Aruba Holiday Shopping Guide

Gift bags on the beach with a starfish: Aruba shopping

The holiday season is the perfect time to experience Aruba’s warm white sandy beaches, tropical charm, and festive events. It’s also the perfect opportunity to find gifts from your holiday shopping list. Attend one of our holiday markets in December and embrace the festive cheer while shopping from dozens of local vendors. Or head to one of our boutiques and support our community by purchasing locally made candles, art, jewelry, and souvenirs. Book your stay with Blue Aruba Rentals and find unique gifts for your loved ones in the Caribbean: 

Holiday Markets

December is the most festive time of the year in Aruba. Visit one of our holiday markets and get in the Christmas spirit while shopping for unique gifts:

  • Shop for organic gifts in an open-air setting at the Cadushi Festival
  • Head to Aruba Made for the exclusive Christmas Shopping Nights in December, featuring arts, crafts, food, and drinks all made in Aruba!
  • Visit Hilton Caribbean Resort and find handmade gifts, souvenirs, arts, and crafts at their annual Christmas market.

Local Art Shopping

Purchase a piece of locally made Aruba art this holiday season from these shops:

  • Head to The Atelier for authentic Aruban paintings, jewelry, pottery, and candles from nine local artists. 
  • Visit My Gallery Aruba at the Renaissance Marketplace and shop for handmade art from 13 local artists.
  • Visit The Mask, discover the ancient practices of Mopa Mopa art, and purchase a one-of-a-kind mask. 

Souvenirs and Specialty Stores

Bring back a piece of Aruba for your loved ones at one of these souvenir shops:

  • Shop for locally grown and freshly processed aloe products at Royal Aruba Aloe Store.
  • Head to Coconuts and purchase clothing from Biba Dushi, a local brand sold exclusively at Coconuts, selling t-shirts, flip-flops, and caps. 
  • Find exquisite jewelry during your stay and purchase sea glass jewelry inspired by the shores of Aruba at Gloria Filiciana.
  • If you are staying at Harbour House, we recommend checking out the shops on the boardwalk. Visit Bula Surfshop for beach and surfing gear and Tangerine Aruba for handcrafted canvas bags and accessories.
  • Find clothing from your favorite fashion brands and designers at Renaissance Mall in Oranjestad.

Book an Aruba Holiday Getaway Today 

Book with Blue Aruba Rentals and stay near the island’s best shopping areas this holiday season. Find unique gifts and embrace the season’s splendor with Christmas festivals, lights, food, and live music. Find the perfect lodging for your stay with our collection of over 200 vacation rentals, ranging from studio condos to five-bedroom luxury villas. Enjoy all the comforts of home and take advantage of resort amenities like pools, tennis courts, fitness centers, and beach access. Book your Aruba holiday getaway today!

Aruba Bike Rentals, Trails, and Tours

Bike rental at the beach on the island of Aruba

Aruba isn’t just about postcard-perfect beaches and scenic vistas; it’s also earned the title of the Caribbean’s best cycling destination. Thanks to our compact size, flat terrain, and easily accessible trails, Aruba sets the stage for an unforgettable biking getaway. Whether you are a cycling enthusiast or are just looking for an easy way to get around the island, biking is the perfect addition to your stay. Explore on your own with an Aruba bike rental, or enlist the help of a local tour guide to find the best route for your skill level. From mountain biking through Arikok National Park to road cycling to the area’s best shops, beaches, and restaurants, there is a biking experience for everyone in Aruba!

Biking in Aruba

If you are interested in exploring the island on your own, we recommend reserving a bike rental in Aruba. Use the map from Tri-Bike to plan your route for mountain biking, gravel biking, or road cycling. Here are a few of the most popular trails to explore on your own:

Bike Rentals and Tours in Aruba

Reserve your bike rental or set out for a guided tour with these local outfitters:

Tri-Bike Aruba

Rentals: Run by Olympic cyclist and three-time Hawaii Ironman finisher Gert van Vliet, the team at Tri-Bike Aruba has everything you need for an epic cycling adventure. Reserve a bike rental and choose from recreational beach cruisers, aluminum hardtail mountain bikes, electric mountain bikes, race road bikes, or electric city bikes. All bike rentals come with a helmet, lock, clip-on pedals, and flat pack. 

Tours: Tri-Bike offers customizable beginner, intermediate, and expert tours based on your preferences. 

E-Bike Aruba

Rentals: Travel around with ease on an electric bike rental with E-Bike Aruba. Browse their e-bike models, such as Ariel rides, juiced rip racers, or juiced cross current, and find the best option for your adventure. Call 297-563-6468 to reserve an e-bike and have it delivered to your vacation rental.

Tours: Head out with their guides on the intermediate Island Adventure Offroad Tour. This tour will take you past Eagle Beach, to local shops for refreshments, a swim at Malmok Beach, and the Ayo Rock Formations.

Aruba Active Vacations

Rentals: Head to Aruba Active Vacations for Cannondale, Giant, and Marin mountain bike rentals. Or reserve one of their mountain e-bikes and cover more ground with less effort. 

Tours: Book their mountain bike tour and cycle along the coast past the California Lighthouse, Alto Vista Chapel, and beautiful beaches. 

Evikes in Aruba

Reserve Evikes in Aruba and get around the island on a smart electric scooter or bike. Download the Bird app, use the map to find your closest scooter, scan the QR code, and get ready to ride!

Explore Aruba on Wheels with Blue Aruba Rentals

Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or a casual rider, Aruba is the perfect place to explore on wheels. Plan your biking adventure with Blue Aruba Rentals and stay in one of our vacation rentals in the complexes of Oceania, Blue, Azure Beach Residences, and Harbour House.  With our local expertise and top-notch properties, we ensure you have a home away from home to relax and recharge after your biking adventures.

Plan a Wellness Retreat: Aruba Massages and Spas

People doing yoga in Aruba at and Aruba massage and spa center

Are you looking for the perfect vacation destination where you can slow down, relax, and focus on your overall wellness? Then look no further than Aruba, a Caribbean paradise, where crystal clear water and white sand beaches are waiting to be discovered! Embark on a transformative wellness retreat with the help of Blue Aruba Rentals, and access wellness activities steps from your vacation rental. Whether you are looking for a revitalizing Aruba massage, yoga on the beach, or healthy cusine, you can find it all here!

Blue Aruba Rentals Wellness Activities

Start your wellness journey without leaving the comfort of the condominium complexes. Stay in our Blue and Azure Beach Residences and enjoy access to our Blue Oxygen Spa & Salon. Sign up for treatments like massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, waxing services, and hair care services. Please contact our concierge desk to make an appointment!

Discover more Wellness Activities

In addition to our Blue Oxygen Spa, we offer an impressive menu of wellness activities at our Blue and Azure Beach Residences, including:

  • Fitness centers with the latest workout equipment
  • Scheduled wellness activities on the property, such as yoga
  • Beach tennis courts and complimentary tennis clinics for guests
  • Paddleboard tours and paddle fitness
  • Restaurants serving healthy cuisine with options for Vegan, Keto, and Gluten-free diets

We also offer Oceania Residences with amenities like fitness centers, pools, and tennis courts for your wellness retreat. Finally, our Harbour House Properties put you in the heart of downtown, offering the perfect blend of island relaxation and the exhilaration of urban living. 

Aruba Massage & Spa Options

Head outside the resort to discover even more Aruba massage and spa options, such as:

  • Spa del Sol: This day spa on Eagle Beach offers an idyllic setting for massages, facials, and body treatments. 
  • Blue Waters Day Spa: Another full-service spa in the Eagle Beach area, Blue Waters offers therapeutic massages, facials, body treatments, waxing, manicure, and pedicure services. 
  • Mandara Spa: This spa offers a 6,500-square-foot sanctuary, offering 12 treatment rooms, private couples rooms, a relaxation lounge, and a full-service salon. 
  • Aruba Floating Massage: If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind massage, this floating massage experience is for you! 

Plan a Wellness Retreat with Blue Aruba Rentals

Plan the ultimate wellness retreat in the Caribbean with Blue Aruba Rentals. From revitalizing Aruba massages to state-of-the-art fitness centers, we have something for everyone. Browse our collection of Aruba vacation rentals and book your Caribbean getaway today!

Downtown Aruba: Dining, Shopping, & Nightlife

Photo of four people enjoying drinks in downtown Aruba

Summer is in full swing, and if you are looking for a destination full of beach days, exceptional dining, and exciting nightlife, look no further than Aruba! With its vibrant atmosphere and dynamic offerings, downtown Aruba is the perfect place to host your travels. Stay close to the action with Blue Aruba Rentals in our Harbour House properties overlooking the Oranjestad Marina downtown. 

Whether you want to indulge in our diverse culinary scene or dance the night away at a nightclub, downtown Aruba is an ideal destination for young and adventurous travelers!

Things to Do in Downtown Aruba for Young Travelers

Downtown Aruba, also known as Oranjestad, is a lively place to enjoy shopping, dining, and nightlife. Find the best Harbour House property for your group and access downtown attractions steps from your Aruba vacation rental!

Stop at Lunch Restaurants in Downtown Aruba

Start your afternoon with a delicious lunch! Aruban cuisine showcases a fusion of Caribbean, Dutch, Latin America, and international flavors, resulting in a unique gastronomic experience. Here are a few of our favorite lunch eateries:

Indulge in Delectable Dinners Downtown

Enjoy dinner from the convenience of Harbour House at the on-site restaurant’s Lima Bistro or Evers Restaurant! Head downtown to find even more exceptional dinner restaurants, such as:

Shopping Experiences in Aruba

Aruba is the shopping hub of the Caribbean, offering an impressive selection of international brand-name products at a fraction of the price! Start your shopping spree at Renaissance Mall, a renowned luxury shopping destination with designer stores like Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Gucci.

If you want to support locally-owned businesses during your getaway, we recommend shopping at Aruba Made. This new shopping destination offers a blend of food halls, art, and local elements. This is the perfect destination to find a unique souvenir while enjoying local food and drinks!

Party After Sunset with Aruba Nightlife

The fun continues in Aruba well after the sun sets, offering an abundance of bars, nightclubs, and casinos downtown. Whether you want to sip on martinis in a luxury lounge or try your luck at the casino, there is something for everyone!

Stay at Our Downtown Aruba Vacation Rentals

Young travelers will love everything downtown Aruba offers, from exceptional dining to fun nightlife activities. Blue Aruba Rentals Harbour House is the ideal place to host your getaway and elevate your downtown experience. We offer over 50 condos within Harbour House, ranging from studio to four-bedroom rentals. 

Take advantage of amenities like the fitness center, concierge services, infinity pool overlooking Oranjestad Marina, oceanfront hot tub, 24-hour security, and high-speed internet. Start planning your Aruba getaway today, and please reach out to us at info@bluearuba.com for more information!

Spend Memorial Day in Aruba: Soul Beach Music Festival & Hi-Winds

Photo of events, Aruba Soul Beach Music Festival and Hi Winds

Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer, and there’s no better place to kick off the season than the World’s Happiest Island! Every Memorial Day weekend, Aruba is the place for fun in the sun with music festivals, beach parties, cookouts, and kitesurfing competitions. Choose Blue Aruba Rentals to host your island getaway and stay within walking distance of the Aruba Soul Beach Music Festival!

Aruba Soul Beach Music Festival

The 2023 Soul Beach Music Festival returns May 24th-29th, offering five days of live music, beach parties, comedy shows, and pool parties! Stay with Blue Aruba Rentals in our Harbour House property and walk to the festival down the road. Voted as one of the “Top Five Caribbean Celebrations by USA TODAY,” this event is not to be missed!

Schedule of Events

The Aruba Soul Beach Music Festival kicks off on Wednesday, the 24th, with live music, beach parties, comedy shows, and more!

  • Live Radio Remote Broadcasts
  • Day Parties at Palm Beach
  • Comedy concerts with hilarious comedians like Tiffany Haddish and Deon Cole
  • Main stage concerts with famous musicians like The Roots, Jill Scott, Anthony Hamilton, and Lucky Daye
  • Nightclub Parties
  • Memorial Day “Cool Down” BBQ

Aruba Hi-Winds

Aruba Hi-Winds returns for the 35th year from May 17th through the 22nd for five days of kitesurfing, windsurfing, and biking. This is the largest watersport event of its kind in the Caribbean, attracting surfers from around the world!

Schedule of Events

The Aruba Hi-Winds begins on Wednesday the 24th at Fisherman’s Hut. You can expect all sorts of competitions and activities, such as: 

  • Long-distance races for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and wingfoil
  • Kids races
  • Big air kitesurfing 
  • Mountain bike races
  • Windsurfing, kitesurfing, and wingfoil slaloms
  • Sailboat races
  • Live entertainment
  • Prize ceremony

Aruba Luxury Vacation Rentals 

Start planning your Memorial Day weekend getaway, and join us for the Aruba Soul Beach Music Festival and Hi-Winds! Blue Aruba Rentals offers the perfect lodging overlooking beautiful Eagle Beach or Oranjestad Marina, just a short distance away from these popular events. Our Harbour House properties range from studio to three-bedroom options to host groups of all sizes. If Harbour House doesn’t meet your needs, browse our condos at Blue, Azure Beach, and Oceania Residences. 

Explore the Island: Aruba Horseback Riding Tours

Photo of people horseback riding in Aruba at the beach

There are many ways to explore the magic of Aruba, from fast-pasted ATV adventures to relaxing horseback riding excursions. Horseback riding in Aruba is one of our favorite ways to explore the island. Several ranches offer trips to natural wonders like National Park Arikok, Sand Dunes, and Natural Pools. And the best part? You don’t need any prior experience; our horses are well-trained for beginners who want to see the island from a new perspective.

Blue Aruba Rentals offers the ideal base camp for your travels, with our condos located near beautiful Eagle Beach. Read on to learn more about horseback riding options on the island and embark on an adventure of a lifetime!

The Gold Mine Ranch Aruba

The Gold Mine Ranch offers regular and private rides for all ages and experience levels. 

Rancho La Ponderosa

Discover Wariruri Beach with a smaller group with additional instruction for riders. Explore the unspoiled beauty of the North Coast with a two-hour morning or afternoon excursion. Or sign up for one of their private tours for an exclusive experience.

Rancho Loco

Experience horseback riding in Aruba at Rancho Loco in Santa Cruz. They offer public and private Natural Pool Tours that take you to Moro Beach and the Natural Pool. Once you reach the pool, you will stop to enjoy a refreshing swim. They also offer a sunset tour to Arikok Park, where you can witness a picturesque panoramic sunset from the hilltop.  

Rancho Notorious 

Rancho Notorious offers several tour options designed for small groups that take you places other tour operators do not provide. Their countryside tour is excellent for kids, with exciting animal sightings like donkeys and parakeets. They also offer trips where you can visit the famous Alto Vista Chapel, Urirama Cove, and the California Lighthouse

Aruba Vacation Rentals near Eagle Beach

After horseback riding in Aruba, return to your luxury vacation condo with Blue Aruba Rentals. We offer three condo complexes, including Blue Residences, Azure Beach Residences, and Oceania Residences, in addition to Harbour House. Take advantage of amenities like pools, fitness rooms, spas, beach tennis, and award-winning restaurants. Plan your vacation to our beautiful Caribbean island today!