ARUBA, February 17, 2009 - A memorable family vacation in Aruba is as easy as reciting the ABCs. The largest of the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao), Aruba offers a host of recreational options, friendly people, sunny weather and convenient flights from 12 North American cities. Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa, the island’s first luxury resort, has been hosting families for generations.
- Sun, Sand and the Deep-Blue Sea -
The ocean can be seen from nearly every part of Aruba and the beach is a popular backdrop for family water sports activities. The Radisson Aruba Resort, situated on a prime stretch of Palm Beach, has teamed with Unique Water Sports to offer scuba diving, snorkeling and in-pool scuba introduction classes, among other options. The dive company offers regularly scheduled two-tank dives plus PADI (Profession Association of Dive Instructors) courses for families seeking dive certification together. Another Aruba pastime is windsurfing and lessons can be arranged by skilled instructors throughout the island. For families with younger children, Radisson Aruba Resort's sand is perfect for kids to create sandcastles and while parents lounge under a "palapa" - beachside thatched roof providing shade.
- Nature and Land Adventures -
Arikok National Wildlife Park encompasses roughly 20 percent of Aruba and is full of well-maintained walking paths for family exploration. Within the park are the ruins of a gold mining operation, ancient Arawak Indian drawings and remnants of an old colonial Dutch settlement. Adventuresome families can also hike Mount Yamanota, Aruba’s highest peak, and see divi-divi trees, the national symbol of the island.
The tour desk at Radisson Aruba Resort specializes in arranging nature hikes, jeep-rides and horseback tours of the park and entire island. Their most adventuresome excursion for parents and teenagers is exploring Aruba with an expert guide in a one- or two-person ATV (all-terrain vehicle). The trip buzzes by colorful island homes and then travels off-road through the countryside, rugged coast and the rugged sand dunes.
- Protected Two and Four-Legged Friends -
Kids of all ages will enjoy the big gentle eyes of the wild donkeys at Aruba Donkey Sanctuary. The facility takes in sick and injured wild donkeys, providing care and a permanent home. Children will relish encounters with the donkeys and feeling the soft fuzz of their snout reaching for a carrot. Additionally, a variety of discoveries await visits to the Ostrich Farm, Bird Sanctuary and Butterfly Farm.
- Lighthouses and Links -
A journey to the northeast coast of Aruba is not complete without a stop at the California Lighthouse. This lighthouse, located among rolling sand dunes, is named for its proximity to the California wreck - a ship infamous for receiving and ignoring the SOS signals of the Titanic. The lighthouse is a towering backdrop for multiple holes of Tierra del Sol, which combines Scotland, Scottsdale and the Caribbean into one challenging course. Families staying at Radisson Aruba Resort receive preferred tee times at this golf course, the only 18-hole championship course on the island.
- Family Fun at Radisson Aruba Resort -
The AAA Four-Diamond rated resort provides families with a variety of complimentary weekly activities designed to appeal to children of all ages. Victor, the resort’s own bird expert and caretaker, will introduce guests to the property’s resident parrots - the interactions provide a great photo opportunity. Each day, Family Fun Games are organized at the Kids Club, including water balloon volleyball, board game tournaments and family Wii videogame challenges.
For a half-day fee of $25 per child ages 5-12, parents can enroll their children in the Radisson Aruba Kids program for supervised fun without mom or dad. The program’s activities include an afternoon Pirate Party, featuring pirate games, hearing pirate stories and searching for Captain Jack’s treasure; an Aruban Animal Party, where kids can learn all about the Aruban creatures, and a Carnival Party, providing a taste of Aruba culture at their very own parade. After a picturesque Aruban sunset, everyone can grab their popcorn at the pool deck to watch a movie under the stars with titles including Kung Fu Panda and Wall-E.
Rates at Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa begin at $499 per night, now through March 28, 2009, and are reduced to $275 per night, from April 19 through December 17, 2009. Families enjoy even greater value at Laguna as kids under five years of age eat breakfast free and under age 12 receive complimentary dinner. Vacations at Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa can be booked by calling toll-free (800) 333-3333, visiting the resort’s Web site www.radisson.com/aruba or by consulting any travel professional.
- Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa -
The Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa is situated on 225,000 square feet of the best beach on the island of Aruba. With an exceptional staff, many with the resort over 15 years, the AAA Four Diamond-rated property is notable for its gracious service, white sandy beach, lagoons, waterfalls, manicured gardens and 353 guestrooms, including 30 luxurious suites and exclusive Plaza Club accommodations. Radisson Aruba also features three restaurants including Sunset Grille, the island’s only AAA Four Diamond-rated restaurant in a resort; a 30,000-sq.-ft. pool area with two free-form pools; 16,000-sq.-ft. casino; 13,000-sq.-ft., award-winning Larimar Spa; PADI watersports facility, and over 15,000 sq ft. of meeting space.
As part of an ongoing expansion in the region, Radisson has added a second showcase resort to its Caribbean operations with the recent opening of the Radisson St Martin Resort, Marina & Spa.
