San Nicolas, Aruba, Journey Information

Once I first set foot in Aruba, I wasn’t fairly certain what to anticipate. I knew the island had an amazing repute, that the sand could be powder-soft and the waters shimmery turquoise, however I hadn’t anticipated uncovering its cultural core, or feeling such a powerful private connection.

Aruba has lengthy been a vacation spot for sunseekers seeking a serene island escape, however past its pristine seashores lies a spot crammed with vibrant tradition, delicacies, and avenue artwork. San Nicolas is a mirrored image of the island’s wealthy heritage, influenced by the generations of Afro-Caribbean and South American immigrants who name it residence. As somebody of Caribbean descent (my mom is from Trinidad, my father is Puerto Rican), I instantly felt at residence among the many melting pot that defines this a part of the island.

A strong story lies within the colourful streets of San Nicolas. The island’s second-largest metropolis—identified for its previous as a thriving port and industrial hub throughout Aruba’s oil growth, and later because the island’s crimson mild district—is now on the epicenter of a cultural revival. At present, locals like Tito Bolivar, founding father of the ArtWeek Aruba and Aruba Artwork Truthful, are getting down to not solely reclaim what the town as soon as was, but additionally rework it right into a celebration of Aruban tradition. “San Nicolas was once probably the most essential locations in Aruba, nevertheless it’s turn out to be a forgotten metropolis. I wished to deliver mild, artwork, and tradition again,” mentioned Bolivar. “I began with the Aruba Artwork Truthful, which features a program the place artists paint murals in San Nicolas. The aim was to rebrand San Nicolas because the ‘avenue artwork capital’ of the Caribbean.”

Each avenue, with partitions adorned in gorgeous murals, tells a narrative. Tales of the various industrial revolutions the tiny island has undergone, of the cultural mosaic that makes up its individuals, and of the trials and triumphs which have been skilled alongside the best way. It’s a narrative of reinvention, resilience, and a joie de vivre that feels so distinctly Aruban. Sights just like the Mural Excursions, the Museum of Business, and Child Seaside have introduced a wholesome heaping of curiosity to the world, nevertheless it nonetheless seems like a hidden gem. With Secrets and techniques Child Seaside Aruba, a well-liked all-inclusive resort, slated to open in June 2025, and the third annual Aruba Artwork Truthful set to take the town in October, my intuition tells me San Nicolas is on the precipice of turning into the subsequent scorching spot. For now, the world stays an unimaginable cultural haven for individuals who crave an journey past the shiny resorts.

Greatest Locations to Keep

Secrets and techniques Child Seaside Aruba

Whereas some locals are lower than enthused about what the opening of this huge all-inclusive will do to the world, many enterprise house owners I spoke with in San Nicolas have been buzzing with pleasure. A resort this dimension is indicative of the world’s progress, and extra individuals imply extra guests and extra consideration. Secrets and techniques Child Seaside Aruba, set to open in June 2025, is situated simply two minutes down the highway from San Nicolas’ downtown middle, alongside the serene Child Seaside. The all-inclusive, adults-only resort—a part of the Hyatt Inclusive Assortment—options 304 suites (some with ocean views and plunge swimming pools), seven eating choices, an infinity pool with Balinese-inspired daybeds, and a completely packed actions calendar.

Eva Resort

For a boutique keep that feels extra like a non-public hideaway than the various cookie-cutter resorts dotting the island, head to Eva Resort in Savaneta. The intimate property presents simply 4 one- to two-bedroom suites, every outfitted with a full kitchen and comfortable front room, so you’ll be able to actually lean into the entire home-away-from-home really feel. The saltwater pool, non-public chef experiences, and VIP excursions add an additional layer of luxurious to any journey. Positioned simply quarter-hour from San Nicolas, it’s a super residence base for venturing off the overwhelmed path.

Joia Aruba by Iberostar

Though it’s a few 40-minute drive from San Nicolas, Joia Aruba by Iberostar is the present belle of the (seashore) ball—it’s the latest luxurious resort to reach on the island. Nestled alongside the shores of Eagle Seaside, named the very best seashore within the Caribbean, this oasis shouldn’t be solely gorgeous, nevertheless it additionally has an eco-conscious design and world-class facilities, together with an 18-hole golf course (the one one on the island), a state-of-the-art wellness middle, and connoisseur eating choices showcasing regional flavors.

Bucuti & Tara

Additionally set close to the sunny coast of Eagle Seaside, Bucuti & Tara is a dreamy adults-only escape with a concentrate on wellness, sustainability, and romance. It was even voted certainly one of Journey + Leisure readers’ favourite resorts within the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas in 2023.

Greatest Issues to Do

Go on a avenue artwork tour.

One factor that instantly captivated me about San Nicolas was the colourful murals lining the streets. Strolling round was an immersive expertise, every wall telling a special story of the island’s previous and current. Bolivar selects avenue artists from across the globe to share their tales of the island’s tradition with splashes of coloration. “I search for artists whose model aligns with Aruba being ‘One Completely satisfied Island,’” he mentioned. He presents a couple of totally different Mural Excursions of various lengths, however maybe essentially the most intriguing is The Complete Story & Workshop, a 6.5-hour possibility that features reside artwork classes with a neighborhood artist.

Go to some museums.

If you wish to study extra about Aruba’s historical past and tradition, go to no less than one of many three museums in San Nicolas. The Museum of Business presents a deep dive into the various industrial revolutions Aruba has undergone. The Carnival Euphoria Exhibition offers guests a glimpse into the heritage of Aruba’s carnival season with costumes, memorabilia, and hands-on workshops with the group. And the Neighborhood Museum, which sits contained in the restored Nicolaas Retailer, brings native historical past to life with recreated rooms and relics from the island’s early communities.

Snorkel with turtles.

Whereas Palm Seaside and Eagle Seaside can get crowded (for good motive), Child Seaside is the perfect spot for one thing a bit extra relaxed. Its curved, crescent-shaped shoreline retains the waters calm and prime for snorkeling. There’s additionally a restaurant known as Large Mama Grill for post-swim refreshments. Throughout my time spent exploring the underwater world at Child Seaside, I used to be capable of spot a colourful array of parrotfish and angelfish, and even swam with a couple of sea turtles—certainly one of my island highlights.

Pattern Caribbean flavors.

Throughout the oil growth, hundreds of Afro-Caribbean and South American laborers arrived to work within the refineries and formed the world into the cultural melting pot it’s in the present day, and the cuisines of San Nicolas nonetheless inform that story. Apart from absorbing the artwork and historical past of the island, consuming my method by the town is one thing that also lingers on my thoughts (and my tastebuds).

Greatest Eating places

O’Niel Caribbean Kitchen

Jamaica-born and Aruba-based chef Oneil Williams brings a mix of Caribbean flavors to San Nicolas at O’Niel Caribbean Kitchen. The restaurant lives as much as its motto, “native and Caribbean delicacies, good to the final chunk,” with mouthwatering delicacies like jerk hen wings, oxtail stew, and, my private favourite, curry lobster. Of all of the wonderful meals I had on the island (I had many), this was simply certainly one of my favorites.

Kulture Cafe

Based by husband-and-wife duo Nick and Kedesha Gordon, Kulture Cafe sits contained in the Nicolaas Retailer and slightly below the Neighborhood Museum. All the pieces feels wholesome and contemporary right here, from the signature salmon and avocado toast to the sage and lime juice quencher. Apart its from tasty meals, the cafe celebrates native tradition. “Our targets embody offering a welcoming area for residents and guests to attach, internet hosting occasions that showcase native expertise and humanities, and selling the wealthy cultural heritage of Aruba,” mentioned proprietor Nick Gordon. Stay music, artwork exhibitions, and culinary experiences that replicate the island’s traditions are only a few objects on the cafe’s calendar.

Kamini’s Kitchen

Famend amongst locals and guests alike, Kamini’s Kitchen combines Aruban flavors with chef and proprietor Kamini Kurvink’s Trinidadian roots for some good old style Caribbean consolation meals. The half-Trini in me was past thrilled to seek out staples like doubles, roti, and chana and potato curry on the menu, similar to my grandmother made them.

Dessalines Haitian Caribbean Delicacies

Getting down to deliver the flavors of his childhood to the forefront of the Aruban meals scene, chef Marc-Alain Arcelin (a.okay.a. chef Makaveli), based Dessalines Haitian Caribbean Delicacies. On the menu, you’ll discover plates like pork stomach pineapple ceviche and his tackle Haitian spaghetti, a conventional breakfast dish made with turkey sausage, smoked herring, a hard-boiled egg, contemporary tomatoes, and crimson peppers.

Greatest Time to Go to

San Nicolas is greatest loved by day, when colourful murals, galleries, and cafes deliver the world to life. As the town continues to evolve from its crimson mild district roots, it’s nonetheless discovering its footing, making morning and afternoon the perfect occasions to expertise it at its most vibrant.

Since Aruba shouldn’t be part of the hurricane belt, any time of yr is an effective time to go to. The temperature sometimes sits round 82 levels Fahrenheit year-round, with occasional rain between October and January. One factor that shocked me was how windy the island was throughout my go to, and in response to locals, Could is often one of many windiest months.

If you wish to expertise Aruban tradition in San Nicolas up shut, come the primary week of September, when ArtWeek Aruba kicks off. The week culminates with the three-day Aruba Artwork Truthful, the place the group comes along with reside performances, artwork installations, meals vans, and extra.

Get There

Guests will fly into Queen Beatrix Worldwide Airport (AUA), which is a direct flight from many main U.S. cities, particularly on the East Coast, in addition to many main worldwide airports world wide. As of now, visas should not required for residents of the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, and most of South America, however guests might want to fill out the Embarkation and Disembarkation (ED) card on-line and pay a $20 sustainability price.

To get to San Nicolas from the airport, vacationers can lease a automotive (my private desire) or take a taxi. It’s a few 25- to 30-minute drive alongside the coast.

Get Round

Relying on the place you’re staying on the island, you’ll be able to lease a automotive from the airport, discover a native rental, or take a taxi to San Nicolas. Because it’s a bit off the overwhelmed path and never notably near most accommodations, I like to recommend renting a automotive so you’ll be able to discover the island at your leisure. Driving in Aruba is fairly simple, and site visitors is pretty calm.