Vacation Rentals in Aruba Archives

February 21, 2025February 21, 2025

Get Off the Beaten Path: Unique Things to Do in Aruba

visitor exploring caves, an unique things to do in Aruba

Aruba’s world-famous sandy beaches are a big draw for tourists. But there is much more to our island than just relaxing on the beach. We are also home to a rich history, diverse culture, a vibrant arts scene, and gorgeous landscapes. Get off the beaten path and discover several unique things to do in Aruba during your vacation. From the breathtaking caves of Arikok National Park to the vibrant murals lining the streets of San Nicolas, there is something for everyone to discover. Stay with Blue Aruba Rentals and enjoy an unparalleled guest experience from local experts who live and work in the area.

7 Unique Things to Do in Aruba

Making up nearly 20% of the island, Arikok National Park is home to several unique attractions and cultural heritage sites. Ask a ranger for a tour of Fontein Cave or Quadirikiri Cave and see rock drawings, stalagmites, and stalactites.
Also, in Arikok, you can visit the Historic Gold Mines and see the remnants of the island’s gold rush history.
If you are looking for scenic beaches away from the crowds, we recommend heading to Dos Playa Beach or Boca Prins within the National Park. The water can be quite rough here, so these beaches are best for relaxing and taking in Aruba’s natural beauty.
Spend a day in San Nicolas on the island’s southeast end and stroll the streets admiring the city’s murals. Make sure to stop for a drink at Charlie’s Bar while you’re here and support one of the island’s longest-running businesses.
One of the best ways to get off the beaten path is on a UTV vehicle. Sign up for a UTV adventure with De Palm Tours and see the best sightseeing spots on the island from the eyes of a local.
Near the California Lighthouse, the Sasarawichi Dunes are a unique place to explore on foot and take in views of Aruba’s varied landscapes.
Before cars, donkeys were the primary mode of transportation on the island. Today, many of these donkeys now reside at the Donkey Sanctuary, where you can visit, pet, cuddle, and hug one of their adorable donkeys.

Reserve Your Aruba Vacation Rental and Discover Unique Adventures

With Blue Aruba Rentals, you can rest assured that you are booking with a team with years of experience and expertise. Ask us for recommendations on more unique things to do in Aruba during your visit. With over 250 vacation rentals in Aruba, we have the perfect lodging for everyone’s needs. From downtown condos to rentals near the beach, we have you covered!

December 31, 2024January 13, 2025

Aruban Food: Signature Dishes and Food to Try in Aruba

Pastechi, a popular Aruban food in Aruba for snacking

One of the best parts of traveling to Aruba is the cuisine. Our island offers a diverse selection of food influenced by our national history, geographic location, and natural resources. This blend of cultures converges at our local restaurants, where you can find a wide variety of fresh and delicious Aruban food inspired by our Indigenous, Dutch, and African roots. To get you acquainted with the local food scene, Blue Aruba Rentals has put together a list of popular traditional foods. From the national dish, Keshi Yena, to the popular snack Pastechi, here are five Aruban specialties you won’t want to miss:

Keshi Yena

No getaway to Aruba is complete without sampling our national dish–Keshi Yena, a stuffed ball of cheese filled with chicken, tomatoes, green olives, and spices.

Where to Get Keshi Yena: Taste my Aruba , The Old Cuncu House Aruba, West Deck, Gasparito Traditional Aruban Restaurant.

Patacon

Originating in Latin America, Patacon is a delicious sandwich made with two slices of fried green plantains and filled with shredded meat, cheese, and salsa.

Where to Get Patacon: Tia Rosa Snack, Don Jacinto

Dutch Pancakes

Dutch pancakes are from—well, you guessed it–the Netherlands. These thin pancakes resemble crepes and can be made sweet or savory.

Where to Get Dutch Pancakes: The Dutch Pancakehouse, Linda’s Dutch Pancakes, Diana’s Pancakes Place.

Pastechi

Pastechi is a popular Aruban snack made from deep-fried pastries filled with cheese, meat, vegetables, and seafood.

Where to Get Pastechi: The Pastechi House, Huchada Bakery, Bright Bakery

Stobas

Stobas is a traditional Aruban stew made by marinating chunks of beef, goat, or fish in a tomato-based sauce with veggies and spices. Pair your stew with some fresh Pan Bati– an Aruban flatbread made with corn and wheat flour.

Where to Get Stobas: Papiamento, The West Deck, Cocoplum

Discover More Aruba Dining Options Near Your Vacation Rental

Discover even more Aruban food during your getaway with Blue Aruba Rentals at the restaurants near our rental properties. Stay at our Harbour House properties and enjoy a meal of Peruvian cuisine at Lima Bistro, Indonesian cuisine at NUSA Restaurant, fresh seafood at SharQys, and fine dining at Ever Restaurant.

Stay at Blue Residences and experience fine dining at the award-winning Infini Restaurant. Or choose our Oceania Residences and easily access dozens of restaurants along Eagle Beach. No matter what you are craving, dozens of restaurants are available at your fingertips!

December 5, 2024December 5, 2024

Join the Celebration: Aruba Carnival Season

People dancing during a parade during Aruba Carnival season

Escape to the Caribbean this winter with Blue Aruba Rentals and celebrate Aruba’s rich culture during Carnival Season. What began as a small street festival has evolved into a two-month celebration of Aruban culture full of parades, costumes, music, and dance. Plan your trip during January and February and join the festivities of our island’s most anticipated events. From the Jouvert Morning Pajama Party in San Nicolas to the Grand Parade in downtown Oranjestad, there are endless Carnival events to complement your winter vacation in Aruba!

Brief History of Carnival

Carnival is not a Caribbean invention; similar festivals have been celebrated throughout history, dating back to ancient Rome. Over time, Carnival evolved into a major cultural event celebrated throughout the world. Since the 1950s, Aruba has adopted this traditional festival, incorporating African and Indigenous influences. Learn more a bout the history of Carnival in Aruba before your visit!

Signature Events

With two months of Carnival celebrations, there are dozens of events to add to your vacation itinerary. Check out the full 2025 schedule and read on to discover a few of the island’s top events:

Lighting Parade: Held in downtown Oranjestad, this is one of the most popular parades of the season, featuring thousands of tiny lights on costumes, road pieces, and floats.
Children’s Parade: The largest children’s parade of Carnival, held in downtown Oranjestad.
Jouvert Morning Pajama Party: Late-night revelers abound in San Nicolas for the annual street party that continues through sunrise!
Grand Carnival Parade: The carnival season ends with a Grand Parade, starting in San Nicolas and continuing into Oranjestad.
Grand Carnival Parade in Oranjestad: The biggest celebration of the season, featuring music, floats, costumes, and decorations.

Lodging for Aruba Carnival Season

Join the celebration and book your stay with Blue Aruba Rentals during the Aruba Carnival season. We offer luxury condo rentals at some of the best complexes on the island, near the Carnival celebrations in Oranjestad and Noord. From our Harbour House properties in downtown Aruba to our beachfront properties in Oceania, Blue, and Azure Beach Residences, we have lodging for everyone’s needs. Book with us today and experience the excitement of Carnival!

April 15, 2024May 16, 2024

Where to Witness a Dazzling Aruba Sunset on Vacation

After a day of island adventures, we invite you to watch a breathtaking Aruba sunset. As the leading vacation rental company on the island, Blue Aruba Rentals is here to give you insight into the island’s best sunset spots. Witness the sun dip below the horizon from your Eagle Beach condo rental, the California Lighthouse, on a luxurious sail, or from a beachfront restaurant. Check the sunset time during your visit and read on to uncover the best vantage points on the island:

Aruba Sunset Cruises

Witness the Aruba sunset from the water with one of these boat cruises or sailing experiences:

Sign up for a Sunset Cruise with Pelican Adventures and sail along Aruba on a luxurious custom-built catamaran. All trips include an unlimited open bar, tropical cocktails, snacks, and music. Pair your cruise with a three-course dinner at Pelican Nest Seafood Grill.
If you visit with kids, Jolly Pirates Sailing offers the perfect outing for the entire family. Reserve the Sunset Pirate Ship Sail Cruise and enjoy scenic sunset views and fun pirate-themed activities.
Discover the ultimate romantic evening on the water with Octopus Catamaran Happy Hour Sunset Sail. Kick back in the luxury lounge seats and enjoy a scenic sunset sail in the Palm Beach area.

California Lighthouse

California Lighthouse is one of the top places to watch an Aruba sunset, offering 360-degree views of the island. Climb to the top of the lighthouse at sunset and witness the sun descend into the Caribbean Sea, backdropped by beaches and coral shorelines.

Watch the Sunset from an Aruba Restaurant

Aruba’s beachfront restaurants offer the perfect setting to unwind and watch the sunset. Book your reservation around sunset time and enjoy a delicious meal as you watch the sky transform into a canvas of gold, orange, and pink. Just imagine watching the sunset from one of these beachfront eateries while sipping on tropical cocktails, feasting on fresh seafood, and feeling the sea breeze in your hair:

Watch an Aruba Sunset from Your Condo Rental

Book your getaway with Blue Aruba Rentals and witness Aruba sunsets from your condo rental at Blue Residences, Azure Beach Residences, and Oceania Residences. These condos are steps away from Eagle Beach so that you can watch the sunset from the sand or your balcony overlooking the beach. We also offer Harbour House properties overlooking the Oranjestad Marina with a fantastic sundeck offering 360-degree views. Book your Aruba condo rental with us today!