I landed in Aruba with an open mind and an empty stomach — always a dangerous combination. As a food writer traveling with the Aruba Tourism Authority, I’d come to get a feel for the island’s dining scene, something I knew surprisingly little about despite my other Caribbean adventures. It didn’t take long for Aruba to surprise me.
With more than 100 nationalities represented, Aruba’s culinary landscape is vibrant, global, and far more sophisticated than I’d imagined. Chef’s table evenings, private dinners on secluded stretches of sand, and world-class bars effortlessly blend the island’s heritage with cosmopolitan refinement. If you’re planning a romantic escape for Valentine’s Day — or honestly, any day — these are the experiences I’d recommend for a tantalizing taste of paradise.
Chef’s Table Experiences
My favorite way to understand a place is by sitting close to the action, and Infini delivered that experience in spades. I took my place at the nine-seat counter and watched as Chef Urvin Croes’ team crafted a 12-course menu that unfolded like a storybook of Aruba’s past. The early bites honored the indigenous Arawak people; later courses wove in flavors inspired by West African, Chinese, and Indian communities that have shaped the island.
Each chef stepped forward to explain their dish, turning the meal into a guided journey. I left feeling like I’d tasted the island’s history and learned a little something, too.
Private Dinners
Romance in Aruba doesn’t require much. Just give the island a sliver of sunset, and it does the rest. At The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba, I experienced a private dinner set directly on the beach. Soft light, a custom multi-course menu, and the hush of the waves made it feel like time slowed down just for me.
But my most unforgettable evening was at Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort, thanks to its exclusive access to Renaissance Island. After a short water taxi ride, I stepped onto a private paradise where flamingos wander as if they own the place. Here, couples can arrange wedding ceremonies, vow renewals, or picture-perfect candlelit dinners tucked beside the shoreline.
Then there was the lunch I’ll be dreaming about for years: a private meal prepared by Chef Xavi Jaramillo of The Xperience. His Caribbean-fusion menu was vibrant and soulful, but it was his coconut rice that stopped me mid-bite. I would fly back to Aruba for that dish alone.
Secret Speakeasies
To keep the night going, I wandered over to Apotek Speakeasy, a spot that feels like stepping into a glamorous old-world apothecary. I grabbed a “prescription” card from the wall and handed it to the bartender, who mixed up their signature take on an Aruba Ariba with doctorial precision.
By the time I left, I was already plotting my next trip back, because once you’ve tasted Aruba, it’s impossible not to return for seconds.
Romance in Aruba really doesn’t require much. Just give the island a sliver of sunset, and it does the rest.