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 a terrific 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 in quest of 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 house. As somebody of Caribbean descent (my mom is from Trinidad, my father is Puerto Rican), I instantly felt at house among the many melting pot that defines this a part of the island.

A robust story lies within the colourful streets of San Nicolas. The island’s second-largest metropolis—recognized for its previous as a thriving port and industrial hub throughout Aruba’s oil growth, and later because the island’s pink mild district—is now on the epicenter of a cultural revival. In the present day, locals like Tito Bolivar, founding father of the ArtWeek Aruba and Aruba Artwork Honest, are getting down to not solely reclaim what the town as soon as was, but in addition remodel it right into a celebration of Aruban tradition. “San Nicolas was one of the necessary locations in Aruba, nevertheless it’s develop into a forgotten metropolis. I wished to deliver mild, artwork, and tradition again,” mentioned Bolivar. “I began with the Aruba Artwork Honest, which features a program the place artists paint murals in San Nicolas. The objective was to rebrand San Nicolas because the ‘avenue artwork capital’ of the Caribbean.”

Each avenue, with partitions adorned in beautiful 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 Trade, and Child Seashore have introduced a wholesome heaping of curiosity to the realm, nevertheless it nonetheless looks like a hidden gem. With Secrets and techniques Child Seashore Aruba, a well-liked all-inclusive resort, slated to open in June 2025, and the third annual Aruba Artwork Honest set to take the town in October, my intuition tells me San Nicolas is on the precipice of changing into the following sizzling spot. For now, the realm stays an unbelievable cultural haven for individuals who crave an journey past the shiny resorts.

Greatest Locations to Keep

Secrets and techniques Child Seashore Aruba

Whereas some locals are lower than enthused about what the opening of this huge all-inclusive will do to the realm, many enterprise homeowners I spoke with in San Nicolas have been buzzing with pleasure. A resort this dimension is indicative of the realm’s development, and extra individuals imply extra guests and extra consideration. Secrets and techniques Child Seashore Aruba, set to open in June 2025, is positioned simply two minutes down the street from San Nicolas’ downtown middle, alongside the serene Child Seashore. 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 personal 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 geared up with a full kitchen and comfy front room, so you’ll be able to actually lean into the entire home-away-from-home really feel. The saltwater pool, personal chef experiences, and VIP excursions add an additional layer of luxurious to any journey. Situated simply quarter-hour from San Nicolas, it’s a great house 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 (seaside) ball—it’s the latest luxurious resort to reach on the island. Nestled alongside the shores of Eagle Seashore, named the very best seaside within the Caribbean, this oasis shouldn’t be solely beautiful, 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 Seashore, Bucuti & Tara is a dreamy adults-only escape with a concentrate on wellness, sustainability, and romance. It was even voted one in every 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 unique 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 shade. “I search for artists whose type aligns with Aruba being ‘One Completely happy Island,’” he mentioned. He presents a couple of completely different Mural Excursions of various lengths, however maybe essentially the most intriguing is The Entire Story & Workshop, a 6.5-hour possibility that features dwell artwork classes with a neighborhood artist.

Go to some museums.

If you wish to be taught extra about Aruba’s historical past and tradition, go to not less than one of many three museums in San Nicolas. The Museum of Trade 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 Group 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 Seashore and Eagle Seashore can get crowded (for good motive), Child Seashore is the best 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 Seashore, I used to be in a position to spot a colourful array of parrotfish and angelfish, and even swam with a couple of sea turtles—one in every of my island highlights.

Pattern Caribbean flavors.

Through the oil growth, hundreds of Afro-Caribbean and South American laborers arrived to work within the refineries and formed the realm into the cultural melting pot it’s in the present day, and the cuisines of San Nicolas nonetheless inform that story. Other than 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 one in every of my favorites.

Kulture Cafe

Based by husband-and-wife duo Nick and Kedesha Gordon, Kulture Cafe sits contained in the Nicolaas Retailer and just under the Group Museum. The whole lot feels wholesome and recent 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. Reside music, artwork exhibitions, and culinary experiences that replicate the island’s traditions are only a few gadgets 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.ok.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 standard breakfast dish made with turkey sausage, smoked herring, a hard-boiled egg, recent tomatoes, and pink peppers.

Greatest Time to Go to

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

Since Aruba shouldn’t be part of the hurricane belt, any time of 12 months is an efficient 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 accordance with 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 Honest, the place the group comes along with dwell performances, artwork installations, meals vans, and extra.

Find out how to 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 around the globe. As of now, visas will not be 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 charge.

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

Find out how to Get Round

Relying on the place you’re staying on the island, you’ll be able to lease a automobile 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 significantly near most lodges, I like to recommend renting a automobile so you’ll be able to discover the island at your leisure. Driving in Aruba is fairly simple, and visitors is pretty calm.