Short of returning to paradise, I can’t think of a better way to endure another deep freeze in New York than reminiscing about our family trip to Aruba last summer. With its deep blue skies, crystal clear waters, and perfectly predictable temps, Aruba is one of those islands that beckons your return and never lets you down. Come see why we always find our way back to the beautiful island of Aruba.

Retuning to Our Favorite Resort

Figuring out where to stay in Aruba is easy. The Hyatt Regency Resort & Casino is our go-to spot on the island. Ideally situated on Palm Beach, a two-mile strip located on the northern coast, this stylishly modern resort features a host of amenities, making it the perfect choice for a memorable family getaway.

From the moment you step inside its stunning and expansive lobby, you’re greeted with breathtaking views and a warm welcome. The grounds are pristine and absolutely gorgeous, and the rooms are clean, cozy, and spacious enough for a family of four. But rest assured, you won’t be spending much time there anyway!

Enjoying Family Fun in the Sun

What I truly love about the Hyatt Resort & Casino is that there’s something for everyone. Most days, after we enjoyed a delicious breakfast at the hotel’s beachside grill, the kids headed straight for the pool area with its gigantic waterslide and jacuzzi, while me and the misters made our way to the white, sandy beaches where we relaxed under a palmed palapa, dipped in the ocean, had an early morning cocktail, and planned our day’s activities.

There’s so much to enjoy right at your fingertips, from beach yoga to painting with local artists or mixing cocktails in a beachside mixology class. And suppose you’re feeling a bit more adventurous. In that case, there are plenty of watersports and boating activities you can sign up for right on the beach, such as an exciting catamaran ride we took that included ocean diving and snorkeling to magical coral reefs and underground ruins. You can also charter a boat to sail the night away on a romantic sunset cruise.

Exploring the Island

Beyond the resort, the island is teeming with opportunities for exploration and discovery from horseback riding along the beach to UTV rides on rocky coastlands to an actual island safari. Despite the lure of excitement, this go round we were more inclined to rest and relax beachside so we ventured to one of the island’s most beautiful attractions, Eagle Beach. Rated one of the best beaches in the world and just minutes from our hotel, Eagle Beach is the widest beach in Aruba with soft white sands, turquoise waters, and home to the famous wind-blown fofoti trees.

While enjoying the serene landscape of Eagle Beach, you can’t miss the renowned Coco Loco Beach Bar & Grill where cruise ships in the Port of Oranjestad are known to dock so guests can enjoy the warm waters, tasty wings, and Aruba’s favorite hometown beers.

Visiting the Capital

Spending the day in Oranjestad, the vibrant capital city of Aruba, is another must. Rich in history and filled with an array of colorful Dutch colonial buildings, flea markets, upscale shops, and landmarks, this bustling city on the harbor is a delightful place to explore. As you wander through the streets, a fusion of cultures reflected in the local cuisine, music, and art will greet you at every turn. We also made a point of browsing the local markets for unique souvenirs and handcrafted treasures to commemorate our return visit.

Dining on the Strip

After sunbathing, sightseeing, and some serious shopping, we returned to our hotel to walk just a stone’s throw away to some of the most exquisite restaurants on the Palm Beach strip. I couldn’t believe how many more restaurants lined the streets since our last visit over five years ago. But the one thing that didn’t change is the unbelievable dining experience each restaurant offered.

As you can imagine, most menus featured fresh seafood caught earlier that day, most notably succulent lobster tail, grilled shrimp, mahi-mahi, and grouper. While it was nice to see more international cuisine on the strip with anything from Indian to Italian, I happily enjoyed local Aruban cuisine and a steady diet of perfectly roasted chicken and juicy lobster from Chicken & Lobster, my new favorite restaurant on the strip.

Enjoying the Nightlife

And just as I remembered, a stroll through the center of town after dinner means you’re likely to happen upon a live performance at the Paseo Herencia Shopping Mall & Entertainment Center. Drawing locals and visitors alike, the nightly shows feature anything from violin performances to acrobatic routines to a lively cultural show—and all for free. The vibrant music, colorful costumes, and upbeat atmosphere create an unforgettable experience, allowing everyone to immerse themselves in the island’s traditions and passion for celebration.

Remembering My Most Memorable Moments

Whether you enjoy thrilling adventures at sea, exploring the island’s rich history, basking in the sun, or dining at one of its fabulous restaurants, Aruba has something for everyone and promises not to disappoint.

But for me, what will always be among my most memorable moments on the island—the ones that keep me coming back for more, are the early morning views of the ocean from my hotel balcony, the deep blue skies from underneath my strawed palapa, the humble hummingbird that never failed to visit me, and the spectacular sunsets that made me grateful for the close of another day in paradise.

In Aruba, the possibilities are endless, the beauty is enduring, and the memories last a lifetime—until next time.