Three Days in Aruba I Won't Stop Talking About
Some places stay with you long after you've left, and Aruba is one of them.
Whenever I think back to our trip, I can almost feel the warm trade winds, hear the waves rolling onto the white-sand beaches, and picture that shade of turquoise that looks even better in person. It was my first time visiting Aruba, and I couldn't have picked a better travel companion than my partner, Rory. We spent our days discovering incredible food, exploring Aruba's natural landscapes, and soaking up every sunset. If you're planning your own escape to One Happy Island, here's how we spent our time.
Day 1: Landing in Paradise
We landed in Aruba just after 12:30 PM and immediately made our first stop: lunch at Passions on the Beach. It's a beach restaurant perched right on the white sands of the iconic Eagle Beach. Every table has an ocean view, and it's the kind of laid-back, on-the-water spot that tells you exactly what kind of trip you're about to have.
From there, we made our way to the Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba, and I was blown away the second we pulled up. It's the perfect boutique stay with casitas tucked into lush tropical gardens - private and quiet in a way that felt like our own little pocket of the island. This spot set the tone for the rest of the trip: intimate, relaxed, and full of character. With the afternoon free, we walked to Palm Beach, then wandered over to downtown Oranjestad to soak in the colorful Dutch-Caribbean architecture.
That evening, we had dinner at Wilhelmina, and it did not disappoint! Tucked into a little "speakeasy" city garden, Wilhelmina feels like stepping into a different world the moment you walk in. Known for fresh seafood, excellent steaks, and homemade pasta, it's perfect for a special night out with tropical garden ambiance and a deliciously creative menu. Be sure to get the lobster bisque and the Indonesian roasted pork; both were unforgettable! It was the perfect way to close out our first day on the island.
Day 2: Coffee, Pancakes & a Sunset on the Water
Day two started slow and easy with coffee at Santos Coffee With Soul, a cozy, bohemian café with excellent coffee and that laid-back island energy. From there, we headed to The Dutch Pancakehouse for a full spread of classic Dutch pancakes and poffertjes (my favorite!). Fair warning: it's a popular spot, so get there early or expect a short wait because it's worth it either way!
After breakfast, we headed back to the beach to recharge. The Boardwalk Hotel has its own section of Palm Beach. We grabbed lunch from their Coco Café and cracked into some fresh-cut coconuts while lying out in the sun. R&R achieved!
That afternoon, we made our way up to the California Lighthouse, perched at the northernmost point of the island — before we knew it, it was already time for our sunset cruise. I never pass up a chance to experience a place from the water, and Aruba was no exception. We set sail from Palm Beach in the late afternoon, drinks in hand from the open bar, Caribbean music drifting through the speakers, and the island glowing gold as the sun dropped. We even got to jump in for a swim along the way. There's something about salt water at sunset that resets you completely!
Dinner that night was at Papiamento Restaurant, and it might be one of the most romantic spots on the island. It's set inside a historic Aruban "cunucu" house, with Caribbean-European fusion food served around an outdoor pool. The ambiance alone made it a dinner to remember.
Day 3: Aruba Beyond the Shoreline
If Day 2 was about slowing down, Day 3 was all exploring. We grabbed coffee & pastries at T2 Sourdough Boutique, and these were some top-tier pastries - probably one of the best palmier pastries I’ve ever had!
Then it was time for our private Isla Aruba Island Tour, and this is where Aruba completely surprised me. We were picked up right from the hotel and taken deep into Arikok National Park aboard a 4x4 Jeep, where I realized Aruba is so much more than a beach destination. The destination was Conchi, Aruba's famous natural pool tucked into volcanic rock at the edge of the sea. Inside Arikok National Park, the Fontein and Quadirikiri caves are two of Aruba's most fascinating natural wonders, known for their ancient Arawak Indian drawings and dramatic, natural skylights in the ceiling. Both caves are home to small nocturnal bats and are steeped in island folklore, making them as much a walk through Aruba's history and legend as through its geology.
Between the desert-like cactus landscapes, the scenic coastline, and the hidden pools carved into rock, Aruba has one of the most varied ecosystems I've experienced. A few notes if you're planning the same day: wear some closed-toed shoes, extra points for water shoes if you have them, pack a reusable water bottle, reef-safe sunscreen, and a little extra cash. Go in with the mindset of “taking only memories and leaving only footprints.” It's a protected part of the island, and it's on all of us as guests to keep it that way.
Our final dinner was at GAIA House of Grill, and it was the perfect way to close out the trip. Every plate reflects a balance between land and sea with seasonal vegetables, fresh seafood, and local ingredients. It felt like a meal that captured everything we'd experienced over the past three days.
Aruba gave me exactly what I didn't know I was looking for: a slower pace, warm water, warmer people, and a landscape that kept surprising me at every turn. It's easy to think of Aruba as just a beach destination, and don't get me wrong, the beaches are some of the best I've ever seen, but it's so much more than that. It's cactus-lined national parks and hidden natural pools. It's a food scene built on generations of culture blending together. It's small, family-run spots next door to elevated fine dining, both equally worth your time.
I came to Aruba expecting a beach vacation and left with a completely different picture of what this island actually is: layered, culturally rich, and endlessly worth exploring. I already know I'll be back.
Bon bini, Aruba. Until next time!
