Sun. Sand. Sea. Think of the island of Aruba and chances are that these are the images that will likely conjure up in your mind. Aruba likes to coin itself as the happiest island in the world. Well I’m not sure I entirely agree with that sentiment (I’d probably award that honor to one of my all-time favorite islands, Bali), but it certainly is easy to see why so many flock here year after year.
Aruba is deemed as one of the safest islands in the Caribbean (I know, I know. Natalee Holloway. No place is perfect, people.), it’s easy to navigate, U.S. currency is widely accepted, and almost anyone you encounter knows English. Lying below the hurricane belt, it’s regarded as one of the most temperate islands in the Caribbean, so anytime is a good time to visit. In fact, its arid desert climate practically guarantees rain-free days and endless amounts of sunshine. Oh and I should probably mention the postcard-worthy white beaches and crystal clear waters that stretch for as far as the eye can see, huh? So pristine and utterly perfect that they alone are reason enough to visit.
But perhaps the most beautiful aspect of Aruba was sharing it with two of my dearest friends, Liz and Abby. This trip was a wonderful reminder that no year worth its sand should pass without a proper girls trip.
I should mention that this post is not one of those posts full of recommended excursions, activities, and sites to visit. Quite the contrary, actually, This post is about the beauty of relaxing and rejuvenating in boundless paradise, all while basking in the sun with a cocktail in hand with your best girlfriends beside you.
TAKE ME TO THE BEACH
Sun worshippers, rejoice! Remember those sugary white sand beaches I mentioned earlier? You’ll find glorious sweeps of them at both Eagle Beach and Palm Beach. For more seclusion and a chance to hang with the locals, head to Baby Beach, where the turquoise waters are a bit more calm and shallow.
WHERE TO STAY
MANCHEBO BEACH RESORT
With the convenience of having the amenities of a resort but the charm of a boutique hotel, Manchebo Beach Resort seems to offer the best of both worlds. Nestled upon the gorgeous and quiet Eagle Beach, we loved staying at this lovely oceanfront hotel. The grounds are gorgeous and the spacious rooms are pleasantly styled with Caribbean colors. They do offer an all-inclusive meal program at their three on-site restaurants, but we opted out of that. The island is small, a mere twenty miles long, so it’s worth renting a car and exploring the restaurants, bars, and environs beyond your hotel. If you do stay here, definitely hit up their delicious breakfast. I still dream of their amazing chia seed pudding and refreshing smoothies.
In addition to its unparalleled location and excellent service, another incredible draw of Manchebo is its complimentary yoga and pilates classes. They offer anywhere between 1-3 classes per day.
Whether you are someone who’s been practicing for years, a novice, or fall somewhere in between, Aruba is an ideal destination to practice yoga. One of the main reasons we chose to stay at Manchebo Beach Resort is because of their daily yoga classes…and the stunning ocean backdrop to their open-air studio certainly didn’t hurt!
Which brings me to…
FOR THE LOVE OF YOGA
Hey, Yoga Girl…
One of the most famous yogis on the planet, Rachel Brathen (most commonly known as Yoga Girl), is often credited with putting Aruba on the yoga map. Her recently opened Island Yoga studio is pure nirvana complete with a spacious studio, chic boutique, and adorable cafe. The yoga gods were definitely looking down upon us as they cast some ridiculous zen fortune that allowed us to sneak in a class taught by the one and only Yoga Girl right before our flight home. To say that this was one of the best yoga classes I’ve ever taken is a vast understatement. In terms of yoga goals, it doesn’t get much better than this!
Thing to know: One drop-in class is about $20 USD.
SUP Yoga
Practicing yoga on a paddle board might just be one of my favorite things to do. In addition to taking yoga classes at Brathen’s Island Studio, you can also take a SUP yoga class out on the calm crystal blue ocean at Palm Beach. In keeping with the phenomenal class theme, this is probably the best SUP yoga class I’ve ever taken. If your schedule permits, try to take a class with Brittany. In addition to being friendly and knowledgable, her class is structured to meet the needs of all skill levels, offering both modified poses as well as more challenging extensions. If you love SUP yoga or have always wanted to try it, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better class and setting. Highly recommend!
Things to know: SUP yoga classes are $50 USD and are one hour in duration. Not exactly cheap, but worth every penny!
WHERE TO EAT
Madame Janette
One of our best meals of the trip. Madame Janette offers an extensive menu of local island fare, along with a spacious outdoor setting. Definitely a more formal and upscale restaurant relatively compared to the rest of the island.
Barefoot Restaurant
It’s hard to beat the location of this fabulous beachfront restaurant. Its name says it all and I dare say it’s practically required that you dine while digging your toes in the warm soft sand. Plan your reservation time so that it aligns with the sunset. Probably my favorite dining experience of the trip–highly recommend.
Goat Cheese Medallions Goodness
Two tuna: tuna tartare and tuna carpaccio terrificness. Yes. That’s a lot of T’s.
Screaming Eagle
Known for its trendy “South Beach style” of a nearly all-white interior and snazzy lounge, Screaming Eagle is oozing of swank. We chose to sit on the veranda, where the ambience was much more relaxed and not nearly as much of a scene. Everything we ordered was solid and we got to try wolf fish for the very first time, which excites me more than you probably realize. I know. I’m a food geek. And I’m perfectly fine with that.
West Deck Cafe
This casual beachside bar and grill is an ideal spot for lunch or a casual dinner. Located on the Governors Bay on the beach in Oranjestad, dining on their expansive deck lends to spectacular ocean views. Service is warm and friendly and the food is good. Their tapas-inspired menu is great if you are a sampler like me and/or dining with a large group.
Bottom Line
While Aruba isn’t exactly where you go if you want to be immersed in local culture and history, it is an ideal destination if you’re simply looking to get away and escape to paradise. So round up your girlfriends (or boyfriends, or spouses, or really anyone you even remotely like and won’t want to murder by the end of your trip), and get ready to soak up that island life.
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