How to Spend 14 Days on the One Happy Island

Day 1 to 3: Beaches, Snorkeling, and Sunset Magic

Arrival and Sunset Dinner

• Welcome to One Happy Island, or as they say in Aruba, “Bon Bini.” Ease into island life with a chic beachfront dining experience at Barefoot Aruba, where you’ll eat with your toes in the sand.

Snorkeling

• Kick off your morning with a hearty breakfast at Eduardo’s Hideaway before making your way to nearby Boca Catalina for snorkeling among colorful fish and stunning coral reefs. Remember to always admire marine life responsibly by observing from afar. After soaking in the sea, enjoy Oak Restaurant and Bar.

Unwind at Flamingo Beach

• Slow down for a day dedicated to relaxation on Renaissance’s private island, accessible with a day pass. Enjoy breakfast at the island’s Papagayo Bar and Grill, soak up the Aruban sunshine at Renaissance Flamingo Beach or Iguana Beach, and treat yourself to a massage with a sea view.  Finish your evening at Lima Bistro, an exquisite Peruvian restaurant with a Caribbean twist.

Day 4 to 7: Culture, Cuisine, and Hidden Gems

Art, Relaxation, and Caribbean Cuisine in San Nicolas

• Head to San Nicolas, for a mix of art, incredible eats, and relaxation. Grab lunch at Kamini’s Kitchen, famous for having the most delicious Caribbean curry on the island. The owner, Kamini, was serving authentic Trinidadian food to the people of Aruba in her home kitchen long before she opened her restaurant.
• Next, find beachside bliss at Baby Beach. Cool off with a cold Balashi at Charlie’s Bar, one of the oldest-running, family-owned businesses in all of Aruba. Wander through the art district of San Nicolas, filled with stunning murals. Finish your night with a relaxed dinner at O’Niel Caribbean Kitchen, offering a blend of delightful Caribbean and local flavors.

Fresh Lionfish and Local Wines

• Begin your afternoon at Lionfish Snack, open exclusively on Saturdays. The owner scuba dives for lionfish weekly and cooks them fresh.Then, sip your way through Alto Vista Winery, Aruba’s first and only boutique winery. Enjoy wine and rum tastings with scenic cacti views. For dinner, indulge in authentic Cuban cuisine, right in the heart of Aruba at Cuba’s Cookin’, Shop ‘til You Drop

• Grab breakfast at Aruba Experience Café, a colorful cafe offering freshly baked croissants and healthy eats. Continue the day with shopping in Oranjestad where you can Get some of the world’s finest aloe. After shopping, head to Ricardo’s Smokehouse before dancing the night away at Moomba Beach’s famous Sunday night beach party.

Bushiribana Ruins and Hidden Pool Exploration

• Admire the Bushiribana Ruins, a gold mining site dating back to the 1400s and 1500s. Accessible by car, just pass the Bushiribana Ruins, you’ll spot a ladder descending from the cliff. Follow the ladder down, and it will lead you to a stunning, swimmable cave pool. Wear your water shoes because it gets rocky. Later, dine at Yemanja Woodfired Grill, a top-rated restaurant known for its use of smoke and fire. Finish your night at Apotek Speakeasy, a hidden gem offering the most immersive cocktail experience in Aruba.

Day 8 to 10: Kayaking, Lighthouse, and Adventure

Sea Glass Beach Kayak Tour

• Enjoy an early breakfast at Santos, known for its soulful coffee, healthy dishes, and creative beverage specials. Next, go on a Sea Glass Island Kayaking tour with One Happy Kayak, a tour company that lives up to its name. You’ll have the chance to take in the incredible Caribbean Sea views, grab lunch at a beachside restaurant, collect stunning sea glass, or enjoy a glowing sunset kayaking tour. Finish your evening with dinner at Wilhelmina, a delightful eatery that blends global dishes with a Caribbean twist in a garden atmosphere.

Arashi Beach Vibes and Lighthouse Bliss

• Wake up your taste buds with a laid-back breakfast at Craft Coffee and Bar. Whether you’re craving irresistible breakfast tacos or fluffy Nice Staxxx pancakes, Craft hits the mark every time. Next stop: Arashi Beach is calling! Rent a beach chair and an umbrella for extreme comfort. Grab a cold drink at Arashi Beach Shack, and take a dip in the clear waters, perfect for both swimming and snorkeling. Not too far from Arashi Beach, you’ll find the iconic California Lighthouse. Walk up to the top to take in mesmerizing 360° views of Aruba. Next to the California Lighthouse, you must try the delicious, authentic Italian cuisine on the terrace at Faro Blanco Restaurant.

Explore Arikok National Park

• Visit must-visit sights in Aruba such as the iconic Arikok National Park. For this action-packed day, don’t forget to bring your swimwear, a camera to capture unforgettable moments, and some comfortable sneakers for exploring. In the evening, dine at Pinchos Grill and Bar. This charming restaurant perfectly pairs an impressive sunset ambience with gourmet cuisine.

Day 11 to 14: Sunset Cruise, Water Sports, and Farewell Feast

Sailing into the Sunset

• Have breakfast at Bugaloe Beach Bar and Grill to begin your day. In the evening, go on a sunset dinner cruise with Octopus Aruba. Enjoy free-flowing appetizers and unlimited cocktails as you watch the Aruban sunset, the best in the world.

From Water Sports to Culinary Delights and Electric Nights

• Start the day at Eduardo’s Beach Shack before making your way to the beach at Pelican Pier to choose today’s activity. For dinner, check out the charming Bohemian Restaurant or Lola Taqueria. If you’re in the mood for creative cocktails with a mysterious ambience, Boutique Speakeasy is the place to be. Dance enthusiasts will find South Beach as the perfect spot for hip-hop and dancehall beats.

Beach Day Fun and Capture the Moment

• Unwind with a beach day at Eagle Beach, one of the most breathtaking beaches in the world. Check out Eagle Beach’s famous Divi-Divi and Fofoti trees or even book a luxurious pop-up beach picnic with the picnic company, Picnic Aruba. Next, do a sunset photo shoot with one of Aruba’s many talented photographers to capture moments that you will cherish for years to come. Some recommendations for photographers include @tvom.media, @thewarmpeople, and @flyingdressaruba on Instagram. If you’re looking to treat yourself to the ultimate chef’s table experience, the 8-course dinner at Infini is a must. Chef Urvin Croesi explores endless possibilities through his sensational dishes and carefully curated menu.

Last Morning in Paradise

• As Aruba is known for its Dutch influence, you can’t miss out on trying some authentic Dutch pancakes at Linda’s Dutch Pancakes for your last meal. You have the option to get one of their signature pancakes or build your own. Head to the airport to say farewell to an unforgettable trip.