Aruba may be best known for its beautiful beaches and perfect weather, but venture off the sand and you’re sure to be amazed by an incredible set of new and exciting things to do. Relax and unwind with this itinerary on One Happy Island!
Visit Historic Gold Mines
Now known as Aruba, a colorful history of gold prospectors has shaped the island’s history, dating back to the 1400’s and 1500’s, when adventurers searched the Caribbean for wealth and treasures.
Arikok National Park houses the remains of historic gold mines at Miralamar. In addition there are two gold mills on island. On the northern coast sits the abandoned Bushiribana gold mill that once processed ore from mines in the nearby hills during Aruba’s gold rush of the 19th century.
The second site, the Balashi Gold Mill, was built at the tip of the Spanish Lagoon. Remnants of this once bustling mill are still visible in the picturesque setting near the narrow canyon of rocks known as Frenchman’s Pass.
Fun fact: In 1824, gold was finally discovered in Aruba, and eventually, the industry produced more than 3 million pounds of gold.
Swim at Mangel Halto Beach Aruba
Go out on adventure and discover Mangel Halto, offering some of Aruba’s best snorkeling, kayaking and paddle boarding. This secluded beach is a perfect sunning and snorkeling spot in Aruba with calm, shallow waters rich in sea life supported by an intriguing network of mangroves. Sun bathers that like a quiet beach and their privacy tend to go here. The public beach huts and shaded areas are also perfect for a beach picnic or to watch Aruba’s sunset. The area offers a sand beach, a wooden sun deck, and access through the mangroves for open water kayaking and SUP boarding.
Mangel Halto Beach also serves as an excellent shore diving site in Aruba. It is possible to walk out to the edge of the reef to behold such fish as parrot fish, yellowtail snapper, sergeant majors and blue tangs as well as deep water gorgonians, sponges and anemones. The reef plunges to depths of 110’ where octopi, morays and barracuda abound.
Massage at Okeanos Spa
For a singular experience like no other, have your massage or specially designed treatment at the inspirational Spa Cove on Renaissance Island, offering a beautiful setting in secluded serenity. Okeanos Spa offers a multitude of signature treatments and massages to revive and rejuvenate. A fully equipped, 24/7 state-of-the-art fitness center is also on hand, as well as Brushes, our cutting-edge hair salon and a stylish nail salon for pedicures and manicures. Choose from a bountiful menu of island-inspired treatments, including aloe-based treatments, drawn from Aruban aloe. Always looking to go above and beyond guest expectations, packages are designed with the Aruban visitor in mind. Couples packages, bridal and honeymoon packages as well as personal pampering packages are created to suite every guests needs. The well-rounded menu provides the Aruban visitor exceptional skin care, exotic body treatments and packages created specifically for you.
Shop at Renaissance Mall Aruba
As a renowned luxury shopping destination and a favorite playground for fashionistas and socialites, the Renaissance Mall is the only shopping complex in the Caribbean with high end retailers under one roof. This fashion destination is a must go when visiting the island of Aruba. Customers can peruse through a variety of women’s and men’s apparel, footwear, eyewear, perfumes, cosmetics and jewelry. The Renaissance Mall includes Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Carolina Herrera, Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Chopard, David Yurman and Cartier. Open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
You can fly direct to Aruba aboard United Airlines from NYC/ Newark ( EWR ), Chicago ( ORD ), Houston ( IAH ) and Washington Dulles (IAD). To book your flight, click here.
