It’s been a week since my birthday beach vacation, and now it’s time to share it with you! Are you looking for the perfect place to relax, enjoy the sun, and savor delicious food? Well, look no further! BTW, this is my first travel guide, and I’m thrilled to take you through our 6-day adventure in Aruba. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share our travel experiences, where we stayed, what we did, our dining adventures, and some shopping tips for my trendy babes.
Getting There:
We flew in from Washington, DC, via American Airlines. We couldn’t find direct flights but enjoyed a brief layover in Miami. The flight from Washington, DC, to Miami was just under 2.5 hours, and from Miami to Aruba, only 2 hours. We touched down in Aruba at 1:30 PM, leaving plenty of time to explore. However, we’re firm believers in relaxation, especially on vacation, so we devoted the first day to unwinding at our resort and catching up on some much-needed rest.
How quickly can you get there? Aruba is actually quite accessible. If you’re flying from New York City, you’re looking at an average flight time of around 4.5 – 6 hours. From Atlanta, Georgia, it’s about 4 hours. Now, if you’re catching a flight from the sunny shores of Miami, Florida, you can reach Aruba in a mere 2 hours, making it an ideal quick getaway for folks on the East Coast.
Weather:
You’re in for a treat when it comes to the weather. One of Aruba’s climate highlights is that it lies completely outside of the hurricane belt. This means that the island enjoys consistently pleasant weather throughout the year, making it a reliable destination for a sun-soaked vacation any time of the year!
Stay:
The charming Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort was our home away from home during our Aruba getaway. Located just across the street from the world-famous Eagle Beach, this boutique hotel captured our hearts. The staff at Amsterdam Manor was exceptionally attentive, making us feel welcomed from the moment we arrived. We stayed in a studio room with a kitchenette that offered everything if we needed to cook.
As introverts, we usually avoid mentioning special occasions like birthdays. However, after briefly chatting with a fellow guest who shared my birthday, we had to mention it to the front desk! While chatting by the pool, our new friend (Yes, friend, lol) mentioned receiving a bottle of champagne for his birthday. This inspired Anthony to mention my birthday celebration plans while requesting a taxi. To our astonishment, we returned to a room adorned with a balloon pillar, two wine glasses, a bottle of champagne, and a handwritten note—all arranged in just three hours in the evening! This personal touch left an indelible mark on our hearts, making us eager to return for future visits.
Getting Around:
Sure, you could rent a car, but we went car-free. Almost all establishments will call a taxi for you, so you can get around easily! With the exception of the ride to/from the airport, we paid at most $10 to get to and from places. Obviously, renting a car would offer a completely different experience, so we are considering it the next time we visit.
Activities:
While relaxation was high on our agenda, we couldn’t resist the temptation to explore the island to learn more. We went on the half-island tour, which included visits to a handful of spots:
Aruba Aloe Factory, Museum, and Store:
- Located in Hato, Aruba, this facility is dedicated to producing aloe-based skincare products.
- The Aruba Aloe Factory offers guided tours where visitors can learn about the cultivation and processing of aloe vera.
- The museum showcases the history of aloe vera on the island and its significance in skincare.
- Visitors can also explore the store to purchase a variety of aloe-based products, including lotions, creams, and gels. With everything harvested and made on-site, pricing is premium. We spent $170, and everything fit in a Starbucks paper bag.
California Lighthouse:
- The California Lighthouse is perched on the northern tip of Aruba and offers stunning panoramic views of the island’s coastline.
- It’s a historic landmark named after the shipwrecked S.S. California.
- Visitors can explore the area, climb the lighthouse for a breathtaking view, and enjoy the tranquil surroundings if time permits. There was a line to enter, and with only 10-15 minutes available, Anthony and I didn’t go inside.
Alto Vista Chapel:
- Also known as the “Pilgrims Church,” this picturesque chapel is located on the north side of Aruba.
- It is a tranquil and serene place of worship surrounded by cacti and a desert landscape. I could be wrong, but I believe mass is still held, but I can’t remember which days.
Ayo Rock Formations:
- Ayo Rock Formations are ancient monolithic boulders located in the Ayo village of Aruba.
- These naturally formed rock formations are believed to have spiritual significance to the island’s indigenous people.
- Visitors can explore the site and discover the unique and mysterious shapes of the rocks.
Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins:
- These ruins are remnants of a historic gold smelting operation on Aruba dating back to the 19th century.
- The Bushiribana Gold Mill was used to process gold ore extracted from nearby mines.
- Visitors can explore the atmospheric ruins and learn about Aruba’s gold rush history.
Natural Bridge:
- The Natural Bridge was once one of Aruba’s most famous natural attractions, formed by the erosion of coral limestone over thousands of years.
- Unfortunately, the original Natural Bridge collapsed in 2005, but a smaller bridge, known as the “Baby Natural Bridge,” still exists nearby.
- Visitors can admire the coastal views and unique rock formations in the area.
For just $49, the half-island tour offered a fantastic way to learn about Aruba’s history and natural wonders while enjoying the company of a charismatic tour guide who kept us entertained throughout the journey. Before I forget, pick up and drop off are included in the cost of your ticket. Interested in experiencing these places yourself? You can book it here!
De Palm Island was another highlight of our trip. Although the initial cost to get to the island was $140, all your meals and drinks are included once you arrive. We opted to upgrade and reserved a private cabana; it was my birthday, after all! This fancy retreat featured a covered porch, a mini fridge stocked with wine and glasses, and a water jug. Despite the 90-degree weather, the gentle island breeze kept us comfortable. The cabana also provided us with private access to the ocean, perfect for snorkeling. If you are wondering, yes, there’s also a chance to interact with Flamingoes at De Palm Island if you can’t get to Renaissance Island! However, you must book a private cabana or an upgrade of some sort! Check it out here!
Unfortunately, our plans for a sunset dinner cruise on the first day were canceled due to unexpected rainfall. However, I highly suggest booking this experience if possible. Learn more about it here!
The Beach:
If I go to a warm destination and stay at a resort on the beach, you can bet I am on the beach daily! For this trip, I purchased a $14 battery-operated speaker that connected to my phone, so with a feel-good playlist and hand-delivered food service from Passions, we spent hours beach bumming. There are many beaches in Aruba, but we primarily enjoyed the beach near our resort, Eagle Beach. I mean, it is ranked number 2 as the best beach in the world!
Let me preface this by saying by 9 a.m., the temperature was already 90 degrees and humid. We often went to the beach after 4 p.m. and stayed until after sunset, so about 7:15-7:30 before heading to our studio to shower and head out to dinner. If you are sun-sensitive, I recommend following the same schedule.
The sand was buttery soft, almost! After visiting many rocky beaches, we are accustomed to wearing our swim shoes everywhere, but honestly, we didn’t need them on Eagle Beach! While it can get crowded during the day, the calm blue waters make it worth it.
Dining:
As self-proclaimed foodies, we embarked on a culinary journey during our stay in Aruba. Our daily budget for dining ranged from $180 to $250, and each night, we dined at a different restaurant. Here’s the list of places we dined at:
- On-site dining at the resort (light bites): On our first day, we enjoyed light bites at the resort. We also had lunch at the resort most days.
- Driftwood: Driftwood is a seafood haven in Aruba, renowned for its delectable ocean-fresh catches and a charming beachside atmosphere that promises a delightful culinary journey.
- Catch: Catch is not just a restaurant; it’s an experience! Indulge in exquisite seafood dishes while being entertained by an acrobatic performance on Friday and Saturday nights.
- PF Chang’s: For a taste of something familiar, PF Chang’s offered us a craving-satisfying experience. Looking back, I do wish we tried a local Chinese restaurant instead, but at the moment, they were the only restaurant still taking walk-ins at 10:00 p.m. on a Friday!
- Romantic beachfront dinner at Bucuti: Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort offered the ultimate romantic experience with a beachfront dinner, where we savored a sumptuous 6-course meal while the soothing sound of waves and the glow from candles created an enchanting ambiance. Honestly, we enjoyed every-singe-thing served! They offer two sittings, one at 6 p.m. and one at 8:30 p.m. Only four palapas are available, so if you want to do this, don’t delay booking! They try to reserve the 6 p.m. sitting for hotel guests, so you may have to go with the 8:30 p.m.
I was impressed by the quality of food at every restaurant in Aruba. However, it’s important to note that most food on the island is imported, which affects prices. Even after a visit to the grocery store, I learned prices are significantly higher than those in the US. A box of cereal? Easily $10! Case of sodas? Prepare to pay at least $20 for Pepsi. So, it’s advisable to be prepared to spend more on dining. Nonetheless, the delicious dishes are worth the extra cost and are in line with your typical steakhouse.
Shopping:
Aruba may not be known as a shopping mecca, but there are still some gems for fashion enthusiasts. The luxury Renaissance Mall features renowned designers like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and Dolce & Gabbana. Additionally, we discovered a Birkenstock and Zara nearby!
For my fashionistas, D-shop is a must-visit. This store is within walking distance of Eagle Beach and offers trendy clothing, including plus-size options! Keep in mind that their sizing is similar to Shein, so you may need to size up. The store also boasts an impressive collection of handbags and shoes. After your shopping spree, head upstairs to their café for a relaxing coffee break and pastries.
Verdict:
If you have made it this far, thank you! My birthday celebration in Aruba was nothing short of spectacular. We left with hearts full of cherished memories and a strong desire to return soon as this trip was more for relaxing. Aruba’s pristine beaches, warm hospitality, and culinary delights make it a top-notch destination for anyone seeking a slice of paradise. So, is Aruba on your list of places to explore?
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