Aruba: Much More Than Just Beaches and Pink Flamingos
As a West Indian girl who has traveled the Caribbean extensively, I took my time in booking a visit to Aruba. I had heard it was “one happy island” — but pictures of white sand beaches (which I already enjoyed since childhood in Grenada) and pink flamingos (which I see regularly in Florida) weren’t compelling enough for a visit. I crave the novelty of unique cultural destinations, and social media images of Aruba appeared to be the antithesis of that. This year though, I perked up when I heard about the murals in Aruba’s San Nicolas region. Also, when a fellow travel-lover shared pictures of the Natural Bridge, my curiosity was officially piqued. Propelled by my need for a warm, end-of-summer getaway, and a desire that it be an international trip to somewhere I’d never been, I decided to give Aruba a whirl.
The Language. Upon arrival, I was greeted with my first pleasant surprise: Spanish language and music was everywhere! According to VisitAruba.com, “the mother-tongue of Aruba is Papiamento.” A language derived from Spanish, Portuguese, French, Dutch and African and Arawak languages, I was expecting to hear Papiamento and Dutch (since Aruba is a constituent country of The Netherlands). But I quickly learned that most Arubans are taught four languages in school — English, Spanish, Dutch and Papiamento — making it one of the most linguistically versatile islands I’ve ever visited. For this reason, I met locals who had relocated to Aruba from Colombia, Jamaica and the United States. Others spent time abroad in the Netherlands before coming back home to Aruba. The diversity of language permeates the Aruban atmosphere, infusing it with a sense of culture from the very beginning.
The Topography. Previously, I had heard how flat and seemingly uninteresting Aruban topography was in contrast to the verdant mountains of other Caribbean islands like Saint Lucia, Grenada, Jamaica, or Puerto Rico. I thought I would miss those leafy forest vistas and mountainous landscapes. But in Aruba, I was fascinated by a rugged terrain of a different nature entirely. Britannica defines a coral island as a “tropical island built of organic material derived from skeletons of corals and numerous other animals and plants associated with corals.” While many Caribbean islands are volcanic islands, Aruba was also formed by coral reef, producing a jagged and textured terrain indicative of coral islands. Exploring the coral areas was so intriguing to me; I marveled at the fact that an island I had once dismissed was already teaching me so much.
The Environment. Due to a local ordinance there’s no panhandling permitted on the beaches. This means no one disturbing your afternoon beach nap by offering to braid your hair or sell you a seashell necklace. And the island of Aruba is obsessed with eco-conservation. I noticed it on my first island excursion when the tour’s informational video included a note on how to properly dispose of trash to keep the island beautiful. I continued to notice how the food was served at my hotel (in bamboo plates and containers by the pool), or with wooden utensils and biodegradable packaging at other establishments. I dare you to find a plastic straw — it was quite uncommon.
The Currency. In addition to their local currency (the florin), the U.S. Dollar is accepted everywhere. There is no Uber or Lyft service on the island so you’ll want to make nice with a taxi driver or your hotel concierge for trips around the island, or to and from the airport.
At this point, you’re probably wondering where to stay, what to eat and what to do when you get to this intriguing and “happy island.” Below, I include a full list of my Aruban faves. You’re welcome.
Natural Pool Cave. According to aruba.com, the Natural Pool Cave, or Conchi Pool is a tranquil pool created by “a volcanic stone circles a small depression.” It was one of my favorite adventures and also my first time cliff jumping! As I approached the cliff’s edge I was terrified (and it was so slippery that I needed time to get my footing). I got slowly to my feet, knees shaking for fear that I might slip. I took a deep breath and listened to the encouragement from my excursion leader and others who had already made the leap. And then, I jumped. On the video later, my jump appears strong and confident — not at all how I was feeling. The adrenaline was quite potent; it was a high that stayed with me all day. The water was salty and cool, exactly what I needed on a sweltering day. Be sure to bring boat shoes on your trip: a coral island means rough land and sea floors in some places. My fellow travelers began exploring the cave on foot but I couldn’t join them without shoes.
The Natural Bridge. I would usually run away from signs like “Caution” and “Beware of Collapse,” but images of the Natural Bridge are what attracted me to Aruba in the first place. And the curious adventurer in me needed to capture images of this natural wonder. The larger natural bridge did collapse in 2005, due to water surges from Hurricane Ivan. Only it’s smaller companion remains. Visit the gift shop while there to taste pastechi, a local culinary favorite, and to get some cute souvenirs.
De Palm Island. About 5 miles away from Aruba, there lies a small private island with all-inclusive food, beverages, water slides, water sports, and flamingos! Various species of fish exist here, including the blue parrotfish with its gorgeous, sleek electric blue coloring. I saw several blue parrotfish there — their beauty was rivaled only by a stunning rainbow-hued fish that joined them, as well. The variety, size and plentitude of the fish made it my best snorkeling experience to-date. Next time, I will bring my underwater camera (and boat shoes as the beaches there are rocky at times).
Baby Beach. Baby Beach is just adorable: from its soothing, gentle waters, to the fact that the sea shelf remains shallow for much longer than at most beaches. For this reason, you’re able to wade out much farther than usual, with water still at your torso. I highly recommend a day spent relaxing, whether wading solo or with loved ones.
San Nicolas, Street Murals. Often referred to as the cultural capital of Aruba, San Nicolas is definitely worth seeing. The murals are innovative and some are even multimedia (the angel artwork pictured above, for example, is actually composed of sea shell and intricate tilework rather than simply paint). It’s located about 30 minutes from Oranjestad (the capital city) where I was staying, so I combined it with a visit to Baby Beach.
Spa del Sol. If massages on the beach are your thing, you’ll want to book one here. The beach views are stunning from the therapy rooms. Even more than the massage, I loved the ambiance. I was transported to Bali while there (a vacation within a vacation, if you will). There is a whirlpool jacuzzi on the beach that is accessible for spa guests only.
Radisson Blu. Every room is a suite at the Radisson Blu Aruba. This means ample space, with a kitchen, living room and balcony. My suite was a two bedroom, two bath — a beacon of spatial hotel luxury. The day of my ATV ride I arrived back at the hotel, completely muddied and exhausted. I retreated to the sanctuary of my suite to luxuriate in my large, tiled shower complete with glass doors and a generous, rainforest showerhead. Post-shower, I threw on a comfy bathrobe, which the hotel provides, and rolled across my King-sized bed — crisp white linen, notwithstanding. Afterwards, while enjoying the ocean views from my balcony, I felt reborn.
The hotel grounds are pristine and beautifully landscaped, with colorful placards identifying various plant life species. You can actually see the beach from the gym which I discovered is a pretty nice way to start the day.
There are several pools (including a rooftop pool with sunset bar) and a gorgeous, elongated jacuzzi with an overhead portico and chaise lounges in the water. Live poolside performances and deejays keep the atmosphere lively, not to mention the friendly waitstaff like Cindy and Vanessa V., who will happily join in on any dance challenge. The stars of the Radisson Blu are truly its staff, with warm faces like: Ursly, your concierge and friend during your stay; Nadime, who manages the hotel restaurant with both excellent service and heart; Roberto, whose smile greets you each time you retrieve your new beach towels; Innocen, who operates the free hotel beach shuttle; and more, all poised and ready to make your Aruban stay just a little more beautiful.
Location, location, location. Situated directly between Palm Beach and the nightlife and restaurants of South Beach, you really won’t need an Uber when you stay here. Walk to the right of the hotel to find yourself immersed in the colorful and vibrant South Beach area, dotted with restaurants of every variety (Argentinian, Italian, Asian fusion, German, Greek, etc.). Walk to the left of the hotel for a glorious day at Palm Beach. Find a palapas (aka, a beach hut) of your very own and set up shop for the day. Or come back in the evening for a glorious night of dinner and dancing on the beach.
Palm Beach. Located in the capital city of Oranjestad, I spent most of my beach time here. Like Baby Beach, it boasts warm, tranquil water — with an aquamarine color that is rivaled only by the birthstone itself. Unlike Baby Beach, it is lined with beach bars and restaurants making it a one-stop for a full day of beach shenanigans. From here, you can find every water sport imaginable. Happy hours abound so feel free to bar crawl your way down the beach. And at night, it comes alive with deejays and dancing. Weddings often occur there too; I was invited to crash one on my first night.
Rum Reef Bar. Located directly on Baby Beach, this premium beach bar has an inventive cocktail menu that is sure to inspire. It also boasts a large infinity pool that looks directly onto the crystalline ocean below. For $15 USD, enjoy one cocktail and an hourlong swim in the pool. Take all the ‘Gram-worthy photos and videos you’d like but remember to enjoy the view and the music!
Pelican Pier. Happy hour starts at four o’clock at Pelican Pier, and it’s the perfect location for witnessing the sunset directly from the restaurant pier. After a full beach day, unwind with a pre-dinner cocktail (my favorite is their passionfruit daquiri).
Zeerovers. My driver shared with me the legend of how this popular and understated local favorite grew into the establishment that it is today. Local fishermen would gather at this small hut to drink beer and play dominoes. A jukebox would play, and hours later, the fishermen’s catch would be in danger of spoliation. The hut owner offered to deep-fry the catch and serve it up with fries. Over time, it became a thing. Now, the building has gone from a hut to a bar and seating area with ocean overlook, and a loading dock where fish is brought directly inside to be cooked. Known by locals as the “freshest fish on the island” it is absolutely worth the trip. The fish is perfectly seasoned and fried with very little breading. The place is very understated and whatever money they save on ambiance, they’re able to pass on to their consumers — it was one of the tastiest meals I had and certainly the most affordable.
Barefoot Aruba. Fine dining with flip flops is the tagline for this seafood restaurant, located directly on the beach in Oranjestad. Ideal for birthday or anniversary dinners, the dining tables are directly on the beach and beautifully lit with beach lamps. Coupled with the sound of the ocean water lapping the shore, it is an idyllic atmosphere for any occasion.
Eduardo’s. After devouring my first-ever acai bowls in Brazil, I didn’t have the highest expectations for this hut located directly on Palm Beach. But there’s a reason why this place always has a growing line of patrons. Their healthy, vegetarian menu includes all-day smoothies and juices, fruit bowls, vegan tacos and pad thai. Everything that we tasted was fresh, delicious and affordable. A winning combination to be sure and one that I look forward to experiencing again.
Wacky Wahoos. If you like seafood, come to this unassuming spot a little off the main road in Oranjestad. I’m not exactly sure what they do to their fish. But it’s damn good and perfectly seasoned. And so is their black bean soup. Their service is exceptional and they’ll always make you feel right at home. We ate there two days in a row because we knew after our first visit that we would not be disappointed by a second. Their mixed seafood platter sent me right into the stratosphere. The restaurant does not accept reservations; it’s first come, first serve.
Moomba Beach Bar. If dancing on the beach is your thing, you’ll want to head here on the weekends for a live DJ and a full-on party vibe. There is some bar-top dancing available, and a dance floor, but the music can also be enjoyed from the ocean water itself. Several of us danced, and some even swam, while beats energized the night air and kept us out way past curfew.
Craft. Located directly on the South Beach strip in Oranjestad, the atmosphere feels more like Miami than Aruba. And if you’re in the mood for that, then this festive spot is great for people-watching and enjoying Aruban nightlife. A DJ keeps the spot jumping with Harry Styles, Dua Lipa and other Top 40 dance hits. And if you wait long enough, on some nights it turns into a dance club. Keep an eye out for nightly drink specials and also a boozy brunch on weekends.
Transportation. Most drivers will get you from Point A to Point B. Rene will also make sure you receive some Aruban history, anecdotes and a little TLC along the way. When one of my fellow travelers complained of a stomach upset, he drove us to a place with fresh, local juices to aid her digestion. And when I accidentally left my phone charging in the hotel lobby during an excursion, he returned to my hotel (across the island) and retrieved it for me. He did both of these things without even being asked. Request him when you need a ride and he’ll never steer you wrong. (Rene Zaandam, Cab Number 413)
