The Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba is located on the edge of the hurricane belt 15 miles from the South American coastline.
The island offers a nine mile stretch of white sand, palm-fringed beaches and turquoise seas along with colonial Dutch architecture and a Latin vibe.
It enjoys year-round sunshine with average temperatures of 32 degrees and a cooling breeze.
Dive enthusiasts have fish abundant coral and shipwrecks.
The sophistication of Aruba's leeward side is contrasted by the natural and historic sites throughout the rest of the island, especially on the windward face.
The back roads of Aruba take travellers past rock formations, cactus-studded landscapes and the divi-divi trees.
Aruba has a number of casinos and nightclubs along with fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere.