Aruba is a charming contradiction, an island of “two faces”. Its milky beaches and transparent blue waters will make you feel like you’re first person to walk on sand and soak your feet. But its Vegas-style casinos, parties and shows reveal other, wilder side. Aruba is perfect marriage of entertainment and leisure, an island where there really is something for everyone.

All Inclusive resorts and Aruba are practically synonymous. Engulfed in its ambience and relaxed atmosphere, last thing you want to do is search for your wallet, worry about paying for daily meals and constantly watch family vacation budget. With affordability and convenience of all-inclusive resorts, Aruba visitors can forget all about that and let Aruba’s charm and spirit sweep them off their feet.

Aruba’s all inclusive resorts are some of best in world. There are over twenty-five resorts on island, but best, highest-rated ones are:

• Wyndham Aruba Beach Resort • Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino • Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino • Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort • Radisson Aruba Resort & Casino • Aruba Grand Beach Resort & Casino • Allegro Aruba by Occidental

Aruba’s calling card is its year-round perfect weather. Aruba is located well below hurricane belt. It’s one of three islands, along with Bonaire and Curacao, located outside hurricane belt. The average annual temperature is 83 degrees Fahrenheit, and rainfall amounts to just 17 inches a year, most of which occurs during months of October, and November. It’s rare and warm, lasting no more than 15 minutes. If you’re planning a vacation of fun in sun, picking Aruba is almost a guarantee you won’t be stuck in your hotel room, watching gray clouds pass over roof.

If blue clear waters call your name, and in Aruba – they certainly will, you’ll find island full of options. Snorkeling, windsurfing, deep sea fishing, paragliding, jetskiing – Aruba is happy to oblige. If you can scuba, or want to learn, Aruba is world-famous for its coral reefs and friendly waters. At your all-inclusive resort, many water activities are free. Others, like scuba, can be conveniently arranged by concierge.

All photos in this picture gallery are by David Stanley, who researched and wrote first two editions of Lonely Planet Cuba, published in 1997 and 2000. Stanley first visited Cuba in 1975, and over next four years he represented a Canadian tour company on Isla de la Juventud, at Varadero, and in Havana. Since then, he has revisited Cuba dozens of times.