The most surprising — and addicting part — of my Aruba trip has always been the Butterfly Farm (this should come as no surprise to my readers that I am enamored with winged creatures).
The Butterfly Farm is for the kid in all of us; it's like taking a first grade field trip but the learning curve is what you make of it. It's situated directly opposite the Divi Phoenix Resort, and is a lush oasis filled to the brim with every bright specimen available. The fluttering residents hail from over 50 countries — as far flung as Indonesia — and call every tree, fern, leaf and bark their home.
Below, is the M. menelaus, or Blue Morpho, which hails from Brazil. The smoky fringe, and the meandering yet perfectly veined butterfly is a particular favorite of mine.
The unforgettable Monarch butterfly below is painter-perfect, with elegant curves and dappled edges. Its dots remind me of young deer, and its bright, almost tabby cat orange is a favorite shade. I just fell in love with this graceful pose.
The Scarlett butterfly is evasive: we almost played a game of ping pong with it. Finally, it sought a cool, leafy resting place.
I had purchased a special Butterfly dress in honor of the occasion.
Although the Butterfly Farm is small, it feels like the Amazonian rainforest. There are trellised pathways, trees, a boisterous and clattering stream, and park benches that are meant for contemplation. It's the zen zone of Aruba, perfect for a midday yoga session.
The Farm offers a tour to every visitor. You'll be guided every inch of the space and you can ask any and all questions about the species. If you're eager, dip your finger (or hand) into the nectar-laden fruit to attract the butterflies at close quarters.
Below, myself and Tanya, who mans the front desk. Tanya got married in the Butterfly Farm…I only wished I could see her pictures.
Quite surprisingly, the butterflies thought my dress butterflies were flowers in and of themselves, and tried to sip nectar from the silk chiffon! It was such a joyous moment for me because I felt the splurge (the dress) had been worth it.
Matthew was enamored as well…
This is the underside of the Blue Morpho. All I did was dip my finger into the nectar and it landed at such close quarters. A true Alice in Wonderland moment.
- Charu Suri
From Jeff Titelius:
What a fabulous post and gorgeous pics, especially the first one of you and the last. You should use these as your profile pic somewhere. They are literally quite stunning!!!
From Charu:
Thank you Jeff! I am so proud of Matt for taking those pictures!
From Andi of My Beautiful Adventures:
Ahhhh I wrote the LONGEST comment & it got deleted. I'm really sad about that. Anyway, I have been waiting for what seems like forever for this post and it definitely did not disapoint! What an extraordinary place!!! First, your dress is divine. I'm so glad you bought it, I think you will treasure it forever. Second, I'm super jealous that that woman got married there. That would be like a dream wedding spot for me! Third, your pics are almost as gorgeous as you are.
From Charu Suri:
I know, I know! I’ve been taking forever to post it because I’ve been so swamped and I really wanted it to be good. Aren’t these pictures magical? Matt did an excellent job with the camera, and that farm is beginning you to go and visit it. The dress is magical indeed, and the winged creatures even more so. Can’t wait for yours!
From s.rajah iyer:
excellent pics..butterflirs are so beautiful..who took these amazing Pics!
From Sarah Wu:
These are beautiful photos, You look more beautiful then the butterfly in that pretty dress of yours
. I like the setting of the farm looks like rain forest. You did a lot more then just chilling at the beach girl.
From Charu Suri:
I know — I was hard at work! Vacation never is just vacation for me, not with the need to photograph everything. Thank you for reading and commenting. It means the world to me!
From Megan:
I love this photos…stunning. And your dress is just too perfect. I might have to check this out too!
From Charu Suri:
Thanks Megan! It’s from MaxStudio and on sale for $98
From Christy @ Ordinary Traveler:
I love that last photo! Great shot!
From Juno:
Perfect outfit!!!
Not only it suits for the butterfly farm, but also it's so cute! 
Great moment for sure..
Great post!
I love the last shot. Holding a butterfly is something really I didn't expect to do. Bufferflies are hard to catch by eyes, but hold them!!
From Charu Suri:
Thank you Christy! That was such a magical moment — like an Art Gallery flew on my fingers. Thanks so much for stopping by!
From Dave and Deb:
Wow gorgeous and I love your dress! We went to a butterfly sanctuary in Niagara Falls and absolutely loved it. It is amazing when they land on you. Beautiful photos capturing the butterflies. I love the last one sitting on your finger.
From Bluegreen Kirk:
Great post love the photos of the butterfly farm. I see that some of them were attracted to your skirt! I was planning on visiting Aruba actually didnt know about the butterfly farm.
From Charu Suri:
Isn’t that too funny? It was practically a scientific experiment dress. Thank you for stopping by!
From Charu Suri:
Thank you Dave and Deb for stopping by! I’ve never been to the Sanctuary in Niagara Falls and really must visit. Yes, it was a completely surreal experience.
From bethany:
Oh Beautiful! And I love your green dress – it's perfect!
From Charu Suri:
Thanks Christy! It was a jewel of a moment. I totally appreciate you stopping by!
From Ted Nelson:
I saw the picture of you and the butterfly on Jeff's blog roll, so I had to check it out here. These pictures are amazing and second and third the compliments on the pretty green dress.
From Charu Suri:
Aw, thanks dear Ted! It was such a magical moment!
From Elizabeth Rose:
What a wonderful experience and such beautiful photos!
From Charu Suri:
Ah, thank you Elizabeth! I wish you much luck on your Guatemala trip. How exciting! Sorry we could not meet in Santa Fe. You live in a gem of a city.
From Rosemarie John:
Wow what beautiful pictures!! And your dress is simply lovely! I should visit a butterfly farm soon!
From Charu Suri:
Thank you dear! I bought the dress specifically for the occasion…yes, I really hope you get to go to one. You must!