My 3 Days In Paradise: How I Did Solo-Travel, Aruba Style!

The crystal-clear water, the perfect mid-80’s weather, and the fresh food all contribute to my perpetual visits, but most unique of all is the Aruban people.

The island is nicknamed “One Happy Island,” and for good reason; Arubans are truly one of the happiest, most easy-going, and friendliest people I’ve ever had the pleasure of spending time with. The blend of over 90 nationalities that distinguishes the food, energy, and language (Papiamento) of Aruba is what makes the island so distinct, and so very special.

Here’s a look at  my lovely three-day solo trip on this perfect little island:

Day 1: Arrival

After a quick taxi ride from the airport, I arrived at the brand-new St. Regis hotel on Palm Beach. The property is lush, modern, homey, and luxurious all at once.

After gulping down some fresh watermelon juice in the lobby and checking into my penthouse (!) room, I found myself beach-side at the yummy Nuba restaurant, one of the main eateries on the property. This began my three-day love affair with the juicy al pastor tacos and was the perfect start to my trip.

After a few hours of sunny r&r at the beach, which included a cheeky guava margarita, it was time for dinner. Another quick taxi ride, and I found myself at the Papiamento Restaurant. Situated in the backyard of a historic home, surrounded by greenery and with a beautifully tiled swimming pool in its center, the dining area was truly unlike any I’d been to prior.

Papiamento is known for its grilled meats, brought to you on a hot stone-grill, so that’s exactly what I got; a juicy steak with some potatoes au-gratin and veg. It was all scrumptious and was the perfect ending to a picturesque first day.

Day 2: Relaxed To The Max

I woke up around eight and ordered an iced latte and chocolate croissant (the ones from the on-property café are to die for) to the room, which I enjoyed on my balcony overlooking Palm Beach. I threw on some comfy clothes and headed to my massage at the St. Regis Spa.

The spa was perfectly Zen and the type of place I could spend an entire day enjoying (they encourage you to explore the cold pools, saunas, and steam rooms) but alas, I left to enjoy my pool-side cabana.

The cabana was the ultimate relaxation zone: it’s a huge bed that feels like a California King, lined with adjustable curtains and topped with plush pillows and towels. I enjoyed a fruit plate, more Nuba tacos and guava margs, as day two turned to evening.

For dinner, I ate at the lovely Willhelmina Restaurant. I sat outside again, this time in a low-lit garden, surrounded by vibrant greenery and plants. I enjoyed a succulent ‘lady steak’ for my main and finished things off with the decadent chocolate lava cake. This restaurant blew me away and was the best I’ve been to in Aruba!

Day 3: Sailing Off Into The Sunset

To start my final day in paradise, I had a great breakfast from the buffet at Nuba: some eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, and toast. Oh, and of course, don’t forget the iced latte! All the food at the hotel was top-quality, from the baked goods and fresh fruits to the savory meals.

I spent another morning reading and swimming in the ocean and then decided to walk down Palm Beach for a healthy lunch. Walking down the beach is perfect for people-watching and a bit of exercise, and is one of my favorite things to do in Aruba. I grabbed an acai bowl from Eduardo’s Beach Shack, a beachside shack that offers wraps, smoothies, salads, poke bowls, you name it, and then headed back to my sliver of beach for more relaxation.

Before dusk, I attended a Bloody Mary mixing class at the hotel bar. Did you know that the Bloody Mary was invented at the St. Regis hotel in New York City in the early 1900’s? I didn’t, and was fascinated to learn that each St. Regis property makes its own, distinct Bloody Mary drink based on the regional delicacies in which it’s located. The Aruban version was made with a bit of papaya hot sauce unique to the island and was wonderful. I highly recommend attending this class if you’re staying at the property.

For my final evening, I was treated to a stunning sunset catamaran. We sailed down Palm Beach to a quiet, colorful cove, where I sipped drinks and watched dusk turn to evening. Watching the sun go down as I reflected on my Aruba trip was the perfect way to wrap up my time on the One Happy Island.

By the time I got back to the room, I was thoroughly sunned and exhausted and decided to order room service. The steak frites hit the spot and before I knew it, I was drifting off to sleep for the last time on this dreamy trip.

I didn’t think traveling to Aruba could be any more fun and relaxing, but this trip to the St. Regis proved me wrong. Incredible service, lovely food, tropical weather, and a stunning new property made my trip here so special; one that I won’t forget anytime soon.

So, goodbye to the happiest of islands; I won’t be gone long!