My 3-Day Aruba Itinerary: Sun, Slow Mornings & Sweet Memories
I recently spent a few magical days in Aruba, and I left feeling so full. Mostly of delicious plantain chips.
But also of sunshine and new appreciation for the beauty of the island.
The breeze. The vibrant water. Not to mention the people who instantly make you feel like you belong. It was all so refreshing. And the best part? It’s easy to fall into a rhythm of mindful, responsible travel. The kind that honors the land, the locals, and the legacy of this island.
Here’s how I spent 3 dreamy days in Aruba.
Day 1: Arrival
Check-In: Boardwalk Boutique Hotel
We arrived and checked into the cutest little casita at Boardwalk Boutique Hotel, and we instantly felt like we could exhale. The property is a lush former coconut plantation, with outdoor showers and hammocks that beg you to stay a little longer. Their sustainability efforts are top-tier too. More on that later.
Sunset Dip at Palm Beach
Just steps away, we headed to Palm Beach for a dip in the gorgeous baby blue water. And then caught the last moments of sun under a cabana.
Dinner: Olivia’s Mediterranean Restaurant
Our first dinner was at Olivia’s, which transports you to a leafy courtyard in Oranjestad. The sea bass and rack of lamb? Unreal. They’re big on fresh, creative spins on Mediterranean classics. The vibe felt like a dinner party at a stylish friend’s house. What could be better?
Day 2: Donkeys, Distilleries & Dining Al Fresco
Morning Hike: Hooiberg Trail
We woke up early to hike Hooiberg (bring water and wear sneakers. It’s short but steeeeep!). And the nice part is there is a clear staircase, so you can imagine it’s a great workout. From the top, you can literally see the whole island, which was incredible.
Mid-Morning Visit: Donkey Sanctuary Aruba
I may never emotionally recover from the Donkey Sanctuary. These gentle, affectionate angels have been part of Aruba’s culture for 500+ years. There was the cutest little baby that I fell in love with. They told us that once a donkey bonds with you, it remembers you the next time… so hoping that’s the case when we come back one day. Definitely a highlight.
Lunch: Zeerover’s
We made our way to Zeerover’s, a casual dockside eatery where you order fish and shrimp by the pound. It’s no-frills and 100% fresh – caught, fried and served the same day. Honestly my ideal lunch while traveling.
Afternoon: Poolside & Rum Sipping
After some downtime at the Boardwalk pool we headed to Pepe Margo Distillery. The barrel tasting and tour inside a restored traditional home made it feel like a secret, sacred little corner of Oranjestad. The rum tasting was so much fun (the Coconut was my favorite), and the staff made it even better.
Dinner: Taste My Aruba
We wrapped the day with dinner at Taste My Aruba, a cozy family-owned spot that sources everything locally. I had the catch of the day with rice, beans and plantains and also loved the Cajun shrimp pasta. If I could eat sea-to-table everyday, I would.
Day 3: Sips & Swims
Breakfast: Huchada Bakery
Friday morning started at Huchada, a local bakery in a traditional Cunucu house. I tried pastechi for the first time — think: flaky pastry filled with cheese or meat. Obsessed.
Sustainability Tour at Boardwalk
Later, we met with our lovely guide from Boardwalk for a tour of their regenerative gardens and eco efforts. They’ve built something truly special here. Solar panels, greywater systems, local materials — all while keeping the space magical and relaxed. It felt so good to support a place that walks the walk when it comes to responsible tourism.
Lunch: Kamini’s Kitchen
Kamini’s Kitchen was an incredible rec from a local. We got the goat roti, chicken roti, & garlic shrimp and every dish was amazing!
Afternoon: Boat Ride (with Delphi Watersports)
We ended the day with a boat ride along Aruba’s coast. We had heard about so many of the beautiful, and very different beaches from Arashi to Eagle Beach to Mangel Halto, and got the best view of them all. It was camping season, which was fun to see tons of locals camped out near Arashi beach by the crystal clear water. Our guide even took us to see and snorkel around a shipwreck, which was probably my husband’s favorite part. So cool.
Dinner: Chef Antonio’s
Our final dinner was at Chef Antonio's - and what an experience. It’s an intimate Peruvian restaurant hidden away in a house with no sign, so you really have to look to find it but it’s so worth it. I got the grouper ceviche and am still thinking about it - but they have tons of traditional Peruvian dishes mixed with fresh Caribbean flair. It was the perfect way to end the trip.
Loving Aruba Back
From beach clean-ups to reef-safe sunscreen to supporting small family-run spots, this trip was a reminder that travel can be both beautiful and respectful.
It’s easy to fall in love with Aruba, but the real magic happens when you love it back.
Until next time,
April
