This is advertorial was written by Frankie Girl.
For romantic getaways and magical vacations, the Caribbean is full of amazing destinations and under-the-radar spots. Almost every island offers something special and exciting.
Whether you are honeymooning, celebrating an important date, planning a special trip with a loved one, or just looking for an amazing place to get away from it all, the Caribbean has adventure and wonder to spare.
Every island is different and every island has its own magic. But one spot that truly stands out, particularly when it comes to romance, is Aruba.
Lying just off the coast of Venezuela in the south of the Caribbean archipelago, Aruba is actually one of the four parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (along with Curacao, Sint Maarten, and the Netherlands themselves). As a result, the official language is Dutch, and all its residents are Dutch nationals.
Unlike many of the other Caribbean islands, Aruba is extremely dry, with an arid, scrubland landscape strewn with cactuses and punctuated with the occasional gentle hill. While not quite as dramatic as the mountainous jungle that typifies the northern Caribbean, the contrast of the windswept, bleakly beautiful north of the island with the exquisite white-sand beach coast in the south makes it an incredible place to visit. The weather is rather more reliable than in the rest of the Caribbean too, with warm temperatures and clear, sunny skies year-round.
Aruba has long had a reputation as one of the best Caribbean islands for couples, and Conchi is one of the most romantic spots on this gorgeous little island paradise.
What is Conchi?
In one of the most secluded, remote, and frankly difficult to get to spots far in the east of Aruba lies the Natural Pool, also known as Cura di Tortuga or Conchi. A remarkable natural formation of rocks and volcanic stone has formed a glittering pool of water, protected from the breakers of the ocean, the perfect swimming spot. Surrounded by the dramatic terrain of eastern Aruba, swimming here is a breathtaking experience, like something out of an adventure novel.
How to get to Conchi
The biggest part of Conchi’s magic is its remote location. Located far away from the inhabited parts of the island, on the windswept eastern shore, in the middle of the Arikok National Park, this is not a journey for the faint-hearted. With no paved roads leading to the pool, there are three options for getting to Conchi; ATV, hiking, or horseback riding.
Hiking
The hike to Conchi is an experience in itself, a trek across rugged, rocky terrain, pristine beaches, and winding trails that end in the beauty of the natural pool.
Start off at the San Fuego entrance to the Arikok National Park, where you will find the visitor center. You’ll need to buy entrance wristbands and a map before you set off on your hike. The trail from the visitor center to the natural pool is approximately 3.5 miles long, well-marked, and should take about an hour.
Go past Rancho Daimari, then follow the wide dirt trail out towards the coast. Follow the coastal path until you find yourself at Daimari Beach, cross over the beach past piles of volcanic rocks and find the trail again. Keep going south along the coastal path, before climbing a huge sand dune for the finest views of the hike.
Cross down onto another picturesque beach before climbing the volcanic stone circle that surrounds Conchi and making your way down the flight of steps to the natural pool itself.
Horseback
If a rough and ready hiking adventure isn’t quite your style, getting to Conchi by horseback might be more appealing. You can organize horseback tours from Rancho Daimari just outside of the National Park, and follow the dirt road all the way to the natural pool.
ATV
The easiest and most comfortable way to arrive at the Conchi natural pool is by ATV or 4X4.
It is technically possible to drive your own vehicle in the Arikok National Park, however, the roads are steep and in extremely poor condition, rutted with holes and littered with large rocks, and it is not advisable. The paperwork required to get a permit to drive in the park is also quite complicated, so it is highly advisable to head to the Arikok National Park visitor center and hire a guide with an ATV to drive you to Conchi instead!
Another option is to drive a little way into the park, following the dirt road to Daimari Beach, and to park on the hills overlooking the beach and hike the rest of the way.
What to do at Conchi
Conchi is a gorgeous natural swimming hole and while it is a stunning place just to hang out, the main reason to come here is to swim! Despite the rough, windswept nature of the northeastern coast of Aruba, the natural pool is calm and protected, with crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or just relaxing in.
Thanks to the high volcanic stone circle that forms the natural pool and the deep water, you can also try your hand at cliff diving.
It is worth bearing in mind that the rocks surrounding the pool can become extremely slippery when wet, so water shoes are a great idea. This also means that you can explore the smaller second pool, as well as the tidal pools nearer the sea, and discover the fascinating marine life that inhabits the shore. The crabs in particular are plentiful and quite beautiful!
Things to know before you go
If you are planning to hike to Conchi it is worth setting off early and taking plenty of water and sunscreen, as the temperatures can soar under the midday sun.
The Natural Pool is around 17 feet deep with limited shallow areas and is too deep for most people to stand in. It is therefore a place for strong swimmers.
The sea in this part of Aruba can be rough and it is not advisable to swim outside of the bounds of the Natural Pool itself. It is also worth being careful on the rocks on the seaside, as larger waves can sometimes reach the top!
