I love skiing or enjoying a snow day while drinking hot chocolate during the winter and, at the same time, leaving the frigid weather behind to enjoy a tropical paradise really makes me happy!
Aruba is only about 5 hours away from NYC!
Also called One Happy Island because:
- It’s the sunniest place in the Caribbean and it’s always breezy: weather perfection!
- It has breathtaking beaches with alabaster sand and turquoise waters.
- People are friendly and welcoming – there are over 75 different nationalities and most Arubans speak at least four languages. Moreover, there’s less than 1% crime and less than 3% unemployment, who wouldn’t be happy?!
Flying to Aruba from NYC
Many airlines offer direct flights to Aruba from major US cities like NY, Miami, Atlanta, …
Before booking my trip, I set a “google flights alert” to monitor different prices and eventually I chose to fly direct from JFK with JetBlue as it was the cheapest option (less than $800 compared to $1,600 with Delta). I always fly with a carry-on only anyway, so I didn’t have to pay for an extra luggage.
Where to stay:
We spent 4 nights at Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort, beautifully renovated 72 rooms resort located just across the award-winning Eagle Beach (most beautiful beach on the island, ranked #2 in the world according TripAdvisor), and home to Passions on the Beach, one of the most romantic toes-in-the-sand restaurants on the island.
15-minute ride from the airport, and just minutes from historic downtown Oranjestad (Aruba’s capital), this charming and colorful boutique resort makes you feel at home and it’s the perfect oasis to enjoy the sunset. Also: it’s eco-friendly!
Every room is very spacious and it comes with a modern kitchen, custom made mosaic tile flooring, and a living area. The staff is very attentive, super friendly and welcoming: they really pamper you!!!
Day 1: Arrival and Happy Hour Cocktails overlooking the ocean
Relax and take all the island beauty in over sunset while sipping your very first tropical cocktail! We were also able to take a quick barefoot walk on Eagle Beach before dining on the penthouse suite’s balcony overlooking the ocean… so dreamy!!!
If you’re a night awl, you might want to try your luck at one of 12 Arubian Casinos – Aruba is also called Las Vegas of the Caribbean.
Day 2: Explore the island through the eyes of a local
The best way to get familiar with the Island, is to go for a thrilling open-air Jeep adventure with an Arubian!!!
We spent 7 hours with Don – he’s TERRIFIC!!!- from De Palm Tours Aruba, exploring the best sightseeing spots. From the Beverly Hills of Aruba, to the California Lighthouse, from Alto Vista Chapel (first Catholic church in Aruba, originally built in 1750) to Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins (dating back to the 1400’s and 1500’s), from Natural Bridge in Arikok National Park to Baby Beach (where we snorkeled) and Rodger’s Beach.
Pro tip: wear comfortable clothes that will probably get sandy and muddy during the trip, and get ready for a bumpy ride! The company provides for face clothes to wear while driving through the rugged terrain of the breathtaking desert coastline road.
We also stopped by at the ArtisA Center in San Nicolas and we took a Mural Tour with Tito (founder of the Gallery). Another amazing way to discover the culture, art, and history of the island. So interesting!!!
Aruba offers so many restaurants to choose from. We went to Quinta del Carmen, where we got a table in the gorgeous outdoor garden and we dined under the stars.
If you’re looking for a unique speakeasy cocktails experience, you definitely want to go to the Apotek: you tell the mixologist your “symptoms” and he’ll make you a remedy cocktail “prescription”!
Day 3: Relax on the beach
Aruba is known for its crystal clear water and white beaches, so we planned to spend the entire day in one of the private palapas on Eagle Beach.
We started the day with a yoga class on the beach, followed by an Instagram worthy breakfast picnic next to two divi divi trees, famous for their distinctive shape, caused by the constant trade winds that blow across the island.
Well, that was the plan… We were just experiencing pure bliss when it started raining, so we had to run back to the resort, thankfully we only had to cross the street, and we spent the rest of the day having fun filming around the colorful Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort before dinner at Horizon Lounge.
Day 4: Experience Aruba Luxury Lagoon Cruise and dine at Passions on the Beach
I personally LOVE sailing, so I’d definitely suggest you to book the Aruba Luxury Lagoon Cruise with Pelican Adventures: we had a blast!!!
You will be cruising along stunning scenery of Aruba’s southern coast, aboard a luxury Schooner. You’ll be impressed by the crystalline waters of the Spanish Lagoon!
Enjoy unlimited drinks from the open bar, fresh fruit, and the buffet lunch, then relax on the boat’s lounges or lay down on the bow’s nets while listening to the music or get up and dance (as we did)!
Go for a snorkeling excursion to some of the island’s best spots (snorkeling gear and assistance are included in the experience), and enjoy rope swinging before the boat starts its way back!!!
It was probably the highlight of out trip!
We had our last dinner on the island at toes in the sand Passions on the Beach and witnessed one of the most breathtaking sunset ever!!! Make sure to add it to your list!
We then danced the night away at Mambo Jambo: premier cocktail bar in the heart of Palm Beach.
Day 5: Stroll on the beach one last time before departure
Take a long walk on the beautiful beach inhaling the ocean’s breeze – just be aware of kids splashing water or the wind blowing away your sunhat – and get back to your room for a quick shower before heading to the airport.
Pro Tip: when you use packing cubes, you can pack in no time and you’ll able to fully enjoy your vacation till the last minute (scroll down for more packing tips).
Heads up: food options at AUA are a little limited (I opted for Panda Express) and there’s also a VIP lounge .
Wait… isn’t Aruba known for its flamingos?
Yes, it is. Many people visit Aruba specifically to take pictures with Caribbean flamingos on the private Renaissance Island (also called Flamingo Beach): you can access to this island for free by staying at the Renaissance Hotel or with a $130 per person pass.
However, flamingos are actually not native to the island. They have been taken from Bonaire or Curacao to attract tourists… and they would die if they were freed now. Even if going to Flamingo Beach would probably be an unique experience, we chose to skip it.
What to pack for Aruba
I traveled wearing jeans, bodysuit, shirt, jean jacket and sneaker, and here’s what I was able to carry with me using a carry-on and a backpack only:
- 3 evening dresses + 3 summer dresses
- 1 short + 1 or 2 top
- 1 or 2 beach coverups
- 1 pj/sleep dress
- 3 or 4 swimsuits
- 5 undies + bras
- 3 pairs of socks
- 2 pairs of sandals (everyday + dressy)
- flip flop
- non expensive jewelry
- light/jean jacket
- extra beach/tote bag
- travel size sunscreen + after-sun cream
- travel size bug repellent
- sunglasses
- sun-hat
- travel essential + make up
- phone + charger
If you’re into photography, like me:
- laptop + laptop charger
- camera
- camera lenses
- tripod
- drone
…if you’re wondering: yes, I was able to fit everything into a carryon and a backpack! Watch the reel:
When should I visit Aruba?
You can expect a perfect weather ranging from mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit all year around, it’s mostly windy (so there are less mosquitoes!), and the rainy season runs from October to January (I’d skip November and December).
The busiest season is from December to April, so I’d look into May to September (but June during the Summer Music Festival) to experience the island with less people and lower prices, however, I’d look into the Aruba Carnival in February as it’s the biggest party of the year in Aruba!!!
I’m already considering to go back for Carnival next year, which will happen on Feb 12, 2024… who wants to join me???
Count me in, Laura! I would love to visit Aruba! It will be perfect for photography and I’ve never been there before… Thank you for sharing such valuable information! It seems you had fun! 😀 Ciaooooo
OMG!!!!! MY dream team!!! I’d totally love to go with you!!!!
We went there last year March .. such a beautiful island but keep in mind that Aruba is considered a desert island rather than tropical. You will not find nicer people than the locals in Aruba.
wow! I didn’t know! thank you for noting it!!! and yes, Arubians are AMAZING!!!!!
I think everything about Aruba is great, I am thinking of retiring there with God’s help I will.
that sounds such a great plan!!! I’ll come visit 🙂