Aruba Today News

31/10/2025

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31/10/2025

| Explore Aruba

Aruba Today collected some things to do BEYOND the beach. Yes, we know. Aruba, located 15 miles north of Venezuela in the warm waters of the southern Caribbean, is home to beautiful white-sand beaches, 82-degree days, and thus ideal for the perfect beach day. But we are also blessed with some of the warmest people in the world and our island is 19.6 miles long and 6 miles across, with a total area of 70 square miles. Bit more to discover than the white stretch on the coastline we say. Let’s mention some of these hidden gems.

Arikok National Park

The Arikok National park is worth the ride. We love the hikes that are guided by the park’s rangers whose job is to maintain trails and protect natural resources. The flora and fauna are beautiful and the historical sites tell you about the island’s indigenous roots. The guided tours are even free of charge. If you are not up to walking, you can drive through the park, one way or another this park is a great place to spend an entire day. Cruising through the landscape you end up at some of the most stunning beaches like Dos Playa or Daimara Beach. In Total the park consists of 34 square kilometers of protected nature with a richness of animals living in it. The Aruban whiptail lizard (cododo), Aruban cat eye snake (santanero) and endangered rattle snake (cascabel) are just some of them, you can also admire these close in the park’s Visitors’ Center. For more information, visit the website www.acf.aw

Natural Bridge

One of Aruba’s favorite tourist attractions is the Natural Bridge. For thousands of years, pounding waves and strong winds have slowly chiseled away the limestone cliffs along Aruba’s north coast to create several natural bridges. The largest of these bridges used to be the famous Natural Bridge. The bridge was a formation of coral limestone cut out by years of pounding surf, and was one of the largest of these types of spans in the world. It standed some 23 feet (7 meters) above sea level and spans more than 100 feet (30 meters). Unfortunately the bridge collapsed on September 2, 2005. Despite this, it is still the most photographed natural bridge and it remains a popular tourist attraction in Aruba, with the adjacent and intact Baby Bridge also meriting a visit. The Natural Bridge is the perfect stop while touring Aruba. There is no admission fee or set hours for visiting. Quench your thirst with refreshing beverages & refuel your tank with local snacks.

The Lourdes Grotto

Named in commemoration of the famous French religious landmark, was created under the guidance of a priest named “Erkamp” and parishioners in the year 1958. The grotto, a shrine built into the rocks is located in Seroe Preto, just off the main road to San Nicolas. A statue of the Virgin Mary, weighing 700 kilos, was hoisted into place in the grotto. Every year, on February 11 (feast of Lady of Lourdes), a procession leaves from the St. Theresita church in San Nicolas to the grotto, where a mass is performed. The grotto is located road-side and can be visited daily. Just make sure you park safely in the event you wish to stop for pictures at this location.

31/10/2025

| A former South Carolina sheriff pleaded guilty Thursday to federal charges that he helped steal about $80,000 from his force's benevolence fund and took pain medication that was supposed to be destroyed as part of a pill take-back program.

Chuck Wright, the former Spartanburg County sheriff, admitted his guilt to conspiring to commit theft concerning programs receiving federal funds, conspiring to commit wire fraud and obtaining controlled substances through misrepresentation.

USNEWS Ex-South Carolina sheriff pleads guilty to drug-related crimes and stealing from benevolence fund Share Facebook Twitter WhatsApp FILE - Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright speaks during a news conference in front of Todd Kohlhepp's property in Woodruff, S.C., Nov. 6, 2016. (AP Photo/Rich...

31/10/2025

| Influential Cuban dissident leader José Daniel Ferrer, recently exiled from Cuba, says that the island's fractured and weakened opposition movements need to shift strategies and oppose the government from outside the Caribbean nation.

The comments from Ferrer, in an interview with The Associated Press, come after he spent years in prison in Cuba where he believed he could fuel a larger fight against the government. "Being a prisoner turned me into a symbol of resistance," he told the AP in Miami.

UPFRONT Influential Cuban dissident says his fight against government will continue off the island Share Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Cuban dissident Jose Daniel Ferrer speaks of his experience leaving Cuba during an interview Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier) ad-banner-set...

31/10/2025

Bon dia friends! Happy Halloween, let us know down in the comments what costume you'll be wearing tonight...or today!

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- http://www.arubatoday.com/

30/10/2025

| The Parkers

For today we received a lovely message from Keith & Amber Parker from Orlando, Florida.

They wrote to us saying: "Aruba to me is a haven for rare visitors - both people and wings. While shopping in the Renaissance Hotel, we were surprised by a dazzling green-banded moth that had apparently come all the way from the Amazon region of South America. We confirmed with the Butterfly Farm that it is a Urania Leilus moth, and a very rare find in Aruba. They said it could have been blown here from a storm. In adult form, they only live 7-10 days, making it an even rarer sight.

My wife, Amber, decided to photo bomb the moth while I was outside taking pictures of it.”

You are back and we would like to portrait you! By inviting you to send us your favorite vacation picture while enjoying our Happy Island.

Complete the sentence: Aruba to me is ……. Send your picture with that text (including your name and where you are from) to: [email protected] and we will publish your vacation memory. Isn’t that a special way to keep your best moments alive? Please do note: By submitting photos, text or any other materials, you give permission to The Aruba Today Newspaper, Caribbean Speed Printers and any of its affiliated companies to use said materials, as well as names, likeness, etc. for promotional purposes without compensation.

Last but not least: check out our website, Instagram and page! Thank you for supporting our free newspaper, we strive to make you a happy reader every day again.

Thank you for sending us this wonderful message sharing what Aruba means to you with us and our readers!

30/10/2025

Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort Aruba & MVC Eagle Beach Retain Prestigious EarthCheck Certifications for 2025, Reaffirming Their Enduring Commitment to Sustainable Tourism

Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort and its sister property, MVC Eagle Beach Aruba, have once again been recognized as global leaders in sustainable tourism through their continued partnership with EarthCheck, the world’s leading business advisory group specializing in sustainability and destination management for the travel and tourism industry.

For 2025, Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort proudly retained its EarthCheck Master Certification, marking more than fifteen years of continuous dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainable operations. This recognition reaffirms the resort’s position among the world’s most environmentally responsible hospitality leaders.

MVC Eagle Beach Aruba also successfully retained its EarthCheck Platinum Certification, maintaining its place among an elite group of tourism operators certified to the internationally recognized EarthCheck Company Standard.

“For more than fifteen years, Amsterdam Manor and MVC Eagle Beach have set the benchmark for sustainability in the region,” said Stewart Moore, CEO & Founder of EarthCheck. “Their enduring commitment to caring for people, culture, and the environment demonstrates that responsible tourism isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s smart, forward-thinking business. By integrating sustainability into every aspect of their operations, they continue to inspire others and lead the way toward a more resilient and regenerative tourism future.”

By working with EarthCheck, Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort and MVC Eagle Beach Aruba continue to be part of a global network of tourism leaders taking meaningful steps toward addressing climate change, protecting natural assets, and ensuring a more sustainable future for the travel industry.

“We are incredibly proud to continue representing Aruba as a global example of sustainable tourism,” said Jurgen van Schaijk, Owner & Managing Director of Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort and MVC Eagle Beach Aruba. “Our team’s continued commitment to eco-friendly operations stems from a shared belief that we can deliver exceptional guest experiences while protecting the natural beauty and culture that make our island so special.”

Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort continued to make significant strides in sustainability throughout 2024, reducing its energy consumption by 7.9% per guest night and cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 9.6% per guest night compared to the previous year, according to its 2024 EarthCheck Performance Report. The resort also maintained above-average ratings in both water savings and community contributions. With water consumption reduced to 184.3 L per guest night, well below the regional average of 486.5 L, Amsterdam Manor has further strengthened its position as a global leader in sustainable hospitality.

MVC Eagle Beach also demonstrated exceptional progress, lowering potable water consumption by 2.3% per guest night. The resort achieved major improvements in its Pesticide Products Rating, increasing from one to four stars, and in its Paper Products Rating, which elevated from two to five stars, according to its 2024 EarthCheck Performance Report. The resort continues to exceed regional averages across multiple key metrics including energy efficiency, emissions reduction and waste management, reinforcing its strong commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible operations.

Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort is also enhancing the guest experience through ongoing renovations and upgrades. The resort is currently remodeling its Manor Studios, located in the three-story entrance building, with expanded layouts, fully renewed interiors featuring stylish décor, and a refreshed exterior façade that complements the property’s signature ambiance. Additionally, a new porte-cochère will offer a more welcoming arrival experience, while convenient shower rooms will be introduced for guests with early arrivals or late departures.

About EarthCheck

EarthCheck is the world’s leading certification, consulting and advisory group for sustainable destinations and tourism organisations. Since 1987, EarthCheck has worked with governments, businesses, and destinations to deliver science-backed, strategic, and sustainable outcomes. For more information, visit www.earthcheck.org

30/10/2025

| Feeling parched? Grab refreshment by the side of the road!

Touring the island in the blistering heat can leave one feeling rather thirsty and looking to cool off. Luckily there are a few stands along the roads of Aruba that can offer you just what you need: a nice, refreshing beverage!

These “coconut stands” can be found at several locations on the island, where you can cool off with delicious smoothies, drinks, snacks, and of course, fresh coconuts! Perfect during family outings around the island, these stands can be found in the following locations:

Near the red Anchor in San Nicolas
On the Linear Park in Oranjestad (in front of airport runway)
At the California Light House hill
Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruin
Bushiribana Beach (Near the Ling & Song Supermarket)

30/10/2025

| The Trump administration is moving to overrule any state laws that may protect consumers' credit reports from medical debt and other debt issues.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has drafted what's known as an interpretative rule related to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, interpreting the law in a way that says the FCRA should preempt any state laws or regulations when it comes to how debt should be reported to the credit bureaus like Experian, Equifax and Trans Union.

USNEWS Trump administration moves to overrule state laws protecting credit reports from medical debt Share Facebook Twitter WhatsApp U.S. President Donald Trump arrives to meet with soldiers and servicemen at the USS George Washington at the U.S. Navy's Yokosuka base in Yokosuka, south of Tokyo, Tue...

30/10/2025

| The U.N. General Assembly voted overwhelmingly Wednesday to condemn the U.S. economic embargo of Cuba for a 33rd year. Yet the vote, as Hurricane Melissa tore through the island nation, softened Washington's isolation on a long-standing issue in the Caribbean while new friction grows around the American military buildup there.

The vote was 165-7, with 12 abstentions. Last year, it was 187-2, with "no" votes from the United States and Israel and one abstention. This year, countries including Argentina, Ukraine and Hungary also opposed the measure. Such resolutions are not legally binding but reflect world opinion

USNEWS U.N. condemns U.S. embargo on Cuba for a 33rd year, but Washington’s stand draws bit more support Share Facebook Twitter WhatsApp People evacuate before the arrival of Hurricane Melissa in Canizo, a community in Santiago de Cuba, Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Ramón Espinosa) ad-banner-...

30/10/2025

Bon dia friends! It's been a while but we finally got a NEW story from The Parkers all the way from Orlando, Florida! Go check out their story on page 9 of today's newspaper.

Visit our website for more news

- http://www.arubatoday.com/