Recommend December 2011 - (Page 47)

ATVs, motorcycles and bikes Island explorers can also take the wheel themselves—or rather, the handlebars—by embarking on a tour of the island by all terrain vehicle, or ATV. After a quick introduction to operating the ATVs, guides lead groups through the streets of Aruba, then veer off of the paved roads into the sandy hills and trails. The experience of riding an ATV— bouncing over hills and dips in the road with the engine roaring—is an adventure in itself, and in a destination like this, it’s an unforgettable experience. Rancho Notorious offers ATV tours that last about 2.5 hours, with stops at the Alto Vista Chapel, old Gold Mill ruins and the former Natural Bridge. Visit http://www.aruba.com/thingstodo/activities /all_terrain_vehicles.aspx for more information about ATV riding in Aruba. First-timers to Aruba are often surprised at the number of motorcycles they see on the roads. In fact, Aruba is a hot destination for bikers, with plenty of opportunities to get around the island on two wheels. Harley Island Tours of Aruba offers 4-hour guided sightseeing tours stopping at the island’s biggest attractions, as well as independent rentals that let clients explore Aruba at their own pace. Visit http://www.harley davidson-aruba.com/aruba_island_tours.html to learn more. There’s plenty of biking of the non-motorized variety here, too. Cycle tours guide travelers across Aruba’s terrain on mountain bikes. With trails that are mostly ﬂat and kissed by gentle, cooling breezes, cycling across the island is an activity just about any client can enjoy. Some tour operators offer guided tours to major attractions for clients 8 years or older. Travelers who’d prefer to explore independently can rent a bike from an agency in Oranjestad and some hotels also provide guests with complimentary use of bikes. For more information, visit http://www. aruba.com/thingstodo/activities/cycle_tours.aspx. Aruba beaches Whether your clients are seeking action and adventure or rest and relaxation, there’s a beach in Aruba that can make that dream a reality. Rodger’s Beach is located in the Seroe Colorado area on the south side of the island. The waves here are tempered by an offshore reef, which means the waters are generally calm. Amenities include: showers, a small snack bar, and shaded areas. Baby Beach, located near Rodger’s Beach, is also protected by an offshore reef, this one man-made. It’s an ideal beach for small children, thanks to its smooth, shallow waters. A site for snorkeling sits in a nearby channel. Amenities include: picnic areas, rentals, refreshment stand and restrooms. Arashi Beach, located not far from the California Lighthouse, is accessible by car, taxi or a short walk from the last bus stop in Malmok. Great snorkeling with a some what rocky shoreline. Amenities include: palapas. Eagle Beach is where you’ll ﬁnd many of Aruba’s low-rise hotels. Clients here will ﬁnd plenty of opportunities for snorkeling and day sailing. In addition, amenities include picnic areas. Palm Beach, famous for its strip of high-end, high-rise hotels, is one of Aruba’s most visited sites. It features calm waters and a boardwalk. Amenities: available at the resorts. Hadicurari Beach, located just past the Marriott resort, is a haven for windsurfers and kitesurfers. Known for its winds and waves, this is the site of the annual Hi-Winds Pro Am Windsurﬁng competition. Amenities include shade huts and picnic tables. Druif Beach embodies the best of both worlds: a serene, curving stretch of sand that’s just a short distance from the action in Oranjestad. The low-rise resorts here attract a laidback crowd. Amenities: available at the resorts. december 2011 A13 Horseback riding With topography that resembles the wild west, it shouldn’t be a surprise that Aruba is home to plenty of ranches offering horseback tours of the island. Rancho Notorious offers scheduled tours on three different trails, while others like Rancho Daimari and the Gold Mine Ranch offer trips through the countryside or to the Natural Pool. Arikok National Park is a popular destination for horseback riding as well. Visit http:// www.aruba.com/thingstodo/activities/horseback_riding.aspx to learn more. Golfing Aruba’s naturally occurring landscape is a thing of beauty, but so are the manicured lawns of Tierra del Sol, the Robert Trent Jones IIdesigned,18-hole championship golf course located between ﬁve and 10 minutes from all of the island’s major resorts. Here, golfers have access to a full-length practice range, putting green, chipping areas and a clubhouse with pro shop, restaurant and swimming pool. Visit http://www.tierradelsol.com for more information. Golfers can also take advantage of The Links at Divi Aruba, a 9-hole course with ocean views, including a full six holes played over water or along lagoons. The Divi is also home to the Johnson & Wales Golf and Tennis Learning Center, offering sessions for golfers who’d like to improve their game with video golf swing analysis and lessons from experts trained at Johnson & Wales Golf Academy in Miami, FL. Visit http://www.diviaruba. com/packages/golf/index.php for more information. http://www.aruba.com/thingstodo/activities/all_terrain_vehicles.aspx http://www.harleydavidson-aruba.com/aruba_island_tours.htm http://www.davidson-aruba.com/aruba_island_tours.html http://www http://www.aruba.com/thingstodo/activities/cycle_tours.aspx http://http:// http://www.aruba.com/thingstodo/activities/horseback_riding.aspx http://www.tierradelsol.com http://www.diviaruba.com/packages/golf/index.php

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend December 2011

Sabre Travel Network
Rail Europe & Hertz Rental Car
Southwest Airlines & Delta Air Lines
Florida
Hawaii
France & Italy
Tahiti
Thailand
China
Cancun
Riviera Maya
Costa Rica
Jamaica
Aruba Certified Expert Specialist Program
Saint Lucia
South Africa
Israel
Isram
Abercrombie & Kent
Globus
Goway Travel
Travel Impressions
Avanti Destinations
GOGO Worldwide Vacations
Apple Vacations
Tauck
Marriott International
Starwood Hotels & Resorts
Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts
Sandals & Beaches Resorts
AMResorts
Best Western International
Cruising to the Top

Recommend December 2011