Yesterday was a very special day. It’s was Christmas. A time of love, of being present, of reflecting, of giving oneself, of reuniting the family, of emanating good things. A feeling that must remain in our hearts the whole year. That is why today I share with you the charms of a colorful and happy Caribbean island, with its motto “One Happy Island”. Aruba was my chosen destination to celebrate two important moments: Christmas and the mark of 100 countries visited and very well lived. I nailed it. I was greeted with smiles, with a dazzling crystalline blue sea, shining sun, refreshing wind, delicious restaurants and very welcoming people who speak several languages, among them the Papiamento that resembles Portuguese. In particular, I thank Nicole Hoevertsz, my longtime Aruban friend, who made me feel like an insider and gave wonderful tips that I will share with you.

Well, Aruba is an island that lies in the Caribbean, less than 30 kilometers from Venezuela, is part of the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao) and is a Dutch autonomous territory. The easiest way to get there is to fly with Divi Divi Airlines from Sao Paulo to Curacao and then take a 15-minute flight to Aruba. The weather is great all year round, with temperatures around 28 degrees celsius and the island has the privilege of being off the hurricane route. Start by renting a car. It is the best way to get around independently for the 40 kilometers from east to west, full of beautiful places that deserve to be explored calmly and with time. The southern part of the island is the busiest. The north is rocky and sparsely populated.

The beaches are the highest point of Aruba. As I like empty beaches and more exclusive corners, I will start talking about the eastern tip of the island where the beautiful Baby Beach and Rodger’s Beach, painted that insane blue and with corals full of fish, perfect for snorkeling. In the surroundings, there are many burricos loose by the island. I stayed a few miles up in Savaneta at the charming Aruba Ocean Villas, the island’s only hotel with water bungalows. There are only 6 accommodations, all different, tastefully decorated by the owner who is a super creative artist. I definitely recommend. The hotel’s own Old Man and the Sea restaurants are a must.You can book a table in the gazebo on the water and you will enjoy the best sunsets in Aruba. Near by is the iconic FlyingFishbone bar with tables in the water. A must-see place.

On the west side of the island, the most beautiful beaches are Arashi, Malmok and Boca Catalina, close to the California lighthouse which dates back to 1914. Worth stopping at each of these places. The busiest and most famous beaches on this side of the island are Eagle Beach and Palm Beach where the large American-style resorts are located. The Hyatt and the Ritz are the most elegant. If you prefer a smaller, more exclusive hotel, check out the Ocean Z Boutique Hotel, but know that it is not a walk in the sand, you have to cross an avenue to get to the beach. The busiest centers, full of little shops, cafes, ice cream shops and restaurants are in Oranjestad and Palm Beach. They are places that rejoice the soul with everything colored, well cared for and full of life. Aruba is really a happy island!

I hope you all had an amazing Christmas. XoXo and see you all next Tuesday.

Claudia Liechavicius

O post #TravelTips: ARUBA, A HAPPY ISLAND TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS apareceu primeiro em Camila Coelho.

Those who follow me on social media know that I was in Aruba; it was incredible and super fun! Di (my sister-in-law-, Icaro’s sister) and I decided to take a couple of days off to enjoy the beach, and the destination was Aruba. We loved it! Not only was it a paradise, the people there are so nice and happy. I would go back a thousand times again!

We stayed at the Ritz Carlton, and incredible hotel that I love. The service was exceptional, which makes all the difference! As promised, today’s post is to show the swimwear, cover ups, and looks I wore while I was there. Lets check them out?

this beautifulll printed bikini is by Água de Coco, H&M hat, Spektre sunglasses and Forever 21 body chain.

This black and white floral printed bikini is by Ysla. I loveeee Hot Pants, it molds the body so well! The mirrored sunnies are Ray-Ban!

This total white look is by Triya, Hermès flats and Catarina Mina purse!

Super cute blue bikini by Bardô Beachwear and Spektre sunnies!

Amazing white one-piece by Cecília Prado and beautiful Carol Bassi Brand cover-up! Ray-Ban sunnies.

This look I wore to watch the most perfect sun set in Aruba. I wore jean shorts with this super cute top by  Damyller! The sunglasses are Dior.

Lastly, I wore this this super cute look with an ethnic print by Acostamento! The sunglasses are Spektre and Hermès flats!

Which was your favorite look?!

O post The beach looks I wore in Aruba apareceu primeiro em Camila Coelho.