Aruba Travel Guide

One Happy Island 

I have been absolutely dying to go to the "One Happy Island" for a couple years now. I saw all of the beautiful bright pink flamingo photos on Instagram and you know me- that's all it took to have me sold. I was finally able to come to this beautiful destination earlier this month. However, Aruba has SO MUCH MORE to offer than just Flamingo Beach. Did you know that most of the island is desert? I sure didn't! Not only does Aruba have stunning soft sand beaches but they also have desert terrain for UTV rides, Cliffs for hiking, and natural cave pools. As we freely explored the island we found the most gorgeous sights I have ever seen. The island itself is only 69 sq mi, about a 35 minute drive from one end to the other,  but it is PACKED with places to explore, things to do, and sights to see. 

One of the places we discovered with Ellie. It was a hike down, near the SouthEastern side of the island, with this gorgeous natural bridge. We came back here to witness an incredible Aruban sunrise

​Traveling to Aruba During A Global Pandemic

COVID-19 Requirements: Coming from Florida we were required to show Negative COVID-19 results 72-24 hours before our arrival. Check to see if you state is on the listhere . Either way, it is beneficial to get tested before you leave to make sure you are not spreading the virus and also because you will need to register for an ED Card before you leave. The process is fairly easy, however it can be easy to miss this on the Aruba Website. Register for you ED Card here. Mine was approved instantly. They will ask you to show your ED Card before departing your flight from the U.S. multiple times as well as after customs when you arrive in Aruba. If you are traveling from the South Florida area, I found an AMAZING testing center approved for Aruba travel. The staff was so friendly & made the process super quick & easy. I got my results back in just 12 hours. You can find more information about LAB DOCTOR here. 

The great thing about getting tested to visit Aruba is that once you are cleared and have your ED Card, there is no mandatory quarantine law. You are free to roam around the island, dine in at restaurants, go shopping, and have fun doing excursions. One thing I noticed about the island is that they were VERY serious and took extra precautions regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic. You could find hand sanitizer at every corner, and masks are typically required in indoor spaces. 
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Safety: Aruba is extremely safe. Locals will even say you can walk around the island alone at night (although I personally wouldn't do that) and be completely fine. 

Departing: GET TO THE AIRPORT EARLY! You will need to arrive at the airport about 3 hours before your flight departs. You will go through both the Aruba Customs as well as the United States customs both. This can result in long lines, and you will have to go through two separate security checks. The great thing about this is that once you get back to the states, you don't have to deal with the hassle of customs! It is already done with.

Photo by Images by Avori, edited using the "Starfish" Preset from my Aruba Preset Pack

Where We Stayed

Edited with the "Rainbow" Preset from my Aruba Preset Pack

The Riu Palace Aruba  

Upon arrival we had a driver greet us and take us to the Riu Palace. The Riu is just a short 20 minute, scenic coastal ride from the airport. This has to be the grandest resort on the island. As you can see in the photos, it is just absolutely stunning. This is one of the best resorts I have stayed at so far. 

The staff at the Riu is incredibly friendly and informative. They gave us lots of information about the island, and you can tell how proud they are of their home! They offer complimentary snorkel equipment, paddle boards, kayaks, and more near the beach. You can also book excursions from the lobby.

The Riu palace is all-inclusive, and the food & drinks DID NOT disappoint. They had a FULL Martini and frozen drink menu at all of the bars,  as well as five different incredible restaurants to choose from. 
A resort favorite is the swim up bar at the main pool! 

Usually, a big concern for tourists is the drinking water at resorts. Aruba actually has the 2nd cleanest water in the world, next to Dubai, so it is safe to drink on and off the resort. 

It is also good to know that the beaches in Aruba are all public beaches. Beach chairs & tiki huts are available right on the beach beside the pool of the resort. We had no problems getting a beach chair & hut while we are there, but some of the regular vacationers told us that sometimes during peak season you have to get to the beach early to secure your spot. 

The Beach Front at the Riu Palace

Riu Palace Pool, Shot by Avori Henderson

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​Aruban Culture / Food 

Origin/Language Aruba is one of the 13 Independent Nations in the Caribbean, and it is also within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. As soon as you step out of the airport, you will notice the Dutch influence everywhere. 

The two official languages of Aruba is Papiamento, which is a local dialect, and Dutch. Some locals I met along the trip explained to me that children grow up speaking Papiamento in the home, and then in early school they learn Dutch. Staring in 5th grade of primary school, they start learning English and Spanish. Incredibly, most of the people on the island speak 4 languages. This is because of the heavy inflow of English and Spanish speaking tourists. There is a small university on the island, but for those that want to expand their degree options, they travel to Holland for school. 

Is it really "One Happy Island?" The answer to this question is YES, 100%. I don't think I have been anywhere where the people have so much joy. They take so much pride in their kind hospitality. In fact, it is the core foundation of how they life their life. They raise their children with that "Big Smile of Welcome" since birth. The local citizens of Aruba love their country, their land, and their community. Keeping the island clean is also something that is a part of their culture. The island is clean everywhere you go. Something I took note of here is that many people on the island are also Christian, and most of the shops played Christian music (something I love!). I had so much fun hanging out with the locals, especially our amazing driver that we now call friend, Ellie. She showed us all the secret spots and the BEST food around the island. More about that, soon. If you need a good local tour guide, send her a message on her Whats App! 

Currency The local currency is the Aruban Florin. 1 Aruban Florin = 0.56 US dollars. However, 80% of tourists that come to Aruba are Americans, so they take US currency everywhere. Most places take credit cards, but make sure you bring cash for taxis & gratuity. 

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Carnival Annual Celebration

One thing that Arubans look forward to all year is Carnival. 
They take so much pride in the biggest celebration of the year! 

The first parade is the torch parade on the First Saturday of January. The Carnival season goes all the way until the weekend before Ash Wednesday. For locals, Carnival includes a serious, but fun competition. In the beginning, many people do the beginning speech in their costumes. Later they perform shows, activities, and must be very creative to get extra points. There are multiple parades throughout the Carnival. It is a grand celebration that is a few weeks long. 
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The Aruba Carnival is something very special and unique the the Aruban culture. Tourists are invited to join in on the festivities if you visit the island during Carnival season! All the locals say that it is a MUST! I would love to come back during this time to experience this. 

Food

Main dish: Fish
Aruba is known to have the most amazing fish, and they did not disappoint! 

Cabrito Stoba (Stewed Goat -A lot like beef! There are many wild goats all over the island.

Keshi Yena- A large round ball stuffed with cheese & meat

Funchi- Otherwise known as Dutch cornmeal

​Pastechi- Sort of like an empanada, but with thicker/softer breading. It was SO GOOD. I am so glad Ellie showed us the local Pastechi stand. Life changing. I ate 6 in one day and took them with me to the airport. I would marry Pastechi. 
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Stopping for Pastechi after our Sunrise Hike! Pictured: Ellie & Avori

Balashi Beer 

Balashi is the local beer of Aruba. And WOW, I must say. It was so delicious! They have two main brews that you will see everywhere, Balashi & Chill. They are both very light and refreshing. 

Unfortunately, due to COVID the Balashi Brewery Tour & Beergarden were close, but next time I come to visit I am definitely coming here! 

I am trying to get Balashi to ship to the states, it is that good. If you find anywhere that carries it, PLEASE let me know! :)
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Balashi is unique to the island, but many residents also drink Heineken, stemming from their dutch roots. 

Sipping on Balashi at the Bugaloe Pier Restaurant

Wearing my Balashi shirt at San Nicolas

Aruban Phrases

Dushi: Translates to "Dear,"does not mean the same thing in means in English, LOL! Instead of calling your significant other "babe" they often call them "Dushi" as a sign of affection. It can also mean "tasty." It is used for many other things as well, such as a phrase they use, "Nos tin Dushi Bida" which means, "We live a good life." 

Pasa un Dushi dia: "Have a great day" 

​Bon Bini: Welcome 

Conta cu bo?: "How are you?"

Con jama bo? "What is your name?" 

Hopi bunita: Very beautiful. 
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Local Restaurants to Try

Zeerovers- A little bit of a drive from the resort side of the island, but so worth it! Right on the waterfront in Savaneta, the Fisherman's town. The fish is fresh, and a MUST try in Aruba! 

Marina Pirata- Near Mangel Halto Beach. Great local restaurant. 

The Old Canucu House- Try all kinds of dishes here- even Iguana Soup! 
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Top Things to Do in Aruba 

One thing I didn't know about Aruba, was the abundance of activities there are to do! I was visiting for a week, and I STILL couldn't fit in everything I wanted to do. This island is so unique and has so much to offer. I can't list all of the activities, but here are some of the top things to do!

1. Renaissance Private Island (Flamingo Beach) 

This place has been on my bucket list for years! Guests staying at the Renaissance Aruba have direct access to the Renaissance Private Island, AKA Flamingo Island. If you are not staying at the hotel, you can get a day pass, like we did. A day pass also comes with lunch on the island and a cocktail! However day passes are first come first serve and are very limited. The Renaissance is very careful to not overcrowd the island, it is set to a limited capacity. To get there, you go to the Renaissance Aruba hotel lobby. Inside, conveniently next to a Starbucks, there is a boat that picks you up and takes you to the island. It is a short 10 minute boat ride. 

This is us, way too excited about Starbucks

When you arrive on the Renaissance Private Island, there are two sides. One side is Flamingo Beach and the other is where the Private Villas are located. Children are not allowed on the Flamingo side for the safety of the Flamingoes. The Flamingoes are very friendly, and will gladly accept food from your hand! They have Flamingo Food available at the counter on the island. These Flamingoes are very well taken care of, and you can tell they enjoy the island as well as the people around them. 

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I wish I had a video of this photo. The flamingo came up behind me and put his head on my shoulder as to say "Hello I'm back here!" Then he tapped my hat, LOL

Photo Edited using the "Flamingle" Preset from my Aruba Preset Pack

The Renaissance Private Island also offers an exclusive overnight stay on Renaissance Island. You can find more info about that here. 

We stayed all day, all the way up until sunset. Aruba is known for having the most gorgeous sunset & sunrise. Photo edited using the "Rose Gold Sunset" Preset from my Aruba Preset Pack. 

2. Baby Beach 

How does Baby Beach get its name? Because the water is so shallow that even a baby could walk in it! When I asked Instagram where we had to go in Aruba, EVERYONE said that Baby Beach is a must! Now I see why. The sand here is incredibly soft, and the water is a stunning blue. Baby Beach is a manmade lagoon on the southeastern side of the island, where you can snorkel, swim, & relax.It is about a 35 minute drive from where the resorts are, and WOW the drive is so beautiful. You will drive through the desert and along the coastline, and it was absolutely beautiful. I recommend stopping at San Nicolas on the way.  Once you get to Baby Beach, there is a restaurant called Big Mama's, that had amazing local food & cocktails. Ellie showed us a restaurant just a little ways down, called Rum Reef, where we started at the pool for amazing views and then walked down to the beach. Rum Reef did have the BEST cocktails, but for food I would definitely eat at Big Mama's. 

Rum Reef Pool at Baby Beach

3. San Nicolas

San Nicolas is described as the soul & culture of Aruba. It is definitely somewhere you have to at least stop by. We explored around a bit on our way to Baby Beach. This would be a super cool place to have a photoshoot as well. In comparison to Miami, San Nicolas reminds me a lot of Wynwood, especially with all of the amazing wall art.
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San Nicolas is typically very safe, despite its reputation for prostitution. Prostituion is only legal on one corner of San Nicolas, contrary to the widespread legality of it in Holland. Most of the women are not Aruban, but they come from other areas with a larger prostitution industry, such as the Dominican Republic and Columbia. 

In San Nicolas wearing my Balashi Tee!

4. Bushiribana Ruins 

On the north coast of the island, the Bushiribana Ruins are something you have to see. It is about a 20 minute drive from the resort, and the drive is very scenic through the beautiful desert. There are thousands and thousands of tall cacti.  Aruba has a gold mine history in areas throughout the island, and this is the most prominent. You can find more historic gold mine ruins at Arikok National Park. 
Gold was discovered in Aruba in 1824, and this tiny island produced over 3 million pounds of gold! 

Bushiribana Ruins. Photo editing using the "Gold Mine" Preset from my Aruba Preset Pack. Skirt (yes it Is a skirt) & swim from Doll Swimwear, Jewelry from KH Jewelry

​5. Natural Pools & Caves

Cave Pool by the Bushiribana Ruins. Edited using the "Cave Pool" Preset from my Aruba Preset Pack

When visiting the Bushiribana Ruins, you will notice a deep cliffside to the right. It is a gorgeous sight to see, with deep blue waters- but hold on to your hats, it's extremely windy. There is a small, vertical ladder on the Cliffside. Climb down the ladder and navigate through the rocks to the left to discover a gorgeous cave pool. Learn a lesson from us- wear tennis shoes or even water shoes. RIP to our flip flop. 
I recommend going with men or making sure somewhere is there with you. It is very dangerous, not even the locals will venture down here. Be careful on the rocks, they are very slippery. You must be a strong swimmer to swim in the cave pool. The tide brings rushing waters in through the pool, so strong it will slam you into the rocks if you do not resist. It is an overwhelming feeling as the pool rises in the cave, seemingly like it will fill to the top, but we were just fine!

Due to the terrain of the island, there are many other natural pools. Some of them you can go to on an organized excursion. Among the most popular natural pools are Conchi, Fontein Cave, New Small Natural Pool, & Boca Mahos. 

The cave pool was straight down from this cliffside!

​6. UTV or Jeep Offroading

You could spend an entire week of off-road adventures in Aruba. Sadly, we did not have time on our trip to rent a Jeep or a UTV. Everyone says that off-roading is the best at Arikok National Park, but the entire island is fit for it. Next time I come back to Aruba, this will be first on my list! I can't say it enough- there are so many things to see and do, especially on off-road adventures. 

​7. Shopping 

Photo Edited using the "Dream House" preset from my Aruba Preset Pack

The shopping in Aruba is so cute! There were plenty of amazing shops across the street from our resort with vendors that come out at night. I bought some beautiful hand made jewelry, as well as some Aruba Aloe products of course! There are more high end shops connected to the Renaissance Aruba Hotel, such as Prada, Louis Vuitton, & Rolex. You can find many street vendors right outside as well. Again, I bought some incredible handmade jewelry on the beach. Many of the women on the island truly have a gift! My favorite jewelry shops were Vadavas, which is a Christian store that supports single moms, and Kacey's Gifts & Things. 

Right next to the Renaissance Aruba is the Royal Palace Mall. It looks like a barbie dream house! It is all pink, and three stories high. There are lots of local vendors here as well as other stores. It was very fun and cute to shop there. 

Photo Edited using the "Dream House" Preset from my Aruba Preset Pack

8. Aruba Aloe Factory 

Something very unique to Aruba is their aloe production! You can do a free tour of their aloe production facility just a few minutes away from your resort. Learn the benefits of Aloe Vera and see how it is made for sale. I bought so much of it myself! Many aloe products in the U.S. are barely even made of real aloe at all. Fun Fact: ingesting Aloe Vera can cure stomach problems and gum disease! 

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Booking Your Trip

Visiting Aruba doesn't have to be expensive! We used Cheap Caribbean to book our trip. 
For a limited time, get $100 off your trip by using the code AVORI100 when booking a minimum requirement of 6 nights, double occupancy, from now until December 2021. It is the PERFECT time to go with the island at limited capacity. Coupon expires 11/15/2020. 

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Thank you for all your support by  my reading my blog, following on Instagram, and purchasing my preset pack! 
And a very special thanks to Ellie who helped me write this piece on Aruba! Don't forget to reach out to her on your trip. Ellie Phone Number 

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Before/Afters using my Aruba Preset Pack

Before/After using the " Ocean Walk" Preset

Before/After using the "Beach Shack" Preset

Before/After using the "Flamingle" Preset