Ahhhhhh...ruba | Travels With Two

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While snow (and cold rain) blankets much of America, Adam and I are off to the powdery white Caribbean sands of Aruba, courtesy of the swank-tacular Bucuti Beach Resort. Looks like a potentially exciting, eco-friendly moment for this temperate island…and not just because we’re about to arrive.

I have to admit that my image of Aruba has long been of impersonal high-rise hotels and a whole lot of nothing to do but shop, gamble and lay around on a beach with a fruity cocktail. I know, this doesn’t sound so awful…and truly, it’s not my goal in life to keep tourists from pursuing hedonism. It’s just that these activities alone don’t inspire me to take two airplanes for 11 hours.

Happily, there’s good news: There’s more to the Aruba story.

Exhibit A. Here’s the paragraph about Bucuti that initially sparked my interest in this trip:

Bucuti Beach Resort is a romantic, European-influenced boutique property catering exclusively to couples and is nestled on the white powder sands of Aruba’s Eagle Beach. The 100-room resort’s impeccable service includes special touches like…limiting growth to preserve intimacy. Bucuti is also one of the greenest resorts in the Caribbean and is frequently used as a best practice example for other resorts in the region.

Exhibit B. Last week, my friend Ann, a travel writer/editor, sent me this press release (here, in excerpt):

Aruba is on a mission to practice sustainable tourism principles.

Aruba has successfully completed Phase One in the process of having [four of its] beaches become Blue Flag certified, an international program of eco-labor which upholds quality standards in four main areas: water quality, safety, services and facilities. The project is scheduled for completion in 2010, at which time approved Aruba beaches will be able to display the prestigious Blue Flag.

Obtaining Blue Flag certification is part of a larger Sustainable Economic Development program in Aruba. Beyond the beach, legislation is being drafted for Marine Park protection status for the island’s entire coastline and the development of better sewage, waste and recycling treatment centers.

Exhibit C. Aruba’s Arikok National Park features lava, quartz, limestone and a big natural spring. (Frankly, you had me at “national park,” but I’m still eager to see this and share it with you.)

Exhibit D. On our trip, we’re going to tour the Aruba Aloe Factory. Turns out that aloe vera, the skin care product I use most on my freckly, easily-sunburned husband is one of Aruba’s most profitable exports.

Exhibit E. There are, reportedly, at least five great beaches for snorkeling on Aruba. With a whole universe of coral (e.g., brain, star, castle, flower, etc.), manta rays, groupers, yellow tails, snappers, rainbow runners and more all over the island, this could be an underwater personal best. We’re eager to try out our new Chanukah toy, the Underwater Waterproof Case for our Canon Powershot SX100IS, so stay tuned for (hopefully) gorgeous photos!

Follow our press trip adventures on the TWT Facebook Page or on Twitter at #AruBucuti