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Aruba – Things to Do and the Most Unique Activities

In this guide you will find things to do in  Aruba. From where to stay, what to do, and what to eat, you’ll find the most unique activities to do in Aruba

I had the opportunity to travel and experience a taste of Aruba with Aruba Tourism Authority, and let me tell you that those 4 short days left an impression on me forever.

If you’re like me than you often struggle between maintaining a healthy balance while still enjoying yourself, especially when travelling. Once I step off that airplane I find it virtually impossible to not go completely off the rails with indulgence.

After my weekend stay at Aruba I quickly realized that this is an island that is in-tune with the worldwide movement towards healthier lifestyles without compromising on quality, taste, and experience.

Where to Stay

Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino

Built in 1958 the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino is the oldest hotel in Aruba and the first to be built on Aruba’s strip. After recently having undergone a million dollar renovation the resort has a proven track record of continually updating and evolving itself to meet the needs of the modern day traveller.

After a long day of travelling all my airport stress immediately melted away upon checking into my room and being greeted with the most breathtaking views of the pools and ocean from my very own balcony! I could have spent the entire trip on that balcony alone and been completely happy.

Besides being visually stunning from top to bottom the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino has 3 restaurants, 2 bars, a coffee shop, in-room dining, on-site shopping, 2 pools, direct beach access with cabanas, and a casino.

Spend the day lounging by the pool and borrow a good read from their waterproof library or rent a go-pro to capture all your underwater adventures in the crystal clear waters of Aruba.

The hotel even offers daily activities like pool volleyball, beach tennis, aqua zumba, yoga, and meditation for those wanting to keep active while taking full advantage of Aruba’s beautiful weather and even more beautiful surroundings.

One of the best parts about this hotel is that even though it was at full capacity when I was there I never once struggled to find a lounge chair by the beach or pool. Ample seating is available for all their guests, so no need to wake up super early to reserve that coveted spot by the water.

As for food? Be sure to check out the on-site Sunset Grille restaurant and sit on the patio where you can enjoy the most delicious seafood at sunset.

What to Do

Aruba is an absolute haven for the serious adventurer and those that love an active lifestyle. I had some of the most exhilarating experiences here and the backdrop was certainly easy on the eyes.

UTV Tour with ABC Tours Aruba

Aruba is world renowned for their beaches, but take a UTV tour with ABC Tours Aruba and you will see another, just as beautiful, side of Aruba. Go off-road along the mountainous, succulent covered coast of Aruba where you’ll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. Just as a warning though be sure to bring some goggles with you for this tour as it can get pretty dusty and you’ll want to make sure you can see every second of this drive.

SUP Pilates with Vela Aruba

You really can have everything. Vela Aruba offers SUP Pilates classes all while on the most beautiful turquoise waters. The boards here are wider allowing for easier to balance than standard SUP boards which makes them perfect for all the movements required while doing pilates. With over 20 years experience SUP Pilates instructor Barbara will work those sun-kissed muscles on the calming waters. Getting in that daily workout never felt and looked so good.

Yoga on Renaissance Private Island

Take a water taxi to Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino‘s private island where you can spend the morning doing a yoga class on one of Aruba’s most well known spots.

Get your namaste on amongst the most gorgeous beach, private cabanas, and of course the famous bright  pink-hued flamingos that inhabit this legendary location.

Be sure to bring some American quarters with you if you want to coax the flamingos into a photo-op with some food provided in machines on-site.

Another pro-tip to enjoy your time here is to make sure to wear a pair of rubber flip flops or other water friendly shoes as the shoreline where the flamingos hang can be quite rocky and pinch the soles of your feet.

Taki Tour

Take a taste bud Taki tour with Frank Kelly, who forages for edible plants found in Aruba and mixes up the most inventive and delicious cocktails! Hibiscus rose with a splash of rum goes down very easy and very smooth in that hot Aruba sunshine.

Eforea Spa at the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino

The Eforea Spa at the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino is the perfect way to unwind and relax the senses after a full day of UTV, SUP Pilates, or yoga. Try out the scrub treatment which uses Aruba’s famous aloe to smooth out the skin followed up by a full body massage to relax those muscles after a full day of adventure. I definitely also enjoyed  a glass of champagne in the spa’s Japanese inspired environment.

Meditation and Beach Picnic at Mangel Halto

Mangel Halto is a secluded beach area famous for it’s snorkelling. Much quieter and more peaceful we were scheduled to do a session of meditation here which was followed up by a beach picnic catered by Pura Vita with healthful wraps, açai bowls, and fresh juice. It was the perfect way to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine with friends and family.

Tranquilo Private Catamaran Tour

Tranquilo Private Catamaran Tour is the perfect way to spend the day at sea. A private catamaran took our group sailing through the most gorgeous waters and our coral reef destination where there was plenty of time to snorkel, swim, and enjoy a hot homemade burrito lunch.

What to Eat

Aruba has no shortage of tasty eats, especially if you’re looking for something that is both good for you and good for your taste buds.

The seafood especially is as fresh and flavourful as it gets and with beyond epic sunsets every night it’s hard to ever imagine ever eating indoors again.

Elements Restaurant

My favourite meal of the entire trip Elements Restaurant offers ocean-side dining with a menu that caters to all tastes, palettes, and dietary needs.

There was a vast offering of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, options and a strong focus is placed on sustainable ingredients paired with locally grown produce.

On top of all that you even have the option to reserve a private cabana to dine in and needless to say it’s pretty dreamy.

Eduardo’s  Beach Shack

Located right on the beach Eduardo’s Beach Shack is famous for their açai bowls, although they also serve vegan waffles, smoothie bowls, and turmeric lattes.

Everything is made fresh on site and after grabbing your açai you can enjoy it right on the beach for the perfect casual breakfast.

Mundi Health Cafe

Located in a newly renovated historic building of San Nicolas Mundi Health Cafe is focused on promoting health, art, and culture.

Stop in for a poetry night reading or enjoy one of their freshly made health conscious wraps, all while taking in the original artwork and tiling from the building’s historic past.

Pura Vita Kitchen

Pura Vita Kitchen is a health food restaurant with a menu that is focused on clean eating and wellness. Meals are served fresh in portion controlled offerings, using only the most nutritious ingredients.

White Modern Cuisine

Located in a private community (but accessible to all), White Modern Cuisine gives you an ultra-chic dining experience all while focusing on a menu that has the freshest and highest quality ingredients.

Passions on the Beach

Quite possibly one of the most romantic restaurants in the world Passions on the Beach Restaurant sets up whimsical table settings for pairs or groups alongside the beach. Within the span of one evening we witnessed 2 marriage proposals and one vow renewal and each one couldn’t have been more perfect in this fantasy setup.

As for the food? It’s just as beautiful and perfect as this table for two at sunset.

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Disclaimer: This post was done in collaboration with Aruba Tourism Authority. All opinions expressed are my own. All offerings and prices are accurate as of time of posting. Please refer to Aruba Tourism Authority for most up to date information.