The late summer heatwave cannot disguise the fact that true autumn and the chill of winter are on the horizon. And with those frosty thoughts come plans for holidays in the sun while Britain shivers.

The Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba can certainly melt away those thoughts of snow and fog, as it is ideally positioned in so many ways to let autumn and winter breaks shine.

Out of approximately 700 islands in the Caribbean, Aruba consistently ranks as having the least rainfall – averaging about 15 inches for the entire year. Temperatures from November to March will average 27°C, with a cooling trade breeze. The chance of rain in the winter months is minimal, so every day is time to relax in the sun or enjoy one of Aruba's many activities, including a host of watersports. Aruba has the most sunny days of any Caribbean island.

With British Airways now flying direct to Aruba twice a week from London-Gatwick, getting there is so straightforward. There are other options, too, including KLM flights with connections from a host of UK regional airports.

This makes Aruba an obvious choice for the independent traveller. Meanwhile, for those who like someone else to do the travel planning, household name tour operators as well as smaller specialists offer a variety of package holidays to Aruba.

For the coming winter season, British Airways Holidays offers seven nights, at the 3* Talk of The Town Hotel & Beach Club from £977.00pp, travelling on 12 November 2023. Includes economy (World Traveller) return flights from London Gatwick Airport, 23kg luggage allowance and accommodation. For reservations visit https://www.britishairways.com/holidays or call 0344 493 0120.

Visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation, which ranges from cosy B&Bs and self-catering to hotels from three to five stars, including plenty of all-inclusive options. Aruba boasts 20 resorts fronting the key coastal areas of Palm Beach and Eagle Beach, meaning one's winter can involve a short stroll from the hotel lobby to some of the world's best beaches, lapped by the azure blue Caribbean Sea.

All the main beaches in Aruba offer safe bathing, with no sudden deep water or strong currents. Palm Beach and Eagle Beach are idyllic golden sand beaches with a wealth of watersports and other activities. In the south of the island, Baby Beach, close to San Nicolas is, as its name implies, a perfect paddling and splashing beach for very young children – as well as older more adventurous visitors.

The island is very popular with snorkelers and divers and it also offers just about every imaginable activity on or under the water. Golf, tennis, mountain biking, hiking, beach volleyball and fishing are just some of the other activities available.

Renowned for its cuisine, Aruba's multi-cultural make-up is reflected in its restaurants, offering local menus, as well as those specialising in dishes from around the world, including French, Italian and South American. Again, the island serves up choices for the budget-conscious or those who want fine-dining.

And for those who like to party on into the night, Aruba has a vibrant after-hours scene. Clubs and discos, dinner cabaret shows and a wide range of casinos will entertain you into the small hours.

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

September 14, 2023

Note to editors: 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. With a nine-mile stretch of award-wining pristine beach, turquoise seas, colonial Dutch architecture and a Latin vibe, Aruba is a delightful alternative Caribbean experience. Now served twice-weekly by direct British Airways flights from London-Gatwick and with additional connections available with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Aruba is easily accessible and a host of tour operators feature packages there. These include British Airways Holidays, Trailfinders, Tropical Sky and Caribtours.

With major international brand name resorts, as well as smaller boutique accommodation, Aruba offers a vibrant nightlife, as well as a host of watersports and other activities. It also has a busy schedule of major international sporting and cultural events throughout the year.