Chilling in the Antilles
9x super fine hotspots in Aruba
You are in need of sun, I can feel it. A little paradise on the other side of the world with crystal clear sea water and snow-white beaches. Cheerful Caribbean jams, palm trees, colorful iguanas, and mango smoothies. No hustle and bustle around you, deadlines at work, and dishwashers staring at you to be unpacked. That's what you want this summer, right? Then I suggest you go to Aruba, dushi. The island has it all.
By now, Lil and I know how to find some really nice spots on the Caribbean island. The tastiest cocktails, the best sea view, fine dining, oh honey, we got it all for you. So rapapapa, here they are: the coolest hotspots for a top vacation in Aruba.
Ike’s Bistro
The restaurant of the Manchebo Beach Resort is top-notch. Ceviche with mango and avocado, cucumber carpaccio with parmesan cheese and seeds, sea bass with a Caribbean sauce, freshly prepared for you: do we need to say more?
Address: J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 55
Lucy’s Bar
A typical beach bar you must visit. And for the daredevils: when you ask for the bill, you get a shot of scorpion. And a T-shirt that says ‘I survived the Scorpion shot at Lucy’s’ if you drink it. Brilliant.
Address: L.G. Smith Blvd 82
Barefoot
Dress code: Elegant dining in flip flops. For the best sunset, you should sit here around six o'clock. Tuna tartare in front of you, a trio of lobster, shrimp, and scallops as the main course, and staring at the sea with a cocktail in your hand. Pure perfection.
Address: L.G. Smith Boulevard 1
White Modern Cuisine
In the mood for a chic evening? This is so romantic, refined, heavenly, and delicious that you really must go here with your love. A tip in advance: the scallops with eggplant and pumpkin cream. And they have the best watermelon cocktails ever. Just saying.
Address: Gold Coast Villas Diamante 300, Noord
Garden Fresh Café
Your body is your temple, so keep it pure, is the motto. This lunch spot is great for a wrap in the afternoon, a vegan salad, panini, burrito, or freshly made smoothies.
Address: J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 87
Eduardo’s Beach Shack
You wouldn't believe how big a small beach shack can be... Eduardo’s is a true institution on the island. AND DO YOU FIND IT CRAZY, WITH THOSE CUTE FILLED PINEAPPLES. Sorry, just a bit enthusiastic here.
Address: J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 87
Image: Eduardo’s Beach Shack via Trip Advisor
Wilhelmina
A super Instagrammable indoor garden, delicious refined food, a good wine list, and service that immediately puts you in a vacation mood: Wilhelmina is everything you want and more. Recommendation: the truffle pasta. Oh my.
Address: Lokaal 2, Wilhelminastraat 74
Mundi Health Café
If you checked out the colorful graffiti art in the town of San Nicolas (really do it, super photogenic), then slide over to this café for lunch. They are vegan-friendly and the service is top-notch.
Address: Van de Veen Zeppenfeldstraat 27
Elements
Stop searching, this is ‘a view to dine for’. Perhaps one of my highlights of this week. For the luxury lovers among us: you want this. Because of the food and the spectacular view over the beach.
Address: J.E. Irausquin Blvd 55B
