Plan a Stay
Condo
Some of our favorite memories from Aruba were made right on the patio. After stopping at Super Food for groceries, we spent a few evenings grilling dinner, making frozen margaritas with the blender in the condo, and enjoying the view. It was one of those places where we'd sit down for dinner and end up staying outside for hours.
The patio felt private and gave us plenty of space to relax after a day at the beach. One of our favorite parts was being able to see so much of the island from up there—it really reminded us how beautiful Aruba is. It's also the only condo in the complex with a patio like this, which made it feel even more special.
As much as we loved exploring the island, some of our favorite nights were the ones we spent right here.
On the road from Condo
Some of our favorite mornings started with a walk along the road outside the condo. It was an easy walk with beautiful views, plenty of restaurants and small bars nearby, and just enough activity to feel lively without being crowded.
Along the way, we passed Aruba's famous divi-divi trees. Shaped by the island's steady trade winds, they all lean in the same direction and have become one of Aruba's most recognizable sights. They're hard to miss—and definitely worth stopping to admire.
We loved being close enough to walk to great places for breakfast, coffee, or dinner, while still feeling a little removed from the busiest tourist areas. It was the perfect balance for us.
Pool @ Condo
We spent plenty of afternoons by the pools at the condo. There are several to choose from, but we usually ended up at the one closest to our building. It was quiet, relaxing, and never felt overly crowded.
One thing we always looked forward to was spotting the iguanas around the property. They mostly kept to themselves, and one afternoon we even watched one swim across the pool—it definitely wasn't something we expected to see in Aruba!
The shaded areas around the pool were a nice break from the Aruba sun. The island's steady breeze makes it easy to forget how strong the sun really is, so having the option to cool off in the shade was something we appreciated every day.
We never had trouble finding lounge chairs, but with our group of nine, we were glad we brought a few of the condo's beach chairs down so everyone could relax together.
Beach Across Condo (Eagle Beach)
One of the best parts about staying here was having Eagle Beach just steps away from the condo. We loved being able to grab our beach things and walk across the street for a swim, a relaxing afternoon, or one of Aruba's famous sunsets.
The water was warm, the sand was beautiful, and the beach had the perfect balance for us. It was peaceful and never felt overwhelming, but there were still plenty of people enjoying the island.
We happened to visit during Easter and got to experience a really cool Aruba tradition. Local families set up tents, cooked on grills, and spent time together on the beach. Everyone was friendly, and it was fun to see a more local side of the island.
The condo also made beach days easy with everything we needed, including beach chairs and a sun shade. A frequent Aruba visitor even shared his trick for setting it up perfectly—dig a deep hole, pack the sand around the base, and bury it well so it stays secure in the Aruba wind.
One of our favorite things was ending the day back on Eagle Beach watching the sunset. Having such a beautiful beach just a short walk away made it easy to enjoy Aruba at our own pace.
Passions On The Beach
J.E. Irausquin Blvd 252, Noord, Aruba
One of our go-to nearby restaurants is Passions on the Beach, which is an easy walk from the condo. We have enjoyed it for dinner before, and it is such a beautiful Aruba experience—especially being able to sit right on the beach with your toes in the sand or choose a table just off the beach.
On our most recent trip, we decided to stop in for lunch as our last meal before leaving Aruba, and it was the perfect way to end the trip. The food was delicious, the setting was beautiful, and it was a great reminder of what makes Aruba so special.
Whether you're looking for a romantic sunset dinner or a relaxing lunch by the water, Passions on the Beach is a spot we always enjoy coming back to.
Screaming Eagle Restaurant
J.E. Irausquin Blvd 228, Oranjestad, Aruba
Screaming Eagle is some of the best food I have had ANYWHERE! It is incredibly close to the condo, making it an easy choice for a special night out without needing to travel far.
On this trip, our group of nine made a reservation and had a wonderful experience. The service was excellent, the cocktails were amazing, and the food was some of our favorite of the trip. I especially recommend trying the sea bass—or really any of the fresh fish options.
One of our favorite parts of the evening was getting dressed up and making a night of it. After relaxing around the island all day, it was fun to enjoy a beautiful dinner, great drinks, and a memorable Aruba evening just a few steps from the condo.
This is one spot we know we'll continue coming back to every time we visit.
Mangel Halto
One of our favorite spots to explore outside of the busier areas of Aruba was Mangel Halto. It has a completely different feel from the beaches closer to the main tourist areas—more relaxed, more local, and surrounded by Aruba's natural beauty.
We went snorkeling here and loved seeing a different side of the island. The calm, clear water and mangrove surroundings make it a really unique spot to spend a few hours. Mangel Halto is known for its snorkeling and marine life, and it was a fun change of scenery from the wide sandy beaches of Eagle Beach.
We also loved that it felt like a place where locals come to enjoy Aruba. On our visits, we’ve even met a few friendly beach dogs who seemed to know exactly how to make themselves part of the day. They were great company while we relaxed by the water.
If you're looking to explore beyond the typical tourist spots and experience a quieter, more natural side of Aruba, Mangel Halto is definitely worth the trip.
Tres Trapi, Boca Catalina, & Arashi Beach
One of our favorite Aruba adventures was spending a day exploring the northern beaches and snorkeling spots. The best part about Aruba is how easy it is to hop from one beautiful place to the next, and this route makes for a perfect island day.
We started at Tres Trapi, a unique little snorkeling spot with clear blue water and plenty of fish to see. From there, we made our way along the coast and stopped at Boca Catalina, another beautiful snorkeling area with calm water and a more relaxed feel.
We ended up at Arashi Beach, which quickly became one of our favorite spots to spend time in the water. The snorkeling was amazing, with clear visibility and lots of fish swimming around. We didn't see any turtles on this trip, but we heard that heading out earlier in the day can give you a better chance of spotting them.
While chatting with other beachgoers, we got a recommendation to visit Baby Beach for turtle sightings. We eventually made our way there and were lucky enough to see them!
This was one of our favorite ways to spend a day in Aruba—exploring, snorkeling, and discovering new parts of the island along the way.
Arashi Beach Shack
After a morning of snorkeling, we stopped at Arashi Beach Shack and it was the perfect way to refuel. The seafood was fresh, the atmosphere was casual, and it was exactly what we were looking for after a day in the water.
The ceviche is a must—we highly recommend it! Even my fiancé, who normally doesn't like plantains, loved their plantain chips. Everything we tried was delicious and made for a great beachside meal.
One quick tip: bring singles if you plan on using the bathroom since there is a small fee to use it.
A great stop to add onto a snorkeling day at Arashi Beach!
La Tavola
This might be one of Aruba's best-kept secrets. We almost don't want to tell everyone about this place because it feels like the kind of hidden gem you hope to discover while traveling—but it was too special not to share.
After a day exploring Mangel Halto, La Tavola was the perfect way to end the evening. This small, intimate restaurant feels completely unique. It is run out of a home, and the entire experience feels personal from the moment you arrive.
When you make your reservation, you simply answer a few basic questions and trust the process. You know whether you prefer options like meat or fish, but the rest of the meal is a surprise. Every course feels thoughtfully prepared and tailored to you.
What impressed us most was how much care went into every detail. One person in our group had a gluten allergy, and they created an incredible menu that never made them feel like they were missing anything. Another member of our group skipped a shrimp dish because it wasn't his favorite, and without saying a word, the team noticed and brought him a special dish instead.
The service was truly unforgettable, and the food was some of the best we've ever experienced. Our server was also the artist behind the beautiful wooden pieces featured in the condo, which made the night even more special.
Eat the food. Meet the people. Buy the art. You won't regret it.
Arubiana - UTV Rental
One of our favorite days in Aruba was spent exploring the island on a UTV. We rented a ZFORCE 950 Sport 4 from Arubiana and decided to see how much of the island we could discover in one day.
We started near the northern side of the island by the lighthouse and made our way through some of Aruba's most beautiful landscapes. The UTV gave us the freedom to stop whenever we wanted, take pictures, and explore areas we probably would have missed otherwise.
One of our stops was the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins. These historic ruins are a reminder of Aruba's gold rush days in the 1800s, when the island was searching for gold and this mill was built to help process it. Standing among the stone walls with the ocean nearby was such a cool way to experience a piece of Aruba's history.
We also explored the Natural Bridge area, including the smaller bridge nearby, and eventually decided to make the adventure even bigger: we were going to try to find turtles.
So we drove all the way to Baby Beach—and we actually found them! Seeing turtles in the wild was one of those unforgettable moments that made the whole day even better.
The roads and trails around Aruba are perfect for a UTV adventure. Just be ready for plenty of roundabouts, a little dust, and lots of amazing views along the way.
If you're looking for a way to see more than just the beaches, renting a UTV is one of our favorite ways to experience the island.
Phillips Animal Garden
Our friends visited Philip's Animal Garden and had a great time. It was a fun way to experience a different side of Aruba beyond the beaches and snorkeling.
Philip's Animal Garden is a rescue sanctuary focused on caring for and educating visitors about animals from around the world. Guests can get up close with many of the animals and learn more about their stories, making it a unique experience for families, animal lovers, or anyone looking for something different to add to their Aruba itinerary.
We love that Aruba has so many different experiences to offer—whether you're exploring the coastline, hiking, trying new restaurants, or spending time with animals. This is definitely one to add if you want to mix up your vacation days.
Chogogo - Party Bus
This was one of those nights that reminded us Aruba isn't just about relaxing on the beach. The Chogogo Party Bus was an absolute blast and ended up being one of the highlights of our trip.
The night started with pickup from different hotels around the island (they came right to the condo), and from the moment we got on the bus, the party started. There was a DJ, dancing, and plenty of Aruba Ariba cocktails flowing. We stopped at two different bars, including one that was rented out just for our group, which made the night feel even more special.
What surprised us most was how much fun the actual bus ride was. We met people from all over, sang along to songs, and even ended up with the microphone passed around so everyone could join in. By the end of the night, it felt like our group had the whole bus to ourselves.
The hosts were amazing and made the entire experience fun and welcoming. Whether you're traveling with friends, celebrating something special, or just looking for a fun night out, this is such a great way to meet people and experience Aruba nightlife.
This is honestly one of the reasons we're already planning to come back for a bachelor/bachelorette trip—we're hoping to rent out a whole bus next time!
Hooiberg Hiking Trail
One of our favorite ways to start a day in Aruba was hiking Hooiberg for sunrise. Don't let the short distance fool you—this hike is a challenge, but the views at the top make it completely worth it.
The climb is made up of a long staircase, and we definitely felt it along the way! We recommend going early in the morning when the temperatures are cooler and bringing water. Watching the sun come up over the island from the top was such a beautiful Aruba moment.
The hike itself feels very different from the beaches. Along the way, you'll see Aruba's desert landscape with cacti, local plants, and sometimes even goats roaming nearby. We were also lucky enough to have some friendly dogs join us for part of the walk—they seemed to know exactly how to make new friends.
At the top, you get incredible views of the island and a completely different perspective of Aruba. It's a great reminder that there is so much more to explore beyond the beaches.
If you're looking for a free adventure, a little exercise, and a beautiful view, Hooiberg is definitely worth adding to your Aruba itinerary.
Oranjestad
Before leaving Aruba, we spent some time walking around Oranjestad and taking in a different side of the island. After days of beaches, snorkeling, and adventures, it was fun to slow down and explore the colorful streets, beautiful buildings, and local artwork around town.
Oranjestad has such a unique look with its bright Caribbean colors and Dutch-inspired architecture. The downtown area is full of history, shopping, restaurants, and little places to stop and enjoy the atmosphere.
One of our favorite photo stops was the famous blue horse sculptures throughout downtown. These bright blue statues are part of Aruba's Paardenbaai art project, which celebrates the history of the area and its connection to "Horse Bay."
We ended our Aruba trip the best way we could—with ice cream before heading to the airport. It was the perfect little goodbye to the island before heading home.
If you have a few extra hours before your flight, Oranjestad is a great place to walk around, grab a treat, take some pictures, and enjoy one last taste of Aruba.
Magu Burger / Sushi Place
Our first meal in Aruba on this trip was at Magu Burger & Sushi Factory, and honestly, it was the perfect welcome to the island. Located right across the roundabout from the condo, it was an easy walk and a great first stop after arriving.
At first, we weren't sure what to expect from a place combining burgers and sushi, but somehow it completely works. The burger was one of the juiciest and most satisfying burgers we had during our trip. It was fresh, flavorful, and definitely exceeded our expectations.
Magu has locations around the island, making it an easy option whether you're staying nearby or exploring another part of Aruba.
We loved that it was casual, convenient, and exactly what we needed after a travel day. Sometimes the best vacation meals are the ones you don't overthink—you just walk over, sit down, and enjoy.
Aquarius Buffet
Some Aruba traditions are too good not to repeat, and Aquarius Buffet has become one of ours. We try to make it here every time we visit, and on this trip we were even lucky enough to have the same server as the year before—which made it feel like coming back to visit old friends.
Located at the Renaissance Aruba Resort, Aquarius offers an all-you-can-eat dining experience with a wide variety of options, but the highlight for us is always the made-to-order seafood. Being able to choose fresh seafood and have it prepared right in front of you is what keeps us coming back. It feels like the perfect combination of a buffet's variety with the excitement of a fresh seafood dinner.
There are plenty of other options as well, including meats, salads, sides, desserts, and choices for everyone in your group. We love it as a group-friendly restaurant because everyone can find something they enjoy without having to agree on just one type of food.
After dinner, we walked around the nearby casinos and enjoyed the energy of Oranjestad at night. It made for a fun Aruba evening and one of those traditions we look forward to every visit.
