Located a stone's throw from the spectacular Caribbean Sea, Petra's Place is the perfect rental house on the island of Aruba. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/Aruba/petrasplace/hotel/688/29/ en-us Copyright 1998 e-TravelMedia.com/CaribbeanMag.com Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:22:49 EST Aruba has gained a reputation as being one of the most hospitable, friendly, and convenient resort destinations in the world. Aruba offers a wide array of activities ranging from scuba diving to windsurfing, from bowling to sky diving, from shopping to relaxing by the pool. Another popular activity on the island is to take it slow and easy. Aruba is the perfect place to kick back, relax, and do nothing. AMENITIES: ACTIVITIES: Scuba Diving The waters of Aruba offer some of the best diving in the world. Go wall diving or reef diving. The offshore waters offer visibility up to 100 feet and 42 major dive sites provide an amazing variety of underwater activity. Explore wrecks sunk during World War II from 25 to 400 feet deep. Or stay closer to the surface and still enjoy the beauty of the coral formations and the adventure of the wreck sites. The water averages around 78 degrees (F) year round and teems with sea life including manta rays, barracuda, and the rare green moray. If you're a novice, you can take a Resort Certification scuba diving course, either before your trip or after arriving on the island. If you already have your Open Water Certification, Aruba is ready and waiting. Snorkeling Everyone can snorkel. However there are a few basic safety rules. The most important rule to remember is: Never touch coral! Good snorkeling spots include Arashi beach, Boca Grandi, Baby Beach and many more. Gear can be rented at watersports centers along the hotel area. There are several tours that combine sailing and snorkeling. On the island, diving and snorkeling excursions can be arranged through the following operators: Deep Sea and Bottom Fishing In the temperate waters around Aruba, a variety of Atlantic game fish can be caught year-round. Sailfish, white and blue marlin, wahoo, shark, barracuda, amberjack, kingfish, bonito, and blackfin and yellowfin tuna are abundant. You can sail for either a full-day or a half-day on any of the following fishing boats. Most charter fishing boats operate from Seaport Marina, across from the Sonesta Hotel in Oranjestad. Golf Tierra del Sol, at the island's northwest tip just minutes from the house, is Aruba's first world-class golf course. The 18-hole, par-71 course was designed by Robert Trent Jones II to take full advantage of its rugged natural surroundings. The course manages to pair peerless course design with a celebration of Aruba's wildlife. From the wild, green parakeets on the organ-pipe cactus to the lizards and salamanders that bask on rock formations, the wildlife of Tierra del Sol has become an attraction in its own right. A saltwater salina on the 4th hole is home to several exotic bird species. Wild burros graze alongside the par-5 fifth hole, and Aruba's endangered burrowing owls perch atop the small coral caves near the par-3 sixth hole. Afterward, golfers can relax at the clubhouse and swimming pool. The complex includes a pro shop, locker rooms, and restaurant with a panoramic view. Horseback Riding Aruba's topography offers a variety of exotic locations for adventurous visitors. From the challenging sand dunes to the desert-like plains that will make you feel like the star of your own western motion picture. Along the way capture spectacular views atop the Arikok Hills with your camera. Riding experience is not required. Tennis and Racquetball The Aruba Racquet Club, Aruba's first world-class tennis center, is located at Rooi Santo 21 in the Palm Beach area. It features eight lighted courts, an exhibition center court, a pro shop, a swimming pool, aerobics classes, a fitness center, and a bar and restaurant. Opening hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Shopping The stores of Aruba are stocked with well-priced imported merchandise. Aruba is a "Shopper's Paradise", with perfume, liquor, linens, jewelry, watches, cameras, designer fashions, crystal and china among the luxury items available at excellent prices. Many stores also feature local handicrafts. Most stores and boutiques are located in Oranjestad. There are also shops at the major hotels and at the airport. In Oranjestad, the major shopping centers are Alhambra Shopping Bazaar, The Atrium, Bubali Shopping Center, Port of Call Marketplace, Royal Plaza Mall, Seaport Marketplace, Strada Complex I and II, and Sun Plaza Mall. Other major shopping areas are Centro Commercial, in Noord, and the San Nicolas Shopping District. Stores on the main streets are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, although some are closed for lunch between noon and 2 p.m. Shops in the malls and shopping centers are open from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Some stores are open on Sundays and holidays when cruise ships are in port. Restaurants Restaurants abound on Aruba, offering visitors a variety of options when dining on the island. Over 100 international restaurants are available with exotic cuisines ranging from Indonesian, French, Italian, Chinese, Mediterranean, Japanese, seafood and local fare. Casinos Baccarat, roulette, blackjack and slot machines beckon from the casinos of these Aruban high-rise hotels: the Allegro Aruba, Hyatt Regency, Wyndham Aruba, Aruba Grand, Seaport Casino, Holiday Inn, the Sonesta Hotel, Beach Club and Casino, Radisson, Alhambra Casino, Marriott and the Royal Cabana. Aruba's best known casino is the Alhambra Bazaar, across from the Aruba Beach Resort. The Alhambra is more than just a casino, it's an 8,000-square-foot entertainment center. Catch the show at the Aladdin Theater, dine at the restaurant or do some shopping. Another popular casino on the island is the Royal Cabana Casino, located at La Cabana All-Suites Beach Resort and Casino. The casino is the largest in the Caribbean and features slots, blackjack, roulette, horseracing, craps, baccarat and Caribbean Stud Poker. Bingo and raffles are also a feature of the casinos, where risk-takers can win luxury prizes such as cars and other big prizes. The Royal Cabana Casino is home to the Tropicana Showroom, which features the island's longest running show -- the Jewel Box Revue, a rollicking ride of music, fun and comedy by top female impersonators. DINING/RESTARUANTS: Type: Vacation Rental Beach Location: Beach Front (Directly on Beach/Water Front) http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/Aruba/petrasplace/hotel/688/29/ Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:22:49 EST