Aruba is one of those places that looks unreal in photos… and then somehow looks even better in real life. The water is that bright turquoise blue, the sand is soft and white, and the sunshine feels like it just lives there year-round. From the second we arrived, the whole island had this easy, happy energy that makes you instantly slow down.

We shared our full trip in our Aruba video series, but here’s everything we loved — all in one place.

🏨 Where We Stayed & What the Area Was Like

During our time in Aruba, we stayed at Boardwalk Boutique Hotel, and it ended up being one of our favorite parts of the trip. Tucked away just steps from Palm Beach, it feels like a hidden tropical oasis rather than a big resort. Instead of high-rise hotel towers, you’re surrounded by colorful private casitas, palm trees, and lush gardens that make everything feel peaceful and secluded.

We loved having our own space while still being close to the beach and restaurants. Mornings felt slow and relaxed, and coming back after a beach day felt like retreating to our own little island hideaway. It’s the perfect spot if you want Aruba’s beautiful beaches and fun activities nearby, but with a quieter, more charming place to unwind at the end of the day.

This part of Aruba has that classic vacation feel. You can wake up, grab coffee, walk to the beach, head back for lunch, then go out again in the evening without ever feeling rushed. It’s lively without being overwhelming, which we loved.

We also spent time at Eagle Beach later in the week, and the vibe there is completely different — quieter, more open, and perfect when you want a slower beach day. It felt like the kind of place you just lay out, listen to the waves, and lose track of time.

🏖️ The Beaches We Couldn’t Get Enough Of

Every beach in Aruba has its own personality.

Eagle Beach was one of our favorites. The sand is unbelievably soft, and the shoreline feels wide and peaceful. It’s the kind of beach where you set your towel down and suddenly hours have gone by. It’s also just beautiful — the views feel endless.

Palm Beach is more energetic. There’s more happening — people out in the water, beach activity, that fun vacation buzz. It’s great if you like a little more action mixed into your beach day.

Then there’s Baby Beach, which feels more like a natural swimming pool than an ocean beach. The water is shallow and calm, which makes it such a relaxing spot to just float and cool off.

🚤 Adventures That Show a Different Side of Aruba

One of our most unforgettable Aruba days started with a little dust, a lot of wind in our hair, and the kind of adventure that makes you feel like a kid again — we explored the island by UTV. Driving along Aruba’s rugged coastline felt like stepping into a totally different side of the island, far from the resorts and into the wild, wide-open scenery. We bounced along desert trails, passed cacti and dramatic ocean views, and made our way to the iconic California Lighthouse, where the views just stretch on forever. But the real highlight? Cooling off at Baby Beach. After the dusty ride, slipping into that calm, crystal-clear water felt like pure magic. We even made a spontaneous pit stop along the way to jump in the ocean — one of those unplanned travel moments that ends up being your favorite memory. It was the perfect mix of thrill and relaxation, and such a fun way to experience Aruba beyond the typical beach day.

We also spent time out on the water, and seeing Aruba from the ocean gives you a whole new appreciation for how clear and vibrant the water really is. We got to experience the water both in the day time and evening as we took a Champagne Brunch and Snorkel catamaran tour AND did an epic Sunset Catamaran tour to see the beautiful skies of Aruba. If you have never experienced an Aruban sunset, you certainly are missing out! And on a catamaran with an Aruba Ariba in hand? Life couldn’t get any better.

Driving around the island in general was part of the fun. You see colorful buildings, local neighborhoods, and scenic stretches of coast that make the trip feel more personal than just staying in one area.

We also couldn’t leave Aruba without visiting the famous Flamingo Beach! We ended up booking a room at the Renaissance Hotel to access their private beach. We could have just booked a day pass, but by staying overnight, we had access to the beach for 2 days instead of one and it ended up being a better deal! We were able to get up close and personal with the Flamingos and even had the chance to feed them - which I HIGHLY recommend. A bucket list experience was checked off for me that day!

🍽️ Food We Loved in Aruba

Food in Aruba was such a highlight. After long beach days, there’s nothing better than sitting down somewhere casual near the water, still a little sandy, watching the sunset while you eat.

We had so much fresh seafood and a mix of island flavors with familiar favorites. The dining scene feels relaxed — you don’t have to dress up, and meals feel like part of the vacation experience, not something you have to plan around.

✨ What Makes Aruba So Special

More than anything, Aruba just feels good. It’s easy to navigate, the people are friendly, and the pace naturally slows you down. You can have adventurous days exploring and then follow them with completely lazy beach days — and both feel equally right.

It’s the kind of trip where you actually disconnect, laugh a lot, and make the kind of memories you talk about long after you’re home.

💛 Would We Go Back?

In a heartbeat.

Aruba is perfect if you want beautiful beaches, clear swimmable water, great food, and a balance of relaxing and exploring. It’s easy, it’s stunning, and it’s one of those places that really lives up to the hype.

🎥 Make sure to watch our Aruba video series to see everything in action — it truly shows how special this island is.