UK visitors to Aruba rose almost 50 per cent in 2016 from the previous year, an all-time record, thanks in part to weekly direct charter flights with TUI from London and Manchester.
But as well as the sun, sea and sand, it’s the island’s culture and mix of influences which has helped to make it one of the UK’s top 10 Caribbean destinations.
“With our geographical location close to Venezuela, there is a strong South American vibe, curiously mixed with our Dutch colonial heritage, all of which gives the island a unique atmosphere,” explains Joanna Walding of the Aruba Tourism Authority.
If you’re looking for an excuse to discover it yourself, the Aruba Soul Beach music festival takes place in May, the Caribbean Sea Jazz festival in September, or plan ahead for next year’s carnival in February, ending with the Grand Parade through capital Oranjestad.
New face of luxury Greece
Travellers to Greece have a new luxury option for their holidays this year. Ikos Oceania, one of two beachfront Ikos Resorts in Halkidiki, has had a £23 million refurbishment which will be unveiled in April.
The resort’s 290 rooms and suites have all been given a new look, while the restaurants, spa and public areas have had their own revamp to showcase the all-inclusive ‘Infinite Lifestyle’ philosophy.
With Michelin-starred cuisine and 24-hour room service, along with the Dine-Out discovery experience to help guests enjoy local restaurants at no extra charge, plus local cuisine on the menu, the concept is designed to be sustainable and support the community without losing any of the luxury experience.
There are also 10 interconnecting family rooms, 22 one-bedroom family suites with their own garden and nine two-bedroom suites to tempt those travelling with children.
Double rooms will cost from around £180 per night based on two sharing.
Remembering JFK
While the 45th President of the United States is currently making headlines, it’s the 35th President who’ll be in the spotlight in Massachusetts this year. 2017 marks the centennial of John Fitzgerald Kennedy’s birth, with events to celebrate JFK’s many links to the state.
Born in Brookline, where he lived until he was 10, the future President later studied at Harvard — and just across the river in Boston you can still see his favourite seat at the historic Union Oyster House, now called ‘The Kennedy Booth’, with fish and salads on the menu as well as shellfish.
A special exhibition chronicling his life opens in May at the city’s John F Kennedy Presidential Museum and Library, or head out to Cape Cod with another exhibition on his life and legacy also opening in May at the John F Kennedy Hyannis Museum, not to mention events year-round in Brookline.
