Culinary Adventures in Aruba

Located in the Southern Caribbean Sea, outside of the hurricane belt and just miles from the coast of Venezuela, is the beautiful, happy little island of Aruba.

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PHOTOS BY CHRIS MILITZER

Travel is a touchy word these days and for good reason. Times have changed and we need to be careful and take care of ourselves and all of our neighbors, so if you go, please follow all proper safety measures or just keep these travel ideas in your head until we are all ready to come together again!

Located in the Southern Caribbean Sea, outside of the hurricane belt and just miles from the coast of Venezuela, is the beautiful, happy little island of Aruba. Trade winds keep the temperatures in the 80s year 'round, and the dry air means you'll see a lot more cactus than you'd expect in this tropical oasis.

Aruba Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino

With almost 400 rooms, a 24 hour casino, swim up bar in a huge meandering pool with waterfall, adults only pool for when you need some quiet, and delicious dining options on property, you might be inclined to plant your flag here and never leave during your visit. 

This is a fantastic place to stay, with some of the largest rooms and suites available on the island, and calm waters and soft sand for relaxing.  Grab a palapa (shaded hut) on the beach for waterfront beverage service and enjoy the blue green waters while you forget about the rest of the world at home looking like that cartoon dog meme, flames surrounding him saying “This is fine!”, at least for a little while. 

There are several oceanfront dining options including Waves Beach Bar & Grill, and the unbelievable experience of fine dining on the beach at Atardi.  Also, be sure to try the smokey old fashioned in the lobby bar.  The show itself is worth the price!

Atardi

A pop up restaurant on the sand that is a mix of fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere.  Perfect date night spot, with a water view complete with sunsets to share, and an excellent seafood forward menu.  This really is a dining moment you should experience, with the beach, warm ocean air, exquisite menu (with many gluten free options) and someone special.

Goshen

While many throw around the terms sustainable and farm to table these days, this is an experience that leaves little doubt about where your food came from.  Goshen Farm is a beautiful country estate, filled with cacti, great views, villas, and a working farm where you can actually learn to cook your own meal with the items harvested there.

This was a highlight of the trip for me, talking with the always friendly people around the farm and then preparing my own meal after learning about the unique island vegetation.  All of the ingredients are laid out and instructions given for the preparation, with fireside cooking done by the table while you enjoy yet another unreal sunset view.  Even I was able to make something that was not only photo worthy, but I would actually eat again!

Screaming Eagle

OK, we are looking for adventure here so keep your minds open. Screaming Eagle is a unique dining environment where you actually eat dinner in bed. 

An outstanding menu is filled with seafood and changing often for whatever is fresh and available, with other options including pork belly, rack of lamb and even a bone in pork shank.  In fact, consuming that pork shank while dining in bed might be all the adventure some folks require!  Choose your dining companion carefully, and be moderately careful.

Snorkel Cruise

After all the eating, you have to get out and swim some of it off.  We have to

keep that core in shape, and what better way than to head out into that crystal clear water for a snorkeling adventure?  With Red Sail Aruba, a large luxurious catamaran takes you on a cruise across that beautiful turquoise water for several snorkeling stops along the way, including over a WWII wreckage, something that is not an everyday sight. 

All equipment is provided, including the full open bar for when your core has had enough exercise for the day.  Don’t feel like snorkeling? Stay onboard in one of the sunning nets to relax, or have a few cocktails and use the slide out back to exit the boat in a most enjoyable fashion.  Rinse and repeat as necessary, and yes, I did repeat.

If you feel like you haven’t left the house since last March, and need to stretch your legs a bit to find some adventure, these are definitely a safer option when all precautions are followed. 

The Aruba Marriott Resort is even offering a workation package currently, including wifi, ocean view room, couples massage on the beach, and yoga class for when the stress from your daily meetings is too much and you need a release.  Sounds like paradise to me.

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