This site uses cookies. Some are essential while others improve your browsing experience and allow us to advertise. For more info visit the privacy policy page.

Allow inessential cookies for:

Your preferences have been updated.

bucuti and Tara beach best hotel

Valentine’s Day in Aruba—a Romantic Escape to Paradise

For Valentine’s Day, flowers and chocolates are nice, but how about a trip to paradise?

Aruba is an idyllic romantic destination to cultivate love under the warmth of the island’s sunshine, and there’s no better time to escape the winter cold than right now! Getting cozy in a hammock under swaying palms rustling in the breeze, strolling the beach during sultry sunsets, dinner under dreamy starlit skies, breakfast on your balcony overlooking the Caribbean Sea...now that’s amore! Read on for a little inspiration for your romantic getaway to Aruba…

 

Romantic excursions and activities

Shared experiences and creating memories together are great foundations for a loving and lasting relationship, and Aruba has a bevy of exciting activities to enjoy on and off the water together. 

Set sail on one of the island’s catamarans or sailboats and enjoy a breezy cruise skirting the breathtaking coastline. Morning and afternoon cruises make several stops at some of Aruba’s best snorkeling spots. Late afternoon cruises give couples a front-row seat to impossibly perfect sunsets. The Monforte III has a variety of luxury cruises that offer plenty of space to relax—including their signature over-the-water hammock—as well as premium handcrafted tropical libations and an onboard chef preparing gourmet bites and meals.

Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) tours will take you to the quiet retreat of Spaans Lagoon and secluded canals, where protected areas of mangroves thrive and play host to some of Aruba’s wildlife. The calm, clear waters often allow glimpses of underwater sea life. Aruba Surf & Paddle School’s signature “Mangrove/Eco Tour” will immerse the two of you in a peaceful setting and help you connect with nature.

Meander through Aruba’s countryside and along the remote coastline on horseback. The comfortable gait of the island’s Paso Fino horses makes for an enjoyable trail ride together. Rancho Loco is a family-owned ranch located just outside of Arikok National Park. Tours leave the ranch and travel through the countryside and quiet local neighborhoods to reach the national park. Book a tour with a group or, for a special treat, book a private ride for just the two of you!

A decadent picnic on the beach can be arranged through several picnic catering companies that specialize in creating spectacular moments for the two of you. Picnic Aruba’s pop-up picnics include everything you need for a perfect day at the beach, including a romantic boho-style setup with inspiring décor, Bluetooth speakers to connect with your device, and several menu and beverage packages to choose from.

Adventurous couples might want to consider learning a new activity together, which can certainly be a wonderful bonding experience. In Aruba, PADI resort dive courses are offered, with students learning the basics in less than half a day in a pool or shallow water environment, followed by a boat dive at the Pedernales, a US oil tanker that was torpedoed by the Germans in World War II, but now sits in shallow water just off Aruba’s coast. The 25-foot depth is perfect for beginners. 

Or perhaps consider an adventure on top of the water—the two of you can learn to windsurf in less than two hours. Several watersports companies offer lessons and equipment. At Aruba Active Vacations, a 30-minute introduction to the equipment and hands-on instructions on land are followed by a lesson in the calm, shallow waters of the Fisherman’s Huts area, where your instructor will stay by your side and have you up and sailing in no time.

Dining out on Valentine's Day in Aruba

Aruba’s dining scene sets the stage for amorous culinary adventures.  A romantic vacation is not complete without a true toes-in-the-sand dining experience, and there are dozens to choose from in Aruba. Passions on the Beach brings the fine-dining experience seaside, where your evening starts with a champagne toast as the setting sun dips into the Caribbean Sea. Dine on fresh local catches, Angus beef, and local specialties in the amber glow of torchlight as your beach butler attends to all your needs.

If you are a foodie couple that seeks out stellar gastronomy, Aruba is home to award-winning, Michelin-trained chefs that offer intimate chef’s table experiences. Executive Chef Urvin Croes, a hometown chef that studied in Europe and gained invaluable experience at Michelin-star restaurants, operates one of these unique dining events.  The former Iron Chef Aruba winner oversees Infini, welcoming just 18 patrons seated at a horseshoe bar around an open kitchen where a 10 to 12 course tasting menu is crafted by Chef Urvin and his culinary team.

If you are a couple seeking authentic local dining, a trip to Zeerovers in the fishermen’s village of Savaneta is a must. This fisherman's wharf-cum-roadhouse promises a heavy dose of local flavor. A counter near the entrance sells fresh-caught fish to-go at local prices. Patrons can also have the fish prepared on the premises and then enjoy it on the waterside deck among the seasoned locals discussing the latest town news over a few ice-cold Balashi beers and a game of dominoes.  It’s always fun to watch the local fishermen coming in with their catches of the day!

Relax & Rejuvenate with a spa day

Aruba has more than a dozen day spas, with most offering pampering packages personalized for a romantic experience just for couples. Whether you’re looking for a seaside outdoor cabana or an atmosphere of decadence and luxury, there is certainly no lack of sensational spas to choose from.

Escape to Spa Cove for the ultimate in privacy and exclusivity in a breathtaking al fresco cabana setting. All packages include a full-day stay on Renaissance Island—known for its Instagram-famous flamingos. Several packages are offered for couples, including the Seascapes package, which includes massages for the two of you, beach towels and water floats, lunch, and a frozen cocktail.

The oceanfront, Japanese-inspired Eforea Spa at the Hilton Aruba invites you and your partner to melt into pure bliss. Book various couples’ massages, like the signature Coco pa Dos featuring an organic coconut melt to soothe your muscles and nurture your skin. Experience a breezy open-air massage together in the outdoor seaside Spa Cabana or indoors in the Couples Suite.

The Ritz-Carlton Spa will immerse the two of you in pampered luxury.  This 15,000-square-foot beachfront sanctuary weaves in thoughtful local touches, including the healing power of our local aloe, for a distinctly Aruban spa experience. After your massages, enjoy the relaxation lounges with whirlpools, saunas, steam rooms, and a stress-reducing oxygen bar.

Off-the-beaten path beaches

Aruba’s most famed beaches are inarguably the award-winning Eagle Beach and Palm Beach, located in the major hotel areas. But Aruba has many smaller beaches and coves that are a bit more low-key and appealing to couples that like to explore.

Mangel Halto is a gem of a beach tucked along the western coast of the island in the area of Pos Chikito. The beach is named for the dense network of mangrove trees that make their home here, providing plenty of shade for afternoon picnics. A narrow clearing in the mangroves leads into an irresistibly inviting expanse of shallow, aquamarine water, made remarkably placid by the protective barrier reef further out. This coral reef, easily reached by a short swim from shore, also makes for excellent snorkeling.

Located near the popular Baby Beach, Rodger’s Beach is a picturesque beach at the southernmost reaches of the island. Shady huts line this beach, which sweeps around a reef-protected bay. Colorfully painted traditional fishing boats also dock here, adding to the quaint and peaceful setting that’s a perfect day retreat for couples.

Located in the vicinity of the California Lighthouse and the California Dunes, the Lighthouse Beach area offers seclusion from the bustle of the hotel areas. The unique setting is great for sunbathing and wading in the tide pools, although the peculiar rocky landscape—dramatic and picturesque with unusually shaped boulders—does not encourage swimming.

Located along the limestone cliffs that anchor the northwest coast/Malmok area, Tres Trapi is characterized by a set of steps carved into the rocks that lead to a small sandy cove. Step down into the cove to cool off in the crystal-clear waters. The snorkeling here is lovely as well.

Where to stay

Here in Aruba, there are several resorts catering to couples that prefer to have their candlelit dinner sans flying spaghetti from the neighboring table of six. Adult-only floors, wings, and even entire resorts are becoming mainstays in vacation travel, providing the ideal retreat for couples looking for a romantic, quiet getaway. A few of the many hotels to consider for an adults-only stay in Aruba include:

Bucuti & Tara Beach Resorts

This resort is the first of its kind on Aruba—a luxury boutique property that caters exclusively to adults and couples.  The hotel, located on majestic and spacious Eagle Beach, is intimate and serene—it’s what many of us think of when we want to escape to an island paradise. The well-appointed European-style resort has earned many eco certifications and top travel awards over the years.  According to TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards, Bucuti is the #1 Hotel for Romance in the Caribbean.

Tradewinds at Aruba Marriott Resort & Casino

This “hotel within a hotel” is located on the top floor of Palm Beach’s Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, consisting of individually designed luxury guest rooms and lavish suites.  Only the select few guests (no one under 18 years of age is allowed) staying at the exclusive Tradewinds Club will enjoy premium sea views from floor-to-ceiling windows opening out onto a spacious and elegant balcony.  The Tradewinds beach area is reserved solely for Tradewinds resort guests. Tradewinds guests also have access to the H2Oasis adult-only pool, with a poolside bar and pool cabanas.

RIU Palace Antillas

This all-inclusive and adults-only resort is located on the beautiful shores of Palm Beach, with its towering palms and sugar-white sands. Amenities include a premium stocked bar in your room. A wide variety of watersports and activities are included in your stay here. The buffet restaurant invites couples to enjoy colorful Caribbean cuisine, while three thematic restaurants offer a world of unique flavors. At night, enjoy various entertainment options, including resort shows and RIU’s Orchid Casino.

Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort & Casino’s Marina Hotel

The Renaissance Aruba’s Marina Tower specializes in adult travel accommodations.  Located in the heart of downtown Oranjestad, adjacent to the marina and harbor, this hotel emanates a unique cosmopolitan Caribbean feel.  Its proximity to world-class shopping, dining, galleries, and museums is ideal for couples on the go and in search of island culture.  A rooftop swimming pool and the casually sophisticated Blue lounge are great for sipping tropical libations while basking in the sun. Although the hotel is not beachfront, water taxis pull up in a canal that runs right through the main lobby and whisk beachcombers off to Renaissance Island—a private tropical paradise for guests of the hotel.

Boardwalk Boutique Hotel

Kindle your love in the lush and tranquil oasis of this intimate, family-owned boutique hotel that’s just steps away from Palm Beach.  Leave everyday stresses behind while the two of you easily slip into the barefoot and carefree island lifestyle.  Located on the grounds of a former working coconut plantation, each of Boardwalk’s 46 colorful  casitas are uniquely charming and outfitted with patios, hammocks, a grill, and custom furniture, textiles, and artwork.  Two pools, a spa and gym, yoga deck, relaxation zones, and a dedicated private beach area are just a few of the amenities to enjoy at this hotel where casual luxury and romance await.

*Although not fully adults-only, only children over the age of 12 are permitted.


Related Articles

We’re just getting started with the amazing effects Aruba has to offer. Dig into your trip details below to unlock a Caribbean experience that will fill you with sunshine and send you home with a happy afterglow that never fades.

Plan Your Effect

TRIP PLANNER

myAruba planner

Save your favorite places and experiences to a custom itinerary you can manage while you're visiting the island: Start Planning

I'm looking for: