Aruba

Travelers' Takes

Thanksgiving in Aruba

A November 2004 trip to Aruba by nfahey

I have visited Aruba five times. It is a fun island with lots to see and do, such as exploring the island in a 4x4 or horseback riding to one of many popular spots. Aruba also offers great dining, from pizza to gourmet, mostly in a casual atmosphere.

  • 8 reviews

Occidental Grand Aruba ResortBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Occidental Grand Aruba"

Best Things Nearby:
Several restaurants within walking distance, including Tango's, Fishes and More, and Amichi's and Aqua Grill

Best Things About the Resort:
The resort offers a great beach with a bar, a swim-up bar in the pool area, and two hot tubs.

Resort Experience:
We love the Occidental, as this was our fifth trip. The rooms are large and very clean. The staff is very accommodating and will go out of their way to make you feel welcomed. I cannot recommend this resort enough. Whether you're staying in a hotel room or timeshare unit, you will have a great time!

  • Unit Type: 1 Bedroom
  • Activities: Excellent
  • Amenities: Very Good
  • Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
  • Family Friendliness: Excellent
  • Service: Very Good
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by nfahey on May 7, 2025

Occidental Grand Aruba Resort
J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 83 Palm Beach, Aruba
+297 586-4500

Fishes and MoreBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

We have dined here twice. They have excellent seafood and service. Both times we've had shrimp cocktail and lobster tail, and both were excellent. They also have many other seafood (and non-seafood) choices. There are owners on site to ensure great service and food.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by nfahey on May 7, 2025

Fishes and More
J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 370 Oranjestad, Aruba
+297 586-3659

GauchoBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "El Gaucho"

We have dined here several times. The steak is the best we have ever had on any trip to anywhere we have ever gone. The owners are on site overseeing the kitchen and service staff. If you are a steak lover, this is place to go.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by nfahey on May 7, 2025

Gaucho
Wilhelminastraat 80 Oranjestad, Aruba
+297-582-3677

French SteakhouseBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

This is a good place for a very reasonably priced meal while in Aruba. They have a special (The Ambassadors Dinner) where you get soup or salad, an appetizer (choice of three I believe), entrée (choice of five), dessert (choice of two or three), and a bottle of house wine, all for $30 per person. The food was very good, and the service was great.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by nfahey on May 7, 2025

French Steakhouse
Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa. J.E. Irausquin Blvd. 55 Oranjestad, Aruba P.O. Box 564
+297-582-3444

Tango'sBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

They had excellent food and service. Both my husband and I had filet (prepared in two different styles), and it was great. They have live tango dancers that perform several sets nightly inside the restaurant, or choose outside seating with live musical entertainment.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by nfahey on May 7, 2025

Tango's
Oranjestad Oranjestad, Aruba

Aqua GrillBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

We dined here with two other couples. Everyone was impressed by the service and quality of the food. The staff really went out of their way for us. One of the couples we were with had just been married that afternoon on the beach, and the staff made a huge deal out of it. I had scallops here, and they were fresh and well prepared with a baked potato. The food was pricy but excellent.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by nfahey on May 7, 2025

Aqua Grill
J.E.Irausquin Blvd. 374 Palm Beach, Aruba
+297 (8) 586-5900

Baby BeachBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Baby Beach offers excellent snorkeling. This was the clearest water I have ever seen, and I cannot recommend enough a trip to Baby Beach for the experience.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by nfahey on May 7, 2025

Baby Beach
Oranjestad, Aruba

Rancho NotoriousBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Horseback Riding"

We took a sunset ride on the beach and had a great time. Our guides were friendly and knowledgeable on the area, and the horses were well trained. This was a great experience.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by nfahey on May 7, 2025

Rancho Notorious
Boroncana, Noordn Noord, Aruba
+(297) 5860 508

About the Writer

nfahey
Exeter, Pennsylvania
  • "We try to visit at least one new place a year and we usually return to Aruba once a year. Aruba is..."
  • 1 journal
  • 0 photos
  • 8 reviews

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