Curator’s statement
This holiday marked our sixth family trip to Aruba, and each visit brings new memories and experiences. From the welcoming locals to the pristine beaches and unique island traditions, Aruba has become a beloved destination for our family. Staying in a spacious villa, enjoying beachside lunches at our favorite spots and celebrating the holidays in Aruba’s vibrant atmosphere reinforced why we return time and time again. Aruba’s combination of relaxation, adventure and warm hospitality truly makes it feel like our home away from home.
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Where to stay in Aruba
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Accommodation: New Modern Villa Mi Aruba
We stayed at the New Modern Villa Mi Aruba, a four-bedroom, three-bathroom villa with a pool. This was the perfect setup for our family and friends, offering space to relax and a kitchen where we could prepare breakfast each morning with fresh groceries from the well-stocked local supermarkets. Having a comfortable home base enhanced our experience, allowing us to balance adventure with relaxation.
Beaches: Arashi and Moomba
On each of our trips, Arashi and Moomba have remained family favorites, and this time was no different.
Arashi Beach
Known for its beautiful, clear waters, Arashi Beach is a go-to for snorkeling and family beach days. The gentle waves are perfect for our daughters, and they always love spotting the colorful fish close to shore. Arashi’s beach vendors and snack bar add to the experience, providing us with delicious, local-style lunches and drinks that make it easy to spend the entire day there. Our family friends joined us here, and the kids spent hours in the water, making memories together.
Moomba Beach
Moomba Beach’s lively atmosphere and beachfront dining options make it another favorite spot. The beachside restaurant is perfect for a casual lunch, and we loved relaxing with ocean views while enjoying local dishes and refreshing smoothies. Moomba’s social vibe made it easy to unwind, while the kids played and swam. The energy of the beach, combined with delicious food and the convenience of amenities, makes it a must-visit on every trip.
Activities and Experiences
Horseback Riding Tour with Rancho Notorious
A family horseback riding tour in Boroncana, Noord, was a memorable start to our holiday adventures. The kids were thrilled, and it was a fun way to explore Aruba’s landscape with friends. We loved it so much, I even came back later in the week with just the girls for a second time!
UTV Tour with Natural Cave Visits
We took an exciting UTV tour that started at Philip’s Animal Garden. Driving through Aruba’s rugged terrain and visiting the caves provided a unique way to explore the island, and it was a thrilling experience for the kids. Don't forget to wear your bandana!
Catamaran Sail with Snorkeling
Sailing from Aruba Watersports Center, we enjoyed a catamaran cruise that took us to Aruba’s best snorkeling spots. The kids loved seeing the colorful marine life, and it was a relaxing yet engaging day for everyone.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks Tradition
New Year’s Eve in Aruba is truly a spectacle, with fireworks lighting up the sky. This tradition has become a family favorite, and each year we look forward to the excitement and beauty of celebrating the holiday island-style.
Noord’s New Year’s Day Swim
To kick off the new year, we participated in Noord’s traditional New Year’s Day swim. This refreshing start to the year is a unique way to embrace the local culture and begin the new year with energy and joy.
Muscle and Lungs CrossFit Gym
While the family enjoyed beach days and excursions, my husband found his own slice of paradise at the Muscle and Lungs CrossFit gym. Known for its welcoming community and well-equipped facility, this gym was a fantastic spot for him to stay active and connect with local fitness enthusiasts. He loved the challenging workouts and friendly atmosphere, making it a highlight of the trip and a perfect way to balance relaxation with some intense training.
Boat Rental and Tubing
One of the most thrilling experiences of our trip was renting a boat from Moomba Beach and spending the day on the water. We enjoyed breathtaking views of Aruba’s less-traveled coastlines as we cruised around, and the highlight for the kids was the tubing when we came back to Moomba! The boat rental was easy to arrange, and the customizable nature of it makes this an adventure we’d recommend for any family looking to add something really special and personal to their Aruba vacation.
Dining Highlights
Papillon Restaurant
Our first dinner at Papillon set the tone for the trip, with its mix of French-Caribbean flavors and family-friendly atmosphere.
Barefoot Restaurant
Dining at Barefoot with our toes in the sand was a perfect way to enjoy Aruba’s stunning sunset, and the kids loved the novelty of beachside dining.
Flying Fishbone
A memorable Christmas Eve dinner at Flying Fishbone in Savaneta, where we dined with our feet in the water. The kids were fascinated by the setting, making it a fun and festive night.
Wilhelmina Restaurant
Christmas dinner at Wilhelmina was elegant and delicious, with a warm ambiance that made the holiday extra special.
Elements at Bucuti & Tara
Known for its focus on organic, eco-friendly dining, Elements provides a light, healthy meal after a day of exploring. The setting was serene, making it a favorite for adults and kids alike.
Oceanz Restaurant
With its oceanfront views, Oceanz is the perfect place for a relaxed dinner. The kids enjoyed fresh seafood, and we all appreciated the tranquil setting.
Passions on the Beach
Dining at Passions with twinkling lights and the sound of waves was a magical way to end the year. This beachside experience is one of our top recommendations for any family visiting Aruba.
Aqua Grill
Our New Year’s Eve dinner at Aqua Grill was a festive seafood feast, filled with lively conversation and a celebratory atmosphere that captured the excitement of the evening.
Restaurant Anno 1877
For our last night in Aruba, we dined at Restaurant Anno 1877, a charming and historic spot that offered a cozy, memorable farewell to our trip. The warm ambiance and delicious dishes provided a perfect end to our holiday.
Need to know
Transportation: Renting a car is essential for exploring Aruba’s beautiful beaches, local spots and activities at your own pace.
Beaches: Arashi Beach is ideal for snorkeling and relaxed beach days, while Moomba Beach offers a lively vibe with beachfront dining and water sports options like tubing and boat rentals.
Fitness: For those looking to stay active, Muscle and Lungs CrossFit gym provides a welcoming community and challenging workouts — a great way to balance relaxation with fitness.
Holiday Traditions: Aruba’s New Year’s Eve fireworks and Noord ’s New Year’s Day swim are unique experiences that make the holidays memorable.
Family and Friends: Sharing the trip with family and friends enhanced our experience, and our modern villa provided the perfect setup for a comfortable group stay.
Convenient Groceries: American-friendly supermarkets in Aruba make it easy to stock up on fresh groceries, allowing families to enjoy homemade breakfasts and snacks in the comfort of their villa.
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Aruba page.
Travel Advisor
Priscilla Baldari
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