Aruba
Is it really one happy island?
The answer is simple, YES! The weather is
good, the food exquisite and the people are always nice. These are the perfect ingrediënts
of 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
Wanna 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 local crafted beer 'Dashi' is also very nice and the 'keshi yena', which 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 an extremely romantic backyard. 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 definitely 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 out of 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 and so the evening started. Delicious food and an amazing atmosphere.
This Restaurant has to be on your list! Zeerovers is the locals' favorite restaurant. It's pretty cheap compared to the other restaurants and the view nice 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 and it was amazing. I can't remember the name of the dish but it was something with shrimps 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 the palmbeach. I had a regular acai bowl with peanut butter and my boyfriend had one with oreos. Both were very good!
This restaurant is located on the beach. Have a seat, enjoy the sunset and the sand between your toes!
9. Bits and cheeses
You're 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!
The hotel
Where to stay?
We stayed at the Amsterdam Manor. It is right on eagle beach. A very nice, clean and peaceful spot.
The breakfast is super good. They have pancakes, waffles, french toast, .. But all the credits go to the omelet man! Djeezus, he makes some next level omelets.
What to do?
1. TAKE A BOAT TRIP TO MANGEL HALTO
When you're into snorkeling, this is the best spot on the island. The many beautiful reeves are home to al 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 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 nor excite you, but we saw a little reef shark, slowly passed us by. (I freaked out and almost drowned my boyfriend J)
2. Kuku kanuku
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 4 stops, 6 meals with wine pairing. 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 go 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 fishermans or Suikertuin. Both very good options for a lunch break.
6. Beaches
If you don't feel like doing anything, that's fine with me. Just relax at the beach, order a pina colada and escape...