Our Aruba Trip Recap: Where We Stayed, Ate, and What We Did
Aruba is one of those destinations that truly lives up to the hype! Aruba gave us beautiful beaches, great food, solid nightlife, and the kind of weather that makes you instantly relax. We recently visited Aruba and wanted to share a full recap of where we stayed, where we ate, and what we did, along with a few planning tips we wish more people knew before going.
Where We Stayed:
Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort
Our stay at the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba was a highlight of the trip. The lobby is beautiful and welcoming, but what really sets this property apart is that this hotel has its own private island.
A boat picks you up directly from the hotel lobby...YES! INSIDE THE LOBBY! ...and takes you to and from Renaissance’s private island every 15 minutes, which makes getting there incredibly easy and flexible.
Understanding the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Properties
One thing we wish more people knew before booking is that Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort is actually made up of multiple properties, each offering a different experience. Knowing the differences can really help you choose the best fit for your trip.
Here’s how it breaks down:
-
Adults-Only Property (Where we Stayed)
This is ideal for couples looking for a quieter, more relaxed stay. The adults-only property also has an on-site casino, making it a great option if you want evening entertainment without leaving the hotel. -
Family-Oriented Property (within walking distance of Adults-Only Property)
This side is more lively and is located along a strip of restaurants and shops, which made it very convenient for dining and exploring on foot. There is also a stand-alone casino located right next to this property, so you still have easy access to nightlife and gaming if that’s something you enjoy. -
Renaissance Villas
For travelers looking for more space or a longer stay, the villas offer a more residential-style experience while still providing access to the Renaissance amenities.
Planning tip:
All properties share access to the private island, but choosing the right location can make a big difference in how relaxed or lively your stay feels.
Good to know:
- Be sure to be a Marriott Bonvoy member if you stay here. It can make a difference with perks and upgrades.
- The private island includes an adults-only side and a family side, both with stunning views and plenty of wildlife.
- The convenience of hopping on a boat straight from the lobby is unmatched.
Dining Worth Trying While in Aruba
Flying Fishbone
Overall rating: 9/10
Flying Fishbone is a true Aruba experience. It’s a beachside restaurant where the dining patio is partially submerged, so your feet are literally in the water while you eat. Shoes off, toes in the sand, and fish and crabs swimming right by. It’s a whole vibe.
We even saw snorkelers checking out the marine life and kayakers passing us by while we were dining.
What we ordered:
- Appetizers: calamari fritti, escargots de bourgogne, shrimp
- Entrées: fish of the day (snapper), roasted lamb rack, surf & turf, seafood pasta
The food was excellent and the setting made it unforgettable.
Catch Aruba
Overall rating: 10/10
Catch Aruba was hands down one of our favorite dining experiences on the trip. From the service to the food, and on to the entertainment, EVERYTHING WAS ON POINT!
Chris, our waiter, was amazing, and the restaurant had live entertainment—including an aerial dancer who put on an incredible show. They even had a pianist play “Happy Birthday” for our birthday guest of honor, which made the night feel extra special.
What we ordered:
- Appetizers: calamari, brie toast, Caesar salad, caviar pillows
- Entrées: surf & turf, garlic shrimp linguine, whole fried fish of the day (grouper)
We also fell in love with their Madame Hot Delight hot sauce and ended up buying some to bring home, highly recommend if you’re a hot sauce fan.
Another Popular Stop: O'Neill's Caribbean Kitchen
Overall rating: 5/10
O’Neill’s is a well-known Caribbean restaurant in Aruba and came highly recommended, so we decided to check it out.
What we ordered:
- Jerk chicken
- Jerk chicken & pork
- Curry chicken
- Curry goat
- Escargot
- Chicken soup
The flavors were solid, and it’s definitely a popular spot for a reason, but compared to some of our other dining experiences on the island, it didn’t stand out as much for us.
Good to know before you go:
Reservations are recommended. We arrived without one, but the staff was very accommodating and able to find us a sea. If O’Neill’s is on your must-try list, make a reservation ahead of time to avoid waiting—but if you don’t have one, it’s still worth stopping by to ask.
What We Did in Aruba
Nightlife
- Fat Tuesday's – fun, casual drinks
- South Beach Aruba – great nightlife energy and vibes
Beach Day at Flamingo Island (Private Island)
One of the biggest perks of staying at the Renaissance is access to Flamingo Island, their private island.
Tips everyone should know:
- Boats run every 15 minutes from the hotel lobby
- Rent a cabana if you can, especially if you don’t plan to arrive early
- The cabanas book fast! We booked prior to arriving and all of the cabanas on the adults-only side were booked. However, we were able to snag one on the family side
- There were tons of iguanas and flamingos, which made for great photos and videos
- Bring cash or quarters to exchange for coins at the gift shop to feed the flamingos
The beach chairs filled up quickly, so planning ahead made the experience much smoother.
Excursions
-
Aruba Atlantis Submarine Tour — such a unique way to explore Aruba underwater. Check out our Viator Experiences page for our Aruba (and other destinations) suggestions.
Other Things We Loved
- Taking photos at the I Love Aruba sign
- Pool day at the hotel (perfect for a slower pace day)
- Renting a car, which gave us flexibility to explore the island on our own schedule
Unexpected Bonus: Catching Carnival in Aruba
One of the dopest surprises during our stay was catching the first day of the Carnival parade while we were there. The parade route ran right along the main street in front of our hotel, so we had front-row access without even planning for it.
While the parade did temporarily shut down the street for travel, it was honestly such a fun experience to witness. The music, costumes, and energy were incredible, and it felt special seeing a major cultural event happen literally right outside our hotel.
Planning tip:
If you’re traveling during Carnival season, be prepared for street closures and adjusted travel times; but also know that staying near the parade route can turn into an unforgettable experience.
Final Thoughts
Aruba is perfect if you’re looking for a trip that balances relaxation, great food, and flexibility. Staying somewhere like the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort makes planning easier thanks to the private island access, while renting a car and booking a few experiences gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
If you’re planning an Aruba trip and want help putting together a flexible itinerary, excursions, or hotel recommendations, that’s exactly what we do at Umbrella Travels.