How to Live Your Best Life in Aruba and Never Come Back

From Cosmopolitan

We are just three weeks into the new year, and if you’re like me you’re already looking to get out of this winter hell hole and go somewhere tropical and warm (much warmer!).

Enter, Aruba. This island, located in the Caribbean, has stunning views, relaxing resorts, and adventurous activities. So say “bye bitch” to your manager (but maybe not those words) and get to the Aruban beaches ASAP!

But first, let me help you out on what to bring since you can’t constantly lounge in your swimwear…or can you?

Your packing list

Stay at the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino.

So let’s say you wanted to do nothing but chill at the resort for the entire trip and still have the best (and glorious) GD time of your life. Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino has it all with their two pools, amazing lobby bar and restaurants, and beach views. If you aren’t convinced yet, take a look at the following pictures/points…

Relax under a palapa.

If you don’t know what a palapa is, Google it or see below. These nifty shade-producing umbrellas provide ample coverage while you lounge on the beach—and they are much more Insta-worthy than a beach umbrella.

Lounge by the pool.

Nothing sounds better than relaxing by the pool with a cocktail in hand. Luckily, the pool bars provide multiple spots to get comfortable while you sip. *Cue me running to the pool bar now.*

If you’re feeling zippier, go for a refreshing dip in the guest-wide outdoor pool or the H2 Oasis Adult Exclusive Outdoor Pool (suck it, kiddos).

Eat on the beach.

Atardi restaurant is here for the romantic win. But if you’re like me and single forever, you can bring all your girlfriends for a juicy gossip sesh while you wine and dine on the sandy shore next to a jaw-dropping sunset. The food is also on point, and I highly recommend the red snapper ceviche and tuna dishes.

Grab sushi and a drink at the lobby bar.

One of my favorite things to do at a resort is checking out the food and drinks at the lobby bar for a last-minute bevvy and/or snack. This menu was filled with all types of sushi rolls, like the tuna volcano and salmon torch rolls. (I might have done multiple rounds of lobby sushi...shhh!) The drinks were also super unique. Make sure to get the Aruba Mule, made with Aloe Vera juice. Sounds weird, tastes real good.

Enjoy the sunrise and sunset right from your balcony or on the beach.

The balconies at the Aruba Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino are prime real estate for looking out at the sun action. Since I am 100 percent not an early morning riser, sunsets are always the most convenient for me and my camera. However, if you can get your ass outta bed for sunrise, make sure to order a big room service breakfast and lounge in your robe for the gram.

Attend La Vista Carnival dance show.

The resort has a Carnival dinner every Thursday night at La Vista, which includes a buffet filled with tons of delicious food options (mostly desserts, which...droool!). The dancers are all incredible, the outfits are spectacular and colorful, and the music is just *insert flamenco dancer emoji*. Plus, there’s a fun dance contest for the guests. (NBD. Not like I won or anything… Glistening with sweat champagne.)

Go to the Aruba Aloe Factory.

While you are on the Island of Aloes—that would be Aruba, guys—make sure to get a tour of an aloe farm. The Aruba Aloe Factory is the oldest and one of the first companies to sell aloe-based products, making them a world producer for all kinds of skin, hair, and sun care. Fun. Facts.

Make some bougie cocktails.

If I didn’t mix up some cocktail on a trip, was it even a vacation? I got to partake in a special cocktail-making experience at the resort. My favorite drink was the old fashioned because it comes out of a smoke chamber and is absolutely heavenly! Cheers with your pinkies up!

Snorkel with Red Sail Sports.

Going anywhere in the Caribbean requires a snorkel excursion. Red Sail Sports offers snorkeling, scuba diving, and other water activities involving sea creatures and coral formations. On my excursion, I swam near a woah-inducing shipwreck. Oh, and there are free cocktails. So there's that!

Grab breakfast at Linda’s Dutch Pancakes.

Have you ever woken up wanting the biggest and best pancake that your stomach could handle? Linda’s Dutch Pancakes has tasty (and huge) pancakes that kept me coming back throughout my trip. I ordered the mango, papaya, and pineapple option because to stay on theme.

Drive your way through the island on a thrilling UTV tour.

Go off road and book yourself an exciting excursion with De Palm Tours. But beware! YOU. WILL. GET. DIRTY! Keep that cute outfit at the resort. You'll literally have to throw out your clothes after this...even the shoes. (The mud stains are very difficult to get out. I’ve tried. Trust.) But don’t let that scare you! It's a blast and the perfect Instagram bait.

Eat dinner with fish.

At Pinchos Grill & Bar (another romantic dinner spot), you'll eat surrounded by the clear blue water and fishy friends beneath the stars. You'll need to make a reservation before showing up, but it’s worth the effort.

Test your balance with paddle board yoga.

Okay… if I can be honest, I was super skeptical about this experience because my balance and flexibility are not great. Doing yoga on land is already a challenge. Turns out SUP yoga is literally everything and more. Is it a workout? Yes. Is that a workout a yoga class? Absolutely. Is that yoga class one of the most Insta-worthy opportunities of my entire vacation? Definitely. Plus the instructor at Vela Aruba (around the corner from the Marriott) made me feel like a magnificent circus mermaid. (Don’t be afraid to fall into the water. It’s part of the fun!)

Pro-tip: For your flight back – get to the airport early! Going through Aruban customs, Aruban security, U.S. customs, and (finally!) U.S. security takes a lot of time, and if you are not careful you might be like me and the other 1,927 individuals running sprinting through the airport to make your flight. Otherwise, you can enjoy one of the best, free cardio workouts on the behalf of the beautiful island of Aruba.

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