A perfect holiday in Aruba

[Charley]

In preparation of our first holiday in Aruba, we found a lot of information at this forum. Time to give something back: our Aruba story... Will post link to photo's later on.

Normally we're more into active vacations like hiking in the mountains. But since life is short, we thought it might be a good idea to do something completely different. And it was. It turned out to be the perfect relaxing holiday...

A couple of weeks ago we've returned from paradise. We stayed a week at Manchebo Beach resort. A good choice! We had a nice oceanviewroom on ground level. What's better then to start the day with a short walk (just a couple of meters) and a dip in the ocean? The staff was friendly and very helpfull. The Manchebo resort offers complimentary yoga lessons at the beach. Now that's really something you should try! What a way to start the day! Same goes for the Balinees Spa del Sol. Best massage ever: hands down!

First day we walked along the beach to the grocerystore (Superfood). Easy!
Second day we've walked from the Tamarijn resort to the end of the highrise. We think that, without exxaggeration, the beach of Manchebo is far out the best. It's the most spacious beach with enough palapa's and privacy.
For day three and four we rented a car with Topdrive which had a desk at the hotel. Car was brought and picked up at the hotel which was comfortable. Renting was resonably priced. We drove to Bubali, the Donkey sanctuary (which was nice!), San Nicolaas, Casibari and later on to Babybeach for lunch and swimming. Next day we drove to Arikok and visited the Guardirikiri cave. Completely different scenery than the rest of Aruba. Don't miss it! The road was rather bumby! (understatement ).

For a snorklingtrip, we were picked up at the beach of Costa Linda with a speedboat and brought to the Highrise. Only the speedboattrip was already worthwhile! We did the trip with Delphi Watersports which was great. Saw the Atilla shipwreck and lots, lots of fish. And a sea turtle: really amazing!

We didn't go all inclusive. For breakfast we went everyday to Dushi Bagels, closeby in front of Casa del Mar. Outstanding bagels and service! We had dinner twice at Manchebo. Pizza at Giorgio's which was the only dissapointment of the week and three course meal at the French Steakhouse which was very good. We ate at The Old Fisherman (excellent!), Salt and Pepper (good), Tulip (good), Paddock cafe (ok) and Andrews (at Casa del Mar) (very good!).

Supermarket (Superfood, Ling and sons) at walking distance from Manchebo. We took the busservice once to the Highrise and once to Oranjestad. Was ok. Just don't mind that there is no (obvious) timeschedule. The bus goes twice an hour. But when exactly? Just don't mind because it's a relaxing holiday.

Conclusion: we are very glad (again, understatement ) we chose Aruba as destination and the Manchebo resort. We might not return again next year. But someday, somehow...

Link to photo's: http://www.nielsenjose.nl/gallery/th...s.php?album=11

[cindyo]

Ah, another Aruba lover....

[DANNYO]

Nice report glad you had a great vacation

[Charley]

Added link tp photo's from our vacation to the report.
Niels

[taxidriver]

Nice pictures......

[Jacki]

your pics are beautiful

[Andrea J.]

thanks for posting
love it

andrea

[KATH2ME]

Charley,

Those Pics were amazing, especially the sunset ( could be a picture ) so glad you had a terrific time. I don't like those little lizards, some much bigger than others, I try to avoid, but they're just all over, so I try very hard to ignore them

[serene56]

Charley: Your pics are amazing- the colors just pop out at ya.

what kind of camera is that??

[debrn]

I enjoyed reading your report and seeing your great pictures. We are going to stay at The Manchebo in Oct., sounds like we made a good choice.
Debbie