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DESTINATIONS ARUBA | CARIBBEAN


BA’s new route from Gatwick to Aruba is set to entice more Brits to this Dutch Caribbean gem. Estella Shardlow reports


ith its award-winning white-sand beaches, year-round sunshine, incredible scuba diving and


plethora of soft adventure offerings,


Aruba has all the hallmarks of a quintessential Caribbean escape. Culturally it offers a refreshingly different flavour


to bigger, better-known neighbours in the region. Despite lying just 18 miles off the coast of South America, it’s part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and layers of Dutch, Spanish and Latin American influence have imbued the island-nation with a fascinating fusion that plays out in everything from gastronomy to architecture. This safe and small southern Caribbean gem has long been a favourite of American visitors. But British holidaymakers will soon be able to access Aruba’s charms more easily, with the first-ever direct scheduled flight from the UK launching on March 26. The year-round British Airways service, which also


stops in Antigua, will depart Sundays and Thursdays from Gatwick. It joins Tui Airways’ existing charter service, which runs from May to November, and daily flights via Amsterdam with KLM. Ahead of the new route launching, Aruba Tourism


Authority has secured a slew of tour operators, including Caribtours, Gold Medal, Major Travel and Classic Collection. So, what can you expect from the island? Here’s our handy guide.


CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE Fly and flop or discover the great outdoors? “We've got both ends of the spectrum covered,” says Sanju Luidens, chief marketing officer at Aruba Tourism Authority. “Beach huggers can just relax under a palapa (open-sided thatched structure) and disconnect from the stress of home. But there’s plenty of soft adventure and nature to enjoy, too – including on our hiking and biking trails.” Aruba’s rugged interior and northwestern reaches present a dramatic contrast


² travelweekly.co.uk 16 MARCH 2023 31


PICTURE: Greg Lord


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