Aruba Ariba!!!

Aruba Ariba... You will here this phrase throughout your entire visit! It means “Aruba Up” because this sun soaked destination of paradise is always UP!

It is also the name of the country’s specialty drink. The agent at customs warned that if you have more than 3, then you’ll start seeing double. Boy, she DID NOT LIE! Lol... 5 and I was OUT! The iconic Aruba Ariba cocktail is authentic to it’s Aruban roots.

Known for their endless blonde beaches, Aruba is also connected to the ABC islands (Bonaire and Curacao). Landing in Oranjestad, Aruba’s vibrant capital with various Dutch-inspired architecture and sculptures will amaze your eyesight.

Though Aruba is mostly Dutch influenced, it still appears as a melting pot with an array of national backgrounds. As we road through the town and along the coast, there’s an intertwined vibe of desert, beach, and plains. Similar to Miami's weather, minus the hurricanes or natural disasters, this place seems promising. The country is known for aloe, so you will see the plant throughout the entire journey. Many cultures are represented in Aruba which is apparent in the different languages (Dutch, Spanish, and English).

The cuisine will cater to all taste buds as well. Breakfast on the private island was always a hit! Fresh fruit (as always in the Caribbean), farm raised meats, and fresh baked pastries. I absolutely hate bananas but had the best banana bread ever. Dinner was always seafood and of course there were no complaints. The Flying Fishbone offers on-the-beach dining so that your feet can soak in the calm waters while eating the best gourmet food.

Honestly, you do not need to spend more than a week in Aruba to have the ultimate experience. There are many day trips and excursions that will allow you to tour the city on all levels. My experience included taxi rides, a boat ride along the coast, ferries, lounging on the private island of Flamingo Beach, and the most exciting UTV tour through the cactus filled desert.

I’m not really a night life club scene gal. The highlight of my night was watching The Weeknd perform during the Super Bowl in our super nice hotel bar at the Renaissance Tower. If you're a shopper, Renaissance Shopping Mall is just like being in Italy as it has luxury boutiques, jewelry shops, and high-end stores.

The small private island of De Palm Island has a host of activities whether you’re traveling solo, in a pack of friends, or with family. Snorkeling, swimming with the sharks, more flamingos, and a mini water park. Yes, I was a kid again!

To find a little piece of California while there, was all I needed to solidify that I love this place! The California Lighthouse is a prominent figure on the north end of the island. The surrounding area is beautifully rugged with astonishing panoramic views. There’s also the California Dunes with dusty and rocky terrains, but also the most breathtaking coast of choppy waters and caves on the beach. Pictures does no justice of how the beach waves and reefs meet.

I used to argue that the Bahamas had the most clear and attractive turquoise water, but Aruba made me blink twice and double think.

P.S. do not let Covid stand as a barrier to your traveling experience. A negative PCR (by nasal swab) is needed to enter the country. Now that the U.S. requires a negative test to return, the hotels and other facilities are offering COVID-19 tests. We paid $50 and had peace of mind during our trip. Returned home with no worries.