The Art of Slow Travel & Wellness in Aruba
When was the last time you truly slowed down?
Not a quick getaway, but a pause that lets your shoulders drop, your breath deepen, and your body reset.
For me, Aruba became that pause. The warm wind through the palms, sunsets that feel like therapy, and the effortless joy of the locals instantly soften you. Aruba doesn’t rush — it invites you to notice, listen, and care.
That’s what inspired me to explore Aruba through the lens of slow travel — not to escape, but to connect. A reminder to move mindfully and honor the island’s natural beauty through The Aruba Promise, a commitment to respect and preserve the island’s natural beauty.
So, if you’ve been craving a reset, here’s how to spend three mindful days in Aruba!
Day 1 – Arrive & Ground Yourself
Check in to Joia Aruba by Iberostar
After landing, check into Joia Aruba by Iberostar, a new 5-star resort overlooking Eagle Beach, one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful shorelines. You’re welcomed with a cool drink, ocean views and a room with a private swim-out terrace, inviting you to unplug and be still.
Spa at Joia
Head to the spa for their signature massage, followed by the sauna or hydrotherapy pools. Let your body follow Aruba’s rhythm — no rushing, just rest.
Dinner at The Old Man and The Sea
End your first day with dinner at this romantic oceanfront restaurant! Candlelit tables along the shore, the sound of waves, and local seafood!
Day 2 – Connect to the Island
Morning Color Walk
Start your morning slowly with a color walk along Eagle Beach. Choose a color and let it guide you as you explore, looking for the color as you walk — honoring The Aruba Promise by admiring nature without taking from it.
Brunch at Santos Coffee With Soul
Then head to Santos Coffee With Soul, a cozy café in downtown Oranjestad that smells of espresso and waffles. Try the French toast or vanilla matcha and enjoy the breeze from their outdoor patio.
Aruba Aloe Museum & Factory
Next, visit the Aruba Aloe Museum, one of the world’s oldest aloe companies. Walk through the fields, learn about their sustainable process, and pick up a few locally made skincare products to take home — a small reminder of the island’s healing roots.
Dinner at Taste My Aruba
End your day with dinner at Taste My Aruba, a family-owned, farm-to-table restaurant that feels like a Sunday dinner with locals. Supporting local makers is the perfect way to honor the island’s culture and community.
Day 3 – Restore & Reflect
Slow Morning & Breakfast at Joia
Give yourself the gift of a slow morning. Sleep in, breathe deeply, and let the sunrise set your pace. Then head downstairs for Joia’s breakfast spread — yogurt bowls, pancakes, fresh fruit, and endless coffee.
Yoga by the Beach
After breakfast, join a gentle yoga session under the beachfront pavilion at Manchebo Beach Resort, Aruba — a moment for your body to heal and reset.
Spend the Day at Eagle Beach
Stay at Eagle Beach for the rest of the day. The white sand is soft, the water a calm shade of blue that instantly grounds you. Before you dive in, apply reef-safe sunscreen to protect both your skin and the sea — I picked mine up from the Aruba Aloe Museum, and it’s become a favorite.
Rest here. Read here. Be present here. Watch the sun melt into the horizon and let the moment remind you that slowing down is its own kind of luxury.
Dinner at Marea Restaurant
Close your trip with dinner at Marea Restaurant, where fresh, local flavors meet the sound of the sea with live music and the perfect ocean breeze. It's the perfect final note — peaceful, intentional, and full of gratitude.
Final Reflection
Aruba felt like a deep breath I didn’t know I needed. Flowing with her rhythm of peace and stillness allowed me to restore and reconnect with myself. This wasn’t just a trip — it was a reset. A reminder that peace is something you create when you move through the world gently, mindfully, and with gratitude.
