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Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
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Thank you.
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Tell me about Aruba
My parents are looking into taking us to Aruba the week before Christmas, and have found a house they like on Homeaway that is located in the Oceania Resort on Eagle Beach. Have you been there? Likes/dislikes? Talk to me 
TIA!
Re: Tell me about Aruba
We went to Aruba for our honeymoon and had a great time! The weather was gorgeous, the people were friendly, and we really liked our hotel (the Occidental Grand).
We took the public bus into the city, and felt very safe.
We also did a 1/2 day Jeep tour with De Palm Tours, that was awesome! We were part of a six Jeep convoy, and each Jeep carried six people (and those who could drive stick got a change to drive). It was a great way to see parts of the island that we would not have seen otherwise.
Have fun!
Eagle Beach is the best beach and is really close to Oranjestad as well as two well-stocked grocery stores. It is less "touristy" than the High-Rise area which is where the all-inclusive resorts are.
I've been there twice, the first time we stayed at Amsterdam Manor (hotel) and a few weeks ago we rented a condo in La Quinta - both on Eagle Beach.
There are some amazing restaurants: Flying Fishbone, Screaming Eagle, Madame Jeanette's, Que Pasa.. also recommended is Hostaria da Vittorio (Italian) and Smokey Joe's (for ribs, not really for atmosphere, but great for families/kids)
Check sunset time online and book (in advance of your arrival) at Flying Fishbone to be seated about an hour before sunset - I promise you will not regret this, although it is a bit of a drive from Eagle Beach (30-40 minutes).
We did a snorkeling excursion with Jolly Pirates; it's a bit cheesy but the crew are so nice and you get to see three good snorkeling sites (the snorkeling on Eagle Beach is non-existent, nothing to see). It is a "party" cruise so be aware that there is drinking and carrying on. I did both, lol.
You'll need to rent a car if you have to stock a condo with food and it makes it easier and cheaper to get around than taking taxis everywhere. There are jeep tours and four wheeler tours of the island, there is a brewery tour (Balashi), a butterfly sanctuary, and an aloe factory, among other things to visit. You can go horseback riding.
It's a very "easy" island, easy to navigate, easy to communicate, ideal if you want to spend your days doing a lot of nothing on a beautiful beach but with activities if you're interested.
Yeah that's right my name's Yauch!
I've been to Aruba twice and we stayed on Palm Beach both times. We went because my in-laws have a timeshare and it was a free trip for us. The beach is nice enough, but IMO the island does not have a lot of character. I felt like I could have been on any Caribbean island. Or in Florida, even, since there is a Pizza Hut and a Taco Bell. If you're looking for a lot of culture, I would not recommend Aruba.
If you do go, ditto what the pp said about taking a Jeep tour.
I went to Aruba for our honeymoon. I loved it but it really is a simple island. Which isn't necessarily bad thing.
Pros: Somewhat cheap to eat. Has a some large grocery stores if you are thinking of going the cheap route. Though really the food wasn't terrible expensive. NOT LIKE Hawaii!
You can't really get lost. You can travel the entire island in a hour or less.
The are several places to see. The snorkeling is AMAZING on Baby beach. Better than Kauai.
Loved the people. Everyone was kind. We stopped in ever little city. Loved the local food.
Cons: It's a desert. Plane and simple. Not many tropical trees. No rain forest or good hiking lots and lots of cactus.
I will be going back but perhaps for our 10 or 15 year anniversary.
this is exactly why i love Aruba! I like to park my butt under a hut for 7 days and read 7 books. No "pressure" to go see some amazing historical site or do some tour. Truly relaxing. Aruba is an Americanized tropical desert with amazing food. Also try Yemenja (downtown) - great steakhouse. And I am happy to have Dunkin Donuts every morning for breakfast
Excursion-wise, we've done the Jolly Roger boat, we've parasailed, Kuukuukanku party bus (do not recommend), Delphi sunset cruise, Radisson Spa (very nice!), lots of casino hopping.