For many travelers, a vacation is more than just an escape from the day-to-day hustle of life back home, it’s a chance to reconnect with yourself, find balance, and get a mental and physical reboot. One of the reasons Aruba is known as the One Happy Island is that we are a destination where wellness comes naturally against a backdrop of stunning beaches and diverse landscapes. Notably, last month UNESCO designated the entirety of Aruba as a Biosphere Reserve, recognizing the island’s commitment to integrating biodiversity conservation, cultural heritage, and sustainable development.
Wellness starts with a good night’s sleep, which is exactly what you can expect when you book your stay at one of the many rental homes hosted by Vacation Aruba.
All our beaches are public and free, and since most visitors come to Aruba for some beach time, the island’s most accessible wellness activity starts there. Long stretches of beaches with cool, powdery-soft sands skirting impossibly turquoise seas are a dream for morning and sunset walks, or simply slowing down and soaking up that glorious sunshine or enjoying a restful afternoon nap under the shade of swaying palms.
Beyond the beach, here are some of Aruba’s top wellness experiences to consider for your next Aruba vacation.
Hiking, Biking, & Horseback Riding Through the Countryside
Jeep safaris and UTV/ATV tours are popular for exploring Aruba’s countryside, but for a wellness experience that brings you closer to nature, consider non-motorized exploration. The island’s desert-like terrain of cactus and boulder-studded landscapes has miles of trails for exploration.
A hike through Arikok National Park, a protected area encompassing nearly 20% of the island’s geography, offers a developed trail system where Aruba’s living heritage unfolds, including towering cacti, unique desert-adapted plants, and over 30 endemic species. Not only is this a great place to connect with nature, exploring this area is one of the best things for families to experience together.
Adrenaline seekers looking for a wellness adventure should consider biking along nearly 30 miles of mountain biking trails that were sustainably forged with nature. Aruba’s landscapes are ideal for this sport, with breathtaking coastal trails and hilly countryside terrain to explore.
Horseback riding tours also forge a quiet connection with nature, with the clipity-clop of Pasofino horses providing the rhythm to Mother Nature’s soundtrack as you meander through the countryside and quiet local neighborhoods.
Vacation Aruba’s Concierge team can assist with booking group or private hiking, biking and horseback tours.
Yoga & Meditation
There’s something special about practicing yoga or meditation outdoors. There are dozens of yoga disciplines practiced on the island, including Hatha, Pranayama, Yin/Yang, Flow, Tao, as well as various meditation styles. Enjoy daily sunrise and sunset yoga classes or special events like full moon yoga, all offered in inspiring outdoor settings. If you prefer a traditional setting, there are several yoga studios on the island.
Experience yoga in a truly unique island way with SUP Yoga. This practice takes yoga to the calm, shallow waters at Fisherman’s Huts/Sarah Quita Beach. Participants perform basic yoga poses on a standup paddle board; if you fall, you’re rewarded with a refreshing plunge into the water that’s just waist-deep.
The Vacation Aruba Concierge team can help book the right yoga class for you, and can even arrange a private yoga session or guided meditation in the privacy of your vacation rental.
Spa Indulgences
For many vacationers, being pampered in a spa is the ultimate way to unwind and let go of the daily stresses back home.Aruba offers the spa-goer a variety of day spas to choose from, each uniquely reflecting the spirit of the island, whether offering quaint open-air beach cabanas or state-of-the-art treatment suites.
Aruba’s spas offer world-class spa amenities in an oasis of understated luxury, with therapists and technicians seasoned in the art of relaxation and rejuvenation. Inspired by nature, several spas offer signature treatments that feature some of nature’s healing ingredients, with some even sourced locally.
Allow our knowledgeable Concierge team to find the perfect spa and treatments curated just for you, or take the spa-experience to next-level indulgence with a private massage in the comfort of your vacation rental.
Bird Watching
Birding is a naturally grounding and calming activity, with just a few minutes of this leisure activity reducing cortisol levels, decreasing blood pressure, and helping you stay present in the moment. The island has more than 270 recorded bird species—many are here year-round, while others include Aruba in their migratory route, stopping here to rest and refuel.
In fact, ten of the world’s 16 species of terns rely on Aruba as a breeding ground.
Visitors can access the Bubali Plas Bird Sanctuary—with a bird-watching tower overlooking marsh areas—located near the high-rise hotel area of Palm Beach. Other notable areas to observe a variety of bird species include:
- Arikok National Park
- Spaans Lagoon
- Tierra del Sol
- and the Arashi/California Lighthouse areas.
Wellness Starts with Vacation Aruba
Make your overall Aruba vacation experience a journey in wellness. This starts with where to stay in Aruba. Vacation Aruba, with nearly 400 unique rental properties to choose from, has the island’s largest portfolio. There’s nothing like escaping the hustle and bustle in your own private oasis, whether it’s a dreamy seaside villa, a hidden gem tucked away in nature, or a quiet local neighborhood.
Start your wellness journey with us.
