Finally… vacation, beaches, sunshine and bikinis…the only spot to visit would be: Aruba! The St Tropez for Americans, this Dutch luxury island is most famous for the world’s beautiful white sand beaches! Though there is more for you to do than only bronze your lazy booty…;-) Bars, clubs, restaurants and beach venues? As you might expect from us, we’ve selected only the best.

Day 1

The first thing you do when you arrive at Aruba International Airport is take off those clothes!! For sure this place is HOT(93 degrees Fahrenheit or 33 degrees Celsius and always a gentle breeze)!. OK put on those shades, drop your bags at the only boutique-style hotel on the island, The Renaissance Aruba (L.G. Smith Blvd 82) and chill out on the beach, you will need some relaxation before we hit the road! We’ll have dinner at the best steakhouse on the island, namely the slick, trendy L.G. Smith’s Steak and Chop House conveniently located at the Renaissance Hotel. Impressive interior design, luxurious leather sofa’s and blue illumination is not all that L.G. Smith’s has to offer: mouthwatering Certified Angus Beef is served here as well! While many enjoy chilled glasses of wine here, we preferred to combine our porterhouse steak with sublime mojito’ s

After dinner we’ll move on to our next stop in downtown Oranjestad: Cilo (Renaissance Marketplace). This laid back “CIty LOunge” offers fine drinks mixed together by our favorite bartender Tim! Have a seat at the bar, you might want to challenge Tim for some shots (we’ve made multiple attemps to deny the impact of his slammers but until now we lost every single time). Not sure what to order? Ask for some TicTacs!

We know by now you feel your intoxicated blood running through your veins HAHA, yes!! While we are in the middle of downtown, move quickly to the most touristy bar of the city called Mambo Jambo (L. G. Smith Blvd 94). We never knew how to dance the salsa but somehow we managed to do it here on the rhythmic reins

Have a quick beer and a laugh before continue to the strip of discotheques (Weststraat) right across from Mambo Jambo! Any of these bars will make you do perfectly stupid moves on the dance floor, or if you’re stupid enough on stage in front of the crowd…be careful on those hand grenade drinks!

Everything closed? Tried your luck at every single door but everybody denied your sorry soul? We know just one last shabby place that serves you that last drink…any night of the week: take a taxi to Lekker (noord), no questions please.

Day 2

Hangover? Pussy! Hang out on the beach again in the morning, we will start the evening with something delightful though unusual: Jolly Pirates (between Marriott an Holiday Inn). This boat trip is truly fantastic! Dive between colored fish, chill out on the boat while the wind is blowing in the sails and, what else would you expect from us?, open bar!! Haha. Be careful though…too many Bacardi & Cokes gives a uncanny feeling while snorkeling After this pleasurable experience have a shower in your hotel before we have dinner at …Screaming Eagle (Eagle Beach)! This upscale venue looks truly fantastic with separate dining area’s and an intimate lounge area. Make sure to have the Lobster bisque as appetizer and enjoy your coffee & kahlua in the lounge area after dinner!

We hope that you’re ready for the next stop after Screaming Eagle: tonight we’ll visit the high rise area: start off at the Sopranos (Arawak Garden) and sing along with piano players while enjoying your favorite drink (This time we chose Henessy XO and a fine cuban cigar) !

After your Frank-Sinatra-act, cross the street and have a beer (or jagerbomb) at Rembrandt (Palm Beach Plaza) and then take a taxi to 080 (Noord)! This un-touristy place is invented by Jaap who knows what you like! Beer and “bitterballen”! Hang out in the garden and mingle with the locals while enjoying the unconventional, low profile atmosphere.

Are you ready to dance a little bit by now? Allright! 2 options: 1. Chino Latino (The Village) spins original Latin mixes combined with hip house music 2. Mr Jazz (Paseo Herencia) offers classy jazz bands, overpriced drinks and elite visitors…Goodnight!

Day 3

Worn out? Need a vacation? Not yet: have lunch at Bugaloe (De Palm Pier) where you will have great setting on a pier overlooking the caribbean sea. Order some quesadillas combined with an Amstel Bright (light caribbean beer) and you can be sure of service with a smile from the cheeky Hawaiian shirt-clad bartenders and waiters.

Continue to Pure Beach (between Eagle & Palm Beach) and chill out on comfortable beach-lounge-chairs and take it easy before happy hour starts. We love to visit this beach venue for its sophisticated atmosphere and perfectly chilled Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc.

We leave the dinner options open, Marandi, Madame Jeanette or Que Pasa? are some of the many great options. 1 thing is certain: it’s Sunday and tonight you want to be on the beach in comfortable clothing. Make sure to be at Moomba Beach (between Marriott an Holiday Inn) around 9pm and party anonymously at this tropical venue. Right on the beach, no questions asked. Cocktail? Aruba Ariba!