Aruba

Aruba is often nicknamed “the happy island,” and it’s easy to see why. Its 20 miles of beaches in the southern Caribbean Sea are some of the world’s best. The island has flawless white sand and tangled fofoti trees shaped from breezy trade winds, making the landscape a stunning backdrop for a romantic getaway. Though once considered an exclusive choice for the elite, the island has become increasingly accessible, with high and low-rise resorts offering rooms for every taste and budget.

Aruba has calm, clear Caribbean waters with extensive underwater visibility, so be sure to spend time exploring the colorful coral reefs and shipwrecks up close. It’s also famously breezy in Aruba, so kite surfing makes for a memorable excursion. When you’re not busy lounging at world-renowned beaches like Eagle or Palm Beach, Oranjestad is the colorful capital city with plenty of museums and shops to browse. The island is also small enough to explore the inland desert on a guided excursion. At night, casinos, restaurants, and lounges all keep the island lively and colorful. 

In October 2016, Aruba became the first Caribbean island to allow same-sex civil partnerships.