Super Luxe Sundays

Stepping out back to put on a load of laundry this morning, I was amazed at the pleasant weather we are experiencing, especially considering that it's August in New Orleans. After a day of torrential rain on Friday, the humidity seems to have disappeared, and the weather reports are calling for the high today to reach the upper 80's, which is perfect weather in my book. For some strange reason, the weather took my mind to a place that offers conditions like this almost all year round: Aruba.

I love to travel, and I love exploring the Caribbean. I've had the good fortune to experience quite a few islands (mostly due to work), and Aruba is one island I long to visit again. Gorgeous beaches, friendly locals, and fantastic food.

Aruba is part of the Dutch Antilles and is located 15 miles off the coast of Venezuela in the southern Caribbean. The are four predominate languages spoken on the island: English, Dutch, Spanish and Papiemento, a local language that's been cobbled together through centuries of cultural mixing from immigrants around the world. Unlike other islands that have natives who are discontent, even openly hostile to tourists, Arubans are welcoming and happy to share their island and culture with visitors. The beaches are pristine, and the water is one of the prettiest shades of blue I've ever encountered in my life. The island is less than 20 miles long and 6 miles across at its widest point, so one is able to comfortably explore the terrain without feeling overwhelmed. Of course much of the beach has been developed with hotels and resorts to accommodate the tourist trade, but the interior of the island offers fantastic flora and fauna for naturists to enjoy. Even along the roads near the resorts packs of wild goats can stop traffic as they forage for food.

I've stayed at several resorts during my visits, including a three week stint at the Wyndham, a gorgeous luxury property on the island, that is apparently no longer in existence. No matter--find a hotel, grab a rum runner, slather on the sunscreen and soak up some rays by the pool. You'll understand the meaning of Paradise as the gentle breeze caresses your skin and your cares and worries melt away.