In Aruba, tranquility and renewal weave throughout the desert landscape framed by pristine beaches and turquoise waters. Whether you’re relaxing at a resort or practicing yoga by the ocean, the Caribbean island makes an ideal backdrop for wellness and self-discovery. Here, you can learn about the healing benefits of local aloe, experience it for yourself at a spa, and see the sun’s descent into the sea during a twilight yoga session. Find serenity among the succulents and wildlife on a hike and recharge with a nourishing meal—Aruba’s dining scene offers everything from vegan restaurants to fresh seafood straight from the island’s waters. Whatever your plans, you’ll experience the Aruba Effect—a true escape from everyday stress. Plus, getting there is a breeze with American Airlines, conveniently flying to Aruba from nearly anywhere in the U.S.
Itinerary / 6 Days
PLAN YOUR TRIP
Eagle Beach
Courtesy of Aruba Tourism Authority
Day 1:Arrive in Aruba and Unwind
Arrive at Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa, an intimate retreat set on the white sands of Eagle Beach. This eco-friendly resort’s 72 well-appointed rooms feature soft linens, bathrooms with waterfall showers, and locally sourced Aruba aloe toiletries.
Explore the amenities, including an infinity freshwater swimming pool (that’s newly renovated) and a fitness room. Or head to Eagle Beach for a swim or game of beach tennis.
No matter what you choose, enjoy a leisurely walk along Eagle Beach before dinner. Let the sound of the waves wash over you as you gaze at the sunset and the island’s iconic fofoti trees curving towards the sea.
In the evening, savor a meal under the stars at Ike’s Bistro, a recently renovated open-air restaurant at the resort. The menu has delicious Mediterranean and Caribbean dishes, such as local seafood ceviche with mango, avocado, and red pepper and a pulled jackfruit almond salad. The new vegan choices are also quite popular.
Explore the amenities, including an infinity freshwater swimming pool (that’s newly renovated) and a fitness room. Or head to Eagle Beach for a swim or game of beach tennis.
No matter what you choose, enjoy a leisurely walk along Eagle Beach before dinner. Let the sound of the waves wash over you as you gaze at the sunset and the island’s iconic fofoti trees curving towards the sea.
In the evening, savor a meal under the stars at Ike’s Bistro, a recently renovated open-air restaurant at the resort. The menu has delicious Mediterranean and Caribbean dishes, such as local seafood ceviche with mango, avocado, and red pepper and a pulled jackfruit almond salad. The new vegan choices are also quite popular.
Palm Beach
Photo by Kiril Georgiev/Unsplash
Day 2:Qi Gong and Yoga on the Beach
Start your day with some qi gong, a movement practice for the mind, body, and spirit rooted in traditional Chinese medicine. Under the expert guidance of Sofie Slegers, a certified Medical Qi Gong Therapist and Tai Chi for Health Instructor, Qi Gong Aruba will lead you through a morning session on the beach.
Afterward, go to Matthew’s Beachside Restaurant, one of Aruba’s best casual eateries for beachfront dining. Treat yourself to a healthful breakfast of Vegan Ranchero, made with corn tortillas, local greens, and tofu scrambled with mushrooms and onions, topped with pico de gallo and guacamole. Alternatively, try the Sweet Potato Power Bowl, composed of roasted sweet potatoes, bananas, berries, toasted coconut, granola, and a peanut butter drizzle.
Then, return to the resort to lounge by the pool or pop into Spa del Sol, a Caribbean-Balinese spa with treatments right on the beach, for a Balinese massage—a full-body, deep-tissue treatment that combines stretches, acupressure, and aromatherapy. Or opt for the Coconut Body Scrub, a signature treatment that uses natural coconut to exfoliate and hydrate your skin.
Enjoy a private yoga session (booked in advance) with Beach Yoga Aruba as evening falls. Feel your body completely relax as you hear the waves crashing ashore in the background while the colors of the sunset illuminate the twilight sky—you’ll experience a sense of calm only found in Aruba.
Afterward, go to Matthew’s Beachside Restaurant, one of Aruba’s best casual eateries for beachfront dining. Treat yourself to a healthful breakfast of Vegan Ranchero, made with corn tortillas, local greens, and tofu scrambled with mushrooms and onions, topped with pico de gallo and guacamole. Alternatively, try the Sweet Potato Power Bowl, composed of roasted sweet potatoes, bananas, berries, toasted coconut, granola, and a peanut butter drizzle.
Then, return to the resort to lounge by the pool or pop into Spa del Sol, a Caribbean-Balinese spa with treatments right on the beach, for a Balinese massage—a full-body, deep-tissue treatment that combines stretches, acupressure, and aromatherapy. Or opt for the Coconut Body Scrub, a signature treatment that uses natural coconut to exfoliate and hydrate your skin.
Enjoy a private yoga session (booked in advance) with Beach Yoga Aruba as evening falls. Feel your body completely relax as you hear the waves crashing ashore in the background while the colors of the sunset illuminate the twilight sky—you’ll experience a sense of calm only found in Aruba.
Go for a sunset sail on a luxury catamaran.
Courtesy of Aruba Tourism Authority
Day 3:Hike Hooiberg and Go Sailing
This morning, set off for a hike to the top of Hooiberg, a cone-shaped mountain that rises 540 feet from the center of Aruba and whose name means “haystack” in Dutch. Make the easy climb up the 600 steps to reach the summit, where the views unveil a new perspective on the island—along the way, you’ll likely see some wild goats, parakeets, and colorful lizards.
After your hike, visit the Aruba Aloe Factory and Museum to learn about the island’s famous aloe products and their skin-healthy benefits. The museum recounts the history of the aloe vera plant, a succulent cultivated here for over a century. Pick up a few beauty products to continue to benefit from aloe’s healing properties after returning home.
As evening approaches, make your way to Hyatt Pier on Palm Beach for a sunset sail with Red Sail Sports aboard one of their stylish catamarans. You’ll sample delicious hors d’oeuvres and sip on cocktails or local beers from the open bar while basking in the views of Aruba’s coastline as the sun sets over the horizon.
For a change of pace, visit Azia Restaurant & Lounge, where a Buddha statue from Indonesia covered in gold leaf from Colombia sets the tone for a fusion of Asian and Caribbean influences. Think pan-fried edamame dumplings, bluefin tuna sashimi, and crispy rice salmon nigiri with cilantro pesto and yuzu powder.
After your hike, visit the Aruba Aloe Factory and Museum to learn about the island’s famous aloe products and their skin-healthy benefits. The museum recounts the history of the aloe vera plant, a succulent cultivated here for over a century. Pick up a few beauty products to continue to benefit from aloe’s healing properties after returning home.
As evening approaches, make your way to Hyatt Pier on Palm Beach for a sunset sail with Red Sail Sports aboard one of their stylish catamarans. You’ll sample delicious hors d’oeuvres and sip on cocktails or local beers from the open bar while basking in the views of Aruba’s coastline as the sun sets over the horizon.
For a change of pace, visit Azia Restaurant & Lounge, where a Buddha statue from Indonesia covered in gold leaf from Colombia sets the tone for a fusion of Asian and Caribbean influences. Think pan-fried edamame dumplings, bluefin tuna sashimi, and crispy rice salmon nigiri with cilantro pesto and yuzu powder.
Renaissance Island, Aruba
Photo by Lex Melony/Unsplash
Day 4:Energy Healing and Spa Treatments at the Renaissance Hotel
This morning, you’ll find serenity at the Moreu Facilitation and Healing Center, Aruba’s first and only center for universal energy healing. For more than 20 years, Moreu has hosted trainings for personal development and corporate growth, as well as happiness and spiritual facilitation sessions. Choose among the many healing options, like foot reflexology, Reiki healing, and dry heat baths designed to restore balance and well-being.
Afterward, visit Renaissance Island, Aruba’s only private beach, for a massage. Okeanos Spa invites you to your own private Spa Cove on the island for the ultimate in spa treatments. Choose from menu of island-inspired therapies, including aloe-based treatments. All packages include entry and a one-day stay on Renaissance Island.
You’ll dine at Barefoot Restaurant, one of Aruba’s most beloved toes-in-the-sand spots tonight. Try the creative international fusion cuisine served on the beach, such as chicken with pineapple or Caribbean grouper with mango sauce.
Afterward, visit Renaissance Island, Aruba’s only private beach, for a massage. Okeanos Spa invites you to your own private Spa Cove on the island for the ultimate in spa treatments. Choose from menu of island-inspired therapies, including aloe-based treatments. All packages include entry and a one-day stay on Renaissance Island.
You’ll dine at Barefoot Restaurant, one of Aruba’s most beloved toes-in-the-sand spots tonight. Try the creative international fusion cuisine served on the beach, such as chicken with pineapple or Caribbean grouper with mango sauce.
Take a kitesurfing lesson
Courtesy of Aruba Tourism Authority
Day 5:Meditate at the Butterfly Farm and Kite Surf Hadicurari
This morning, start your day with a pre-booked meditation session led by Shanti, Aruba’s renowned yoga and meditation teacher, at the island’s celebrated Butterfly Farm. Sit surrounded by lush greenery and hundreds of tropical butterflies as Shanti guides you through sitting and walking meditations.
Start your day with breakfast at Mulligan’s Golf Café, Bar & Restaurant, where everyone can take in views of the green fairways and ocean beyond. Known for its buffet with hearty breakfast choices and located by the first and ninth holes of the golf course at Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort, Mulligan’s serves everything from inventive egg scrambles to classic pancakes and waffles.
Then, find your way to the Caribbean’s best spot for kite surfing, Hadicurari Beach. The constant trade winds and flat, shallow waters are a magnet for wind and kite surfers, making Aruba a world-famous destination for beginners and pros alike. The knowledgeable instructors at Aruba Kite Surfing can help you learn how to do it.
Start your day with breakfast at Mulligan’s Golf Café, Bar & Restaurant, where everyone can take in views of the green fairways and ocean beyond. Known for its buffet with hearty breakfast choices and located by the first and ninth holes of the golf course at Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort, Mulligan’s serves everything from inventive egg scrambles to classic pancakes and waffles.
Then, find your way to the Caribbean’s best spot for kite surfing, Hadicurari Beach. The constant trade winds and flat, shallow waters are a magnet for wind and kite surfers, making Aruba a world-famous destination for beginners and pros alike. The knowledgeable instructors at Aruba Kite Surfing can help you learn how to do it.
Alto Vista Chapel
Courtesy of Aruba Tourism Authority
Day 6:Hike Aruba’s North Coast
Begin your final morning in paradise with a private sunrise hike led by Aruba Nature Adventures. The hike starts at the charming Alto Vista Chapel, the spiritual heart of Aruba. Marvel at the stunning views of the North Coast at dawn during this leisurely hike that concludes with a guided meditation on the beach. Next, meander through the Malmok area, known for its gin-clear waters, limestone coastline, and secluded bays.
On your last night in Aruba, step inside a historic cunucu (traditional home) and sit at a communal, U-shaped table at 2 Fools and a Bull for a five-course meal with wine pairings. Embrace the festive atmosphere as you mingle with fellow guests between courses, making for a memorable and celebratory finale for your Aruba trip.
On your last night in Aruba, step inside a historic cunucu (traditional home) and sit at a communal, U-shaped table at 2 Fools and a Bull for a five-course meal with wine pairings. Embrace the festive atmosphere as you mingle with fellow guests between courses, making for a memorable and celebratory finale for your Aruba trip.
