Maintaining its reputation as one of the Caribbean's most far-sighted destinations, Aruba is preparing to cater for returning visitors who remain cautious post-pandemic.

From private tours to individual art classes, exclusive dining to personalised beach picnics, this Dutch Caribbean island's travel businesses have pulled out all the stops to offers services for those tourists who want to keep themselves to themselves, avoiding larger group activities.

Dozens of companies and restaurants – even grocery stores – have looked ahead to the day Aruba is added to the UK's green list for travel and published plans to help those who are keen to travel but remain crowd-averse.

For example, AGW (www.agwtoursaruba.com) will customise private tours of the island for individuals, couples or families, using a private mini-van and a guide who creates bespoke itineraries.

For those seeking self-propelled tours, try Fins & Feet Nature Tours (www.finsandfeet.com) who offer hiking and snorkelling in quiet spots on Aruba, or Aruba Nature Explorers (www.arubaeco.tours) who are all about the island's great outdoors. Private hikes can be booked, including optional bird watching or a local farming tour.

Even more energetic is the half-day private mountain biking tour offered by Rancho Notorious (www.rancho-notorious.com) who also provide a dedicated guide.

On the Caribbean Sea, a number of companies offer private sailing and/or diving. Check out Aruba Premier Boat & Dive (www.arubapremierboatanddive.com), Octopus Sailing Charters (www.octopusprivtecharters.com) or Aruba Private Charters (www.arubaprivatecharters.com). Several companies also offers private fishing charters.

Private windsurfing lessons are available through Aruba Active Vacations (www.aruba-active-vacations.com), while Segway Aruba Tours (www.segwayaruba.com) will organise private tours of the island using these two-wheeled electric scooters.

On the artistic front, private group tours of the renowned street art of the island's second city, San Nicolas, are offered by Aruba Mural Tours (www.arubamuraltours.com), while prominent local artist Elisa Lejuez offers private and group classes in her studio, with all materials provided (www.courses.elisalejuez.com).

From buying your groceries and stocking the fridge for self-catering visitors to arranging tours, activities and meals, Barbulet Concierge offers a one-stop service (www.barbuletconcierge.com).

Meanwhile, private chefs and exclusive dining experiences are available from the likes of Chef@Home (www.chefathomesaruba.com), Aruba Planners (www.arubaplanners.com) or Private Chef Aruba (www.papillonaruba.com/private-chef-aruba).

While there are a number of restaurants with beach-side dining areas, if you really want to feel the sand between your toes but not put too much effort into the catering, try Picnic Aruba. This creative team has revamped the traditional picnic and given it a modern twist with a hint of island chic. They offer breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between, complete with charming lights and decorations (www.picnicaruba.com)

For more information about Aruba, go to www.aruba.com

For further press information, please contact: Joanna Walding

Tel: 07950 131216

E-mail: j.walding@aruba.com

Aruba Tourism Authority – UK & Ireland

May 10, 2021

Note to editors: The Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba lies 15 miles north of the South American coastline, benefitting from year-round sunshine, an average temperature of 32 degrees and a cooling breeze. Located on the edge of the hurricane belt, with a nine mile stretch of award-winning pristine beach, turquoise seas, colonial Dutch architecture and a Latin vibe, Aruba is a delightful alternative Caribbean experience.