• The tiny island of Aruba boasts a rich and multicultural heritage
• Travel back in time to the historic Bushiribana gold mill
• Visit Alto Vista Chapel, or Arikok National Park, an incredible nature preserve
• Pick up designer bagains at a steal in the island boutiques

This tiny island, only 30 by 10 km, is a splashing sensation when it comes to natural beauty, attracting over a million visitors to its sandy shores each year. Miles of soft, white-sand beaches run like ribbons along its western coast, and the island enjoys daytime temperatures in the high 20s year-round. What makes its capital city, Oranjestad, a highlight of any visit is its doll-house-style, pastel homes, and colourful architecture. The resorts in Aruba are luxurious, the dining is first-class, and the casinos are a thrill. Extreme sports abound in this tropical heaven, from diving and snorkelling to deep-sea fishing and windsurfing. There is a notable Dutch influence in Aruban cuisine that becomes evident in traditional dishes with goat meat, stoba - stew pots filled with vegetables that are locally grown - fish and maize.