A Taste of Aruba: The Autentico Experience
I recently visited Aruba for the first time and absolutely fell in love with the magic and beauty of the One Happy Island.
This trip gave me a newfound appreciation for local culinary experiences, through the excellence of Auténtico, Aruba’s annual food festival that celebrates the island’s rich culture and heritage.
From bucket list restaurant experiences, to a luxurious resort stay, here’s my 3-day itinerary breakdown of an unforgettable island escape.
Day 1: Arrival
Check-In at The St. Regis Resort Aruba
If you’re looking for a relaxing stay on the island, The St. Regis Aruba Resort is the perfect place to plan your next getaway. This new luxury hotel opened in the beginning of 2025 and is the perfect blend of modern elegance with a welcoming atmosphere.
The St. Regis Resort is equipped with 7 different restaurants ranging from local to international cuisines for you to enjoy. With direct beach access, private cabanas, 6 pools, and various amenities including The St. Regis Spa, there is something special for everyone! One of the room highlights was the stunning oceanfront room, looking over Palm Beach. We were greeted with the most hospitable staff, who welcomed us with a delicious charcuterie board and a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon in our suite.
Dinner at The Ritz-Carlton Aruba
Our first Auténtico event was a bucket list meal hosted right on the beach at The Ritz- Carlton Aruba, with chefs Nando Meijer and Christian Petroni curating the menu. Featuring Italian flavours with a modern twist, this was a delicious 6-course meal of both comfort and culinary artistry. Indulging in this gastronomic experience while soaking up the beautiful sunset on the beach was incredible.
Day 2: Aruba’s Culture and Heritage
Morning at Palm Beach
I started off the morning by relaxing at the beachfront connected to The St. Regis Resort, which includes private chairs, towels, and staff service! For lunch, we walked over to Eduardo’s Beach Shack, which is the perfect spot for a refreshing açai bowl and fresh coconuts.
Winery & Distillery Tour at Alto Vista Winery
I highly recommend booking a guided tour at Alto Vista Winery, where you can discover more about how rum and wine are produced on the island! We learned Aruba’s approach to crafting wine and rum in its unique climate. The tour blends local history with modern Caribbean craftsmanship, and the wine and rum tastings alone make it worth the visit.
Auténtico Dinner at The St. Regis Resort, Eskama
We had an intimate dinner at Eskama, the signature restaurant at the St. Regis Resort. Chef Tim Goldsteijn delivered a menu that paired stunning presentations with unique flavours. We first were presented with appetizers, fresh oysters, and champagne on the rooftop, with a view overlooking the sunset. This was followed by an unforgettable 6-course menu served with a special wine pairing for each dish! My favourite was the ice cream, popcorn, and caviar pairing which was a surprisingly delicious dessert.
Day 3: The Auténtico Experience
Morning Catamaran Boat Ride
No Aruba trip is complete without booking a boat ride, and this private catamaran experience with Delphi Watersports was the perfect way to experience Aruba’s true beauty. It was a 3 hour excursion filled with crystal clear water, lunch, fruit, and unlimited drinks - what more could you ask for?
Bloody Mary Masterclass
One stand-out perk of staying at The St. Regis Aruba Resort is their Bloody Mary Masterclass. St. Regis is known internationally for its signature Bloody Mary variations, and the Aruba class is a hands-on way to learn the craft behind the drink while experimenting with island-inspired flavours - including the exclusive Bon Bini Mary made with papaya hot sauce!
Dinner at Terra at Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort
We had a dinner reservation at Aruba’s latest restaurant, Terra, located at Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort. Created by Michelin-starred chef Jeremy Ford, this dining experience includes fresh seasonal ingredients and unique flavours. Everything we ordered was absolutely delicious, and the atmosphere was vibrant and cozy at the same time. A must-order dish for me was the roasted truffle chicken - it’s no wonder why Jeremy Ford won a Michelin Star for this dish!
The Auténtico Food Pavilion
After the 3-course dinner at Terra, we were definitely satisfied but couldn’t resist visiting the Auténtico pavilion! To end the festive weekend, local and international talents come together to create a culinary experience that brings together chefs, artisans, and food lovers.
Local vendors stand alongside international culinary talent, giving you a full spectrum of tastes and influences. One moment you’re sampling island-grown, traditionally prepared ingredients, and the next, you’re trying a dish from a chef around the world. There were also performances from local musicians to create a community experience.
The festival truly encapsulated all that Aruba has to offer and showcased the island’s culture and heritage through culinary artistry. A beautiful end to the weekend festivities!
Final Thoughts
My time in Aruba was far more than a getaway - it was a reminder to slow down, and experience local cuisines and cultures in their entirety. The Auténtico experience allowed me to learn more about Aruba’s local traditions, unforgettable flavours, and have a true cultural connection to the island.
From home-cooked Aruban dishes to moments shared with people who live the island’s heritage every day, Aruba left me feeling so welcomed and restored. If you’re looking for a destination that blends culture, culinary excellence, incredible hospitality, and natural beauty, Aruba should be at the top of your list. I'm already anticipating my next visit!
