Is it one happy island?
The answer is simple, YES! The weather is good, the food exquisite and the people are always lovely. These are the perfect ingrediënts for one happy island!
Some happy Aruba facts:
- The tap water is the purest I've ever drunk. It tastes better than any bottled water you can find. - Dollars are widely accepted - The temperature is always around 25 - 35 degrees year-round. Perfect, right? - The island is tiny. 31,5 km long and 9,5 km across at its widest point
Do you want to learn more about Aruba? Go to: www.aruba.com
FOOD
As a passionate foodie, I was overwhelmed by the quality of the restaurants.
I tried a bunch of local specialties like 'the papaya hot sauce' (I'll share the recipe with you guys later). This is so good! My boyfriend became an addict after trying it once. Their locally crafted beer, 'Dashi,' is also delicious, and the 'keshi yena' is a local savory dish with cheese, olives, and chicken. If you have the chance, taste it, you'll love it!
I was able to visit a couple of great restaurants, so here's a list of my favorite ones so far:
My all-time favorite. The restaurant has a highly romantic backyard. So if you're looking for a perfect spot to celebrate any special occasion, don't hesitate! We enjoyed a 3-courses menu. I had the Indonesian roasted pork, which I recommend!
Well worth your visit. Their filet mignon is finger-licking good! The restaurant is located in a popular area with some nice bars. Ideal if you're in for an after-dinner cocktail.
This restaurant transformed from an old hospital building and has a magnificent garden. Because choosing where to sit was so hard, we started our evening at the cocktail bar. Their lovely bartender made us his favorite cocktails, so the evening started. Delicious food and a fantastic atmosphere.
This Restaurant has to be on your list! Zeerovers is the locals' favorite restaurant. It's cheap compared to the other restaurants, and the view is lovely and authentic. They catch their fish early in the morning and prepare it on the dock. Order anything you like; it's all delicious.
When you're in Oranjestad, go here for a quick lunch. I just asked for the chef's favorite dish, which was terrific. Unfortunately, I can't remember the dish's name, but it had shrimp and curry served in a pineapple. Highly recommend this one!
When "ACAI BOWLS" makes your heart beat faster, go here for breakfast or lunch. They also got breakfast tacos, so yummy!
Another spot for a great acai bowl or many other vegan delicacies. This one is at palm beach. I had a regular acai bowl with peanut butter; my boyfriend had one with oreos. Both were very good!
This restaurant is located on the beach. So sit, and enjoy the sunset and the sand between your toes!
9. Bits and cheeses
Are you into cheese? Go and check this place out. The owner lived in Italy for a long time and brought the good stuff back to the Island. The taste of some of those fine Italian cheeses makes you want to eat the whole thing!
WHAT TO DO?
1. Take a boat trip to Mangel Halto
This is the best spot on the island when you're into snorkeling. The many beautiful reeves are home to a lot of colorful fish species. We took a boat trip with the company 'Tranquilo.' They leave at 10 am and come back around 3 pm. Drinks and lunch are inclusive!
If you're afraid of fish, like me, I still recommend doing it. There is a small boat that stays with you the entire time when you're in the water. You can hop in whenever you want. I don't want to scare or excite you, but we saw a little reef shark slowly passing us. (I freaked out and almost drowned my boyfriend J)
2. Kuku kanuka
Are you looking for some fun? Don't look any further! This jolly bus will take you on a wine-tasting tour with DJ Smooth behind the wheel. There are four stops and six meals with wine pairing. So prepare for an evening full of wine, food, and shaking maracas. We very much enjoyed this!
3. Aloe vera factory
This is just outside the hotel area. Go for a museum and factory complimentary tour. You can see with your own eyes how they make their products.
4. Arikok National Park
Hire a car and explore the nature of the island. Visit the wild beaches, caves, and a lot of cacti.
5. Oranjestad
Into colorful buildings? Stroll around this vibrant city. Make sure you make a reservation at the old fisherman or Suikertuin. Both are outstanding options for a lunch break.
6. Beaches
If you don't feel like doing anything, that's fine. Just relax at the beach, order a pina colada, and escape...
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