Aruba is located in the Southern Caribbean, less than 20 miles off the coast of Venezuela. This Dutch protectorate enjoys constant sunshine and warm weather, because hurricanes and tropical storms pass to the North. Its arid climate makes it an ideal holiday destination for people who dislike humidity. During a visit last summer, our group of Montreal journalists was headquartered at The Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino located on the island’s beautiful Palm Beach. The Hyatt’s resort neighbours include The Marriott, The Riu Palace, and a newly opened Ritz-Carleton.

The Hyatt has 357 newly renovated rooms with king-sized beds, a sitting area and all the amenities that you’d expect in a luxury resort. The hotel has several pools in a tropical garden setting looking out on the azure waters of the Caribbean. Plenty of complimentary lounge chairs and beach huts for guests who prefer a white sand beach. Beach huts are available for a modest fee for the duration of your stay. The Red Sail catamaran dock is adjacent to the Hyatt beach front; and our group enjoyed a terrific afternoon of snorkeling.

The Hyatt Regency Aruba is full value for its 5 Star luxury rating

The Hyatt Regency Aruba is full value for its 5 Star luxury rating

The resort has five restaurants, including the signature Ruinas del Mar open for breakfast and dinner. Menu specialties are seafood and steaks, with multiple food stations set up for the hearty breakfast buffet. It has a picturesque setting, with black swans swim alongside the open air sections of the restaurant.

The Palms Restaurant offers guest beachside dining or inside dining with floor-to-ceiling windows. Martinis a prepared at your table; and the menu offers fresh fish, Caribbean Jerk For a special evening, Footprints Beach Grill has just 5 tables available on a nightly basis, directly on the beach. I can tell you first-hand the evening temperatures are very comfortable in the high 70s Fahrenheit or 26+ Celsius.

Golf is offered at the nearby Robert Trent Jones II designed 18 hole championship course; Tierra del Sol Aruba Golf and Country Club. The Links at Divi Aruba is a beautifully landscaped 9-hole course offering two par-5 holes, two par-3 holes, and five par-4 holes. Professional golf instruction is available for both individuals and groups.

The pools are in a tropical park-like setting adjacent to the white sand beach

The pools are in a tropical park-like setting adjacent to the white sand beach

The all-new ZoiA Spa offers rejuvenating treatments and it was doing a brisk business during our stay. The spa includes a well-equipped fitness centre that overlooks the gardens and pool areas, and is open 24 hours.

The onsite Aruba Resort Casino is a popular spot during the evenings, with live entertainment and dancing from Tuesday through Sunday nights. There are 225 slot machines, craps and roulette tables, and a full range of poker tables.

The Hyatt Regency Aruba is offered by Signature Vacations, flying from Montreal weekly with Sunwing. Aruba is an up-scale destination, and this property is 5 Star luxury resort that is full value for the rates. For information about this full service resort: www.signature.ca or www.aruba.hyatt.com