Aruba

Places to Stay

I have been to Aruba 4 times! But have stayed at timeshares each time.

My most favorite and most recent timeshare is Costa Linda

Aruba is divided between the "high rises" and the "low rises"

Most timeshares are considered the low rises which are mainly on one side of the Island, while hotels such as the Marriott, Holiday Inn, Hyatt Regency, etc are all high rises and are located on the other side of the Island. However, you can find timeshares over by the high rises as well. One of the main towns that is filled with restaurants/bars, etc, is located by the high rises.

The Island is only 19.6 miles long and 6 miles across, so everything is fairly close to one another. No matter where you stay, you can venture out! This is my most favorite part about Aruba. You are not locked into staying in one area, you can explore the entire Island. (& I highly suggest you do, because there is so much to see. Go check out some of the other hotels as well)

NOTE - Aruba can be pretty windy! I never minded it but just a heads up.

Things to Do

• Go snorkeling off of a boat!

(I did Pelican Adventures) The waters of Aruba are unbelievably clear.

You'll see amazing things! Check it out here: Pelican Snorkeling Cruise

• Check out Aruba's "Natural Bridge"

Just a really beautiful scenic spot.

• Take a ride on the Kukoo Kunuku bus

If you're looking for a good time, this is it. The bus picks you up at a local hotel and drives you around the entire Island. The music is blasting, windows are open, as you cruise around town. While enjoying island inspired cocktails, you'll also make a few stops at local bars. My tour also included a sunset champagne toast, and our last stop included dinner outside at a beautiful mansion. Check it out here: Kukoo Kunuku

• Head over to Moomba Beach for a cocktail, or an afternoon bite to eat

This is definitely one of my favorite spots in Aruba. Very relaxing and chill atmosphere, filled with tiki bars, volleyball sand courts, flat screen TVs at the outside bar, and a beautiful view of the ocean.

• Drink a Balashi beer (or a Balashi Chill)

These are Aruba's beer. A must-try while you're there.

• Enjoy live music at your hotel (or a local hotel)

If you're anything like me, I live for some reggae vibes. Watching live music for happy hour, or even later in the night, on the beach with a cocktail in hand is the best!

• Head into town by the high rise hotels

So much to do around here. Bars, restaurants, & tons of little shops with all sorts of goodies sold right on the street. Senor Frogs is located here as well, BUT I did hear rumors that it may have been shut down :(

Snorkeling Cruise

Natural Bridge

Kukoo Kunuku Bus

Moomba Beach

Restaurants / Bars

• Moomba Beach

As mentioned above... this is definitely one of my favorite spots in Aruba. Very relaxing and chill atmosphere, filled with tiki bars, volleyball sand courts, flat screen TVs at the outside bar, and a beautiful view of the ocean.

• Gianni's Italian Restaurant
One of my favorite places for a nice dinner. Upscale, classy restaurant with dim lighting, and both indoor and outdoor seating. Love the ambience here and the food is delicious!

• El Gaucho
If you're in the mood for steak and meat, go here! This was a go-to restaurant when vacationing here with my family. We made it a point to go each time we were on the island.

• Tomato Charlies Pizza
I am a New Yorker, so I know good pizza! This small little restaurant located in town by the high rise hotels is awesome. They make amazing thin crust pies that are extremely delicious. Great casual spot to grab pizza and sit outdoors. The seating is located on the street so you get to people watch and be a part of the "in town" action.

• Madame Janette
Food consists of American, Steaks, Seafood, etc. The atmosphere is one of my favorite parts. Beautiful, mainly outdoors, restaurant with elegant lighting throughout the entire back patio.

• Flying Fishbone
I'm not a huge Seafood lover, but if you are - definitely check this place out! I can always find something on the menu though and still thought the food was great. Like everywhere in Aruba, the atmosphere is indescribable. Our table here was seated on the sand just a couple feet away from the ocean. (Wear shoes that are easily worn in the sand!) Keep in mind that this restaurant was one of the furthest from the main town. It took about 30 minutes to get there.

• Hostaria Vittorio

Another Italian restaurant in town. Beautiful and delicious.

• Ricardo's
Great spot for breakfast. Sit on the patio overlooking the beach and ocean. One of my most memorable meals and places!

ARUBA