Planning an Aruba girls trip? Here’s our Labor Day itinerary featuring the Hyatt Regency Aruba, Black Caribbean culture in San Nicolas, local restaurants, nightlife, kitesurfing, spa days and more.
If you’ve ever needed an excuse to pack a swimsuit, book a flight and disappear to an island with your girls, let Labor Day weekend be your sign.
Because BABY, we took our girls’ trip to Aruba, and when I tell y’all we had a TIME!
And when I say we did not just sit at the resort the entire weekend, I mean we REALLY got outside.
We ate our way through the island, experienced an eight-course tasting menu, tried kitesurfing for the first time, found local hangouts, explored San Nicolas, learned more about Aruba’s Black Caribbean culture, got on the water and, of course, went OUT at night.
So if you’re looking for things to do in Aruba for a girls’ trip, a long weekend itinerary or just a Caribbean destination where you can mix luxury, culture, food, adventure and nightlife, let me show you exactly how we spent Labor Day weekend in Aruba.
Where to Stay in Aruba: Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort
Let’s start with where we stayed because the hotel can really make or break a girls’ trip.
We stayed at the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort in Palm Beach, and the location was one of the things I appreciated most.
The resort sits directly on Palm Beach and is surrounded by restaurants, shopping, nightlife and other hotels, so you’re not in the middle of nowhere wondering what you’re going to do after leaving the resort.
And if you’re traveling with your girls, that convenience matters.
You can walk out of the resort and have plenty of options nearby, but you’re also close enough to get in your rental car and explore other parts of the island.
The Hyatt itself is a beachfront resort with multiple pools, restaurants, a spa, fitness center, casino and plenty of activities, so you can absolutely have a full vacation without leaving the property.
The Adults-Only Pool Is Giving!
Now let me tell you about the Trankilo Adult Pool because THIS was one of my favorite parts of the resort.
The adults-only pool gives you a quieter place to relax away from the family pool and all the activity. And it’s right by the beach, so you can go from pool lounging to beach lounging without doing the most.
The resort describes Trankilo as its adults-only pool with cocktails, wine and food service available to guests lounging by the pool or in cabanas.
Basically, this is where you go when you want to say:
“Girl, I love y’all, but I need everybody to be QUIET for like 30 minutes.”
Because sometimes on a girls’ trip, you need the girls’ trip AND a little peace.
And That Massage? Chile…
Of course, I had to hit the spa.
I got a massage at ZoiA Spa, the resort’s on-property spa, and baby…
That massage relaxed me SO much that I literally went to sleep.
Like, lights out.
Goodnight.
Do not call me.
Do not ask me what time we’re leaving.
I was GONE.
And honestly, after flying to Aruba, running around the island, trying new activities and being outside all day, that massage was exactly what my body needed.
ZoiA Spa offers massages and other wellness treatments at the resort, making it super convenient when you want to squeeze some relaxation into a packed itinerary.
Breakfast at the Hyatt Regency Aruba
Another thing I appreciated was the breakfast variety.
Because I don’t know about y’all, but when I’m traveling, I need OPTIONS.
Give me something savory. Give me something sweet. Give me something healthy. Give me fruit. Give me coffee. Give me something I can eat quickly before we run out the door for an excursion.
The resort has several food and beverage options, including Palms Beachside Grill for breakfast and lunch, Kadushi Juice Bar for smoothies and açai bowls, and Shoco Coffee Bar & Market for coffee, baked goods, salads and sandwiches.
So you’re not limited to one breakfast option every morning.
And that was clutch because our days were BUSY.
Complimentary Self-Parking Is a Major Plus
Another underrated perk?
Complimentary self-parking.
If you’re renting a car in Aruba—and I recommend you do if you plan to explore beyond Palm Beach—not having to worry about paying an additional daily parking fee at your hotel is a nice little travel win.
Hyatt currently lists free parking and self-parking among the resort amenities.
And having that rental car made it SO much easier for us to explore.
There’s Actually a Lot to Do at the Resort
One thing I don’t think people realize about a resort like this is that you can stay busy without leaving.
The Hyatt offers a variety of resort activities and experiences, including sporting activities, cooking classes, cultural experiences and wildlife encounters. Its resort facilities also include pools, a fitness center, spa and casino.
So if one person in your girls’ group wants to chill by the pool while another wants to do an activity, you don’t necessarily have to compromise.
And THAT is important on a group trip.
Because somebody always wants to be outside.
Somebody wants to sleep until noon.
Somebody wants to find the nearest brunch.
And somebody is already asking, “Okay, what are we doing TONIGHT?”
Waffle Beach House: Breakfast, Lunch & Cocktails
First up on our food tour was Waffle Beach House.
If you’re the type of girl who likes breakfast foods, healthy options and a cocktail before the sun goes down, this is definitely a spot to put on your Aruba itinerary.
And yes, they are known for the waffles.
You can customize your waffles with different flavors and toppings, but they also have bowls and other lighter options.
The bowls were surprisingly healthy but still actually tasted good—which, as we all know, is not always the case.
It was a cute, casual place to grab lunch, catch up with the girls and enjoy a midday cocktail without feeling like you’re doing too much.
Infini by Urvin Croes: An Eight-Course Dinner Experience
Now THIS was an experience.
We tried an eight-course dinner at Infini by Urvin Croes, and it was unlike anything I had experienced before.
The food was prepared right in front of us, and we also did a wine pairing with the meal.
But what really made the experience stand out was the storytelling.
Before each course, we received an explanation of what we were eating, and many of the dishes had a story, history or inspiration behind them.
It wasn’t just:
“Here’s your food.”
We actually learned about the thought process behind the dishes.
It was upscale, intimate and definitely the type of dinner you plan when you want to get dressed up and have an EXPERIENCE not just grab something to eat.
Ché Bar Aruba: Come for the Empanadas!
We also had lunch at Ché Bar Aruba, and let me tell y’all right now:
START WITH THE EMPANADAS!
Because those things were BOMB.
Ché Bar is open for different meals, including breakfast, lunch and dinner, but personally, I would recommend coming for lunch.
And then came the pizza.
The pizzas are BIG, y’all.
Like, you can absolutely order one to share with another person.
And they were delicious.
So if you’re planning your Aruba food itinerary, put Ché Bar on the list,but don’t forget those empanadas.
L’Avenue Aruba: A Belgian Dining Experience
Next up was L’Avenue Aruba, a Belgian restaurant with a super cute atmosphere and really nice service.
They have some interesting combinations that I probably wouldn’t have thought to pair together myself, but the dishes surprised me in a good way.
And like several of the restaurants we visited, there’s history behind the establishment, which made the experience feel like more than just another dinner reservation.
We Tried Kitesurfing at Armando Kite Shack
Okay, now let’s get into the ACTIVITIES because this one had me feeling like a whole new woman.
We tried kitesurfing at Armando’s Kite Shack, and I had never done anything like this before.
And honestly?
It took me completely out of my shell.
There was something about being out there on the water, learning something completely new and just letting go that made the experience so much fun.
By the end, I was basically like:
“Okay, maybe I need to start kitesurfing now.”
I went from trying something for the first time to already imagining my new activity era.
And if you’re planning an Aruba girls’ trip, I definitely recommend leaving room in your itinerary for something you’ve never done before.
Because THAT is the stuff you end up talking about when the trip is over.
Glory Bar & Restaurant: Where the Locals Hang Out
One of my favorite discoveries of the trip was Glory Bar & Restaurant.
And this is why I always tell y’all:
ASK WHERE THE LOCALS GO.
We actually heard about this spot from our kitesurfing instructor, and he was NOT lying.
Glory Bar had such a good vibe.
They have drink specials, a DJ at night and a much more local feel than some of the tourist-heavy spots.
And because it’s a local spot, the experience felt different from spending every night around the major resort areas.
If you want to experience Aruba beyond the resort bubble, finding local spots like this is exactly what I recommend.
Exploring San Nicolas: Aruba’s Black Caribbean Side
Now y’all knew I was going to find the Black side of Aruba.
If you know me, you know whenever I travel internationally or domestically, I want to know what my people are doing.
And that brought us to San Nicolas.
San Nicolas is Aruba’s second-largest city and is known for its art, murals, history and cultural character. Aruba’s tourism authority highlights the city’s British Caribbean heritage, steel-band and calypso traditions, Carnival history and vibrant street art.
And THAT is the side of Aruba I wanted to see.
Because yes, give me the beautiful beach.
Give me the luxury resort.
Give me the cocktails.
But I also want to know:
Who are the people who live here?
What is their history?
What influenced this culture?
Where is the Black Caribbean experience?
San Nicolas gave us an opportunity to see a different side of Aruba beyond the high-rise resort area of Palm Beach.
And the murals?
SO DOPE.
You can literally walk around, take pictures, admire the artwork and learn more about the cultural history of the area.
Aruba’s tourism authority even describes San Nicolas as a cultural destination and highlights its murals, museums, historic buildings, restaurants and Caribbean character.
For Black travelers, I would absolutely put San Nicolas on the itinerary.
Not because it’s something you need to check off a list, but because travel is so much richer when you take time to understand the communities and cultures you’re visiting.
Why You Should Rent a Car in Aruba
If you’re planning an Aruba vacation and want to do more than sit at your hotel, RENT THE CAR.
I’m serious.
The island is relatively easy to navigate, and having our own transportation gave us the freedom to build our itinerary around what WE wanted to do.
Want to stay at the resort all morning?
Cool.
Want to drive to San Nicolas?
Let’s go.
Want to find a local restaurant?
Get in the car.
Want to explore another beach?
Buckle up.
That freedom made a huge difference for us.
And if you’re staying around Palm Beach, you can enjoy the convenience of being near restaurants, shopping and nightlife while still being able to venture farther around the island.
Take a Boat Cruise
And if you’re going to Aruba, PLEASE get on the water.
Whether you choose a morning cruise, afternoon cruise or sunset cruise, I highly recommend adding a boat excursion to your itinerary.
The water is BEAUTIFUL.
Like, pictures don’t even fully do it justice.
A boat cruise is one of those activities that’s perfect for a girls’ trip because you can put on your swimsuit, grab a drink, play music, take pictures and just enjoy being in Aruba.
And if you can catch a sunset on the water?
Even better.
South Beach Aruba for Hip-Hop & R&B
Of course, we couldn’t spend Labor Day weekend in Aruba without going OUT.
If you like hip-hop and R&B, check out South Beach Aruba.
The DJ was doing what needed to be done!
We had a whole TIME, and the best part was that entry was free.
So if you’re looking for Aruba nightlife that feels familiar to the Black girlies who love their hip-hop and R&B, this is one to keep on your radar.
Because listen…
I did not fly all the way to Aruba to be in bed at 9:30 every night.
The Perfect Aruba Girls’ Trip Itinerary Has a Little Bit of Everything
What I loved most about this trip was that we didn’t just stay at the resort.
We ate GOOD.
We tried new experiences.
We relaxed.
We got massages.
We learned about Aruba’s culture.
We found local spots.
We explored San Nicolas.
We got on the water.
We tried kitesurfing.
And yes, we went outside at night and had ourselves a little time.
That’s what makes a great girls’ trip to me.
I don’t need every second scheduled, but I DO want a good mix of relaxation, food, culture, adventure and nightlife.
And Aruba gave us ALL of that.
You can spend the morning eating breakfast at the resort, afternoon lounging at the adults-only pool, get a massage at the spa, rent a car and explore San Nicolas, have an unforgettable dinner, find a local bar and then wake up the next morning and do it all over again.
That’s a vacation.
Is Aruba Good for a Black Girls’ Trip?
Absolutely especially if you plan beyond the resort.
And I think that’s the key.
Don’t just book the pretty hotel and stay there the entire trip.
Get out.
Talk to people.
Ask locals where they eat.
Explore San Nicolas.
Look at the murals.
Learn about the island’s history.
Try something you’ve never done.
Find the local nightlife.
Eat the food.
And then come back to your beautiful resort, get in that adults-only pool and let somebody bring you a cocktail.
Because BALANCE.
Aruba’s culture is shaped by a mix of influences and more than 90 nationalities, and its history can be experienced through its art, music, food and communities not just through the resort experience.
And that’s exactly the kind of travel I’m interested in.
I want the luxury AND the culture.
The cute pictures AND the history.
The beach AND the local experience.
The tasting menu AND the empanadas.
The spa day AND the girls’ night out.
Give me ALL of it.
Aruba Was the Perfect Labor Day Girls’ Trip
From the luxury of the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort to local favorites like Glory Bar, cultural exploration in San Nicolas, an unforgettable tasting menu at Infini and my unexpected new obsession with kitesurfing, Aruba definitely did not disappoint.
The Hyatt gave us the perfect home base with its Palm Beach location, beachfront setting, adults-only pool, spa, breakfast options, activities and easy access to everything happening around the area.
But what made the trip memorable was getting OUTSIDE the resort.
Because that’s what travel is about for me.
I want to experience the destination—not just the hotel.
So if you’re thinking about where to take your girls for a long weekend, put Aruba on the list.
Especially if you’re looking for a Caribbean girls’ trip that gives you a little bit of everything: beaches, luxury, food, Black culture, adventure, relaxation and nightlife.
Because sometimes you need to clock out, grab your passport, call your girls and GO CATCH A FLIGHT.
Labor Day in Aruba?
Yeah…
We understood the assignment.
