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You may have heard the expression “living on island time,” but how about vacationing on island time?
Many of today’s travelers are seeking the slow travel experience, and there’s no better destination than Aruba to immerse yourself in not only relaxing beach days under the sun, but also in new cultures and authentic experiences.
While the bucket-list trend to cross as many things off your list as possible made for vacations that sometimes left travelers a bit exhausted from trying to tick as many activities off as possible during a rushly-paced vacation, the pandemic ushered in a more relaxed pace. Travelers wanted to discover more about the world outside their country and began to explore destinations more thoughtfully, eager to experience small slices of local life and make mindful connections with the destination and its people.
Aruba was a place for slow travel practically from its beginning roots in tourism, decades before it was a definable trend. The One Happy Island spirit of innate hospitality has always made guests here feel at home immediately, and a safe and secure infrastructure encourages leisurely exploration of local island life beyond the hotel areas.
Here are a few suggestions to help you unwind, escape your everyday routine, and easily melt into island life.
Aruba’s melting pot of more than 100 nationalities brings delicious exploration of Aruban food as well as cuisine from around the world.
This two and a half hour tour is led by a local guide, introducing guests to a taste of traditional local snacks while visiting historic architecture and monuments, learning about Aruba’s storied heritage while walking through the colorful streets of Aruba’s capital city.
Aruba’s food truck scene really comes to life at night. You could even go so far as to consider the food truck experience a cultural journey of fast food because many of these trucks and food stands are owned not just by locals, but also by Colombian, Venezuelan, Mexican, Italian, Chinese, and Dutch entrepreneurs. Juicy burgers are trademarked by a special sauce made a bit differently by each truck. Munch on grilled chorizo and other South American sausages. The Arepa—a Venezuelan favorite made of seasoned cornmeal that is pan-fried and stuffed with meat or cheese—is served at several trucks as well. And those fries with peanut sauce are definitely a Dutch-inspired treat, along with chicken and pork sate.
Aruba has several chef’s table experiences, including Infini, Ever, and Two Fools & a Bull. In addition to meeting and engaging with the chef and their culinary team, each course in the tasting journey requires you to take your time and savor every bite to appreciate the ingredients, flavors, and techniques that go into each dish presented throughout the evening.
Rum’s roots are in the Caribbean, and Aruba has three distilleries producing batches of rum, as well as other spirits. Bodegas Papiamento is housed in a former historic ice factory and invites guests to explore their collections of rums with curated rum flights, pairings, and craft cocktails. Pepe Margo Distillery repurposed a 19th century manor located on Wilhelminastraat in the heart of the historic district in downtown Oranjestad, delighting guests with a behind-the-scenes perspective of the distillery process and their signature barrel tastings paired with artisanal bites. Alto Vista Winery & Distillery is located in the countryside, bringing guests outdoors to tour the vineyard and farm, and then to the tasting area to explore local wines paired with charcuterie and a rum cocktail made with their rum.
When I have guests visiting, I love taking them to one of our local supermarkets. At SuperFood, my friends and family marvel at the selection of cheeses there, as well as their baked goods. My sister could spend hours walking the aisles and taking in all the European-branded products there. And over at Ling & Son’s Food Market, the ethnic food aisle is a fascinating journey into Asian, Indonesian, and Indian ingredients. If you’re staying in a timeshare property or private vacation rental, there’s always something new to discover when shopping for groceries.
In addition to some of the top beaches in the world, Aruba has some of the most intriguing geography in the Caribbean, from cactus-studded countryside and towering diorite boulders to fascinating rock formations, natural bridges, and natural pools.
Hiking, mountain biking, or on a guided horseback tour are ways to mindfully explore our landscapes at a slower pace that’s easy on the environment.
Arikok National Park is a protected conservation initiative that encompasses about 18% of the island. The Visitor Center offers exhibits acquainting guests with Aruba’s endemic animals, such as the Aruban whiptail lizard (cododo), Aruban cat-eyed snake (santanero), and the endangered Aruban rattlesnake (cascabel). Out in the park, explore caves, swim in the famous Natural Pool, and hike along a well-managed series of trails with informational signage indicating our natural plants and trees along the way.
The Aruban community is proud of the rich threads of history and traditions that weave a cultural tapestry that is unique to any other island. Museums, tours, and festivals are a great way to get a colorful glimpse of what makes Aruba truly special.
If you’re here during our Carnival season (typically January-March), experience Aruba’s biggest celebration of culture and community during one of the dozens of scheduled parades that feature incredible costumes and floats, as well as live bands traveling down the road on trailers.
The town of San Nicolas, located on the southern end of the island and oozing old school Caribbean charm, features one of the Caribbean’s largest street galleries, with historic buildings repurposed as canvasses for local artists as well as some of the world’s most popular street artists and muralists.
An interactive experience can be enjoyed at the Aruba Aloe Factory & Museum, where you’ll learn about the history of Aruba’s prized aloe in the museum, visit the fields for a live cutting demonstration, and tour the factory where their line of sunscreens and skin care are made.
Slow travel is not just about taking the time to connect with the culture and people of the destination, but also reconnecting with yourself. Many resorts offer a menu of wellness opportunities, including beach yoga, sound bath experiences, pilates, and meditation. Or try something new and bring your yoga practice to the water. Aruba was one of the first destinations in the world to offer SUP yoga—a gentle practice held in our shallow, calm waters on standup paddleboards.
Aruba’s Peace Labyrinth, located in a peaceful setting adjacent to Alto Vista Chapel on a hilltop overlooking the north coast, welcomes guests to walk and meditate anytime and at your own pace.
Another way to stay present and live in the moment is to learn a new skill or sport. Gain an appreciation for Aruba’s outdoors through low-impact activities like learning to scuba dive. The PADI resort-dive certification takes just a few hours, opening up an entirely new perspective to the beauty of life under the sea.
Harness the wind like a local by learning to windsurf, an integral part of Aruba’s beach culture. In less than two hours, you’ll be gliding across the gentle waters at famed Fisherman’s Huts. When you’re done, join the local windsurf community on shore, pop open a refreshing Balashi, Aruba’s local beer, and enjoy island life.
These are just a few suggestions to appreciate Aruba authentically. Take your time, keep your itinerary loose, and live your vacation the island way.
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