The Perfect Romantic Getaway Only 5 Hours from Toronto
There’s something about Aruba that gently resets your pace the moment you arrive.
Maybe it’s the soft steady winds, the desert-meets-ocean landscape, or the way the island naturally seems to invite you to slow down. My husband and I visited for the first time, and instead of packing our schedule, we leaned into a slower, more intentional way of exploring to soak in all that Aruba has to offer. There’s something undeniably romantic about the island, like it was designed for couples to slow down and experience it side by side.
We stayed at Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa, a boutique beachfront property that shaped our entire experience. From the moment we checked in, it felt calm and relaxing, which is exactly what we were craving. The beach is steps away, and feels quiet and intimate, perfect for a couple like us. The staff were incredibly warm and attentive and we can already picture ourselves coming back here.
One of the highlights of staying at Manchebo was how easy it was to settle into a rhythm. Mornings often began with breakfast at Ike’s Bistro and I’m still thinking about their açaí bowl. They also offer complimentary yoga classes for guests, which were much needed after the flight from Toronto.
Day 1: Arrival & Easing In
After landing, we picked up our car rental - one of the easiest ways to get around the island. We made our way to Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa, dropped our bags and headed straight to Eagle Beach, on which Manchebo is conveniently situated. We spent the afternoon swimming in turquoise waters, reading, and letting ourselves unwind. It’s the slow, peaceful moments like this that make the island feel especially romantic.
That evening, we had dinner at Caya House, which was the perfect spot for date night and immediately set the tone for the trip. The food leans into Caribbean flavors, with a refined, modern touch. We highly recommend the scallop ceviche, the braised lamb shank, and corvina fish - the Tres Leches is also a must!
Day 2: Exploring San Nicolas & Local Flavours
Our second day started slow again, with breakfast at Ike’s before heading out to explore more of the island. We drove down to San Nicolas, a colorful town on the southern end of Aruba that feels distinctly different from the beachfront we'd experienced so far. Known for its vibrant street art and creative energy, San Nicolas offers a more local, cultural perspective of the island.
Later in the afternoon, we attended a wine and rum tasting at Alto Vista Winery & Distillery, the island's first winery and distillery. Who would’ve thought you could get such amazing wine in such a unique climate! The tasting itself was intimate and thoughtfully curated by the in-house sommelier, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable experiences of the trip. The setting, the wine, the pace of it all… it felt romantic in the simplest way.
Dinner that night was at Olivia Restaurant – an elevated, Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, with a level of precision you can feel in every dish. Guided by Michelin-star chef Jeremy Ford, his artistry shines in the quality and creativity of the food. They brought some amuse-bouche to our table before our appetizer and main meals, and those small details set them apart from other institutions. We highly recommend Olivia's Caesar salad, Gambaretti shrimp pasta, and Greek-style lamb chops.
Day 3: Wellness, Beaches & Sunset Magic
By our third day, we had fully settled into island time. We started the morning with a beachfront yoga flow at Manchebo, followed by a quick gym session and then a couples massage at the resort’s spa. It was the kind of morning that feels indulgent but also deeply restorative.
In the afternoon, we took a long romantic walk along the shore to Eagle Beach, often ranked as one of the best beaches in the world and for good reason. Having traveled to the Caribbean before, it’s the most pristine white sand and mesmerizing turquoise waters I’ve ever seen.
Later that day, we boarded a catamaran with Delphi Watersports for a much-anticipated sunset cruise. As the boat drifted along the coast, the sky shifted through soft pastels into deep oranges and pinks. There’s something about being out on the ocean at sunset with the person you love that makes you feel like you’re in a movie!
We closed out the night with dinner at Papiamento Restaurant - set in a historic Aruban house, the atmosphere is incredibly romantic thanks to twinkling lights, lush greenery, and a sense of old-world charm. The menu blends Caribbean and European influences (make sure to try the Sea-cuterie!), and it felt like the perfect final note to our trip.
Final Thoughts
While Aruba is often known for its beaches - and yes, they are incredible - what stood out most was how easy it was to create a trip that felt both restful and rich with experience. By choosing to move slowly, we noticed more: the subtle shifts in the landscape, the warmth of the people, the way each part of the island offers something a little different.
If you’re planning your first visit, I’d highly recommend resisting the urge to overpack your itinerary. Leave room for long beach walks, spontaneous stops, and quiet moments. Stay somewhere that encourages you to slow down, like Manchebo, and build your days around a mix of gentle exploration and intentional rest with the person you cherish the most.
