Aruba Getaway
There’s two ways of visiting Aruba. If you are a ‘resort person’ stop reading.
But if, like me, you like discovering the hidden gems in every place, I got you.
This year for my birthday my boyfriend thought a trip to Aruba could be fun. It is just a 3hr flight from Miami. To get there you have to do a nasal PCR and show the negative results before you check in in Miami. And the same thing before you get back.
Once you get there you have two options. You can do the touristy thing and stay at one of the many big resorts (which I always run away from) or you can find off-track charming places like we did. We stayed at 2 different locations that were pretty close to each other. These locations tend to be in the interior but the beach is just 15 minutes away by car.
The first place was Koeri Boeri. It consist of 5 lodges with an outdoor living room and kitchen surrounded by a tropical landscape and giant cacti. It’s a nature lovers paradise. Haiko, the host, is originally from the Netherlands and lives in the property. He is always helpful, welcoming and gives really good tips about what to do around the island.
If you follow me on Instagram you know I recently opened a new account just for my house and how I am decorating it. And you’ve probably seen that I have a very specific style. When I arrived to the lodge I immediately loved it because it has the same style I love. A mix of concrete and wood, grey and brown colors and minimalistic furniture.
The outdoor living room and kitchen are the best part of the lodge specially if you love dogs because there’s one in the property that will come say hi every morning.
There’s a small hike you can do inside the property where you’ll see giant cacti. Just be careful because it’s easy to get punctured.
I totally recommend the stay in Koeri Boeri. It is peaceful, far from the tourists and it’s nice to be able to be surrounded by nature after a day at the beach.
On our first day in Aruba I confess I did an Instagram stop. We went to Renaissance island to visit the flamingos on the beach. Because I may or may have not gone to Aruba just for that one pic ;p I was actually ready to be surrounded by a bunch of other Instagramers so I wasn’t expecting a relaxing visit really. But of course, because of Covid there aren’t many tourists anywhere and the beach was pretty empty so we got to enjoy the flamingos and an awesome beach by ourselves! To get there you have to either stay at their hotel or buy a day pass. They don’t release many day passes so you have to get them as soon as you can or you won’t be able to go. They cost is $125 and it includes the boat trip to the island, lunch and one drink and of course, the beach.
I love animals and being surrounded by these flamingos while you get in the water is pretty magical. Tourists were very respectful and didn’t disturb them. They look like they like being there and I didn’t feel like I was in a zoo or I would have left immediately and I wouldn’t be encouraging people to go. Sorry in advance for the photoshoot you are about to see but we did take a ton of pics and I can’t decide which one is better.
I was so mesmerized by the flamingos that I forgot to take pics of the rest of the island so I only have a few. But the island has 2 beaches, Flamingo beach and Iguana Beach. They are not very big but you can actually do snorkel if you want or even get on a kayak.
The second day we decided to go on a hike to Arikok. It’s a national park where you’ll walk through rocks and sand dunes as you encounter breathtaking views. There are several beaches along the way but you can’t swim since they are rocky and the current there it’s too strong. You won’t come across many tourists hiking but you’ll see people doing horseback riding. I strongly suggest you hike though as the horses didn’t look too happy and looked to me like they were too skinny. It is only a 2 hour roundtrip hike so it’s pretty easy. Just remember to wear sunscreen and cover your head.
At the end of the hike you’ll get to a natural pool where you’ll be able to refresh yourself. The pool might be a bit crowded since there are excursions that take you there on a jeep. But again, it’s better if you hike. The jeeps are destroying the surrounding areas so I can’t recommend it.
Because this trip was a much needed vacation I decided not to take pics of most the restaurants I visited. However I do want to suggest here a few musts in Aruba that I loved. One of them is Barefoot, a restaurant by the beach where you guessed right you can be barefoot since it’s in the sand. It is a classy restaurant though so don’t be fooled by the fact that you can take your shoes off! Another must is Bohemian on Palm Beach. It is in the middle of a very busy touristy area but the food is amazing and the place is charming. I strongly recommend the ‘scargots’. Another great spot is Zeerovers at Savaneta. A waterfront seafood restaurant. Try to go during the week to avoid lines and do order shrimps!
The Old Man and the sea is the restaurant at Aruba Ocean Villas another off-track destination if you can afford it since it is pricey. I went there for a drink and reservations are highly recommended.
And finally, another spot I visited that I wouldn’t actually recommend is Eduardos Beach Shack. I saw a few pics on IG and I got fooled by the swing! Don’t get me wrong, the açai bowls were amazing but it is in the middle of one of those huge hotels and strips by the beach. So the area is not charming at all.
Of course, we visited many beaches. My favourite by far was Eagle beach with crystal clear calm waters and white sand. It is a big beach and it never gets crowded.
Arashi on the other hand felt a bit more touristy and crowded. I liked Baby Beach a lot more even though it is a bit far.
And finally I left the best for last. Our last night we stayed at what could be the best hidden gem in Aruba, the Aruba Airstream. Owned by Katrin, one of the best hosts you’ll ever have. The attention to detail, the fast responses and all the tips provided were unprecedented. They also have a very meticulous Covid sanitization protocol after each guest so rest assured the airstream is Covid free.
The airstream is located by a nature observation deck facing a landscape of cacti. It has a private saltwater pool that will make your stay even more luxurious and unique. There are many many birds that surround the area. One of my most favorite moments was being in the pool in the morning as you start seeing and listening to the birds.
The outdoor area is fully equipped with everything you need and more! There are plenty of lounge chairs, a bbq area, tables, yoga mats, floaties, coolers and the cherry on top… the herb garden! If you are a yogi you are going to love this deck and an early morning routine facing the cacti and exercising to the sound of the birds.
I recently bought a house with a yard and let me tell you something, I’m adding an outdoor shower ASAP. After taking a shower in the airstream’s outdoor shower there’s no way I can go back to showering indoors ever again! The space is well covered, very spacious and has lots of plants. I loved the huge rock in the middle to sit and dry. At night it is well illuminated too and since the temperature in Aruba is always warm you won’t be cold if you shower after sunset.
On the inside the airstream is really spacious, although with their outdoor area you won’t spend much time indoors. The airstream can fit 4 people since it has 2 beds. It has an indoor shower and toilet too and a kitchen. If you are planning on cooking they have everything you need when it comes to spices, sauces and cookware. There are 3 TVs: one in the living room and two more, one in each room.
Before our trip Katrin asked me what our favorite drink was and when we arrived we had a bottle of Malbec waiting for us as a well a welcome gift. She also asked me what kind of coffee and coffee machine we liked, to have it ready for our stay. When I told you at the beginning the attention to detail was outstanding I wasn’t joking. They also facilitate the delivery of fresh organic produce, eggs and bread from local farmers and bakers and they can help you book a massage on the deck.
When I thought I was done taking pictures and videos, the night arrived and the airstream, pool and bbq area lighted up. The color combination was so beautiful that I had to capture it while my boyfriend was in charge of dinner at the grill.
I made a quick video so that you could have a better view of the place but of course, there’s nothing like seeing it by yourself. So, if you need a getaway in a secluded area, far from tourists, covid and stress… Book your stay right now in this airstream. Enjoy fresh air, nature, birds, good weather and a very unique experience.
