Aruba

Aruba Reimagined

by Susan Campbell

Refreshed and totally rejuvenated, One Happy Island welcomes you back with open arms with so much new

Strolling barefoot along the blissful stretch of beach in front of Holiday Inn Resort with my long-time local friend, she suddenly stopped and said, “I just got goosebumps. Tourism is back.” I felt it too. Surrounded by throngs of happy smiling visitors of all ages frolicking in the surf was as typical a high season scene as I’d ever encountered on Palm Beach. Yet it was July, low season. However, the energy of absolute joyous escapism was palpable. The goosebumps came because she works for the Aruba Tourism Authority, and they had worked so hard to create a smart, streamlined process to confidently welcome guests back to a safe haven. It worked. But it wasn’t just the rebound energy I noticed. There was so much new and cool since my last visit, I could hardly experience it all in 7 days. But I tried.

A new effervescent and electric Palm Beach vibe

First, I checked into the brand-spanking new Radisson Blu and it’s a stunner. (Read all about it on page 53) I love its location right beside Palm Beach Mall, directly behind The Cove Aruba, a brand-new complex crammed with a kaleidoscope of outstanding dining and nightlife options. So many cuisines under one roof- Asian, French, Greek, Italian, and Mexican for starters. There’s also a Pancake Factory, French Bakery, a craft beer bar, and the crowning glory is The Vue open-air rooftop bar and supper club on top. Paseo Herencia across the street has a slew of new, too. So much to discover in one single block!

Next, I moved to Boardwalk Boutique Hotel to experience the addition of their chic new community of colorful casitas (cottage style suites) and their new food and beverage service from Eduardo’s, a famous beach shack known for delicious, healthy fare. It’s an incredibly warm and welcoming petit village surrounded in lush tropical greenery and hugged in brilliant blooms. So lovely. For dinner, I walked across the street to Casa Nonna at the Ritz-Carlton Aruba, and it was insanely good for authentic Italian fare served in front of a fire pit with soft, live music. I spent the next day combing the entire stretch of Palm Beach for new. Among my discoveries were that Hyatt has a gorgeous new adult-only beachfront pool, and Aruba Marriott’s lobby bar has a huge Starbucks now. Loving it.

By now my legs were on fire, I needed some pampering, so I moved to Aruba Ocean Villas to see what was new at Dushi Sue (an overwater bungalow named after me.) I was delighted to discover they’d added a boat shaped lounge and a Jacuzzi on its deck. I was in that whirlpool in a heartbeat and enjoyed a stunning sunset over the sea. Heaven. They’ve also added two bamboo cabins, a two-story treehouse stay and will add more soon. This special oasis in Savaneta must be seen to be believed. (Adults-only.) I spent the next day touring San Nicolas with the director of ArtisA gallery who showed me all the new incredible outdoor murals there, the new food kiosks in Carnival Village, and new Kulture Café. We also enjoyed cocktails at Rum Reef, an adult-only infinity pool on Baby Beach. Then he took me to Studio Murano Art in Santa Cruz, a new glass-blowing spot where you can learn to make your own glass-blown souvenirs and dine outside in the countryside. Go figure.

So much more foodie and nightlife fun

Next was Tamarijn, one of my fav family-friendly all-inclusives on dreamy Druif Beach. They’ve recently renovated their rooms, and the refresh is spectacular. Clean, contemporary, sleek décor, and modern amenities, too. I’ve always loved staying there since you’re also connected by free shuttles to all the great bars and restaurants of their sister resort Divi Aruba, giving you access to 18 spots in all. I also loved how close to the beach my room was. I counted 30 steps from when I rolled off my bed to when I slipped into the sea. Surreal.

Next was the new chef’s table experience Infini at Blue Residences. I wasn’t surprised that it was exquisite because it’s helmed by Urvin Croes, one of Aruba’s most celebrated chefs. He’s a master of modern cuisine, and the eight-course surprise menu paired with craft cocktails in his open kitchen concept lived up to his stellar reputation. He’s also just opened a chain of poke bowl places called Poke-Ono. Then I was off to check new at Alhambra Mall & Casino. The latest restaurant is The Brownstone. Food was excellent, the concept there is New York style bar with a large screen TV for sports. Live music, too.

Downtown Oranjestad’s Transformation

I hardly recognized the back streets of Oranjestad behind the Renaissance Mall. Now, it’s a nightlife wonderland. Start at Taste My Aruba’s outdoor courtyard for dinner, then go bar hopping. Must find spots are Hoya Lush in Daniel Leo Square, Patio 15 around the corner (huge dance venue), the clandestine speakeasy Apotek, and just across from the old fort is The Umbrella Lounge – look for the multi-colored parapluies. All new. Then there is Bochincha, a mammoth new alfresco entertainment venue with eight restaurant stalls around a huge bar behind the Local Market. So cool.

My last night, I spent at Holiday Inn Resort to discover their new piano bar and their new all-inclusive option. I stayed in my favorite oceanfront room on the top floor of the Seaview Tower, the postcard perfect views from that perch never get old.

Sadly, I ran out of time before I ran out of new. I’d heard great things about a bevy of new brunch experiences like night brunches, chef’s table brunches, even floating brunches in a donut boat! And there’s new eco-friendly nature hike tours to take, too. Guess I’ll have to return.

But though leaving One Happy Island is always sad, I highly recommend using First Class Experience Aruba’s service to fast track the lines and checkpoints and spend time in a cushy VIP lounge with free drinks and snacks. So worth the cost for a smooth departure.

www.aruba.com