Aruba
Aruba is a beautiful island just 19 miles long and 5 miles wide, located in the Dutch Caribbean. I have visited Aruba twice now and feel like I have seen most of the island since it is pretty small, though it doesn’t feel as small as it sounds once you’re there. Luckily I have a family member that is a Aruban citizen, so when I go I get to stay at their house. While I don’t have the hotel experience, I will still recommend a few hotels that I have visited that are beautiful! Aruba has the clearest water I have ever seen with gorgeous white sand beaches surrounding the whole island. The local currency is AFL (florins), however almost all places accept USD and major credit cards, so no worries there. In Aruba, the local language is Papiamento, which is a mix of Spanish, Dutch, English, Portuguese and French (sounds wild but so cool). Everyone speaks English as well! You will quickly learn most of the island is made up of tourists, I mean the weather is 80 degrees and sunny all year round with a steady breeze or others might say windy - it is absolutely perfect. Here are some of my personal suggestions while in Aruba, I hope you enjoy!
Things to do:
Island Yoga - A beautiful boutique and yoga studio owned by Rachel Brathen aka @yoga_girl. Rachel is from Sweden, but has lived in Aruba for the last 9 years. Her studio offers packages for tourists which is super convenient if you are planning on coming for a week and attending multiple classes. My first visit to Aruba, I was able to take a couple classes with Rachel, which were so so good. The calming energy she brings to the room was so comforting yet energizing. She kept the class pretty basic in terms of asana (poses), but class was still challenging and enough to make you sweat. At the end of class during savasana, she played song bowls which I had never experienced. I am not lying when I say I had the best savasana I have EVER experienced. It was like I had an out of body experience, I can’t even explain it. I woke up from this experience very relaxed, yet emotional, good emotional - it was an amazing feeling. There is so much to say about Rachel and everything she does for the community, check out her website at rachelbrathen.com to learn more about her story and other businesses. After class, make sure to visit the adorable boutique in the front of the studio for some shopping and Nourish Cafe in the back for some amazing vegan eats. They offer everything from coffee, smoothies, bliss balls, avocado toast and much more.
UTV’s to Natural Pool - We used De Palm Tours to rent UTV’s to ride out to the Natural Pool through Arikok National Park. This was by far my favorite thing I have done there, I also enjoy recklessly driving UTV’s. The red clay sand and the endless amount of cacti was breathtaking. Once we made it to the back side of the island the water was completely different, big waves great for surfing. The ride to the natural pool was about an hour and a half, we made a few stops on the way back, one being the beautiful Alto Vista Chapel built in 1750, where mass is still held on Sundays and a local sells fresh coconuts outside. You will get very dusty along the ride, so bring a bandana to cover your mouth and sunglasses to cover your eyes. I wasn’t thinking and wore sandals - do not wear sandals. Walking down the stairs and around the natural pool was very rocky, I recommend close toe shoes. Make sure you wear your swimsuit, there is no where to change into it. The walk into the natural pool itself was pretty rough, we basically had to climb on all fours across large rocks to make sure we didn’t slip and fall (or step on a crab). Once we got inside there were large rocks to sit on in the water, but there weren’t very many and they were hard to find. Once we finally got situated a huge wave of water came over the rocks and into the pool throwing us all of the rocks and having to swim back (it was a little scary but actually pretty funny) - we got a few battle wounds but nothing too serious. Moral of the story, be ready to swim and wear good shoes. The guides are amazing and were very good at keeping an eye on everyone, also super fun. One of the guides took my sister and I up some rocks to jump off, there was a secret hot spring up there - so pretty! Definitely take the plunge if you’re into that sort of thing. Price was about $120 per person, total trip approximately 4.5 hours.
Jolly Pirate - The Jolly is very well known on the island, it is a large group of people that head out on a pirate ship for a couple hours to drink, snorkel and jump off the rope swing. Be careful how much of the pirates poison you drink, they’re tasty but strong! Make sure you jump off the rope swing, its addicting! They have a crew on board that DJ’s and serves you drinks, they are an blast! Being on the Jolly you definitely get the one happy island vibe. Price varies based on time and length of tour, ranges $30-60 per person.
Sunset cruise - We enjoyed a sunset cruise through Red Sail, this was located at the Hyatt hotel pier. This cruise was much more relaxed and calm than the Jolly, but still lively enough with music and cocktails, great atmosphere. If you are looking for a beautiful evening sail to watch the sunset and enjoy a cocktail, take a catamaran cruise with Red Sail. Price $55 per person.
Kitesurfing lessons - I have never actually done a kitesurfing lesson, but kitesurfing at Fisherman’s Hut is very popular. I love walking down there to watch the kitesurfers but haven’t had the guts to try it yet. You can find out more on lessons and pricing here.
Flamingo Island - I also haven’t had the chance to get to flamingo island yet, but have heard great things. If you happen to be staying at the Renaissance Aruba Resort, going to flamingo island is included in your stay. It is a quick 8 minute water taxi ride out to their private island, where they have a private beach, spa, bar and flamingos of course! If you are not staying with the Renaissance Resort, you can call a couple days before you’d like to go and see if they have passes available. If they do, you can purchase one for $100. Sometimes if the hotel is booked, there may not be passes available since their guests get priority. I plan to visit flamingo island on my next visit to Aruba!
Food/ Drink:
Moomba Beach - hands down my favorite place on the island any time of the day with multiple happy hours to get you through the day. Located behind the Marriott resort, look for the yellow beach chairs, they have servers on the beach. You can typically get the yellow chairs for free if you are ordering from the restaurant, otherwise they may be $5. It’s hit or miss, Aruba likes to make up their own rules as they go. Super fun at night with live music or a DJ depending on the night. Food isn’t that great, but it is a fun place to go for drinks.
Hadicurari - upstairs bar very similar to Moomba and right next to each other. Again, multiple happy hours, good drinks!
Eduardo’s Beach Shack - the best tasting and looking acai bowls on the island! They also have pitaya bowls and rice bowls. More vegan food options, so good!
Nourish Cafe - mentioned this earlier, vegan cafe attached to Island Yoga. Amazing menu!
Pelican Pier Bar, Diana’s Pancakes, Craft, Iguana Joe’s, West Deck.
Eduardo's Aloha Bowl
Culture:
If you are planning to visit Aruba in the spring, you should plan around Carnival, it is a must see event! Carnival is a 2 month annual celebration including parades, music, glitter, costumes, parties, King & Queens and more. We were there on our first visit to Aruba accidentally and it was so much fun. We were able to experience the final parade that lasted for hours. The costumes were so detailed and gorgeous. Everything and everyone was vibrant, eccentric and full of life! The endless latin music and steel bands will keep your hips moving all day long! It is such an event, the next day is a local holiday for Aruba and the island is a ghost town. Make your reservations in advance, it is a great time to visit Aruba during Carnival, learn more here!
Beaches:
Palm Beach - most lively beach, plenty of restaurants, bars and activities to enjoy.
Eagle Beach - more relaxing, still plenty of people around and restaurants.
Baby Beach - wake up early and head to San Nicolas to watch the sunrise from baby beach, gorgeous quiet beach!
Aruba is simple and beautifully one happy island that will steal your heart! Please reach out if you have any questions about Aruba!
Happy Travels,
Anayat ❤