Is there anything more romantic than an island getaway? I think not! I am definitely a wannabe island girl, and as such, my husband graciously agreed to spend every wedding anniversary on an island with me. This year, it was Aruba! We’re not the dinner and candles type of couple, nor are we the never-leave-the-resort couple. We can find romance in making memories together, whether that’s hiking up a mountain or reading silently together on a beach. That said, Aruba made it easy to find romantic things to do! Here are the best things to do to make your Aruba trip the romantic getaway it should be.

Spring for a Nice Hotel

I know, this is the priciest part of travel. But for something romantic, you typically do get what you pay for. Look for a hotel with robes and slippers in your room, a beautiful view, something special and resort-y onsite, a good location, with a secluded feel, etc. We loved our stay at the Renaissance Wind Creek Hotel (the one with Flamingo Beach!), but Aruba offers many special, romantic properties. This is the time to skip an Air BnB or VRBO–if you and your honey have to do laundry and clean the house, it’s not a romantic place to stay! Even if you have to cut a day from your original travel plan, it’s worth it to have a truly luxurious hotel for the time you’re there. We actually cut our planned vacation from 7 to 5 days just to stay at the Renaissance Wind Creek, and we don’t regret it!

Sneak Peek: What It’s Like to Stay at the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort

Get Reservations

Not every night, and not for everything. Planning every minute of your trip can quickly become stressful and overwhelming, and maybe even annoying to your romantic traveling companion! That said, making the effort to get reservations shows that you put some consideration into this trip, and you want to make sure the both of you get to do something you really want to do. Some ideas include a day pass to Flamingo Beach, private dinner at the California Lighthouse, dinner at the famed Driftwood Restaurant (where the owner catches the fresh fish daily), or the unique “feet in the water” dining experience at Flying Fishbone. We missed out on the feet in the water, but our meal that last night at the Flying Fishbone was worth every cent, ever calorie, and every second of the drive to get there (about 15 minutes).

Keep reading: Where to Eat on Aruba

Go Animal

Aruba is home to many, many, many animal experiences! Flamingo Beach is perhaps the most famous, but did you know there is also an Ostrich farm, Donkey Sanctuary, and a Butterfly Farm, among others? It’s true! If your romantic travel companion is an animal lover, you will definitely want to put some, or all, of these experiences on your list. If you’re looking for a way to get an animal lover in the mood, this is the way, my friend.

More here: Where to Have Fun with Animals on Aruba

Schedule in a Beach Day

Some people love the beach, some people just like to look at it, and some people don’t like the beach at all. If you or your romantic interest are one of the first two, you need to schedule a day exclusively to enjoy Aruba’s famous, beautiful beaches! This tiny island is home to some of the best beaches in the world, so feel free to pick one, or go beach hopping all day long and see how many you can visit in a day. Just don’t forget the sunscreen!

Don’t miss this: Your Ultimate Guide to Flamingo Beach on Aruba

Go on an Adventure

Aruba can be as laid-back or as high-energy as you want it to be! If beaching isn’t really your thing, try your hand at parasailing, off-road yourselves on UTVs or ATVs, go horseback riding, or hike up Hooiberg Mountain! Explore the ruins of two gold mills, find petroglyphs inside caves, or explore the sea in a kayak built for two. Prefer to be under the sea? Aruba is home to some of the most amazing snorkeling and diving in the Caribbean, including shipwrecks, plane wrecks, and, of course, coral and fish of many colors. Whatever your preference, this is an ideal place to do something you love, or to try something new together.

Also helpful: Your Ultimate Guide to Traveling on Aruba

Spread the Love with Aloe

Aloe has many uses, and Aruba proudly produces the best in the world. Take a (FREE) tour of the Aloe Factory and Museum just outside of Oranjestad, and pick out a couple of products to enjoy back at the hotel, or at home. You can find anything from lotion to body scrubs, and from bath salts to hand a foot creams. Forgot your sunscreen? You can get some here. Or if it’s too late, they have after sun lotions as well–which, could be romantic in the right context!

More here: Your Ultimate Packing Guide to Aruba

Catch the Sunset

Wherever my husband and I are in the world, we love sunrises and sunsets! Aruba’s most famous sunset spot is at Eagle Beach, on the far west side of the island. You might be joining a large crowd, but if you love an iconic sunset, it might just be worth it. For something a little less crowded, take it in at the California Lighthouse, atop Hooiberg Mountain, or find your own, secluded spot to enjoy the last rays of the day.

Read on: What to Know Before You Visit the Caribbean

Treat Her (or both of you) to a Spa Experience

Sometimes you need a little help to relax before you can really let go and enjoy yourself. This could be the perfect opportunity for a couples massage on the beach, a facial, or other treatment to truly indulge yourselves. Or, if you’re like my husband, you have some “you time” while your loved one goes for a spa day–your treat! Almost any treatment you receive will include Aruba’s famous aloe in the mix, so it will be a soothing experience whether you’re recovering from travel or just looking to relax and feel pampered.

Keep reading: How to Practice Self Care on Travel

Renew Your Vows

This is a fun one, but it requires a bit of planning and the right timing! Aruba is home to the largest vow renewal ceremony in the world. If you have a milestone anniversary coming up, it’s worth timing your trip to get in on the ceremony here. It takes place in August every year since 2019, right on Eagle Beach at sunset. Click here for all the details and to plan your own vow renewal (even if your anniversary doesn’t fall in August) at this very sweet ceremony!

Also inspiring: Where to Travel According to Your Love Language

Want more? Get everything you need to plan your tropical adventure on my dedicated Aruba Page!

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