SUMMER 2024 • AMAZINGTRAVELMAG.CO.UK Classic and contemporary collide in Porto The must-visit regions of awe-inspiring Iceland A Caribbean paradise waiting to be explored ARUBA Fire and ice Rising star London's finest Make the most of the capital this Summer Plus! • BEST OF BRITAIN: WALES • DAY AND NIGHT SUMMER IN EUROPE • AIRPORT LOUNGES • SEASIDE TOWNS
Amazing Destinations 5 Editor & Publisher: Martin Mason Assitant Editor: Holly Cannon Feature Writers: James Glover, Dan Conan, Rose White Sub Editors: Jess Hawkins, Lucy Garron Social Editor: Julie Paice Editorial Planning: Sophie Bailey Primary photography: Antelope Media Solutions Photo license: Getty Images, iStockphoto, AdobeStock Head of Design: Dave Allworthy Commercial Director: Matt Millbank Amazing Destinations is published by Mason Media Agency. 19 Antelope Avenue, Grays, Essex, RM16 6QT [email protected] www.amazingtravelmag.co.uk ISSN: Amazing Destinations 1461-3261 Amazing Destinations is published by Mason Media Agency. 19 Antelope Avenue, Grays, Essex, RM16 6QT Published quarterly. All rights reserved. Reproduction inwhole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited. All prices correct at the time of going to press but subject to change. The mail-order protection scheme does not cover items featured editorially. The paper used for this publication is based on renewable wood fibre. The wood these fibres are derived from is sourced from sustainably managed forests and controlled sources. The producing mills are EMAS registered and operate according to highest environmental and health and safety standards. The printed version of this magazine is fully recyclable. 9 12 26 42 64 84 98 104 EDITORS NOTE SUMMER IN EUROPE BEST OF BRITISH ARUBA LONDON'S FINEST ICELAND SEASIDE TOWNS PORTO LOUNGING AROUND DAY & NIGHT 112 42 SUMMER 2024 Contents 116
Amazing Destinations 9 Editor's note As I write, we are experiencing that great transition from spring to summer, and it's one that Brits can't help but find amusing. Indeed, this is a weird time of year, say the climatologists and meteorologists, as a nation agonises over how to dress for the weather. For me, it's always most noticeable first thing in the morning. As I pass people on the pavement, everyone seems to be dressed for a completely different season, some in T-shirts and shorts, others in down jackets and balaclavas. At this point in the soggy, chilly spring of 2024, many of us would do anything to feel remotely summerlike. But if it has felt unseasonably cold all spring, dominating conversations and wreaking havoc with your planned transition to a summer wardrobe, how about this puzzle: according to the Central England Temperature, April was actually warmer than the UK average. Whatever the statistics, for many the only constant this spring has been cloud, drizzle and a distinct lack of sunshine. As TS Eliot famously said, April is the cruelest month. But this summer edition is about celebrating travel in all its forms. It's about adventure (Porto, page 104), relaxation and well-being. It gives you a taste of the great outdoors (Iceland, page 84), new destinations (Aruba, page 42), local experiences (Seaside towns, page 98) and a look at some exciting and remarkable places (Summer in Europe, page 12) - all chosen for those who are inspired by unique experiences, whatever the time of year and whatever the weather. Here at Amazing Destinations, being in love with summer has always been about the aspirational, taking our readers to places both real and imagined. As we celebrate the season, we want to create memorable moments that make these months even more enchanting. Wherever your adventures take you this season, near or far, I wish you a summer to remember. To receive a free digital edition of Amazing Destinations, email your name, address and email to: [email protected] amazingtravelmag.co.uk amazingdestinationsmag Martin Mason Editor
EUROPE inin The 12 destinations you must visit! SUMMER Capri
Amazing Destinations 13 Forget the typical European towns like Berlin and Madrid this summer. Instead, treat yourself to a trip to some of the most glamorous destinations Europe has to offer, and vacation like a celebrity in hotspots like St. Tropez and Monaco. What are you waiting for? By Martin Mason
Europeans are gearing up for their beloved summer vacation season, and post pandemic data from the European Travel Commission shows that they’re prioritising a new trip-planning criterion: A lack of crowds. After pleasant weather and attractive deals, the report finds, Europeans say the next most important criteria for choosing a destination on their continent is that it “is not crowded.” That’s a bump from fourth to third place since the commission’s survey introduced the question “What criteria will play the most important role in choosing your next destination?”. We’re not sure if that’s top of your holiday wish list but if you're searching for inspiration for a glamourous summer break in Europe, we've got some suggestions. We’ve put together a list of our top destinations for a sunny getaway, in spots that are perfect whether you’re planning an early escape or a last-minute break. From Spain to Santorini, you can pick a culture-crammed city or stretch out on a sun-splashed beach for a week and enjoy that out-of-office feeling. Capri, Italy Forget the hustle and bustle of Rome and go to this picturesque Italian island instead — a favorite destination of Jackie Kennedy Onassis. Located on the stunning Bay of Naples and only accessible by ferry (or private yacht or helicopter), Capri isn't known as a celebrity vacation hotspot for nothing. If you really want a taste of luxury, stay at the 5-star Capri Tiberio Palace Hotel and book the Bellevue Suite, where you can clink glasses of Champagne on your private terrace overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. If you're looking for fine dining, enjoy a plate of lemon ravioli at Da Paolino, which is known as the "restaurant to the stars. ". Monaco, France You may have heard of this glamorous spot thanks to the prestigious annual Grand Prix motor race, MonteCarlo, that it's home to, but Monaco oozes splendor year-round. Although Monaco is the second smallest country in the world, it makes up for its size in grandeur, as it attracts high rollers and is almost comically filled with yachts and luxury cars. Located on the dreamy French Riviera, you can take a cruise across the Mediterranean coastline on a yacht, or stay on land to test your luck at one of the city's upscale casinos, such as the famous Casino of Monte-Carlo." Amazing Destinations 16
Amazing Destinations 15 Monaco
Amazing Destinations 18 Mykonos
Amazing Destinations 19 Lyon Sven Stefan, Montenegro This super tiny but stunning island on the Adriatic coast has been a well-known vacation destination for celebrities and royalty alike, and was a hotspot in the sixties Famous guests include Marilyn Monroe, Sophia Loren, and Claudia Schiffer. Once a quiet fishing village, the whole island was bought and turned into a 5-star luxury hotel, and is now more glamorous than ever, attracting both Hollywood starlets and European royalty. Mykonos, Greece If you go to Greece, skip the overcrowded streets of Athens and instead dive into an infinity pool overlooking the Aegean Sea at the luxurious Bill & Coo Suites and Lounge on the Greek island of Mykonos. The clean, white buildings topped with blue roofs look like something right out of a postcard. For a truly glamorous experience, explore the other islands from a private sail yacht or dance the night away at Cavo Paradiso Club, a world-class nightclub known for hosting the biggest international DJs on the scene. St. Tropez, France On the glamorous French Riviera, St. Tropez is especially popular among celebrity couples, as Victoria and David Beckham, Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Neil Patrick Harris and his partner David Burtka, and Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt (presplit) have all vacationed there. Should you visit, check out the area's most famous beach, Plage de Pampelonne, which is known for its exclusive private clubs, such as the secluded Club 55, and miles upon miles of white sand. EUROPE
Amazing Destinations 18 Lake Como
Amazing Destinations 21 EUROPE Lyon Lake Como, Italy Located in northern Italy's Lombardy region, this upscale destination is known for its famous waterfront villas . George Clooney, Sting, Madonna, Donatella Versace and Sir Richard Branson all own or have owned villas here. Get a slightly less permanent taste of luxury at Villa Carlotta, a villa that has been turned into an art museum and botanical garden. And if you really want to splurge, stay at the CastaDiva Resort & SPA, a 5-star hotel right on the lake. Cong, Ireland Sometimes everyone needs to feel like royalty — and that's exactly what you get in Cong, Ireland. Get the full experience by staying at Ashford Castle, an actual Medieval castle formerly owned by the Guinness family (known for their beer), that has now been transformed into a 5-star hotel. A regular host to royalty, dignitaries, and celebs, it was even recently voted one of the best hotels in the world for celebrity sightings. The hotel features a cigar terrace, a mini cinema, horseback riding and lake tours, as well as an award-winning spa. Ibiza, Spain This Spanish island is known for a lot more than Mike Posner's hit song "I took a pill in Ibiza" gives it credit for. Of course, that's not to say that partying like a rock star isn't on the itinerary at one of the island's many famous clubs, such as Ushuaia Ibiza Beach Club (Playa d'en Bossa), but the town is also a great place to eat well, shop high end designers, and spoil yourself rotten (famous fans include Kate Moss, P. Diddy, and Paris Hilton).
Amazing Destinations 18 Dubrovnik
Amazing Destinations 25 Lyon Madeira, Portugal If you're a wine lover, you've probably heard of this picturesque island off the coast of Portugal from its world-renowned namesake, "Madeira wine." When you're not sipping on excellent vino or taking a dip in the clear Atlantic Ocean, go for a casual stroll through one of the island's many botanical gardens, such as the succulent-rich Madeira Botanical Garden, or look down from above the clouds at Pico do Arieiro, Madiera's third-largest peak. Dubrovnik, Croatia Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Prince Edward, Tom Cruise, and Bill Gates are only among a few of the big names that have vacationed on this prestigious city in southern Croatia. Sip on the region's famous wines, take a boat ride to one of the local oyster farms and eat fresh oysters straight from the Adriatic Sea, or laze around the famous beaches surrounding it. The city is so charming it doubled for King’s Landing in HBO’s fantasy series "Game of Thrones." Zurich, Switzerland Zurich has repeatedly been named the most expensive city in the world, with a typical date night coming in at about £200. But, if you have the money to spare, it's worth every penny. Spend the day shopping on Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world's most expensive and exclusive shopping areas or go swimming with the swans on the crystal clear Lake Zurich, while surrounded by stunning views of the Swiss Alps. EUROPE
When it comes to the perfect summer escape, you can’t really do better than Wales. It’s not too big (it takes less than five hours to drive from north to south), it blends mountains and coastline as well as villages and cities and with 600 castles, three national parks, four UNESCO Heritage Sites, and five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you'll never be short of things to see and do. Wales is also blessed with some incredibly beautiful scenery. Who could resist somewhere as evocativesounding as ‘Waterfall Country’, for example – a part of mid-Wales on the southwest edge of Brecon Beacons National Park where epic waterfalls abound? Or the Gower Peninsula, with its dramatic cliffs, sheltered coves and stunning beaches, such as Rhossili Bay. While if it’s mountains you crave, check out the magnificent Eryri, or Snowdonia. And then there's the alluring Wye Valley, one of the UK’s finest riverside landscapes that's known to have inspired many writers and artists, including Wordsworth, Turner and Coleridge. While at Holy Island, the most westerly point on Anglesey, you’ll find puffins and other seabirds galore. Whether you plan to get active in the great outdoors, or just sight-see and eat your way around the country, we’ve chosen the best luxury hotels in north, south and west Wales so you can enjoy your mini-break in style. Read on for our Best of British picks of the best places to stay in Wales. By Martin Mason BEST OF Amazing Destinations 26
Amazing Destinations 11 BRITISH Wales Harlech Castle
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT - WWW.PALEHALL.CO.UK
P alé Hall is a luxurious country house hotel with an array of period features and first-rate service, making it one of the best hotels we've visited in Wales. The hotel is located in a fantastically remote setting in the Dee Valley, with a lovely woodland garden and the spectacular Snowdonia National Park, which offers a variety of walks, right on its doorstep. PALE HALL HOTEL GWYNEDD, WALES Our verdict Queen Victoria and Winston Churchill both visited this magnificent Victorian home on the outskirts of Snowdonia National Park. Palé Hall provides all you could expect from a luxury hotel. History, charm, sophistication, and grandeur. Add impeccable service and elegant fine-dining to the mix, and you may well have located the ideal country hideaway. This 50-acre estate is nestled in the beautiful countryside of rural North Wales, not to mention the world-renowned 823-square-mile Snowdonia National Park, making it a one-of-a-kind country retreat with unspoiled coasts, lakes, waterfalls, and limitless activities. Palé Hall does not have a reception, so arriving feels more like entering a stately mansion than a hotel, with porters greeting you by name and attending to your every need. Architect Samuel Pountney Smith designed the house for railway engineer Henry Robertson between 1868 and 1871. Anthony and Donna Barney, the new owners, have been keen to maintain the property with elegance, personality, grandeur, and affection, continuing to create a setting that demands you slow down and unwind. Staff are knowledgeable, eager, and obviously pleased to work here. Rooms The hotel offers 18 rooms, and no two are alike. We stayed in the superbly situated Caernarfon suite, which had breathtaking views of the hotel grounds and surrounding landscape. The décor has a timeless elegance, and a beautiful Welsh bottle of mead awaits you on the vanity table, while the TV is hidden behind a framed mirror. The bed was huge and super comfortable, and the spacious bathroom featured a glorious walk-in shower. There is fast wifi throughout the hotel, although I very much doubt you'll need it. Food & Drink The Henry Robertson's Dining Room is lavish, exactly like the rest of the hotel. While the dress code is smart casual, it feels like a place worth dressing up for dinner. There were three different meal options available. The Classics include a short a la carte menu, a six-course tasting menu, and the iconic ten-course tasting menu, which we tried. Head Chef Sam Griffiths, who recently joined Palé Hall was Welsh Chef of the Year in 2021 and over sees well-cooked dishes with exceptional local ingredients such as lamb, beef, venison, game, seafood, and cheese. Everything we had was beautifully presented and delicious, with perfect wine pairings and impeccable service.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT -WWW.TWRYFELINHOTEL .COM
T wr y Felin Hotel is the first contemporary art hotel in Wales, housed in a historic windmill. Located in Britain's smallest city, St. Davids in Pembrokeshire, this painstakingly restored hotel offers 39 luxury rooms and is perfect for your visit to West Wales. TWR Y FELIN HOTEL ST DAVIDS, WALES Our verdict A wonderful hotel overlooking the Pembrokeshire coast. The hotel's style is elegant and contemporary, with a restored 19th-century windmill as its backdrop. Local and international modern art surrounds this lovely retreat, which is conveniently located between the cathedral-topped St. Davids and the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. The windmill at Twr y Felin was built in 1806 and served as a GCHQ U-boat lookout during World War II. A five-minute stroll will take you to the city centre, and in less than 15 minutes, you will be in St. Davids breathtaking mediaeval cathedral. For centuries, it has drawn dedicated pilgrims seeking the shrine of the patron saint of Wales, who established a monastery here in the sixth century. The vaulted Oriel Lounge on the approach to the bedrooms features a Baby Grand Piano and a gallery-like atmosphere with over 250 pieces of specially commissioned art, many of which are inspired by Pembrokeshire. In addition to the main restaurant, the Cornel Bar serves beers and cocktails. Rooms Most of the contemporary rooms provide views of the Pembrokeshire landscape, the beach, and the city of St. Davids. Our spacious accommodation had a large, incredibly comfortable hypoallergenic bed and a modern bathroom with a separate bath and shower. All modern amenities were present, including a large flat-screen television, luxurious towels, slippers, high-quality toiletries, a coffee maker, and a mini fridge. Food & Drink 'Blas' means 'taste' in Welsh, so it's fitting that it's the name of Twr y Felin Hotel's three AA Rosette-winning restaurant. You'll be dining alongside artworks of Welsh legends such as Anthony Hopkins, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Richard Burton as you enjoy dishes based on seasonality and using local Welsh produce. Everything we ate was expertly prepared and delicious, with the standouts being a Solva Crab starter with radish, sea lettuce, and dill, and, of course, Welsh Lamb with beetroot, goats cheese, and wild garlic.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT - WWW.ROCHCASTLE.COM
R och Castle is a luxury guest accommodation that has existed for over 800 years. The six-bedroom property is located on a rocky outcrop with 360-degree views of the surrounding land and sea. The rooms have been rebuilt to the finest standards, blending modern luxury with mediaeval beauty Our verdict Pembrokeshire's Roch Castle, perched atop a stone mound and overlooking St Bride's Bay and the Preseli Hills, is a stunning 12th-century fortification on the outside and a fivestar bed and breakfast within. This beautifully renovated Norman hotel boasts spectacular sea and land views, designer decor, and is a one-of-a-kind and exciting location to stay. ROCH CASTLE PEMBROKESHIRE, WALES Located just over seven miles from Haverfordwest in South Wales, it's a two-hour drive from Cardiff and slightly less from Swansea. The coast is five minutes' drive away at Newgale, a huge beach that’s popular with surfers. First built in the 12th century by a knight, it was established as a Norman fortress and was, up until relatively recently, left in ruins. It's now been beautifully restored as a luxury guest accommodation with the original mediaeval characteristics of the building left in tact. The interior has been given a tasteful, contemporary look that highlights the ancient stone that forms this towering structure. The Court Room is a large living room-type area that leads to the terrace sun room with its floor-to-ceiling glass walls. This is where guests can relax in deep armchairs surrounded by unique artwork, much of which was commissioned for the property by local artists. Rooms The six rooms are minimalist, with neutral colour schemes and fabulous views. All luxury mod-cons are included: flat-screen TV, WiFi, tea and coffee makers, plush bathrooms, quality toiletries, and the requisite bathrobes and slippers. Food & Drink Roch Castle does not have a restaurant; however, there are other options nearby, including sister hotel Twr y Felin Hotel's Blas Restaurant, which is only a 15-minute drive away. You won't want to miss the cooked breakfast which is served at the castle, it really is exceptional, and that’s saying something when you’ve eaten as many as we have. The ‘Full Welsh’ makes use of the best local ingredients, including large organic sausages and creamy black pudding. Amazing Destinations 35
Amazing Destinations 118 110 FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT - WWW.ANGELABERGAVENNY.COM
This charming hotel stands proudly in the historic Monmouthshire market town of Abergavenny, on the edge of the Brecon Beacons. Established in 1829, The Angel Hotel was originally a coaching inn. Now, it is one of the finest small hotels in the area. THE ANGEL HOTEL ABERGAVENNY, WALES Abergavenny is billed as the gateway to Wales – it’s only a few miles from the English/Welsh border, and you can reach it from London in just over three hours. Abergavenny Castle and Museum are both nearby, and there are several gardens and walking tracks in the area. Throughout the hotel, the contemporary decor blends with the Georgian interior. Guests can relax in the lounge’s seating areas with luxurious, comfortable sofas and chairs. The hallways are painted in soft calming tones with elegant mirrors and subtle lighting, it’s a real delight. Rooms The rooms combine contemporary style with a blend of country warmth, featuring plaids and florals and a calming palette of soft greys. The hotel is arranged around a central courtyard and has 34 rooms spread out over three floors. Our deluxe room featured a large, super comfortable bed with large soft pillows, a lounge area with a coffee table, sofa, armchairs and a smart TV. There’s also a desk and tea and coffee facilities. Food & drink The Foxhunter Bar is cosy with its wooden tables, big armchairs and working fireplace, you immediately feel welcome and relaxed. Beyond this is The Oak Room which is used for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A stunning space with lofty ceilings, it was a wonderful place to enjoy a meal. We started with fresh bread from The Angel Bakery (located opposite) then chose from a varied and seasonal menu. Starters and mains were well executed with the locally sourced dry-aged Welsh beef ribeye the highlight. Service throughout our stay was excellent and if you have time for afternoon tea, which is served in the Wedgewood Room, the Angel is famous for miles around and regularly gets mentioned in ‘best afternoon tea in Britain’ roundups. Our verdict A former Georgian coaching inn with the wild and wonderful Welsh countryside on its doorstep. The Angel Hotel makes a great base for a wellness retreat with a difference. Be sure to visit the Angel Bakery opposite, it's like a magic shop full of treats. If you are planning to do some walking during your trip, it's a great place to stock up on goodies. Amazing Destinations 37
Amazing Destinations 120 110 FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT - WWW.THEWALNUTTREEINN.COM
N estled beside the Brecon Beacons, the Michelin-starred Walnut Tree Inn near Abergavenny is one of the most famous restaurants in Wales – a food-lover’s destination since the early 1960s. Martin Mason went to discover a restaurant famed for letting the ingredients do the talking. THE WALNUT TREE ABERGAVENNY, WALES Situated on the outskirts of Wales’s foodie town, the Walnut Tree has a long history as a culinary destination in Wales. One of the elder statesmen and big personalities of British cooking, Head Chef and Owner Shaun Hill, has been cooking in some of Britain’s best-known kitchens for a staggering 43 years. Hill is often referred to as ‘a chef’s chef’ and it’s not hard to see why. His menu is a regularly changing celebration, essentially, of the type of food he wants to eat himself. He has succeeded in putting the restaurant back on the culinary map with a rustic style of food that involves bold flavours and using local Welsh produce, some of which is grown in the restaurant’s own garden space that you can walk through when entering the restaurant. The building itself dates from Victorian times and the atmosphere is unpretentious with wooden floors and tables creating a cosy backdrop to the down-to-earth dishes. It buzzes with conversation instead of the occasional hushed whisper. And the serving team are warm and knowledgeable. An ever-changing menu includes local produce with saddleback pork, shoulder of lamb and fillet of beef all well represented. Starters might be lobster or pigeon and finely balanced fish dishes stand out amongst the mains, with my perfectly cooked John Dory being the highlight. Desserts are indulgent, think Cherry tart and gooseberry crème Brulee. The whole menu reflects an easy approach to food – it’s clear this is a place to enjoy rather than revere. Our verdict Photo credit: David Charbitt A visit to the Walnut Tree is more like entering your favourite country local than a feted Michelin star eatery. It is surprisingly unpretentious and all about the food. Our meal was a delight and virtually faultless. The Walnut Tree is a shining example of how to deliver informal but truly outstanding dining. Amazing Destinations 39
ARUBA Aruba, the Caribbean Island, is known as 'One Happy Island' for a reason: it's always sunny, lively, and perpetually cheery. Just 15 miles north of Venezuela, with warm seas, picturesque beaches, and days that are always long, hot, and glorious, it's the ideal place to flop onto the sand with a good book, but it's also a culturally rich destination with plenty to do, whether you're artistic, energetic, looking for zen, or simply a foodie. By Martin Mason A Caribbean paradise waiting to be explored Amazing Destinations 42
Aruba's Fofoti Trees Amazing Destinations 43
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Snorkelling with turtles Amazing Destinations 45 ARUBA Aruba, located in the southern Caribbean Sea close off the coast of South America, is the most popular of the ABC islands (together with Curacao and Bonaire). It may not be a stereotypical tropical paradise—it has an arid desert-like landscape that is wonderful to explore, but its combination of predictable year-round weather (located outside the hurricane zone), friendly people, and a wide range of resort options has made it one of the Caribbean's most popular destinations. Although the island is only 21 miles long, there are plenty of activities to do while visiting this Dutch Caribbean republic. Whether you choose leisure and relaxation or exploration and action, Aruba has something for everyone. Imagine a place where the sun always shines, the palms provide shade, and the beaches are as pristine as they are serene. That place is Aruba, one of the Lesser Antilles islands which extend in an arc from Puerto Rico to the north-eastern coast of South America. This is a tranquil destination typically ideal for tourists looking for an exotic getaway. Its hot and humid due to its location near the equator and the temperature usually rarely drops below 78 degrees Fahrenheit, with refreshing trade winds always blowing. Aruba is relatively unaffected by its geographical placement because the mountains that surround it protect it from all but the easterly trade winds. Its thse winds which discourage large waves from hitting the coast and keep the water relatively calm. Aruba is widely regarded for its beautiful beaches which are undoubtedly amongst the very best we have visited in the caribbean. North of the popular Palm Beach you will find Tres Trapi (see the front cover), an incredible snorkeling and scuba diving spot. If you want to see turtles this is the place to be because it’s the top snorkeling spot in Aruba. Tres Trapi is situated between Boca Catalina and Malmok Beach. To get into the water, you’ll need to descend a well-carved staircase in the rock formation that leads straight to the ocean, hence “Tres Trapi” means the “Three Steps needed to take the plunge. Here you can encounter a variety of beautiful tropical fish, moray eels, and if you're lucky, those amazing sea turtles. Palm Beach
Cities & regions Aruba was formerly a part of the Netherlands Antilles. In 1986 it became a separate self-governing part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Part of The “ABC Islands”—Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao the eastern part of the island is where the capital is located, the colourful and buzzing town of Oranjestad dating back to 1798. There is an abudance of scenic beauty to experience from the calm sandy stretches of the west coast to the towering boca bays to the north. Climb the windswept steps to reach the peak of Hooiberg hill, Aruba’s iconic mountaintop forged by ancient volcanoes. The second-largest city is San Nicolas, which is located in the southern part of the island. Thi is the port city and has some of the best restaurants in the country as well as a thriving art scene. Culture Aruba has a culture that makes it stand out from the rest of the Caribbean. A mixture of American, African, and European influences has led to a distinctive hybridized culture. The official languages are Papiamento and Dutch. However, most Arubans speak at least four languages. English and Spanish are usually the other two languages spoken by the natives. Papiamento is a language derived from French, Portuguese, English, Spanish, African, and Dutch dialects. The culture is naturally influenced by its Dutch heritage, which can be seen in the island’s landscapes and architecture. Known for its friendly atmosphere and diversity, depending on when you visit the island, various festivals are held each year and often in honour of Aruban history mixed with modern influences. Music, dancing, traditional foods, and plenty of entertainment rituals exist all over the island. Food The diverse cuisine offers visitors a wide variety of food choices. You can sample Latin-American, Creole, Chinese, and Indian cuisine. Two of the more popular dishes are stewed chicken and black beans and these are a staple in many households and local eateries. The majority of restaurants offer Caribbean dishes in addition to typical American fare. Shopping Shopping ranges from the usual souvenirs to luxury goods aimed at an american audience. The locally made items offer the most interest and value including pottery, driftwood signs and seaglass jewellery. Be sure to pick up a bottle of the Hot Delight Papaya sauce, a fiery mix of the Madam Jeanette pepper and locally grown green papayas. Aruba is also the only island in the Caribbean where hand-rolled cigars, called “puros,” are made. The cigars are made from tobacco leaves planted in the fertile sandy soil are supposedly one of the finest in the world. When to go December to March is considered the peak tourist season, both among holidaymakers and those who stay on-island. During these months, expect it to be busier due to american cruise line visitors. Aruba boasts a tropical climate throughout the year and daytime temperatures average around 88 degrees, but increase during the summer months of June, July and August. Heat waves with higher temperatures can crop up, even well into October. The humidity is high, but tropical trade winds make the temperatures tolerable The dry season in Aruba extends from January to August, making it one of the most popular times to visit. ARUBA Amazing Destinations 48
Oranjestad Amazing Destinations 49