My first trip during my healing and transformation journey was to Aruba, a place that will forever hold a special spot in my heart. When I took this trip, my father was still alive but had been in the hospital for a month. Originally planned as a birthday getaway, this trip transformed into a much-needed escape from stress and life’s challenges. Little did I know, it would also become my happy place.
Aruba calls itself "One Happy Island", and let me tell you—it truly lives up to that name. I felt an undeniable sense of joy while I was there, despite traveling solo. Everything about the island brought me happiness: the sunshine, pristine beaches, friendly locals, vibrant atmosphere, and my cozy boutique hotel.
While this was a solo trip, I was far from lonely. I met so many wonderful people along the way! Two young women from New Jersey, staying at the same hotel, invited me out one night, and we danced until the sun came up—literally. I also connected with a sweet couple from Detroit during an island tour. They were so kind that they treated me to dinner at the famous Zeerover restaurant when they learned it was my birthday. The food was amazing, and the company even better.
And yes, I even met a charming cutie from Venezuela just before I left—proof that even solo trips can have a little romance, lol
I’m a self-proclaimed beach bum, and Aruba’s beaches did not disappoint. Growing up in the Northeast and now living in D.C., I don’t get to experience high-quality beaches regularly. There are beaches nearby in Maryland and Virginia, but they don't compare to the Caribbean beaches. They don't even compare to Florida beaches lol.The Caribbean beaches, however, are a whole other story. Soft sand, crystal-clear water, and that perfect mix of relaxation and beauty—a much needed dose of vitamin sea.
Arashi Beach
Palm Beach
The hotel I stayed in, Aruba Lagunita was a gem. It was a boutique-style hotel with just a handful of rooms, which gave it an intimate and homey vibe. I later learned it was originally a large house converted into a hotel. My room had an outdoor kitchen and patio, which was a huge bonus given that Aruba can be pricey. Making breakfast each morning before heading out helped me save money while still enjoying delicious meals.
There was a small pool in the center of the property, and guests would occasionally gather there to chat or relax. The entire atmosphere was laid-back, beautiful, and exactly what I needed.
One of my bucket-list experiences came true on this trip: seeing flamingos in person! These gorgeous birds are not native to Aruba, but it’s one of the few places in the Americas where you can find them. You won’t see them wandering around the island (to my initial disappointment), but they’re found on private islands like Flamingo Island or Palm Island—though there’s a fee to visit.
The experience was magical! The flamingos are stunning and surprisingly friendly if you have food for them. It was worth every penny and was one of the highlights of my trip.
I think they were arguing about food lol.
While this trip was everything I needed and more, there are a few things I’ll do differently next time. For one, I didn’t make it to San Nicolaas, the cultural heart of Aruba where much of the Black population resides. Next time, I’ll rent a car since taxis can be expensive, and the island is easy to navigate.
I also learned a tough lesson about sunscreen—Black people can absolutely get sunburned, and I got burned badly on this trip! Trust me, I won’t make that mistake again, lol.
Aruba gave me so much more than a place to rest—it gave me a space to heal, recharge, and rediscover happiness. It’s definitely on my list of places to return to, and next time I hope to explore its sister islands, Curaçao and Bonaire.
This trip was a true balm for my soul and a reminder of the beauty that exists in the world, even during difficult times. Aruba, you will always be my happy place.
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