There’s so much to do on the One Happy Island of Aruba. But being on a tropical island also means that you want to spend plenty of time doing nothing at all, soaking up the sun on a beach chair. So, how do you balance it all? We asked two of our staff members how they would spend one perfect day on Aruba. Copy these 2 itineraries, and fill the rest of your trip with pool and beach relaxation, and we’d say that’s one happy vacation!
Katie’s Ideal Day on Aruba
7:00 AM
The sun rises on Aruba around 6:30 AM every day. Wake up to birds chirping and the sun already shining. Make a coffee in your suite, or head over to the Coffee Corner at Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort for an iced mocha and a pastry.
8:00 AM
Get dressed and walk over to the beachfront fitness center for a quick sweat – because nothing gets your heart pumping like endless ocean views! Or, challenge your travel crew to a friendly pickleball or tennis match before the day heats up.
9:30 AM
Grab a taxi for a quick drive to Aruba’s famous Butterfly Farm. Dress in your brightest colors – you’ll attract plenty of butterfly friends!
11:30 AM
Walk along the high-rise district, stopping at shops, grabbing a frozen drink, or pulling up a beach chair to soak up Palm Beach for a bit.
12:30 PM
Grab a hearty lunch and cold beer from Wave Shack pizzeria at Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort. With poolside seating and ocean views, it’s hard not to linger a little longer than planned.
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Head onto the beach for a Jolly Pirates snorkel sail. Enjoy open bar on the boat, tasty snacks, great music, and of course, some stunning views above and below the water! It’s truly an ideal way to spend an Aruba afternoon.
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Grab a taxi back to your room to unwind and freshen up. Pro tip: grab a cold Balashi beer from the lobby store and catch the sunset from your balcony.
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Prime time for dinner on the sand. Pull up a seat at pureocean Restaurant under twinkling lights, savor artful seafood dishes, and toast to island life with a fantastic wine list.
Julia’s Ideal Day on Aruba
7:30 AM
Rise and shine! Ease into the day with coffee on your balcony and warm Aruba sunshine already streaming in. Catch views of the pool or beach, and catch up on your beach read.
8:30 AM
Breakfast at Seabreeze. Load up your plate with comforting classics like scrambled eggs and bacon, but save room for Aruban specialties like a cheese-stuffed Pastechi or buttery, doughy Johnny Cakes.
10:00 AM
Head over to The Links at Divi Aruba Golf Course for a relaxed 9-hole round, or spend some time at the driving range and practice facilities working on your swing with gorgeous island views all around.
12:30 PM
Hail a cab – it’s time for a long, lazy lunch at purebeach Restaurant on Palm Beach. Order the frozen mango margarita, settle into an oceanfront chair, and fully lean into vacation mode.
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Trade beach time for a little pampering with a spa appointment at Pure Indulgence Spa. A relaxing massage, fresh pedicure, or facial will have you leaving feeling totally brand new.
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
End the evening with a signature Aruba sunset and laid-back dinner at Beach Bar. Good food, ocean breezes, and fun music makes this the kind of place that vacations are made for.