by Lori Zaino Why go: Aruba’s famous white-sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters make the perfect backdrop for a romantic escape — and you don’t have to worry about hurricanes.
Best ideas: Explore the island’s best beaches, go hiking in Arikok National Park, admire flamingos on a private island, and learn to windsurf on an unforgettable honeymoon in the Caribbean. Have you seen how clear the water is?
Good to know: Aruba is located outside the Atlantic hurricane belt so you’ll find plenty of sun and warm, tropical temperatures all year long.
If your idea of a perfect honeymoon is relaxing on pristine beaches with a cocktail in your hand, Aruba is about to be your new favorite island. While there are lots of other tropical places to choose from, there’s one thing that makes it stand out above the rest: no hurricane season.
Aruba was made for honeymooners. Many hotels cater specifically to couples so you and your new spouse are likely to be treated with special care, whatever your budget may be. Whether you’re exploring the island with ATVs, boating at sunset or enjoying a romantic cabana dinner on the beach, Aruba is ideal for a dreamy Caribbean newlywed getaway. After all, no honeymoon adventure is complete without admiring pink flamingos up close on a private island, right?
Traveling & Getting Around in Aruba
Airlines and airports: Though it may be farther from the U.S. than other Caribbean islands — Aruba sits just north of Venezuela, south of the hurricane belt, and is part of the ABC islands: Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao — you can still fly nonstop from a number of U.S. hubs, including Miami, Atlanta, New York, and Charlotte, among others. It’s only a 4.5-hour flight from New York’s JFK airport to Queen Beatrix International Airport (Aruba Airport), and you can take your pick from airlines like Delta, American, United, JetBlue, and Spirit Airlines (though you might not want to fly with Spirit on your honeymoon, as it could be considered grounds for divorce).
More sun, less rain: While most of the Caribbean is at risk for tropical storms and hurricanes June through November, you can still enjoy Aruba’s delightfully warm temperatures and brilliant sunshine all year long. In fact, Aruba sees less rain than almost all the other Caribbean countries, so don’t forget your sunblock whenever you decide to head there. Honeymooners on a budget may want to avoid visiting during the high season, which happens December through March, since prices are typically higher than usual.
If you want to get a little culture in with your beach time, plan to visit during Carnival, which is celebrated in January or February of each year; the Aruba Food, Wine and Art Festival in June; the Aruba Art Fair in September; or the Caribbean SeaJazz Festival in September.
Aruba is fairly easy for U.S. visitors to navigate. Although Dutch and Papiamento are the country’s official languages, English is widely spoken and U.S. dollars are accepted in many places, though it’s still a good idea to have some of the local currency, the Aruban florin, on you just in case.
Easy driving: Getting around the island is pretty simple. Couples wanting to explore should plan to rent a car or scooter, or else you can stay within your neighborhood and use taxis to get around if you want to go beyond it. Taxis use fixed rates instead of meters so you won’t need to worry about haggling or getting cheated. Note that you can leave a small tip if you’re satisfied with your experience. Expect surcharges on weekends, holidays, and for extra luggage. If you’re out and about in the island’s capital, Oranjestad, hop on one of the free trolleys if you ever get tired of walking.
Aruba is generally safe for visitors, just take care of your personal belongings like you would anywhere, especially if you’re out and about in the busy capital, Oranjestad. You can drink the tap water in Aruba, too, so there’s no need to worry about tummy troubles ruining your honeymoon.
Honeymoon in Aruba: Pros & Cons
Pros:
- It’s one of the few Caribbean islands with year-round sunshine.
- You can fly nonstop from the U.S. in just a few hours.
- Most locals speak English.
- Aruba accepts U.S. dollars.
- More than just beaches here.
Cons:
- It’s expensive compared to other Caribbean hotspots.
- It’s not the best honeymoon destination if you hate the beach.
- The island is fairly small for those in favor of a long honeymoon with endless options for things to see and do.
- It’s farther from the U.S. than other Caribbean islands.
Aruba Regions
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Noord
Noord, Aruba
(Photo by The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba)
This northern region is home to one of Aruba’s most popular strips of sand, Palm Beach. Although you’ll find much of the island’s glitz and glamour here — think high-rise hotels, casinos, and an international dining scene — the area’s also home to quiet spots like Bubali Plas Bird Sanctuary.Â
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Arikok National Park
Arikok National Park, San Fuego, Santa Cruz, Aruba
(Photo by Aruba Tourism Authority)
Covering almost 20 percent of Aruba’s land mass, mainly on the east side of the island, Arikok National Park is full of caves, lava rock formations, trails, natural pools, private coves, and lots of other interesting places to explore.
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Oranjestad
Oranjestad, Aruba
(Photo by Aruba Tourism Authority)
Aruba’s capital city and the surrounding region are referred to as Oranjestad, and its streets are lined with colorful buildings, invoking a European-meets-Caribbean feel in an homage to the country’s Dutch roots. Enjoy the waterfront area and jump on the free tram for a scenic ride around town. This area is also home to Eagle Beach, known as one of the best beaches on the island.
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Savaneta
Savaneta, Aruba
(Photo by Aruba Tourism Authority)
This part of the island is where you’ll find the small fishing villages of Cura Cabeli and Savaneta. For a real treat, try snorkeling or diving off Mangel Halto. Fun fact: the village of Savaneta was Aruba’s capital until it was changed to Oranjestad in 1797.
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San Nicolas
San Nicolas, Aruba
(Photo by Julie Lascaris / Unsplash)
For a funky local arts scene and a strong sense of laid-back island charm, visit San Nicolas, located along the southern tip of Aruba. Head here if you want to be as far away as possible from high-rise hotels and the typical tourist scene so you can experience real island living. And whatever you do, don’t miss Rodgers Beach and Baby Beach, two local favorites.
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Best Attractions & Activities in Aruba
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UTV to Natural Pools in Arikok National Park
Arikok National Park, San Fuego, Santa Cruz, Aruba
(Photo by De Palm Tours)
Take a UTV (utility terrain vehicle) on an off-road adventure with De Palm Tours to visit natural pools, called Conchi by the locals, in Arikok National Park. The 4.5-hour guided excursion will run you $189 per couple, and includes time at other popular Aruba attractions like Black Stone Beach, Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruin, Alto Vista Chapel, the Ayo rock formations, and the Andicurl Trail, Aruba’s Outback.
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Windsurfing or Kitesurfing Lessons
Fisherman's Huts (Kite and Windsufing), Noord, Aruba
(Photo by Aruba Active Vacations)
Head to Fisherman’s Huts in Noord, the best windsurfing and kitesurfing spot on the island. Two-hour windsurfing lessons start at $60 per person, while kitesurfing classes start at $125 per person with Aruba Active Vacations. Rental options are also available if you’re already a pro at either water sport.
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Take a Scenic Sunset Cruise
Red Sail Sports, Opal, Noord, Aruba
(Photo by Red Sail Aruba)
Enjoy the sunset directly from the water on a cruise with Red Sail Aruba. You’ll head out for two hours on a luxury catamaran that’s stocked with a complimentary full bar and plenty of hors d’ oeuvres to go around. Prices start at $60 per person and private rides are available for an additional cost.
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Splurge on a Trip to Renaissance Island
Renaissance Island, Aruba
(Photo by Renaissance Aruba Resort & Spa)
A worthy honeymoon splurge, Renaissance Island is a private island that’s home to Iguana Beach and Flamingo Beach, both named for the unique wildlife that roams their sands. The island is owned by the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino and there are three ways you can access it:
- By staying at the hotel (more on that later, but it’s a great option if you have Marriott Bonvoy points to spare), as guests have guaranteed access.
- By buying a day pass, available for $125 per person. These are available online on a limited basis depending on hotel occupancy, and tickets for the following day are released each morning at 7 a.m. Make sure you’re online right at 7 a.m. to avoid disappointment.Â
- By booking a spa treatment at Spa Cove as far in advance as possible. Spa packages for two start at $290, excluding lunch.
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Kayak Through Mangroves
Clear Kayak Aruba, Savaneta, Aruba
(Photo by Clear Kayak Aruba)
Roll through the mangroves in a clear-bottomed kayak to get the best views of Aruba’s fascinating undersea wildlife. Choose from trips in the morning, at sunset, or at night — those are lit by LED lights so you can see all the beautiful fish and coral reef in the dark. Expect to pay $65 per person for two-hour tours led by Clear Kayak Aruba.
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Take a Private Snorkeling or Diving Trip
Antilla Shipwreck, Opal, Noord, Aruba
(Photo by Aruba Sails)
While you can always hop on a group snorkeling trip or head underwater on your own, a honeymoon is all about splurging, right? Consider doing a private charter with Aruba Sails to some of the best snorkeling and diving spots on the island, like Boca Catalina reef or the SS Antilla shipwreck. Private boat charters start at $250 for two on a 23-foot boat and go up to $400 for two on a 50-foot boat, which also has a rate of $150 an hour if you’re looking to rent it for at least three hours.
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Find Your Perfect Beach
Rodgers Beach, San Nicolas, Aruba
(Photo by Aruba Tourism Authority)
Palm Beach and Eagle Beach are among the most popular stretches of sand for visitors to Aruba, but local haunts like Rodgers Beach and the wilder sands of Grapefield Beach will give you a far-flung island feel and take you away from the tourists for a while. Take a taxi to your chosen beach or consider renting a jeep for the day for a fun way to get around and explore more off-the-beaten-path scenery.
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Best Hotels, Resorts & Airbnbs in Aruba
Couples seeking a luxurious, pampered stay should choose one of the hotels on this list, since they’re used to hosting honeymooners and providing romantic packages and amenities. Couples on a budget or in search of a more local, private, or relaxed island escape may prefer to rent a vacation home instead. If you really want to see flamingos, it may be worth splurging for a stay at Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino, which gives you free access to their habitat on Renaissance Island.
Nearly every cruise line — Princess, Celebrity, Norwegian, Carnival, Disney, Holland America, or Royal Caribbean, just to name a few — has a ship that makes a stop in Aruba, though not exclusively in Aruba, as they’ll likely stop in other Caribbean islands, like Curaçao, Bonaire, or St. Lucia, along the way.Â
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The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba
Best Views The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba, L.G. Smith Boulevard, Noord, Aruba
(Photo by The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba)
Vibe: Every room and suite at The Ritz-Carlton Aruba, located near Palm Beach in Noord, comes with a gorgeous view of the ocean, and honeymooners will appreciate the exclusivity of its adults-only pool. The hotel often offers special honeymoon or romance packages, which can include additional amenities like spa treatments and meals, if you book exclusively through the website.
Price: Room rates start at $389 or 70,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
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Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort
Best Adults-Only Resort Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, L.G. Smith Boulevard, Oranjestad, Aruba
(Photo by Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort)
Vibe: You definitely won’t be the only honeymooners at this adults-only boutique resort. Eco-friendly Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort is set on beautiful Manchebo Beach and provides a very clear list on its website of things they are not — for instance, it’s not a place for large groups, families, or smokers, nor is it an all-inclusive resort — in order to help guests understand what they can expect. There’s also a special emphasis on romance, which includes private dining and movie nights under the stars, among other activities.
Price: Rates start at $400 a night.
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Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino
Best Amenities Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino, L.G. Smith Boulevard, Oranjestad, Aruba
(Photo by Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino)
Vibe: Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino is right on the water and in the heart of Oranjestad for those who prefer a livelier environment. Catch the free water taxi over to Renaissance Island to see the flamingos or try your luck at the casino, which is open 24 hours.Â
Price: Rates start at $213 or 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. If you can manage to snag a rate this low, consider staying for more than one night instead of having to worry about paying for a day pass to Renaissance Island if seeing the flamingos is on your honeymoon wish list.
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Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort Aruba
Best Honeymoon Suites Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort Aruba, J.E. Irausquin Boulevard, Oranjestad, Aruba
(Photo by Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort Aruba)
Vibe: Amsterdam Manor, near Eagle Beach in Oranjestad, is so used to accommodating guests on their honeymoon, it actually has ‘Honeymoon Suites.’ An obvious choice for couples celebrating their nuptials, the ocean view suites come with his and her sinks, a whirlpool tub for two, and a kitchenette if you just can’t be bothered to leave the room for meals. You can also add romance packages, which include additional amenities like Champagne for two, private dinners on the beach, and sunset cruises.Â
Price: Rates for honeymoon suites start at $322 per night.
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Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino
Best Spa Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino, J.E. Irausquin Boulevard, Noord, Aruba
(Photo by Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino)
Vibe: Chill out at the beachfront spa or at one of two massive pools at the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino, located near Palm Beach in Noord. Each room has its own private balcony, but you may want to splurge on an ocean view room or a suite — this is your honeymoon after all, so treat yourselves to a great view. Honeymoon packages are available, and include little extras like Champagne, meals, and spa treatments.Â
Price: Rates start at $275 or 80,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
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Boardwalk Boutique Hotel
Best Boutique Hotel Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba, Bakval, Noord, Aruba
(Photo by Boardwalk Boutique Hotel)
Vibe: If you’re looking for barefoot luxury, Boardwalk Boutique Hotel, in Noord near Palm Beach, features semi-stand alone and standalone colorful casitas with perks like hammocks, kitchens, and barbecue grills. Some even come with freestanding tubs, outdoor showers, or private plunge pools.
Price: Rates start at $213 a night.
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Airbnb: Yellow Escape Aruba
Best Honeymoon Retreat Santa Cruz, Aruba
(Photo by Airbnb)
Vibe: Located slightly inland in Santa Cruz, this peaceful yellow home has its own private pool and a spacious porch so the two of you can enjoy some privacy. With two bedrooms and a fully equipped kitchen, you’ll have everything you need for a cozy, affordable honeymoon off the grid.
Price: Rates from $55 a night.
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Airbnb: Exclusive Private Beach Luxe Cabin
Most Authentic Aruban Stay San Nicolas, Aruba
(Photo by Airbnb)
Vibe: This romantic cabin comes with its very own beachfront porch, a lovely lounge and dining area, and private beach access. The host will even prepare a special honeymoon package including spa treatments and meals, upon request. The cabin is located on a beautiful beach in San Nicolas, an area of the island that’s full of locals, so it’s ideal for couples wanting to sneak away from the tourist trail.
Price: Rates from $425 a night.
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Airbnb: Tropical Pool Cottage
Best If You Want to Get Away From It All Savaneta, Aruba
(Photo by Airbnb)
Vibe: This quiet yellow cottage is a private tropical haven in the fishing village of Savaneta, complete with a charming backyard, private pool, and garden, making it perfect for a romantic retreat. The cottage is just a short drive from some of the best local restaurants and beaches on the island.
Price: Rates start at $80 a night. Note that there’s a three-night minimum stay requirement.
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Best Restaurants & Bars in Aruba
You’ll find everything from beach shacks to fancy restaurants in Aruba. Note that regardless of where you dine, if the restaurant hasn’t added a 15 percent service charge to your bill, it’s customary to tip 10 to 20 percent.
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Wilhelmina
Best Romantic Dinner Outdoors Wilhelmina Restaurant, Wilhelminastraat, Oranjestad, Aruba
(Photo by Wilhelmina)
For a romantic outdoor dinner in an intimate city garden, head to Wilhemina, just a short walk from the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino in Oranjestad. Make sure you try the lobster bisque or the pan-seared Surinamese sea bass with saffron and crispy chorizo. Five-course tasting menus start at $55 (sans wine pairings) and reservations are recommended.
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Barefoot
Best Beachfront Dining Barefoot Restaurant, Oranjestad, Aruba
(Photo by Barefoot)
Barefoot’s casual vibe denotes its name; dress nicely but pair your outfit with flip flops so you can dine in the sand. Since it’s near the airport in Oranjestad, diners have great views of the planes as they take off into the sunset. Order the Cajun scallops drizzled with parsley oil ($16) or the pineapple chicken ($28.50). Reservations are recommended.
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Flying Fishbone
Best Upscale Seafood Flying Fishbone, Savaneta, Aruba
(Photo by Flying Fishbone)
This dinner-only beach eatery in Savaneta serves up delicious seafood to diners seated at tables in the sand. It’s a great place to splurge on the tuna tataki as an appetizer ($29.50) and lobster for your main course ($45 for half a lobster and shrimp). Reservations are recommended and vegetarian fare is also available.
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The Kitchen Table
Best for a Big Night Out The Kitchen Table, J.E. Irausquin Boulevard, Oranjestad, Aruba
(Photo by The Kitchen Table)
This intimate restaurant near Eagle Beach has just 16 seats at their communal kitchen table. The Kitchen Table’s menu consists of an eight-course Peruvian-Caribbean fusion meal for ($120 each), and you have the option to add on wine pairings ($90 each). Reservations are required. Be ready to make a friend or two at the communal table.
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Pelican Nest
Best Casual Dockside Seafood Pelican Nest, On Pelican Pier, J.E. Irausquin Boulevard, Noord, Aruba
(Photo by Weeatinguud)
For rustic charm, dine on the docks of the Pelican Nest in Noord for lunch or dinner. Order comfort foods like Conch fritters ($10) or beer battered fish tacos ($11) for a cozy meal on the water. Reservations are recommended for dinner.
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Screaming Eagle
Best Splurge Screaming Eagle Restaurant-Lounge, J.E. Irausquin Boulevard, Oranjestad, Aruba
(Photo by Screaming Eagle)
This South Beach inspired restaurant in Oranjestad offers a ‘dinner in bed’ experience, where you can dine from a lounge bed indoors or on the outdoor patio. Be ready to spend at least $100 per person, and don’t forget to taste the scallops, paired with butternut squash purée and hoisin-glazed Brussels sprouts topped with bacon bits and creamy Cajun sauce ($45). Reservations are recommended.
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Papillon Restaurant
Best Vegan Menu Papillon Restaurant, J.E. Irausquin Boulevard, Noord, Aruba
(Photo by Papillon Restaurant)
You’ll find this French-Caribbean restaurant on Palm Beach just across from the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino. Papillon Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, and has a regular menu as well as a full vegan menu, offering diners a chance to sample French-Caribbean vegan fusion fare if they so choose. Try the coq au vin made with vegan chicken ($24) or the mushroom escargot ($14). Reservations are recommended.
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Kulture Café
Best Breakfast Kulture Cafe, San Nicolas, Aruba
(Photo by Kulture Café)
For a cool coffee shop and breakfast joint, head to Kulture Café in the San Nicolas neighborhood. Order the American breakfast ($7) or a Caribbean coffee (espresso with liquor and whipped cream, $6 — remember — you’re on vacation so you can booze it up any time of day), then explore the Nicolaas Store, the building where the café is housed that’s also a community museum. Â
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Bottom Line
Aruba has all the ingredients for an idyllic, picture-perfect honeymoon: gorgeous white-sand Caribbean beaches, elegant dining options, and fancy hotels catering to the romantic whims of couples in love. Try an off-roading adventure, sample Cajun seafood, or simply retreat to the private garden or pool of your hidden Airbnb cottage. There really is something for everyone here.
