By: Nancy Esteves
When we dream of a Caribbean vacation, images of crystalline turquoise waters, white-sand
beaches and luxurious indulgences come to mind. There are many amazing destinations in the
Caribbean that match this description but on the top of my favorite list you’ll find Aruba.
For those that haven’t been to Aruba, this tiny little island located 15 miles north of
Venezuela, (19.6 by 6 miles long) is actually the most touristic island in the Southern
Caribbean. The “No-worries-One Happy Island” Aruban attitude makes it the perfect place
to unwind and live out a Caribbean vacation fantasy. Breathtaking sunset views, beautiful
blue waters, warm trade winds and friendly people will definitely get you in happy mode
quickly. The magic happens as you step out of the airport– an overwhelmingly calm and
happy sensation takes over.
#bestbview
Easy, Breezy, Beautiful
Aruba is blessed with guaranteed great weather year round. Boasting one of the top ten
picture-perfect beaches in the Caribbean, these pristine waters offer unforgettable memories–
great for kids as the waters are calm, unrivaled powder white sand for them to frolic in,
world-class hotels, great water sports, lots to do so you can create those great instagramable
moments. And for us big kids, even though it’s laid back, there’s still exquisite dining, chic
bars and a slew of daytime and nighttime action making it an ideal choice for a perfect
Caribbean escape.
I am a big fan of the Dutch Caribbean, and Aruba’s distinctive beauty is its striking contrasts:
casinos alongside desert landscapes, cacti with surf, and Dutch language and Papiamento,
(the island language, a blend of Portuguese, Dutch, Spanish and West African). And the
shopping–from local crafts to Louis Vuitton (duty-free prices too).
Aruba is a happy melting pot. Interestingly enough, there are currently just over 100,000
inhabitants on the island but there are over 96 different nationalities making it very
multicultural. The people are well-educated, speak four languages and have a zest for
hospitality.
ARUBA GASTRONOMIC AFFAIR —the food on Aruba was non-stop amazing and
for a foodie like me, I was in true paradise. Definitely fits the description “Dushi,” a favorite
local word used for many things like delicious or things beloved and sweet– even people are
called “Dushi” here.
The local food here is exceptional and there are hundreds of world-class international
restaurants featuring Caribbean fusion cuisine. What marks the difference in Aruba’s
culinary experience?–Tables on top of powdery sand offering amazing views.
#Foto simply fish de la vista
Aruba Marriott’s Simply Fish Restaurant is right on the beach. It’s listed as one of Trip
Advisor’s “Top 10 Must Dine at Restaurants,” shoes prohibited; you can literally wiggle your
toes in the sand. As you can see pictured, the lobster tail is phenomenal; it even comes with a
side of lobster bisque! My colleagues ordered the macadamian crusted snapper which they
raved about, and we all loved the scallops and crab appetizer.
# foto simply fish comida.
As part of The Eat Local Aruba Restaurant Week we had a chance to explore Aruba’s
culinary heritage by sampling locally inspired dishes. A totally different dining experience
was held at Screaming Eagle as we literally speaking dined in bed; they served us an
absolutely amazing scrumptious gourmet meal in a canopy bed. In South Beach, we enjoy
chic French fusion cuisine. My dinner companion was Marriott’s lovely Stacy Banfield,
pictured. Chef Erwin Hüsken has received great praise for his culinary accomplishment!
#foto dinner in bed
For a Dutch treat, Linda’s Dutch Pancakes offers gluten free pancakes- with ham, cheese and
pineapple—heavenly. I also visited a cozy local restaurant called West Deck where I enjoyed
a sunset dinner featuring delicious lobster and shrimp cocktail, mojitos served inside a
coconut, balashis (the local beer) and a huge portion of fresh catch and local bread, called Pan
Bati, which resembles and tastes like pancakes.
#Foto Cheese pancakes
Cooking Class with Chef Miguel Garcia
We had a great time with Aruba Marriott’s Chef Garcia where he taught a class on making
the traditional Keshi Yena, an Aruban main course dish, consisting of a large round ball of
Gouda cheese stuffed with spiced meat. This hands-on award winning chef caters to all the
guest special requests. The Keshi Yena was amazingly tasty. (We’ve included the recipe on
p. 35).
#Chef Miguel Garcia con el caption completo
Wind, Water and The Wild Side of Aruba
#greatplacetomeditate #wildside
By the wild side, I mean the northern coast, an unusual landscape of cacti, twisted divi-divi
trees and abandoned gold mines. So my off -road jeep safari provided by De Palm Tours,
took our group through the rugged Busibirana Gold Mill Ruins, next to it you can make a
wish in the Rock Wish Garden, where tourists come to build their own devotional towers of
stones.
#Bushibirana #foto Bushi nan y # wishing
Back in the 1400’s and 1500’s, adventurers traveled throughout the Caribbean in search of
gold. According to legend, one of these treasure islands was named “Oro Ruba,” which
means “red gold,” now known as Aruba. In 1824, gold was finally discovered in Aruba, and
eventually, the industry produced more than 3 million pounds of gold. You will see me
pictured in an abandoned gold mill.
Our jeep safari took our group through the Arikok National Park, where we encountered
dramatic landscapes. Animals roam freely throughout the almost 8,000 acres and the Visitors’
Center houses an exhibit of Aruba’s endemic animals such as the Aruban cat eye snake
(santanero), endangered rattle snake (cascabel) and the The Aruban burrowing owl (Shoco).
You can also get thereby hiking (definitely not for me), mountain biking or horseback riding.
There are plenty herds of goats and donkeys, rabbits, birds and reptiles enjoying the park. We
had some “too- close- for-comfort” encounters of friendly donkeys.
#horsback
The park houses the The Quadirikiri, Fontein and Huliba caves with Arawak Indian drawings
and also protects bats that have made their home inside. The bats are nocturnal and harmless.
At the park, you will also find Diamari Beach, Dos Playa and Boca Prins, which are popular
beaches to visit but the water can be rough and currents strong, so swimming is not
recommended. However, if you continue the trek, you can discover Aruba’s amazing hidden
treasure — the Natural Pool, called Conchi, perfect for a cool dip! Getting there was quite
bumpy, but it you like to Indiana- Jones-it, it’s most definitely worth it.
#arubakiteboardingexteme
Then it was off to Baby Beach in Seroe Colorado, joined by the “Getaway Girls” (Courtney
Scott and Kiersten Rich) who were filming and episode with their go pros.
Baby Beach is a man-made lagoon and offers some of the best snorkeling on the island. The
beach’s extensive coral reefs offer a kaleidoscope of coral and tropical fish. The extremely
shallow waters offer a safe swim for small children—that’s why it’s called Baby Beach.
#babybeachbest
Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) Yoga
It was my last day. I wasn’t sure I could do this but…check out the photo! I nailed the
warrior pose, sun salutations and more…
#Yoga best
For fans of stand up paddle boarding (SUP), the calm coastal waters of Palm Beach by the
Marriott is a serene venue for the sport, giving paddlers a unique perspective of the island
while getting a full-body exercise workout. Rachel Brathen, of Island SUP, inspired me to
“go for it,” so we took a very energizing and grounding yoga class.
Accommodations- THE TASTE OF ARUBA MARRIOTT escape took me to
Palm Beach, where sugary white beaches and the gloriously blue Caribbean Sea is the
backdrop to the luxurious world-class Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, which has
recently undergone a $50 million renovation. Modernly decorated, it maintains an elegant
minimalistic feel and features oversized room with great balconies and impeccable service.
#arubamariot areal #executivekingroom
Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino is replete with amenities for a worry free vacation.
And if you want a more action-packed one, there are many water sports activities available,
beach tennis and volleyball and a full gym. They are also FAMILY FRIENDLY and have
Children’s Pool Outdoor with waterfall. There’s also a grand ballroom for conferences,
events or destination weddings.
#relaxingbymarriottpool #beach palapas
As far as food goes, you really don’t have to leave the premises. Restaurants include: Simply
Fish, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Ketsu Sushi bar, La Vista, which has a great buffet,
Champions Sport Bar next door and a Swim up bar inside the pool—lots of options, and the
Stellaris Casino to try your luck! You will also find boutiques and a jewelry stores. FOR
ADULTS ONLY: Tradewinds Club for a Private Retreat– an intimate hotel-within-a-hotel, a
collection of 49 deluxe rooms features panoramic ocean views, a private lounge and a host of
elite privileges. They can even unpack your bags (upon request) while you explore the
exclusive Tradewinds Club guests-only beach area and then take a dip in the new H2Oasis
adult-only pool. Try an Ariba Aruba (the local cocktail). Guests must be 18 years or older.
#h20oasis pool
Pampering: Balinese style interior design, the Mandara Spa at the neighboring Aruba
Marriott Ocean club is the largest professional spa on the island and includes VIP couple
treatment rooms. Even Aloe & Milk Bath Wraps!
HAPPENINGS ON ARUBA
Each month there’s a festival or concert happening. Recently, the Aruba International Film
Festival was hosted by Hollywood stars Tyrese Gibson and Virginia Madsen. Jazz and Latin
lovers count on an incredible experience at the annual Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival, Soul
Beach Music Festival and of course Carnaval- the biggest event of the year, as is their New
Year’s Eve Firework extravaganza!
GREEN INITIAVES
I had the opportunity to take a tour of Aruba’s agricultural department’s green initiative.
Since there is little in the way of vegetation, produce is basically imported. The department is
currently assisting farmers to grow their own crops and now locally run green houses and
farmers markets have surged. Aruba is actually at the forefront of the energy revolution. Ten
large windmills line the rugged eastern coast. Within 10 years, 100% of the island’s energy
will come from renewable sources.
BAREFOOT FOOTPRINTS
Palm Beach and Eagle Beach are beyond breathtaking. Whether it’s the perfect winds of
Boca Grandi for kite surfing, the stunning reefs of Mangel Halto for snorkeling and diving, or
the waves of Andicuri for body surfing you’ve arrived to beach heaven. I’m in love with the
small, secluded beach by Malmomk, Boca Catalina on the way to the lighthouse, the view
and the water will leave a forever lasting impression. Hadicuri, is a great place to wind surf as
the trade winds can be as strong as 20mph, so hold on to your hats! But most importantly,
don’t forget to leave your barefoot footprints on your favorite beach!
#Aruba Beach
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