Last-Minute Adventure in Aruba: First-Timer’s Journey to One Happy Island

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Written By Ashleigh Dopp

When you decide to go on a spontaneous trip with your sister to Aruba with less than 48 hours to spare, excitement mixes with a dash of chaos! That’s exactly how my sister and I found ourselves on the beautiful shores of this Caribbean paradise, ready for a whirlwind four-night getaway at the Divi Golf Resort. Here’s how our adventure unfolded, filled with sun, flamingos, and awesome memories.

I heart Aruba sign located by the cruise ship dock

I heart Aruba sign: Located at the cruise docks in town

The Quick Prep: Day One Arrival

Prior to landing I did some quick research online and with some recommendations from friends who love visiting Aruba. Thankful to have made a few dinner reservations and get some insight before arrival. With many hotels already sold out, we quickly secured our stay at the Divi Golf Resort, recommended by a friend, known for its beautiful grounds and great location. A day before landing, we completed a quick online form, which made customs a breeze, just 15 minutes, tops!

Taking a taxi from the airport, we joined the regulated taxi line (no Uber here!), shelling out $35 for a quick ride to the resort. Check-in was at 4 PM, and we were lucky enough to score a spacious room complete with a balcony and kitchen. Next time, I’d request a room near the infinity pool, which was our favorite spot.

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Dinner Night 1: Elements Restaurant

After settling in, we got ready for dinner at Elements Bucuti Tara, which was walking distance or a short golf cart ride away from the hotel. We made a quick stop across the street at the beach bar, conveniently named Beach Bar. We tried the local brew, Balshi and took in the amazing views before heading over to Elements on Eagle Beach. Our server, Bernardo, made fantastic recommendations on the menu. The standout dish? Shrimp squid ink pasta, a must-try! The ambiance was romantic (which we joked about), complete with live island music and a breathtaking sunset. We toasted with K Marley and pepper frozen drinks that perfectly complemented our meal.

Cheers from the Beach Bar outside of Divi

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Poolside Paradise: Day 2

Tuesday was all about soaking up the sun! We grabbed an iced coffee from the lobby barista and it hit the spot! The weather was a perfect 85 degrees, with a refreshing breeze. We spent the day lounging by the pool, sipping on delicious drinks like the Chocolate Kiss, and indulging in snacks like hotdogs (can’t beat a pool dog) and jalapeño poppers. Mid day we headed to the beautiful beach, grabbed some lounge chairs and waded in the refreshing ocean. The beach was straight out of a postcard: crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand.

Later, we set out to watch the Sabres game and decided to explore the local shops in the Noord area, stopping by the Hyatt Casino for a few spins on the slots. For dinner, we picked Azia, known for yummy sushi. The Geshia roll was a highlight, although the prices were a bit on the higher side.

The Sabres playoff game was on, so naturally the after dinner mission became finding the right bar to catch it. The front desk pointed us toward a few options, and we initially set our sights on Sexy Shrimp after hearing they’d have the game on. But plans shifted when a friend mentioned he’d watched a Bills game at North End, so we decided to pivot.

The North End Sports Bar

It turned out to be a great call. The crowd was a small fun mix of Boston and Buffalo fans, and the place had that perfect sports bar energy. Our server, Francisco, was fantastic! We even made a bet on who would score the first goal and ended up staying for the entire game.

Somewhere along the way, we met a group of Buffalonian ladies and later connected with two Boston guys, Tom and Chris, who knew all the best local spots. By the end of the night, the game was just the beginning; we had our next destination lined up and a solid crew to explore it with.

Cheers to Aruba- North End Bar

After the game, we were told MoomBa is the place to be, a lively spot with great outdoor seating. Even though it was the off-season, we enjoyed people-watching and mingling at a table.

Flamingos and Fun: Day 3

Link De Palm Island Excursion

Wednesday was the day I’d been waiting for, flamingo time! We booked a trip to De Palm Island through Viator and discussed with the Divi Rep, as the private lounge chairs were sold out. For around $140 each, we got to check off the flamingos. Flamingo island was all booked up as well, so this was the alternative. The day included a ferry ride, open bar, and plenty of food options like tacos, salad, fruits, loaded fries, and burgers.

The highlight? Hanging out with the flamingos and taking a thrilling banana boat ride. This is excursion was very kid forward, and I recommend this excursion for any family (or flamingo lover). The trip was scheduled to end at 4:45pm, so we decided it was time to leave early.

Loving the Mingos on De Palm Island

Afterward, we headed to Eagle Beach, known for the Divi Tree, calm stunning scenery, a drink at the shack bar and a relaxing swim.

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Dinner that night was at Gianni’s. I was initially skeptical about having Italian in Aruba, but the truffle shrimp pasta was phenomenal! We kicked things off with martinis and bruschetta, finishing with a heavenly cheesecake. Watching the staff prepare the cheese wheel pasta was a show in itself!

Final Day: Shopping & Exploring

On Thursday, we enjoyed breakfast at the Dutch Pancake House, where we faced a short line that moved quickly. The pancakes were delicious thin dutch pancakes with tons of toppings to choose from. We really enjoyed breakfast at this spot. Following breakfast we did some light shopping until it got too hot to walk around town.

We returned to the infinity pool for some sunbathing and drinks. I seized the opportunity to play 9 holes of golf at Tierra del Sol, which offered breathtaking views of the lighthouse and shore.

For dinner, we headed to Agrigento Ristorante Italiano, located in the Aruba Racquet Club. The homemade chicken parm was the best part, and our server Christian shared that his mother was cooking in the back, which added a personal touch to our meal.

Finally, we had a nightcap at the famous Bugaloes Bar. Located on the water between the Riu Hotel and Hilton Hotel on Palm Beach Pier. Open everyday, this was a fun spot to people watch and grab a beer.

We will be returning to One Happy Island!

What’s Next on the List?

As we wrapped up our trip, we made a mental note of places to explore on our next visit:

• Gusto Night Club for a lively nightlife experience

• Riding the streetcar for a unique view of the island

• Visiting Craft Coffee & Bar for a local caffeine fix

• Relaxing at Tres Trapi, a stunning cove

• Santos for coffee

• Donkey Farm

• Barefoot Aruba Dining

Aruba truly lives up to its reputation as “One Happy Island.” Despite the last-minute planning, the warmth of the locals, new friends, the breathtaking beaches, and the delicious food made every moment unforgettable. So, if you find yourself with a sudden urge to travel, take the plunge; you never know what adventures await!

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Ashleigh Dopp
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