5 Must-Have Aloe Wellness Month Experiences

We're here!  Aruba's inaugural Aloe Wellness Month has begun, and the multitude of offerings is astounding, from sunset yoga, meditation classes, and nature walks all the way to pole-dancing classes! But here's the thing—there are a few experiences, in my humble opinion that you simply can't miss. Read on to find out more about my 5 must-have Aloe Wellness Month experiences. Visit the Aloe Wellness Month page for a more information on all the activities offered.

Aloe Yourself to be Happy Experience

This experience celebrates the wellness benefits of the Aloe Vera plant, which grows naturally all over the island. The experience is hosted by Aruba Aloe, one of the oldest companies in the world making aloe-based beauty products.  For the experience, Aruba Aloe reappointed its store at the RIU Palace Antillas with creative and informative art installations as well as a gazebo in the middle. A guide will first take you through the history of Aloe Vera and its particular importance to the island of Aruba. He or she will also explain the differences between Aruba Aloe's various collections. 

Finally, your group (no more than 7) will enter the gazebo, where another guide will take you through the steps of making your very own body scrub. First, you'll be asked to identify each ingredient only using your senses of taste, smell, and touch. Then you'll combine the ingredients (including a very special Aruba Aloe product!) and mix them all into a smooth, sweet-smelling scrub, which, of course, you'll take home with you as the perfect little souvenir made by YOU in Aruba!

Location: RIU Palace Antillas Hotel in Palm Beach
Schedule: Monday - Saturday, 9 am - 9 pm, every hour
Fee: $25 per person
Register at any Aruba Aloe store on the island or Book Online.

Cas Ayo Art & Culture Experience

Exploring other cultures through dance and art opens our bodies to new ways of moving and our minds to new and interesting ideas.  This is wellness!  To cultivate this aspect of wellness, local artists Alydia Wever and Ryan Oduber welcome you into their home in the area of Ayo (the site of the spectacular Ayo Rock Formations) to join them for the Cas Ayo Art & Culture Experience. 

When you arrive, you will be treated to homemade herbal iced tea.  Then the dancing begins!  You will be given lessons in traditional Aruban dances, including the tumba and the Aruban waltz.  The lessons are just as much about creating cultural awareness as they are about freeing up the body and overcoming inhibitions.  Keep in mind; this is also a unique opportunity to work directly with Alydia Wever, who has performed extensively on both local and international stages.

After the dance lessons, you'll enjoy a local-style lunch prepared by the hosts, along with a special performance by Alydia.  The experience also includes a small presentation of Aruban art.

Location: Ayo 36J
Schedule: Monday, Wednesday & Thursday, 10 am – 12 pm
Fee: $59.95
Register by calling (+297) 593-7409 or emailing bookings@cas-ayo.com.

Elite Historical Art Class

Let your creative juices flow!  Expressing yourself through art is a great way to cultivate wellness of mind.  This wellness experience marries artistic expression and the island's history at the Fort Zoutman Historical Museum. Well-known local artists, including Vanessa Paulina, Elisa Lejuez, and Hendrik Schouten, will teach you basic sketching techniques.  You will then be asked to choose and sketch historic artifacts within the museum, ultimately transforming the sketches into your very own work of art on canvas.  Of course, you'll be able to take home your canvas as a reminder of this special wellness experience. 

Don't worry—there will be plenty of snacks to keep your energy up.  During the experience, you'll enjoy a high tea within the beautiful confines of Fort Zoutman, as well as welcome mimosas! 

Location: Zoutmanstraat 6, Oranjestad
Schedule: Every Wednesday, 9 am – 12 pm
Fee: $150 per person (includes all materials)
Register by calling (+297) 593-3201 or emailing joase-ann@museohistorico.com.

Aloe Wellness Month Spa Experiences

This list would simply not be complete without spa experiences.  From massages and body scrubs to wraps and facials, spa treatments offer wellness for the mind, body, and soul.  Fortunately for you, several of Aruba's best spas are offering spa menus featuring treatments designed specially for Aloe Wellness Month Aruba.  Many of the treatments make use of Aloe Vera, known for its exceptional nourishing and moisturizing properties.  (Aloe Vera is also an antioxidant, making it anti-aging!)  Some spas are using Aruba Aloe products, made from 100% Pure Aloe Vera Gel from Aruba as well as other fine ingredients, for their special treatments during Aloe Wellness Month. 

Please visit the Aloe Wellness Month page for participating spas and their special menus. 

Aloe Wellness Month Cooking Demonstrations

Aruba's restaurants are well-known for featuring some of the best cuisine in the Caribbean, and what would Aloe Wellness Month be without healthy meals, including some based on aloe!? (Yes, aloe has some wonderful internal health benefits: it detoxifies, supports the immune system, lowers cholesterol and blood sugar, helps with digestion, and boosts your vitamin and mineral intake.)  While the restaurants of all the hotels and resorts participating in Aloe Wellness Month are offering healthy menus and aloe-inspired dishes and beverages, a handful are also offering healthy cooking demonstrations given by top chefs.  The chefs from the following hotels and resorts will be giving demonstrations throughout June: Tierra del Sol Resort & Golf, Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino, Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa & Casino, and Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino.

For more information about wellness, visit the Aloe Wellness Month page.