Aruba Beach Chalets, photos!

Aruba Beach Chalets are a great place to stay in Aruba and this photo essay will show you a few of the reasons why. In the first place, this unassuming string of 6 units is in Savaneta, my favorite neighborhood on the island. Savaneta was the original capital of the island way back when. It’s a sleepy place now with 2 fantastic restaurants, a number of local quick snack joints, and Zeerovers, a fisherman’s wharf where you can dance and shoot pool. Back to Aruba Beach Chalets. There are a few off-street parking spots inside the compound just off the frame showing the entrance to Number 1 below:

Number 1 unit is basically twice the size of the Numbers 3-5. It also has a private pool of it’s own, as does Number 6, but we’ll get to that later. Let’s go inside a regular unit, in this case, Number 3:

This is the ground level, where you can see there is a little kitchen space, TV, sitting area, and just off to the right a convenient powder room. Looking out that sliding door at the far end of the photo, you’ll notice a covered porch that fronts the Caribbean.

That’s just a tease. More to follow. First, let’s go upstairs and have a look at the bedrooms. On the island side of the building, you’ll find a two-bed room like this:

That’s a cozy space with a bathroom of it’s own. Showers only, by the way, no tub. (Who needs that anyway?) The other bedroom is a queen bed, and this one has a mosquito netting just in case you want to sleep with the windows open. Check it out:

The reason you may want to leave the windows open, or rather the sliding door, is because this is your view:

Nice, eh? Well, going back downstairs, take a gander at the pool for Number 1 unit:

Very convenient, no? Well, stepping back a few feet, you can see how you could in the pool, a drink in your hand, looking out over the Caribbean Sea where the pelicans are fishing for lunch. Don’t believe me? Here it is.

That’s the view basically looking to the south, southeast. Turning around 180 degrees, you see this:

You can see the row of units, each with it’s own sitting area, the little beach, and how it all fronts the water. Number 6 has its own pool, too, and this unit rents on a longer term basis. Check with the owners through the website: www.aruba-beach-chalets.com. You can click right there and be transported to it, just the website, not the actual place here in Aruba. Sorry.

At any rate, if you’re looking for a place away from it all, give this one a try. I stayed here many times until I bought a shack. Sometimes I wish I hadn’t bought the shack and just rented there. It’s hard to beat.

Bon dia.

Published in: on December 1, 2009 at 8:29 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Buffam’s Tropical Haven, Aruba, DWI

Those seeking comfortable accommodations away from the big hotels should consider Buffam’s Tropical Haven in Aruba. There are only three rooms to rent and the owners live on the premises. A friend of mine introduced me to this place, and I’m glad he did, because people frequently contact me in search of alternatives to the usual hotels here on the island. Add Buffam’s Tropical Haven to your list. (By the way, there are many more and much better photos on their website which is posted below.)

There are comfortable common areas such as this covered space:

trophavcIf you want to go for a dip to cool off, a pleasant pool awaits.

trophavdDon’t miss those big, comfortable chairs in the back there, a great place to relax, read a book, and recharge. Each room features a fridge, modest cooking facilities, and a well appointed bathroom. (Your average big hotel is going to charge mightily for such amenities, especially the fridge where you can stock your own goodies at regular prices instead of the exorbitant mini-bar rates.) Here’s a snap of one of the rooms.

trophaveThere’s plenty of space to spread out and join friends around the table. With the owner’s on site, you have that extra measure of service should some small need arise. And since there are only three rooms, the place can not be crowded. The small touches count here, including the decorations, such as this pair of planters:

trophavbLittle things mean a lot to travelers, and I think you will find the little things in ample supply at Buffam’s. Check out their website for more details at www.buffamstropicalhaven.com.

Bon dia from Aruba.

Published in: on September 5, 2009 at 11:04 am  Leave a Comment  
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Sea Breeze Apartments, Aruba

Sea Breeze Apartments are located in the Pos Chikito area of the island, just a few blocks from Mangel Halto where there is some fantastic snorkeling. Years ago, I stayed here for several days. This week, I went back to visit an old friend who was staying there.

seabre1The Sea Breeze Apartments sit within a walled compound that ensconces the guest in quaint comfort. There are studio and one bedroom apartments for short and longer term stays. As seen below, there is a wood-fired BBQ, too.

seabre2There is also a large palapa hut where you can gather with your friends.

seabre3As you can see, this place is well-decorated and comfortable. It has a genuine feel as opposed to something that’s over-done. And don’t forget the pool, which is just big enough to cool off after lounging in the sun.

seabre4In the rear of the photo above, you can see one of the stand-alone apartments. The others are clustered around the central courtyard.

If you’re looking to get away from the high-rise hotel area of the island or for an experience different than renting a time share, try the Sea Breeze Apartments. You’ll be amidst a regular neighborhood, among other like-minded individuals, and generally enjoy a relaxing stay.

Bon dia from Aruba.

Published in: on February 26, 2009 at 10:42 am  Leave a Comment  
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