Aruba: One Happy Island
All I really knew about Aruba was that the Beach Boys sang about it and they had an island with flamingos that just hung out while you sunbathed and swam in the ocean – SIGN ME UP! My husband and I decided to book our flights and hotels and head to the Happy Island. We didn’t do any excursion and mostly enjoyed our time at the beach or exploring the area near the hotel.
Where We Stayed
For most of the trip we stayed at the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Casino. We have the American Express Platinum card that offers 5x points on hotel reservations booked through their portal. Through their Fine Hotels & Resorts we booked our room, got complimentary breakfast each day and were upgraded to a king bed ocean view room upon arrival. Towards the end of the trip I was dying to go to the flamingo island so we stayed our last two nights at the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino because the boat ride and admission to the island is included when you stay with them. Our room was the ocean suite one bedroom ocean view with a balcony. There is an adults only part of the hotel across the street but we wanted to be as close to the beach as possible!
Where We Ate
Eduardo’s Beach Shack
Before we even left for Aruba I knew I wanted to find Eduardo’s Beach Shack and get an açai bowl. I found them beforehand and I mean, who doesn’t want a bowl of yummy goodness while they relax on the beach?! It was a short walk from the Hyatt, right on the beach, so we were able to go get it and walk back to our palapa to eat! They have a huge selection of smoothies, bowls and some other grab and go lunch items as well. This is a must for your vacation.
The Lazy Turtle
We loved the atmosphere at the Lazy Turtle as it was all open air. They gave us each a token for a complimentary glass of wine which was a nice touch! The food and service was excellent – if we ever go back to Aruba we’d definitely go back.
Dushi Bagels and Burgers
Dushi was the first place we stumbled upon the night we arrived. We were hangry from traveling all day and just wanted some food. It’s a short walk from the Hyatt in a touristy area near other hotels, shops and restaurants. Their burgers were great and they had live music which was a nice little welcome to the island for us!
Smokey Joe’s
Smokey Joe’s was right across from Dushi and a short walk from our Hyatt hotel. There was a short wait for a table when we went but we were seated quickly after that. Their drinks come in fun mason jars, their service was outstanding and the food was great!
Casa Tua
Casa Tua was just a short walk from out Hyatt hotel in a shopping center with multiple restaurants and shops to go to! There is also a location right by the Renaissance so we ate there for dinner one of our last nights – don’t worry, we got pizza that time instead of pasta! The atmosphere of the location near the Hyatt made me feel like I was in Italy with their checkered table clothes and string lights outside. Their food was great and we never had a problem with the service – I’d highly recommend trying them!
Piet’s Pier Bar
This pier bar was on the beach right in front of our hotel. It’s a nice place to grab a quick bite or a drink while you’re laying out or enjoying the ocean! Legend has it that it’s named after a Dutch sailor who would travel the world and bring back his maps to show everyone at the bar where he’d been!
The Dutch Pancake House
The Dutch Pancake House was located right across from the Renaissance so we didn’t have to walk far. We went for breakfast one day and I would highly recommend it. They have endless toppings for your pancakes, mini waffles and soups and sandwiches if pancakes aren’t your thing.
Driftwood Restaurant
Just a short walk from the Renaissance, we ventured to Driftwood for dinner one night. I’m not going to lie when I say the walk over there was a little uncomfortable as we took some side streets – there may be an easier way to get there or I’d recommend a taxi. The food was great, our waiter was very attentive and they can get busy so make reservations if you can!
If you’ve been or have any other recommendations in Aruba, please let me know!
XO,
Morgan