendors. Or head to one of our boutiques and support our community by purchasing locally made candles, art, jewelry, and souvenirs. Book your stay with Blue Aruba Rentals and find unique gifts for your loved ones in the Caribbean:

Holiday Markets

December is the most festive time of the year in Aruba. Visit one of our holiday markets and get in the Christmas spirit while shopping for unique gifts:

Shop for organic gifts in an open-air setting at the Cadushi Festival
Head to Aruba Made for the exclusive Christmas Shopping Nights in December, featuring arts, crafts, food, and drinks all made in Aruba!
Visit Hilton Caribbean Resort and find handmade gifts, souvenirs, arts, and crafts at their annual Christmas market.

Local Art Shopping

Purchase a piece of locally made Aruba art this holiday season from these shops:

Head to The Atelier for authentic Aruban paintings, jewelry, pottery, and candles from nine local artists.
Visit My Gallery Aruba at the Renaissance Marketplace and shop for handmade art from 13 local artists.
Visit The Mask, discover the ancient practices of Mopa Mopa art, and purchase a one-of-a-kind mask.

Souvenirs and Specialty Stores

Bring back a piece of Aruba for your loved ones at one of these souvenir shops:

Shop for locally grown and freshly processed aloe products at Royal Aruba Aloe Store.
Head to Coconuts and purchase clothing from Biba Dushi, a local brand sold exclusively at Coconuts, selling t-shirts, flip-flops, and caps.
Find exquisite jewelry during your stay and purchase sea glass jewelry inspired by the shores of Aruba at Gloria Filiciana.
If you are staying at Harbour House, we recommend checking out the shops on the boardwalk. Visit Bula Surfshop for beach and surfing gear and Tangerine Aruba for handcrafted canvas bags and accessories.
Find clothing from your favorite fashion brands and designers at Renaissance Mall in Oranjestad.

Book an Aruba Holiday Getaway Today

Book with Blue Aruba Rentals and stay near the island’s best shopping areas this holiday season. Find unique gifts and embrace the season’s splendor with Christmas festivals, lights, food, and live music. Find the perfect lodging for your stay with our collection of over 200 vacation rentals, ranging from studio condos to five-bedroom luxury villas. Enjoy all the comforts of home and take advantage of resort amenities like pools, tennis courts, fitness centers, and beach access. Book your Aruba holiday getaway today!