Using a slogan as optimistic as One Happy Island takes courage for any destination, but after five days uncovering the charms of this less-visited Caribbean gem, the six agents on this TTG Luxury Journey to Aruba were inclined to agree. 

They say the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach – and this seemed to be Aruba’s philosophy from day one. Its culinary scene is bountiful and diverse, with the group delving into its delicious fusion of European and Caribbean influences. 

Must-try restaurants include Papiamento, named after the Portuguese-based creole language spoken on the island, as well as in its Dutch Antilles cousin islands of Bonaire and Curacao. 

On the first night, we sat in Papiamento’s lush gardens under the stars admiring its 100-year-old Aruban “cunucu” house – architecture that’s typical of the island – as much as its cuisine. 

The family-owned restaurant welcomed the weary agents with open arms almost as soon as they’d landed on the island. 

“Sharing platters of zesty ceviche and aromatic beef empanadas quickly flooded our table, and after a few more rounds of other equally delectable dishes, we were left thoroughly satisfied – the perfect way to spend our first evening in paradise,” says self-confessed foodie Frankie Saunders from Travel with Meon. 

The course of the week also saw the group tuck into dinner at Screaming Eagle, a seafood joint with a terrace overlooking Eagle Beach, where they also got to enjoy the national tipple – Awa di Lamunchi, a refreshing lime drink. But the standout restaurant, many of the agents agreed, was easily Taste My Aruba. 

Located in the heart of Aruba’s capital Oranjestad, this farm-to-table establishment has been a favourite with locals and tourists alike since its 2020 opening. 

The menu is refined and ever-changing, with “lovely and enthusiastic” owner Nathaly de Mey selecting fish and produce based on the season. Saunders was sold again, loving Nathaly’s passion and describing the fresh snapper, mahi-mahi and chayote as “delicious”. 

Meanwhile, Leanne Rees of Swords Travel was impressed by the emphasis on local ingredients and the “warm, homey” environment, and the island’s cuisine overall also received high praise from Travel Counsellor Alex Maxwell-Clarke who hails it as “some of the best food I’ve had in the Caribbean”. 

What to do  

At just 19 miles long, Aruba may be a small island, but there is plenty to do. 

A morning on a boat enjoying sailing the coastline and snorkelling with Tropical Sailing was a relaxing introduction to the island, along with a sightseeing tour of the rugged north coast. 

There was also time for a visit to Aruba’s second-largest city, San Nicholas, at the south-east end of the island. The town is known as the island’s cultural capital, home to Dutch-style buildings and famous for its incredible murals, created by artists from all over the world as well as local talents who participated in the Aruba Art Fair. 

Other popular attractions include the Aruba Butterfly Farm, home to hundreds of exotic butterflies, and the Aruba Aloe Factory and Museum, where agents learned about the island’s history of growing and harvesting the succulent plant. 

“I found the island tour very interesting, traveling to the south where the whole landscape changed, and we found ourselves surrounded by cacti and rugged coastline, reminding me of vistas in the Canary Islands,” says Saunders, who has already made a two-week Aruba booking for clients. 

“It was nice to get yet another perspective of Aruba and see the juxtaposition between the city and the more rural areas – it is surprisingly diverse for a small island.” Aruba is also famous for year-round sunshine, with temperatures rarely dipping below 19C. 

Where to stay   

The warmth of its climate is only exceeded by that of its people, with hospitality standards set very early on at the host hotel for the trip, JOIA Aruba by Iberostar. 

Despite only opening in December 2024, this newcomer is wasting no time establishing a strong reputation within the island’s competitive hotel scene. 

Located at Eagle Beach, the hotel boasts a rejuvenating spa and diverse culinary offerings, including two specialty restaurants, three bars, and the Star Cafe. 

Guests were welcomed with refreshing cold towels and a non-alcoholic drink before being escorted to one of the property’s 240 rooms. 

Staff provided warm service throughout the resort, never missing an opportunity to make guests feel at home. 

“JOIA Aruba by Iberostar really impressed me overall. The rooms were spacious, comfortable, and well-designed, offering everything you’d want for a relaxing stay,” says Maxwell-Clarke. 

“There was also an excellent choice of swimming pools with plenty of sun loungers – or palapas, as they’re known locally – and the Prestige Lounge looked particularly inviting.”

The group agreed JOIA Aruba by Iberostar, which has only recently started accepting children, is still most suited to adults. “At the moment I would recommend it to friends, couples and solos on a BB basis,” explains Gaynor Davies of Chester Travel Cruise, adding that the new bridal suite also makes it a perfect choice for wedding parties. Same-sex marriage was legalised in Aruba in 2024, further reinforcing its reputation as a progressive and LGBTQA+ friendly Caribbean island. 

There are plenty of premium hotel choices on the island, such as Bucuti Tara Beach Resort, an adults-only property that has received dozens of awards for its ecological efforts, including being the Caribbean’s only certified carbon-neutral hotel. Its lowest air conditioning setting is 20.5C; the whirlpool is solar heated; and plastic bottles are eliminated. 

Colchester Travel’s Cathy Dorsett was impressed by the 2025 launch of its non-profit Stimami Sterilisami, which makes all spay and neuter procedures for dogs and cats across Aruba free of charge, while Saunders appreciated the air purification systems in all 104 guest rooms. 

The Boardwalk Boutique Hotel was listed as a favourite too, with agents appreciating its authentic Caribbean feel. 

With 49 colourful casitas and tropical gardens, this adults-only property offers clients a cosy experience with all the amenities of a luxury hotel. Agents loved the privacy of the accommodations, some with their own plunge pools and kitchenettes, as well as the option to stay room-only. 

“I think it would especially appeal to couples, honeymooners, or independent travellers who want something more characterful and unique than a traditional resort stay,” says Helen Tustin of Wellbeing Travel. 

The all-inclusive Manchebo Beach Resort and Spa was another highlight, with this four-star 72-room hotel boasting a prime location on Eagle Beach and spa treatments in Balinese-inspired cabanas. 

A visit to Secrets Baby Beach Aruba took the agents to the south-east coast. Reopened in June after major reconstruction, the property blends Arizona-desert minimalism with Caribbean style, offering a large fitness centre and a cenote-style reflecting pool for a blissful cooldown. 

The Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort in downtown Oranjestad was another stop, known for its private access to Renaissance Island and its proximity to shopping, casinos, and nightlife. Agents praised its split design (family-friendly and adults-only) and its all-inclusive offering that allows dining in partner restaurants outside the resort. 

On their final evening, agents visited the St. Regis Aruba Resort, arriving in time for the Champagne Sabering Ritual, a tradition started in 1904 by hotel group founder John Jacob Astor IV. A newcomer that opened in January, the hotel instantly impressed the group with its luxury surroundings. 

“This is a fantastic new addition to the island, offering butler service and rooms and suites for all,” says Davies. 

Senior sales manager Gerald Griffith also received praise for adding fun and informative touches to the showround. 

After viewing a selection of its 252 rooms and suites, the agents dined at Eskama Cucina Italiana for a lavish Italian meal. The hotel also features several other fine-dining venues, including Akira Back Steak with ocean views, Ventura Bar, and Grano Cafe. 

Experiencing Aruba first-hand on trips such as the TTG Luxury Journey is invaluable for agents as a sales tool, especially with UK representation promoting the destination. “We were absolutely delighted to welcome such a talented group of agents to Aruba in partnership with TTG Luxury," says Tirso Tromp, area director Europe for the Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA). 

“These immersive experiences are invaluable in allowing agents to understand the magic of our island and help forge meaningful connections that lead to client recommendations. For Aruba, hosting these fam trips is a vital long-term investment.” 

How to get there

While there are currently no direct flights from the UK to Aruba, flying via Amsterdam with KLM proved convenient for this group. 

Edinburgh-based Leanne Rees says: “I’ve not sold Aruba since TUI stopped their direct flight a couple of years ago, but now having experienced flying regionally via Amsterdam myself, I would suggest this option, no problem. I had not flown with KLM before either and thought they were excellent.” 

Connecting via the US with JetBlue is another option, with several agents planning to sell Aruba as part of a twin-centre itinerary. “We have Manchester flights direct to Orlando, Atlanta and New York, so it’s a great option,” says Davies. 

Archangel Croes, ATA’s trade relations liaison, adds: “We may not have a direct flight from the UK, but we know once people are here, they fall in love with Aruba. This is one of the safest destinations in the Caribbean, which is another key selling point – and of course our beaches, which are all public and beautiful.” 

Rees agrees: “I would absolutely recommend this destination to couples, groups, friends and families. I love the fact it’s off the hurricane belt which makes it a summer-friendly destination, and it felt so safe. I loved the vibe of Aruba, and that there’s so much outside the hotels to see and do. My first impressions were just ‘wow’: I would 100% return myself and recommend the island now.” 

“I returned from ‘One Happy Island’ feeling truly like ‘One Happy Agent’!” Maxwell-Clarke adds. “This was one of the best fam trips I’ve had the privilege to attend in quite some time.”