Somehow, winter always seems like the longest season — and by this point in the year, you're probably accustomed to seeing the world through lenses that are more tinted gray than rose-colored.
If you're feeling like life these days is totally devoid of color, it might be time to shed your layers and pencil in a quick island getaway. For a little more warmth and a lot less gray, consider Aruba. From crystal-clear waves and butterfly farms to the tastiest cuisine, the island is brimming with flora, fauna, culture, and color that is sure to put a pep back in your step.
Keep reading for the must-see hotspots you'll want to bookmark, pack your bags for your end-of-winter trip, and get ready to soak up the island's many colors. Prediction: You'll want to bottle them all up and bring them home with you.
FYI: Celebrity Cruises offers excursion bookings to many of the locations you see in the video above. To experience the on-land dining options, be sure to coordinate a private journey or make a reservation directly with the restaurant.
1. Hit the beach.
After a season of bundling up, you'll want an itinerary that's chock-full of beaches. There are more than a few stunning, blue bays on the island of Aruba, so consider this your guide to some can't-miss spots.
If you're vacationing with kids, venture south to Baby Beach — its shallow waters make it ideal for young swimmers, wading, and snorkeling. Bonus: You'll find complimentary huts strewn across the sand for a little shade fix.
On Aruba's north end, check out the white sand and gentle currents at Arashi Beach. It's just a three-minute drive from the famous California Lighthouse, a landmark that offers 360-degree views of the island (if you're willing to climb some stairs).
Take a trolley ride through the capital city of Oranjestad, bursting with colorful storefronts and charming local shops, before venturing to Eagle Beach. Once you've made it, marvel at the native fofoti trees and search for turtle nests, and end the day admiring a colorful sunset.
2. Experience nature.
If you're less of the nap-on-the-beach type and more into adventuring, give SNUBA a try — it's a magical dive-like excursion underwater (think amazing coral formation and schools of colorful fish) without any heavy-duty gear or dive certification required.
Or step away from the beach to greet the world's most colorful creatures at Aruba's Butterfly Farm. Pro tip: If you arrive in the morning, you'll witness new butterflies emerging from their chrysalis and taking their first flight.
3. Eat the rainbow.
With all this saturated sightseeing, you're sure to work up an appetite. If you travel to Aruba by cruise, you'll find tons of fresh options on board — like Celebrity Cruise's Sunset Bar, which serves up a dreamy combination of colorful cocktails and golden-hour ocean views.
Beyond the boat, there are a few must-try eateries on Aruba to experience in your own time. Have a snack at Zeerover, a fisherman's wharf-turned-seafood-shack. Shoot pool and sip on local beer while your catch is cleaned and cooked on the spot — and before you leave, grab some fresh fish to go.
For savory lomo saltado and the freshest ceviche, try Lima Bistro, a Peru-meets-Aruba eatery along the Oranjestad Marina boardwalk. And for a special evening of poolside stargazing, visit Papiamento for stellar bites of local fish like grouper and wahoo. As for your dinner conversation? Let it be an ode to all the color around you — and a planning session for your next Aruba trip.
Ready to make the trip? Check out more Aruba adventures you can experience with Celebrity Cruises and get packing.