How to Plan a Romantic Honeymoon in Aruba

A couple in yellow bathing suits sitting on a private, white-sand beach in front of clear blue water in Aruba, a romantic honeymoon destination. — fokkebok / Getty Images

In This Article

“One happy island” might be a corny tagline, but Aruba’s tourism department isn’t lying about this characterization. Situated 20 miles off the coast of South America, the island is outside the “hurricane belt” that pummels the rest of the Caribbean so mercilessly with bad storms. In fact, Aruba’s weather remains almost monotonously perfect year-round. Consistent trade winds cool things off even on the hottest days, and clouds are less likely to produce rain than provide colorful, postcard-perfect sunsets.

Technically part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and what’s known as the “Dutch Caribbean,” its popularity is understandable. Travel consultant Nancy Redman points out, “Arubans are incredibly friendly—they really want you to enjoy your vacation and their island. The service is consistently outstanding, whether at a bar, on a dock jutting out into the Caribbean, or at an upscale restaurant,” she says. In short, “Bon Bini!” (or “Welcome!” in the local dialect) isn’t just something you’ll find spelled out in chocolate on the welcome treat in your honeymoon suite. It’s a way of life on this remarkably hospitable slice of paradise.

Meet the Expert

Nancy Redman is a Luxury Travel Adviser for High Access Travel, a Virtuoso Agency located in Morganville, New Jersey. For nearly thirty years, she’s pursued her passion for planning flawless getaways, and her expertise in Aruba has taken her there repeatedly. “You’ll be amazed by how many people come back to Aruba again and again and again," she says.

Colorful buildings in Oranjestad in Aruba, a romantic honeymoon destination — dbvirago / Getty Images

Planning Your Aruba Honeymoon

Worrying about the weather might not be an issue, but figuring out what you want to do when you get there most certainly is. First, you should decide whether you’d prefer to stay in one of the hotels clustered along Palm Beach—the livelier, more densely populated area with beach bars, nightclubs, and gambling. (Not for nothing is the island known as the “Las Vegas of the Caribbean.”) Meanwhile, mellow Eagle Beach has more of a boutique atmosphere. Once you’ve settled on that, you can start making reservations for the myriad of activities, ranging from all-day sailing excursions or a hike in a magnificent national park, to sipping champagne poolside or being pampered in a spa.

Language: Dutch is the official language, but the most commonly spoken is a Spanish/Portuguese-based creole called Papiamento. “Danki,” which means “thanks,” is about all you’ll need to remember, though, because the huge number of North American tourists means that nearly everyone speaks English.
Currency: The Aruban florin is the legal tender, but dollars are accepted almost everywhere. We suggest withdrawing a small amount of florins from an ATM and keeping denominations appropriate for tipping on hand, but you can pay with a credit card for almost everything else.
When to Go: Besides its dependable climate, one of Aruba’s advantages as a honeymoon destination is that the best time to go coincides with wedding season in the U.S.: From April to August, prices are lower than the high season of January to March.
How Long to Spend: Given its accessibility, you can stay as few as four days, but given the array of diversions, you still won’t be able to do and see everything in two weeks.
Getting There: Direct flights to Queen Beatrix International Airport leave from Boston, New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Miami, and other major U.S. travel hubs, and part of the beauty of an Aruba honeymoon is the ease of getting there. “Arrival is easy. Customs is fast and hotels are about a 30-minute taxi ride from the airport,” says Redman, “but my main tip for honeymooners in Aruba is you must arrive at the airport for your return flight a good two and a half hours before departure because you need to clear both Aruban and U.S. customs and security. I’ve never had any trouble. It just takes time.”
Must-Pack: Everything you would expect for a beach vacation: Sunscreen, swimwear, sandals, hat, comfortable walking shoes, casual clothes for the day, and “island chic” outfits for the night. Despite it being one of the driest islands in the Caribbean, mosquitos can be a problem, so bring repellent.

Where to Stay During Your Aruba Honeymoon

The options are literally dizzying when it comes to hotels, which run the gamut from all-inclusive beachfront palaces to intimate boutique hotels tucked into the palm trees. A good rule of thumb, however, is that the properties arrayed along Palm Beach are more of a scene, whereas those along more isolated stretches like Druif Beach tend to be quieter and more subdued.

Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, Eagle Beach

The Caribbean’s first and only certified carbon-neutral resort, this property takes sustainability and eco-tourism seriously, with numerous green initiatives like no single-use plastics. There’s an additional emphasis on wellness, so you can feel virtuous while indulging at this luxurious, adults-only property, with its pristine beach, a sumptuous spa, and a “romance concierge” to arrange those perfect honeymoon touches.

The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach

“One of my favorite hotels is the Ritz-Carlton,” says Redman. “It’s at the North end of Palm Beach [meaning it’s near all the action but a bit quieter] and has romantic balconies for early morning coffee (or private sunset viewing), along with a beautiful gym, restaurants, and casino. For active honeymooners, it’s a short walk to some of the best kiteboarding and windsurfing in the world.”

The Hyatt-Regency, Palm Beach

“The Hyatt Regency is another favorite,” Redman says. “It’s located in the center of the ‘High-Rise Hotels’ section, right across the street from dozens of outstanding restaurants and nightlife venues. It also has beautiful pools, a spa, and dining, with palapas for daytime shade (as most Aruban hotels offer). A quick walk brings honeymooners to Carlitos, an on-the-beach bar that will remind brides and grooms of their favorite haunts in college, and daily you’ll find wedding parties toasting each other.”

Riu Palace, Palm Beach

Resembling a grand 1920s hotel, this all-inclusive Moorish-art-deco palace features a central pool complex, pub, multiple dining options that run from steakhouse to Japanese fusion, and a prime beachfront location. Water sports, volleyball, live music, and an on-site disco mean there’s never a dull moment, and a French patisserie, ice-cream parlor, and swim-up bar keep everything sweet.

Tierra del Sol Golf Resort, Caya di Sero

Luxurious condos and villas offer privacy and freedom, many with swimming pools. The Robert Trent Jones golf course offers 18 holes that have been compared by Golf Digest to playing in Scotland, Arizona, and the Caribbean at the same time. And the location near Palm Beach (without being on it) offers seclusion with the ability to shop, dine, gamble, or bar-hop within minutes. The best of both worlds.

Divi Aruba and Tamarijn Aruba, Eagle Beach

An all-inclusive two-for-one, because guests at either hotel can take advantage of amenities at both, which are located side by side on the stretch of Eagle Beach called Druif. What that amounts to is ten restaurants, eight bars, four swimming pools, and every watersport you’ve ever heard of, without ever having to bother with a check. After all, isn’t the whole point of a honeymoon to take a break from reality?

Woman scuba diving in clear blue ocean water off the coast of Aruba — Ascent/PKS Media Inc. / Getty Images

Things to Do During Your Aruba Honeymoon

According to Redman, “Aruba is notoriously windy. That makes riding a bike tough, but it also keeps things cool. Activities abound—casinos, kiteboarding, snorkeling, scuba diving, and trips in four-wheel drives. My husband and I have enjoyed at least two 'jewelry quests' at the many stores for fine gems.”

Arikok National Park and the Ayo and Casibari rock formations will thrill naturalists, while the twelve casinos will thrill high rollers. (The Alhambra alone boasts over 20 restaurants and shops, as well as a spa and salon.) Whether you want to go horseback riding on the beach or be propelled through the air by water jets attached to the soles of your feet, there’s something to entertain everyone and a stroll around the ice-cream-colored capital of Oranjestad is like walking through a fairytale with shopping opportunities.

Can’t Miss Experience: Redman advises: “Don’t miss long walks along the beach. And just before sundown, find your perfect ‘Honeymoon in Aruba’ photo spot. Don’t forget to bring a bottle of wine!”

Where to Eat During Your Aruba Honeymoon

Redman’s favorite restaurants are casual and within walking distance of the larger hotels. “One great toes-in-the-sand place is Moomba Beach Bar. Nearby, and a bit dressier, is the Sea Breeze Restaurant and Bar. Finally, Hostaria da Vittorio is one of our favorites. We love the pizzas, pasta, and especially prosecco at their friendly bar.”

Number eight on a list of the “World’s 21 Best Beach Bars” is the Flying Fishbone in the little bustling fishing town of Savaneta, while Fusion Aruba lives up to its name by combining a steakhouse, tapas place, and piano bar.

Budgeting for an Aruba Honeymoon

Because of its enormous popularity with American tourists, there are always deals to be found on both airfare and accommodations. Resorts range from $200 to over $1,000, but this varies greatly depending on the season—as does airfare. But keep in mind that, as with many Caribbean destinations, booking ahead can save you hundreds of dollars. Finally, be sure to factor in the temptation of duty-free shopping and some extra cash for the casinos.

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