If Lewis Black hasn’t convinced you to travel to Aruba yet, then maybe the annual Aruba Hi-Winds windsurfing competition will get you there. We realize this is a pretty active endeavor, but since there's the option to take it all in from the shore, you won't have to sacrifice any precious beach time.

From July 1-6, windsurfers and kiteboarders will try their best to tame the island’s trade winds for their own pleasure and bragging rights, competing in different categories like long distance, course racing, and slalom. Amateurs and professionals alike will then gather at island haunts like Fisherman's Hut and Boca Grandi to strut their stuff.

Our pick for best battle has to be Freestyle Windsurfing, but we aren’t the flip and spin type, so you’ll catch us happily sunning ourselves as we them wrestle the winds for title of “King of the Huts.” Just make sure you don't overdo it at the welcome party at Moomba Beach Bar on the first night—those daiquiris go down easy and you've got days of sitting in the sun to do.

Related Stories:
·Aruba Hiwinds 2009 [Official Site]
·Aruba Travel: The Island's Best Dive Bar [Jaunted]
·Windsurfing [Jaunted]

[Photo: Official Site] ]]> kjb 2009-06-24T09:18:18-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/2/1/122159/2041

Because of their overwhelming dependence on tourism, the islands of the Caribbean have been hit especially hard by the latest global economic bummer. I read in the Economist this morning that the number of visitors is likely to fall by up to a third, a forecast that has prompted the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island to lay off 800 workers and caused investors to pull out of several planned multi-billion-dollar resort complexes. Usually in a business downturn, companies cut their marketing budgets, but there are always a few radicals that double down instead, gunning for visibility in a diminished field. Aruba is doubling down in this recession with a big advertising push that features the grouchy comedian and satirist Lewis Black, and it just might work. ]]> Victor Ozols 2009-02-01T12:21:59-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/4/22/141252/145

After spending four days on Aruba combing Palm Beach, getting rubbed down at the Larimar Spa, exploring the Aruban outback, and drinking rum punch at the island's best dive bar, it's high time for a fancy meal on the beach.

If it's fresh fish you're after then head to the Flying Fishbone in the seaside neighborhood of Savaneta--and be sure to make a reservation because clearly the secret's out.]]> David LaHuta 2008-04-25T13:03:38-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/4/22/14543/9986

Aruba has some of the Caribbean's best windsurfing on Palm Beach, a dynamic northwestern coastline easily viewed while on the island's best drive and a fantastic spa where you can get rubbed down with rum and aloe vera. Seriously folks, this island's where it's at.

If you're still not convinced then it's obviously time for a drink. Head south to San Nicolas where you'll find Charlie's Bar--hands down Aruba's finest dive.]]> David LaHuta 2008-04-24T12:30:01-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/4/22/14125/6254

Who knew a small island like Aruba could keep someone so busy? You've already been windsurfing, butterfly watching and sunset sailing on Palm Beach, plus you've conquered the Aruban outback on the island's best drive.

It's time to slow down and relax--after all, vacations were made for pampering. If it's Zen-like tranquility you're after, head to the Larimar Spa, easily Aruba's best sanctuary for the mind, body and spirit.]]> David LaHuta 2008-04-23T11:30:02-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/4/21/102511/182

It's day two on Aruba and you've kept yourself busy windsurfing, sailing and butterfly watching on Palm Beach--by far the island's finest stretch of sand. And even though you'd love to spend another day sipping cocktails in the sun, there's much more to be seen.

Consider an off-road adventure to the Aruban outback--part of an arid coastal desert on the island's northwestern tip--and home to the island's best drive.]]> David LaHuta 2008-04-22T12:00:01-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/4/21/101840/030

Forget Natalee Holloway. Yes, the 2005 disappearance of the Alabama high school student was tragic, but Aruba's endured a bad rap for long enough. It's time to rethink this Dutch island just off the coast of Venezuela and give it the respect it deserves.

Like any good trip to the Caribbean, yours should begin on the beach--more specifically, Palm Beach, part of Aruba's finest stretch of powdery white sand.]]> David LaHuta 2008-04-21T13:00:02-05:00 Search Jaunted string http://www.jaunted.com/search/