A Snob's Guide to Aruba
- Aruba Austin
- Sep 1
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 2
So you are a jetsetter or at least want to act like one, and you want to book a trip to Aruba.
I live in Aruba, and friends ask me all the time for my personal recommendations on the One Happy Island.
Here is my list for the snob in all of us.
Where to Stay:
The newest high rise hotel on tourist haven Palm Beach, The St. Regis offers superior luxury. Highlights include a well-appointed casino, an outrageous infinity pool and the rooftop restaurant Akira Back (see below in "Where to Eat").
Downside: I find the St. Regis' section of the beach crowded, unattractive and less luxurious than my choices below.
With a far better beach and location, the Ritz-Carlton offers its guests a typical high-end experience, replete with spa, health club and casino. The highlight of your visit will be when a member of Ritz staff delivers your F&B order, beachside on a Segway.
Downside: The Ritz is a more of a corporate luxury hotel; nearly every week there is some sort of sales conference/awards trip at the property.
For those who prefer quiet luxury, the Bucuti offers a more boutique environment on a serene portion of Eagle Beach. Highlights include the beachside loungers, which require daily reservations, and the pristine, aquamarine views of the Southern Caribbean.
Downside: The Bucuti is an older property with inferior nightlife in walking distance (to be fair, Palm Beach nightlife is a short cab ride away).
Where to Eat:
Sunsets in Aruba are one of my favorite times of the day, and what better way to enjoy the spectacular views than from Akira Back, the rooftop restaurant at St. Regis Aruba. The elegant eatery serves top-of-the-line sushi and wagyu beef.
Wilhelmina’s culinary elegance will blow you away. From its exquisite outdoor courtyard to its extensive menu of Old World European classics expertly paired with zesty Caribbean flavors, everyone in your party will be begging for more.
What to Do:
Flamingo Beach on Renaissance Island
Rent a Bronco for off-roading at Arikok National Park
Private Boat Ride with 1 Fool and a Boat
Bottle Service VIP at Gusto Nightclub
I would love to hear your thoughts and comments on your Aruba experiences below.
Enjoy your vacation!
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If you haven't heard my Aruba anthem, you can check out my song "Aruba - C'mon Baby Let's Go" below.