Aruba 🇦🇼
July 2023.
Notes
I wouldn’t say there’s a whole lot to do in Aruba, but I originally planned it as a solo trip, so I was focused on relaxing. But there’s enough activities to not be bored. And beautiful water to relax and enjoy.
Prior to Arrival
Must complete this immigration form. Can only complete within 7 days of arrival.
Getting Around
If you stay in Oranjestead, especially at the Renaissance hotel, you can do without a rental car. Plenty of walkable places.
But car rental is cheap if you want the freedom, ~ $30/day. But we went a couple days without even using our rental.
Here’s a link to my google doc which has all the information from this post (minus the pics), which may be easier to reference.
Accommodation
Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort
Has 2 buildings
Marina Hotel – adults only (which is where we stayed)
Ocean Suites
Can add on all-inclusive option (I believe it was $175/n per person). We didn't do this because we knew we wanted to try local places
PRIME location, plenty of walkable restaurants
Attached to Casino and Mall
Guests have included free access and transport to hotel’s private beach, the Flamingo Beach.
Also recommend asking the front desk for their activities schedule. We did the sunrise yoga, which was nice.
view from hotel room
Renaissance Wind Creek, Marina Hotel
Activities
Flamingo Beach on Renaissance Island
Private beach of Renaissance Hotel
Free for hotel guests. Non-hotel guests can purchase access to the hotel.
Open 7a-7p.
They have 2 sides, one is adult only. And 2 restaurants on island.
Boats leave from the dock behind Lucy’s every 15 minutes.
Flamingos here! Best chance at seeing them if get there before noon.
Private cabana — highlight of our trip
Book in advance!
After fees, $488.
Reserved 9a - 6:30p.
The cabana has a couch, lounge chairs, overwater net to lounge on, and a outdoor shower for rinsing off,
Also comes with butler, water, prosecco, chocolates, nuts, snorkeling equipment, and floating devices.
Flamingo beach
Private Cabana
Flamingo beach
Private Cabana
Eagle Beach
One of the most beautiful beaches I’ve seen, crystal clear water.
Gets packed, go early if you want a good spot.
Beach shades are free and first come, first serve. But have to pay to rent chairs, beds.
You also can order food and drinks from your chairs.
Eagle Beach
Eagle Beach
Horseback Riding
Jeep Tour — highly recommend
Visit the Casabari Rock Formation, Arikok National Park, Fontein native caves. Swim/snorkel/cliff jump at the natural pool at the Arikok National Park.
Bring water shoes
Bonus, lunch provided is good!
Check out the ABC tours website, they offer several other tours too.
Casabari Rock Formation
on top of Casabari Rock Formation
Jeep tour, at the Arikok National Park
Arikok National Park, walking to the natural pool
Natural pool at Arikok Park . (Low quality still from a video recorded on my phone in a water case.)
Dining
Breakfast
Aruba Experience Cafe – our favorite
Cute feature is that menu items are words of affirmation
Dushi Delicious Breakfast Cafe
Santos Coffee With Soul (Starbucks like menu)
The Dutch Pancake House
The “pancakes” are actually crepes
The Plaza Cafe
Lunch/Dinner
Lucy’s
Spicy shrimp tacos are delicious
Elements Restaurant
Beautiful sunset view
Flying Fishbone
beachside dining, can sit in the water
Italy in the Word
Italian food seems pretty authentic, but food takes a while
Screaming Eagle
Can dine in actual bed
The Little Fish
Their fish and chips is delicious. Also great for ice-cream.
Lola Taqueria
LG Smith Chophouse Steakhouse
Zeerovers
Moomba Beach Bar
Taste My Aruba (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
The Grand Fish
Hoya Bar
Random bar I stumbled across behind the renaissance hotel. DJ on Fri and Sat evening plays a lot of afrobeats!
More pics
