Aruba’s snow-white sand beaches make most other Caribbean islands cry with envy. They set the stage for a do-nothing vacation where the primary objective is forgetting responsibility and focusing on the important stuff in life, like remembering to reapply sunscreen and being the first to pony up to the bar at the beginning of happy hour.

Toss in the lull of aqua-marine water lapsing on the beach mixed with warm, dry temperatures and what we have here is the ideal setting for romantics. Whether for a honeymoon, anniversary or just-because romantic getaway, Aruba oozes with gushy love.

The 21-mile-long island of the Lesser Antilles is ruled by one classy lady, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands. And any vacation destination fit for royalty is a magnet for celebrities too, and Aruba has played vacation spot to such A-listers as Timbaland, Jennifer Tilly, Wyclef Jean and Lauryn Hill. Oh! How can we forget Paris Hilton. Now that’s hot.

It’s not all about the beach in Aruba. A balance of Mother Nature-made and man-made activities entertain visitors. The most distinctive natural feature are the Divi Divi trees (watapana tree) found throughout the island. Think of them as Mother Nature’s compass, they always point in a southwesterly direction due to the north to east trade winds that blow across the island.  Arikok National Park, located on the north-eastern part of the Caribbean island is a geological paradise with rough hills from lava formations and fossilized coral rock and grottos and caves.

Natural Pool is an aquatic gem only accessible by foot, horseback or 4×4 vehicle. Visitors take a refreshing jump from the volcanic stone circles into a tranquil pool where water sprays over rocks in a most romantic way. Snorkeling and Scuba diving is another favorite and the crystal water can sometimes allow for visibility at wreck sites up to 100 feet.

Step inside one of the exhilarating casinos for a game or two of chance. Some casinos don’t stop ’til you get enough, a few are open 24 hours a day. Or, tee it up on a lush golf course.

Gosh, golly. Can’t forget the 90,000 Aruban friends you haven’t met waiting to say hello and introduce visitors to their island. This little island is a friendly one and making nice with the locals is easy. Just smile and show off those pearly whites (batting eyelashes is optional) and listen to what your new friend has to say about this Caribbean paradise.

There isn’t enough room to list ALL there is to do and see in Aruba (check out what the tourism office has to say) but there’s enough white space left to introduce Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort as one groovy place to stay especially since 140 brand-spanking new luxury suites are being dusted and vacuumed as we speak in preparation for visitors. This is in addition to the 101 units already at the resort which is located on the famed Palm Beach and backed by a private wildlife sanctuary.  In addition to the resort’s good nature, facilities include tennis court, free form pool with swim-up bar, open-air grill restaurant, lounge with entertainment, beachside water sports and fitness center.

Now’s the time to book that Aruba vacation because who knows when the next time these rate will be this attractive. What are you waiting for? I think a beachside hammock is calling your name. Listen. Hear it? Yeah, we know you did.