Aruba is a beautiful, largely commercial Dutch island that feels more like Miami Beach than the Caribbean. I've visited twice over the years, first in the early 1990s, and again in December of 2005. The contrast over the years is stark. In the early '90s, Aruba was the ultimate romantic, tropical getaway with little to do but enjoy the lushness of the surroundings. The water was an unbelievable, clear 'navy' blue. With its sparkling white sands, the beach experience alone was surreal. But, much of the quaint charm of past years has given way today to robust shopping, casinos and numerous hotels and resorts dotting just about every inch of the island. Even the clarity and color of the water has changed, and gone also are the schools of tropical fish at your feet just off the shores.
What has remained true however is the warmth of the people. Arubans are some of the most diverse and friendliest you'll find in the Caribbean. No complaints in my experience on the island and I will readily travel again solo.
While it is small in size, Aruba's nightlife and social scene are on scale with larger islands like Puerto Rico. That's not a bad thing, it's just something to note if you are a woman considering traveling alone and expecting a tranquil experience similar to an island like Anguilla or Nevis. Regardless of the time of year, crowds are to be expected.
In 2005, I stayed at the Amsterdam Manor across from Eagle Beach (see pictures). Although a larger 'chain' resort is within walking distance, the Amsterdam Manor is wonderfully quiet and peaceful. The beach is directly across the street so it's very easy to take in an hour or a day of sun and return to home base quickly. There is a restaurant on-site but the food is average at best. Of note, there are many food choices on Aruba -- just about anything you want. During the day, you can easily take the city buses to different parts of the island; in the evenings, I recommend taking a taxi or hotel shuttle.