Popularly known as "The Happy Island," Aruba is an inspiring Caribbean destination where nature, culture and relaxation merge to shape an oasis with a style of its own. Filled with idyllic landscapes, this small island and country, linked to the Netherlands, is located in the Lesser Antilles, very close to Venezuela. Are you planning your honeymoon or a couple's getaway? If you are attracted to the idea of a romantic vacation in Aruba to enjoy its beaches, you will be happy to know that the island boasts good weather all year round and that, of a total area of 179 square kilometers, 69 kilometers are actually coastline.
JOIA Aruba by Iberostar, Iberostar's new adults-only five-star hotel, will open in 2024. Want a sneak preview? It will be located on Eagle Beach, considered the best beach in the Caribbean, and will feature specially designed suites for couples, private butler service and a host of other amenities to make you feel like you're in paradise. Its conscientiously designed exclusivity is the harmonious culmination of the sum of sustainability and luxury. Here are some recommendations that will make your wait shorter.
Aruba's best beaches for a day with your partner
Eagle Beach Aruba
Eagle Beach has been recognized as the best coastline in the Caribbean and the second best in the world, winning, among others, the Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice 2023 award. There, on the seafront, is where you will find the new Iberostar resort. The beach has shaded areas, parking spaces, wooden huts, restaurants and beach clubs, as well as a nudist area. Over its turquoise and crystalline waters, touched by miles of soft white sand, rises the majestic silhouette of the Divi Divi, an ancient tree that has become the symbol of the island. When the trade winds blow, its branches and leaves bend and twist to absorb the force of the air, giving its silhouette the appearance of a moving sculpture.
Four species of sea turtles nest here, including the endangered loggerhead sea turtle. For this reason, it is important to take care of this habitat and not interfere with its natural balance. On your romantic vacation in Aruba you will have the chance to see turtles, along with numerous species of fish and corals, while snorkeling or diving in the depths of this fascinating underwater world. Want to know how you can contribute to protect the ecological value of the destinations during your vacation? These examples of sustainable tourism will guide you.
Palm Beach
A hue of almost unreal blues endows Palm Beach, a lively two-mile-long beach flanked by palm trees, with a special magic. Around it are concentrated some of the main points of entertainment in Aruba, such as stores, casinos, shopping malls and nightclubs. It belongs to Oranjestad, the capital of the country, and is excellently communicated: it can be accessed both by car and by public transport.
Arashi Beach
Of all the beaches in Aruba, Arashi Beach, located in the town of Noord, is perhaps the most popular among locals, as it boasts a comfortable, uncrowded coastline with sun loungers, picnic tables and umbrellas. On the other hand, its rich marine life makes it an ideal place for diving enthusiasts, who often choose destinations such as the Caribbean or the Amazon to visit the home of the most amazing fauna. Occasionally, gentle waves arise, so this location is also perfect for beginner surfers. On this beach you will also find the California Lighthouse, built in the nineteenth century. From its observation platform you will have the opportunity to admire one of the most spectacular panoramic views of the island.
Klein Lagoen or Baby Beach
Next to the town of Mangle Cora, Klein Lagoen displays its unspoiled beauty. This beach, popularly called Baby Beach due to the calmness and clarity of its waters, which are safe for swimmers of all ages, forms a kind of salt lagoon open to the sea, as if it were a bay, and is surrounded by small islands; hence its name. It is a little farther away from the capital than the rest and there are hardly any bars and restaurants, so it is recommended to be well-equipped with some food and drink. Do not hesitate to visit it during a romantic vacation in Aruba if you want to wander further away with your partner!
Restaurants for a Candlelight Dinner
The Kitchen Table by White
Restaurants in Aruba stand out for their high quality and multiculturalism. The characteristic food of more than a hundred nationalities, among which Dutch, South American, African and Spanish stand out, along with the island's fresh fish and typical dishes such as keshi yena, carni stoba, pan bati or pastechi, define an eclectic gastronomy brimming with flavors. At The Kitchen Table by White you will embark on a three-hour, eight-course gourmet gastronomic journey (with vegetarian and gluten-free options) paired with wines, champagne and cocktails. Diners occupy sixteen seats around the chef's table to witness how he composes the different dishes that make up his tasting menu from up close.
Papillon
Papillon is a French fusion cuisine restaurant that uses Caribbean techniques and seasonal and locally sourced ingredients to cook its dishes. Located in Palm Beach, it offers its diners recipes such as lobster tail in French butter sauce with local fruit compote, in this case, a typical Aruban seafood dish revisited. Its excellence has captivated critics and palates from around the Globe.
Kunuku Aruba's old house
Eating at Kunuku Aruba Old House during your Aruba vacation will bring you closer to local culture. It is a simple and unpretentious restaurant with delicious food and loved by locals. Among its traditional dishes are coconut fried shrimp and keshi yena, which is a large ball of melted gouda cheese stuffed with meat and spices that can be prepared either steamed or baked.
Senses Fine Dining
Senses Fine Dining was voted the second best fine dining restaurant in the Caribbean in 2022 by TripAdvisor users. It is led by chef Kelt Hugo Maat, with the advice of maître d' Sebastian Kruisselbrink in the dining room. It brings together two modern concepts under one roof: tasting menu in several installments, with the kitchen on view, and a seasonally changing menu that includes typical dishes with an innovative twist based on fresh vegetables, fish and seafood from the island and meats. Dutch and Indonesian influences are very present in their creations.
Aquarius
In this selection of restaurants in Aruba you cannot miss Aquarius, famous for its all-day buffet service of Caribbean dishes, from breakfast to dinner and also during lunch time. It also has an à la carte menu. A good quality product, especially seafood, is the basis of its popular cuisine, with local vocation and international elements.
Days trips in Aruba to get to know each other better
Arikok National Park
Eighteen percent of Aruba's land area is natural parkland and therefore home to a variety of native species of animals and plants. In particular, the Arikok National Park, with its cradles of dry rivers and bays, is home to a rich biodiversity. The reserve's territory covers 4,000 hectares and is home to treasures such as caves with aboriginal rock art and geological concentrations of lava, quartz, diorite and limestone. Once a month, a free open-air cinema session is organized under the stars. Can you think of a more romantic plan? Day trips in Aruba such as this one, involving nature tours, will help you get to know your partner better.
Coral reefs
Mangel Alto, Boca de Coral and Santana Reef are the three main coral ecosystems in Aruba. During your vacation in Aruba, you can dive through them in a controlled way to discover all their secrets. Coral reefs protect the coasts from erosion and filter the seawater, so preserving their health is crucial to reverse the effects of the climate crisis. Iberostar contributes to this through its Caribbean Coral Labs, located in the best hotels in Mexico and the Dominican Republic.
Huliba Cave
If you are looking for day trips in Aruba that will elevate the level of romanticism of your trip, a tour around the Huliba Cave or Baranca Sunu, will do it more than any other. It is nicknamed "The Tunnel of Love" because of its heart-shaped entrance. It is said that pirates took refuge there to hide their booty. Today, two species of bats reside there, the Leptonycteris curasoae and the Macroglossus sobrinus. Its interior is crisscrossed by stalagmite and stalactite formations in limestone. There is also a Virgin Mary carved in the rock in one of its chambers. Crossing this grotto means to be marveled with one surprise after another.
Oranjestad
The colorful capital of Aruba, Oranjestad, was growing around the Zoutman fort from 1796, until it gave place to the present city. Its architecture is predominantly colonial in character, with buildings that have been restored over time to maintain their original style. As of 2021, getting around Oranjestad sustainably is possible thanks to its modern tramway, which connects the port to the center via the main street, with stops at monuments, museums and shopping areas. Some points of interest? The William III Tower, the Royal Plaza shopping mall, Main Street, Main Square, the Historical Museum, the National Library of Aruba or the Civil Registry building. If you like to explore new cities and urban environments, you will love this day trip.
Eagle Beach: the best destination for couples in Aruba
In addition to being home to one of the most impressive beaches in Aruba, Eagle Beach is an extensive seaside neighborhood located within the municipality of Oranjestad. In this setting, excellent for a romantic getaway, exciting water sports such as windsurfing and paddle surfing await. You can also spend a few days of rest and reconnection, relaxing on the seafront while you toast with a delicious cocktail. An unbeatable idea to live all the romanticism that this Caribbean jewel gives off to the fullest? Contemplate its sunset, one of the most appreciated in the world, and then enjoy a traditional Aruban dinner by candlelight in one of the restaurants that we suggest. Start planning your future vacations in Aruba and don't give up on anything!
