Page 9 - AAA Now! – AAA Northway – Spring 2022

TRAVE
L
Going South in the Caribbean
Tucked below the Hurricane Belt, the Caribbean’s “ABC islands” sit about 20 miles off the coast of Venezuela. Clustered together, Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao lure visitors with the promise of an even- tempered climate.
Without the threat of hurricanes, travelers aren’t confined to visiting only certain months of the year. The climate is dry in this region – even cactus-strewn in some areas.
Aruba is the liveliest of the three ABC islands.
The two-mile strip known as Palm Beach is lined with high-rise hotels and beach bars. Latin rhythms waft from terraces. One of the island’s many other attractions is the popular Eagle Beach, a nesting site for four turtle species.
You’ll also want to explore Aruba’s volcanic formation, which lies in the center of the island. About 540 feet above sea level, Hooiberg (Dutch for haystack) provides a sweeping view of the island and beyond. On clear days, Venezuela is visible in the distance. Climbing the Hooiberg is a bit of an adventure – there are about 587 steps to the top of the hill. Although not the highest point on the island, visitors feel like they’re on top of the
world from this vantage point. Much of the beauty of Bonaire
is appreciated from a depth
of around 100 feet. Diving enthusiasts come from around the world for the amazingly clear water, teeming with colorful fish. Billed as the best Caribbean diving island, Bonaire is surrounded by reefs that are accessible a few feet from the shore.
Bonaire has much to explore
on land as well, so come up for
air and hike around Washington-
Slagbaai National Park for an
introduction to Aruba’s landscape and vegetation. Covering almost one-fifth of the island, the park
offers vast saline plains, where flights of flamingos gather to feed and trees are filled with exotic
birds such as bananaquits, mockingbirds and the Caribbean parrot.
In Curacao, brightly colored buildings with
white trim flank the streets. The island adopted
the Dutch colonial buildings of Amsterdam but added verandas, porches and shutters to withstand
the hotter climate. Tropical fruit-inspired shades like papaya yellow and guava pink are common, especially in downtown Willemstad, Curacao’s capital. Willemstad’s duality of old-world charm and duty-free shopping is a tourist draw. The port town has preserved some 765 buildings as national monuments, including the Governor’s Palace and Fort Amsterdam in the Punda district, a popular shopping area for tax-free items such as fine linens and designer clothing.
Find Your Place in the Sun in Scenic Kauai
In the magnetic Hawaiian Islands cares magically melt away with the tropical sun. Here, warm coastal breezes sway coconut palms and cobalt blue seas stretch as far as the eye can see. It’s easy to believe that you have found paradise. The lure of these islands is so compelling that many frayed mainlanders find themselves returning year after year.
The island of Kauai, Hawaii’s Garden Isle, is known especially for its lush rain forests, dramatic coastal cliffs and verdant valleys. Magnificent sunsets on
the western shores set the stage for romance. You can expect to find a bit of heaven when you reach the beautiful white sand beaches and take in the magnificent coastal views at your resort in Poipu. Fine dining and shopping are among the many leisure pursuits visitors find here.
For a day of sightseeing, hop in your rental car to admire Spouting Horn and the National Tropical
Botanical Garden, and
explore Old Koloa Town, site of the first large-scale sugar mill operation in the state. Today, its historical buildings are reminiscent of an old plantation town.
In the town of Princeville on the
north shore, island visitors are again welcomed by high-end hotels with cliffside ocean and mountain views. In the distance lies magnificent Makana Mountain, also known as Bali Hai. At luxurious St.
Regis Princeville Resort, celebrate each sunset with an official champagne toast. Princeville also boasts one of the best golf courses on the island at the scenic Makai Golf Club.
While Kauai is revered for its quiet and easy-going lifestyle, it is also known for having some of the most adventurous activities, including scuba diving, flightseeing and challenging hiking. Lace up your
hiking boots and explore beautiful Kokee State Park and Waimea Canyon on the West Side, with hundreds of trails and panoramic vistas. At Princeville Ranch, a sprawling 2,500-acre property, enjoy Kauai’s lovely scenery by horseback riding, zip-lining or ATV and nature adventures.
For those seeking a quieter pace, the island offers plenty of opportunities
to explore local culture and history
at museums, historical landmarks, plantation tours, and farmers markets. You can also tour the film locations of
more than 60 movies and television shows. Undeniably alluring, the island of Kauai captures
the hearts of those who come to these sandy shores and leaves an indelible impression.
SPRING 2022
9
Now!