ABC Islands

Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao, are collectively referenced as the ABC Islands. They are the three westernmost islands of the Leeward Antilles chain in the Caribbean Sea, located off the north coast of Venezuela. The ABC Islands are constituents of the Kingdom of Netherlands, and not as popular as other “neighboring” islands, but due to their placement, they are easy to visit. And since they are so close to each other, you can knock out all three islands on the same trip.

Aruba

Aruba, the most famous of all three, is often described by its slogan as 'One Happy Island.’ During my visit, we stayed at the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort, a seafront Marriott chain hotel, which was lovely, centrally located, and connected to the Renaissance Marina Hotel, an exclusive adult-only hotel, tied to a casino, marketplace, and high-end mall!

But the absolute BEST and MOST magnificent benefit of being a guest at Renaissance Resort, was the ability to access Renaissance Island for FREE!! This BEAUTIFUL tropical oasis is exclusively reserved for hotel guests and can be easily accessed via the complimentary water taxis. This island was not only the definition of true paradise, but a romantic escapade that offered breathtaking views, alluring waters, and complete relaxation! Its picture-perfect postcard sceneries are not to be missed!!  

Furthermore, Renaissance Island has real flamingos roaming freely up and down the sandy beach! WOW!! You can take touch them, feed them, and take pictures with them! It was incredible!! You can also rent a private, oceanfront cabana at Flamingo beach, take a nap on a secluded hammock, soak-in the sun, go for a swim, walk around the mangroves, pamper yourself with a spa treatment, or sip on a few drinks at the on-site bar! Everything, including the service and attention to details was impeccable! The Renaissance Island experience, along with the delicious dinner and captivating sunset at Pinchos Grill & Bar, were my most fave!!

Aruba felt so peaceful and safe!! And since the weather was also great, we decided to take a stroll along the coast until we made our way to the Eagle Beach Casino area. Naturally, we made stops along the way, had some drinks, shopped for a bit, and met other travelers who agreed that Aruba was incredible!! It is truly an underrated Caribbean gem!

TRAVELER SUGGESTION: 

If Aruba is scheduled as the last port visit on your Cruise itinerary, I recommend that you stay behind, just like I did! 

Ensure that you verify Aruba’s official entry requirements and that you notify the cruise line, well-in advance of your intent to disembark (and remind them while onboard, as well), so they can make entry arrangements with the Aruban Immigration Authority. You will be required to apply for an Aruba ED-Card (Embarkation-Disembarkation Card), pay a visa entry fee (I paid $25), possess a valid passport, present a return (or onward) ticket, and possibly additional items, so be prepared!

**NOTE: If you decide to disembark your Cruise ship at any point during your journey, the Cruise line will NOT reimburse you or offer you a deduction-in-rate for early disembarkation. **

Bonaire

Bonaire is the much lesser known of the three ABC Islands. And its inhabitants are grateful for that, as they prefer a chill, much more laid-back atmosphere than its sister islands.

Bonaire has created an eco-friendly environment, and has enacted sustainable living concepts, which truly makes it low-key and “authentic.”

I was told that Bonaire does not want to become as commercialized as other islands; hence, that is why large-chain hotels are scarce and limited! And with so much untouched nature and a preserved marine life, it is no surprise that Bonaire has consecutively been rated in recent years as one of the best diving destinations in the world! Due to its locality, Bonaire, just like the other two ABC islands, rarely gets hit hurricanes, which has also made it more appealing!

During my one-day visit, I toured the Bonaire National Marine Park and pretty much just rested. But if you wanna try something unique, head out to the Cadushy Distillery, the only distillery on the island, and apparently, the only place in the world that makes liqueur from cactus. Yeap, you read that right! I did not try it, so I cannot offer any positive or negative counsel LOL.

While Bonaire is often bypassed, it may be worth a visit before the crowds learn about this charming small little island!

Curaçao

Curaçao, the largest of the ABC islands, sits between Aruba and Bonaire. Due to its Dutch influence, you will find many colorful strips of colonial tiered Dutch buildings, mirroring the Netherlands! To get a perfect shot of the colorful structures, walk across the other side of the Queen Emma Bridge, and strike your pose!

During our visit, we walked around the main plaza, had a sensational seafood meal at the end of the boardwalk, and refreshed at La Bohème, a touristy café in Willemstad, a historic town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Willemstad main square features many artistic galleries, luxurious shops, and alleyways full of bars and other pleasantries.

If you like to drink, then the Curaçao liquor distillery would be a cool tasting stop for you! Curaçao produces a sweet, flavored liqueur made from the dried peels of the Lahara oranges that can be used in variety of cocktails, so tour of the distillery for more info.

If you prefer outdoorsy activities, you can book a Jeep safari tour, and visit the national park. During the ride, you can purchase local hand artifacts and coconuts along the main road. There are also several plantation grounds, archeological sites, memorials, and beautiful beaches that you can explore. My fave beach was Grote Knip, where you can skinny-dip, if you’d like.

I was impressed to learn that most residents spoke and often intermixed four languages: Dutch, English, Spanish, and Papiamentu (the other official language) into a single conversation. And due to so many culture-clashes, as one can expect, the music is fire! Curaçao’s amazing infrastructure, wildlife, nightlife, and tropical scenery is truly a one-stop vacation spot for all!