What makes Aruba so dreamy, according to a travel expert?

“Good morning!” Luella Brezovar says in greeting, which means “Good day!” In Papiamento, the native language of Aruba. Brezovar grew up in Aruba before embarking on a career in international hospitality (now at the stunning 34^Th year) finally brought her back to her native land. She joined The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba group seven years ago as the general manager of the casino, to quickly get a promotion to become the manager of the hotel, work with a style worthy of her resort.

More than half of Aruba’s visitors are repeat visitors, and she knows why. This 21-mile-long island, one of four countries that make up the Kingdom of the Netherlands, is nothing short of a great vacation spot.

“We have year-round, reliable weather between 74 and 84 degrees, an ever-favorable trade wind, and unbeatable conditions, including the fact that we’re outside the Caribbean ‘hurricane zone,'” Brezovar says. “There are more flights to Aruba than any other Caribbean island, and US or local currency will work for payment.”

Smile on “a happy island”.

“We are all friendly and welcoming by nature, we are on an island called ‘One Happy Island,'” says Brezovar. “Need roadside assistance? Someone will stop. Plus, the caring and caring ‘Ladies and Gentlemen’ of The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba simply cannot do enough to ensure this is one of the most memorable and exclusive stays of your life.”

The island’s only luxury resort has 320 rooms, each with an oversized private balcony. The hotel offers a club-level lounge, two swimming pools, a 15,000-square-foot spa, a fitness center and a 15,000-square-foot casino that — defying expectations — is what Brezovar describes as “subtle yet classy.” Seven “ever relevant” world-class food and beverage venues offer something for every gourmet’s sophisticated palate, she says.

Experience the richness of Aruba on your way

“Everybody wants something different when it comes to paradise,” says Brezovar. You can explore the island’s Dutch, Spanish, French and English influences with these tips and advice shared with AFAR while maximizing time at the hotel and off-property. Additionally, the hotel’s trained concierge can handle any arrangement for you. If you don’t rent a car at the airport, you can have it delivered to a hotel to get further afield.

Outdoor and active recreation for all

Wake up at the “end” of this secluded strip, quiet and devoid of foot traffic, to the gentle sound of waves lapping at Palm Beach. Whether you’re looking to explore the nearby ocean, or just want to get out on the island, Brezovar has a long list of things to explore and do. On a family trip? The kids can stay with recreation counselors for a vigorous activity schedule, or enjoy bonding in a group experience.

Keep things simple with a swim in the hotel’s two pools or in the ocean on your doorstep. Jump on a paddleboard or into a pedal boat. Other water adventures on offer include windsurfing, kitesurfing or hobby cat boats to experience the thrill of gliding across the glassy Caribbean waters. Go deeper in the water with Snorkeling or do a SNUBA® outing that combines snorkeling and scuba. Not too far, you can happily kayak in the shallow mangrove lagoons. “Anything like that is wonderful,” she advises.

Partner for hotel beach volleyball on a small sand court. Golfers can drive the Tierra del Sol course in less than 10 minutes. On the “other side” of the island, head to the vast Arikok National Park, 11 miles to the southeast, for an opportunity to see a variety of plant life and beauty. Shockedcalled the Aruban Grave Owl, or Aruban Parakeet Prekichi. Ride in an open-air jeep and see Guadirikiri Caves, Andikuri Beach and Natural Bridge. Go horseback riding, beginners welcome, at Gold Mine Ranch Aruba.

Explore Aruba in nature

For a more low-key way to immerse yourself in nature, Brezovar suggests en route to a butterfly farm with hundreds of unique international butterflies. Cuddling one of the more than 130 precious donkeys or performing daily care tasks at the Donkey Sanctuary Aruba is another amazing animal experience. This year the shrine is celebrating its 25th.^Th A festival that provides refuge for the donkeys that have lived on the island for 500 years.

A sample of Aruban history and art

While Aruba’s landscape is beautiful, you can also gain a deep sense of place at home. Enjoy a rich museum day in Oranjestad, the capital of Aruba, at the Archeology Museum, the Aruba Aloe Factory and Museum, and the Historical Museum. You can also visit San Nicolas to marvel at over 40 vibrant, colorful murals and the nearby Visitor Center. Or, the Industrial Museum is housed in a large former water tower, an Art Deco building, which is an adaptive reuse.

What better way to stimulate the mind than to treat the body to a day? Return to the resort for an Aruban divi-divi massage and local coffee scrub from the hotel’s spa, according to Brezovar.

Eat well on sweet foods

Few starts to a vacation day are better than a well-executed hotel breakfast, and Brezovar appointed the Solanio breakfast buffet with charcuterie and cheese, homemade bread, and fresh-squeezed orange juice and lots of specialty fruits. Or head to Retial Coffee Culture to order a Lavazza espresso, a handmade Oreo muffin, or a caramel latte on brioche. Prefer to stay in the comfort of your room? Phone for a romantic room service breakfast on your “goal’s eye” view balcony.

For on-site lunch, the mahi-mahi fish tacos at Madero Pool & Beach Grill, made like the famous Aruban, beat the tangy pica de papaya sauce. In Palm Beach, Brezovar likes Eduardo’s Beach Shack for lunch and an ahi tuna poke bowl or delicious vegan tacos.

For carnivores, the hotel’s dinner must include Black Angus beef, USDA Prime and 100-percent naturally raised, certified BLT Steak. The oceanfront Divi Sushi Bar & Lounge features the classic Ritz-Carlton roll made with king crab and shrimp tempura, among many other signature ingredients. Pour the tiku sake to accompany the rich flavors and take it to the vacation dining of your dreams.

Aruba offers the universal appeal of Italy when you dine on Pici Alla Toscana at the hotel’s Casa Nonna New York restaurant, featuring twisted pasta strands in a Tuscan beef ragu. Brezovar is particularly fond of the pansotti di zucca, pumpkin ravioli and glorious spinach salad with artisanal fixings from a tableside cart.

After your meal or at any time during your stay, relax in the hotel’s smoking, boutique casino, which promises a good time with 215 slot machines and 15 table games.

And if you don’t see and do everything you planned? The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba can’t wait to welcome you back again.