Aruba Like a Local

When temperatures drop, the Caribbean’s trifecta of sun, sand and surf are a balm for the winter-weary. But how do you decide which tropical island is right for your getaway? With so many beautiful beach destinations, is finding the perfect match as difficult as finding true love on Tinder?

One Big Melting Pot

For a little island, Aruba is a big melting pot. Over 90 nationalities from more than 130 countries live in harmony. It’s sophisticated and just a tad exotic.  To put it succinctly, Aruba is special.

Aruba became an independent country in 1986, though it remains an entity within the Netherlands. Despite geographical distance, it maintains strong cultural ties and shares the same tolerant, open-minded attitude as its mother country.

It’s a polyglot population; the local language is Papiamento, a lilting patois that blends elements of Dutch, Portuguese, Spanish and English.  Dutch is the other official language, and everyone speaks fluent English.

Situated south of the Caribbean’s hurricane belt, the island enjoys near-perfect weather. Beaches feature long expanses of powdery white sand and aquamarine water that sparkles like a gemstone. Sand and sea are framed by striking vegetation including clusters of candle cacti and wild orchids.

Tourism is a big part of Aruba’s economic engine and locals aim to keep visitors smiling. You could have a fine holiday without ever leaving your beachfront hotel but that would be a missed opportunity to dive into this country’s warm people, the quilt of cultures and delectable foodways.

Here’s how to do Aruba like a local.

Eat

Zeerover is a family-run fish shack and local hangout. It serves a boat-to-table catch right at the dock.

Place your order at the window and claim a seat at a picnic table with a sea view. Choose from the compact menu of briny bites like shrimp and red snapper. The fish is flash-fried right before your eyes in the outdoor kitchen and served in a plastic basket. Simple sides include pan bati (cornbread), plantains and French fries. Pair it with an ice-cold Balashi, Aruba’s homegrown beer.

Dive into Mural Art

Once a down-and-out neighborhood, San Nicolas has transitioned into a cultural hotspot. Since 2016, the annual Aruba Art Fair has attracted top-caliber international artists. They’ve left their mark with 40 bold and colorful murals that have turned the streets into a spectacle of open-air art. Businesses have sprung up around the murals including fresh juice stands and guided art tours, helping to lift the area out of poverty. It’s urban renewal at its finest. 

Shop

The island supports a strong maker culture and residents are committed to buying locally made goods whenever possible.

Tangerine is a one-man operation; owner Ashlin Ahlip grew up in a family of seamstresses and upholsterers. Today, he sits in the window of his shop in downtown Oranjestad’s Royal Plaza Mall sewing nautical-inspired tote bags and accessories in a rainbow of dreamy colors. His sturdy and versatile canvas bags are handcrafted with care and are an excellent value. They make great gifts and memorable souvenirs.

Explore Nature at Arikok National Park

Aruba’s arid climate supports a stunning array of desert flora. Arikok National Park covers nearly 20% of the island, assuring that this dusty wonderland will remain forever wild. Admire the twisted divi-divi trees swaying graciously with the help of steady trade winds. Trumpet-shaped hibiscus and spiky aloe flourish; dozens of species of exotic cacti stretch for miles.

Once you’ve been saturated with beauty, head inside one of the caves and view the pristinely preserved ancient drawings by the Arawak people.

Bike

Since its launch a few years ago, Green Bike has attracted locals like bees to honey. This bike share program has hundreds of bikes available at numerous kiosks clustered around the capital and beaches. Purchase an inexpensive hourly, daily or weekly pass and pedal away. Don’t miss taking a spin on the island’s beautiful car-free path.

Stay

There are dozens of large resorts lining Palm Beach including recognizable hotel chains. While these properties can be luxurious, they sometimes lack a sense of place and present a cookie-cutter experience.

Unlike massive high-rise properties, Manchebo Beach Resort is an intimate 2-story boutique hideaway on Eagle Beach, one of the Caribbean’s most noted swaths of sand. It offers 72 rooms, all with either ocean or garden views and private terrace or patio. Décor is cool and comfortable with amenities like a waterfall shower and extra-soft linens. The resort is Green Globe Platinum Certified so sustainability is taken seriously.

There are four restaurants onsite. Food options are diverse with freshness being a unifying factor. Aruban cuisine is a delectable fusion of influences, much like the country itself.

There’s a definite lean towards wellness. Pilates and yoga classes are held in the beach pavilion several times daily and are free for hotel guests. The top-notch instructors and enticing seaside location have made the classes popular with residents. Expect to be practicing your downward-facing dog and headstand with local yogis. Mingling after class is encouraged.

Continuing with the wellness theme, Spa del Sol is the Manchebo’s Caribbean-Balinese style spa. Try a rejuvenating massage delivered in the beachfront gazebo surrounded by palm trees with the sound of birds chirping and waves lapping.

The gorgeous infinity pool’s vibe is low-key so don’t expect water aerobics instructors barking commands or boisterous entertainment. Lap swimming, reading and relaxed conversations rule.