Island Adventures
Our Itineraries:
Set along the powder-fine sands of Aruba’s Palm Beach, The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba ideally situates travelers near all sorts of exciting island excursions. Explore the national park full of colorful wildlife, caves and natural pools. Hike up to Hooiberg, a volcanic formation big enough to be seen across the island and surrounded by a sea of green. And after each adventure, unwind with a delectably prepared meal, plush accommodations, and all the other comforts that come with a stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba.
Day
1
MORNING
- ENJOY A MORNING IN THE SUN.
Wake up early, pick up a premium coffee drink from Ritual Coffee Culture located adjacent to The Shops on the lobby level of The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba, and enjoy the breeze and waves crashing from the plush comforts of a luxury cabana on the beach.
MIDDAY
- OFF THE BEATEN PATH.
Ask the concierge to arrange a safari tour. The guides will lead you to a number of gorgeous natural sites, including a charming lighthouse, the scenic countryside and excellent snorkeling locations.
AFTERNOON
- VISIT A BEAUTIFUL OLD CHAPEL.
Among the most picturesque scenes on Aruba, the bright yellow Alto Vista Chapel sits on a hill close to the northern coastline. Explore the bright blue sanctuary, walk through a meditation labyrinth and stop for photos.
EVENING
- DINNER UNDER THE STARS.
Dinner on the beach prepared by one of the chefs at The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba is an elegant affair. Revel in world-class cuisine as you dine under the stars with the Caribbean Sea as your backdrop. The chef will customize a delicious menu to suit different tastes.
Day
2
MORNING
- WAKE UP TO SOME OF THE ISLAND’S BEST PASTRIES.
Popular among locals, Bright Bakery makes a variety of pastries, many with Dutch origins. Sample fried dough with ground beef kroket, the famous empanada-like pastechis and Aruban sweets like cashew nut cake.
MIDDAY
- DINE ON THE SHORES OF THE NATIONAL PARK.
After a morning of exploring, cool off with a cold drink and simple fare like grilled grouper sandwiches at the open-air Boca Prins restaurant. You can watch and hear the waves crashing while you eat.
AFTERNOON
- TREASURE HUNT.
In the 1400s, explorers sailed through the Caribbean in search of gold, eventually discovering the bounty that sat on Aruba’s northern coast. Today, visitors to Arikok National Park can walk through the crumbling remains of the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins.
EVENING
- LITTLE ITALY.
At Casa Nonna New York, guests can enjoy an evening of Italian fare and handcrafted homemade pasta made with the finest seasonal ingredients.
Day
3
MORNING
- DIVE TO A SHIPWRECK.
Once a trade vessel that transported goods between Germany and Aruba, the SS Antilla, now sits off the coast of Aruba. Plan a diving excursion to the shipwreck, the largest in the Caribbean, and spot the coral formations, lobsters and anemones that cover the site.
- EXPLORE SPECTACULAR SCENERY.
About one-fifth of the island is designated national park lands; Arikok National Park, on the craggy easy coast of Aruba is the most majestic. Along with stunning coastal views, you’ll find a variety of natural wonders to explore, in addition to the iconic Alto Vista Chapel and the California Lighthouse.
MIDDAY
- BEACH PICNIC BASKET
Whether at the beach or while exploring the island, enjoy a beach picnic lunch infused with your picnic favorites including a cheese and charcuterie board, healthy wraps, fruit and champagne in a Ritz-Carlton picnic basket.
AFTERNOON
- RELAX WITH A NATIVE REMEDY.
Aloe is grown year-round on the island. Take advantage of its healing properties by booking a ‘Misterio di Aloe’ body treatment at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Aruba. The restorative treatment will renew your skin for another day of exploring in the sun.
EVENING
- TASTE TRADITIONAL CUISINE.
Aruban cuisine is a mix of Spanish, Dutch and Caribbean influences, which you can experience firsthand at the Old Cunucu House. Try traditional conch stews with garlic, lobster tail with traditional cream sauces, and keshi yena, a local gouda and chicken dish baked with onions, olives and cashews.