The Luxury Travel Magazine
The Luxury Travel Magazine
Perched on the southern rim of the Caribbean and stretching just 20 miles long, Aruba is a jewel of perpetual sunshine, soft trade winds, and striking white sands. At its heart lies Oranjestad—“Orange City”—Aruba’s capital, founded around 1796–98 and named in honor of the Dutch royal house. Its earliest anchor was Fort Zoutman, completed in 1798 to guard a small colonial harbor. That Dutch‐era fort eventually became the Historical Museum of Aruba, and today it stands as the oldest structure on the island—a living symbol of the city’s heritage.
Once a modest trading settlement that grew when nearby gold and oil industries boomed in the 19th century, Oranjestad has evolved into Aruba’s luxury gateway. Its low‑rise colonial façades, pastel‑toned buildings, high‑end boutiques (think Prada, Louis Vuitton), and chic waterfront promenades define its upscale makeover, according to The Times. Tax‑free shopping, gourmet restaurants, and resort beachfront living—ranging from the eco‑friendly Bucuti & Tara and Ritz‑Carlton to the casino‑fed Marriott and Hilton—make Oranjestad a magnet for luxury travellers year‑round.
In short, Oranjestad’s transformation from a sleepy colonial port to a destination of design, indulgence, and tailored service helps explain its current prestige. Its layered history, vivid urban architecture, and climate outside the hurricane belt create a perfect canvas on which luxury travellers paint their Caribbean fantasies.
Luxury visitors often book bespoke full‑island sightseeing, using private SUVs or UTVs to explore hidden beaches, sacred caves, and geological formations. Highlights include salt flats, the Ayo and Casibari rock formations, the Bushiribana gold mill ruins, and Baby Beach. A visit to the Royal Aruba Aloe factory/museum offers a deep dive into the island’s aloe export heritage—one of the oldest locally based aloe operations, dating to 1890. Custom itineraries offer chauffeur service, gourmet picnic lunches, and stops at local vineyards, distilleries, or art studios on request.
High‑end travelers can book private luxury speed‑boat tours or catamaran cruises out of Oranjestad or Palm Beach. These include open‑bar snorkeling trips to the giant WWII Antilla wreck and Catalina Bay reef, complete with light lunches, water slides, and personalized service onboard. These charters often include champagne toasts, tailored routes, and VIP pick‑up/drop‑off at hotel docks.
A short boat ride from Oranjestad lies the exclusive Renaissance Island, home to Flamingo Beach—one of the world’s few beaches where tame flamingos strut beside sun‑loungers. Access is reserved for hotel guests or day‑pass holders. Luxury packages typically include private shuttle, reserved cabanas, gourmet lunch, and rose petal upgrades under the flamingos.
Upscale resorts such as Bucuti & Tara—Adirondack eco‑resort and the Caribbean’s first carbon‑neutral hotel—offer wellness programs, Purun Spa treatments, yoga on the beach, and mindful dining. Guests can also arrange private beach dinners, couples’ spa packages, and romantic open‑air cinema screenings.
Oranjestad’s luxury food scene blends Dutch‑Caribbean flavors with fine dining. Signature experiences include Ever Chef’s Table—an eight‑course tasting menu with wine pairings guided by master chefs—and private wine or rum tastings at exclusive venues. Visitors can sample local aloe rum, artisanal gins, and island‑inspired cocktails in curated settings.
Private guided tours emphasize Oranjestad’s colonial architecture, museums, and heritage. Highlights include Fort Zoutman (now the Historical Museum), Wilhelmina Park, City Hall, and the National Archaeological Museum, which has artefacts dating back to 2500 BCE. Luxury travelers enjoy private guides, after‑hours access, or curated exhibitions and local artisan meet‑and‑greets.
One of the most exclusive events in Oranjestad’s upcoming calendar is the Moneymaker Tour, part of the Caribbean Poker Series at the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino. Scheduled for September 18–28, 2025, this international poker spectacle offers a $300,000 guaranteed Main Event with buy‑in around $1,500. Luxury packages surrounding the event include four‑night resort stays, airfare credits, VIP seating, guided casino dinners, and meet‑and‑greet opportunities with poker celebrities. Known as the first international stop of the tour, it draws elite players and high‑rollers to a glamorous, tropical gambling stage. Packages offer curated hospitality experiences—from pre‑event soirées at the casino to post‑game poolside recovery sessions. The tour is in association with WSOP bracelet winner and Americas Cardroom Pro player Chris Moneymaker. Since his first bracelet, Moneymaker has gone on to become one of the most iconic names in poker and has traveled the world, growing the sport internationally.
For guests craving adrenaline, luxury packages include private kite‑surfing lessons, parasailing over aquamarine seas, and heli‑tours circling the island’s coastline. All gear, coaching, and transport are provided, along with optional champagne receptions on private beaches.
Whether your ideal getaway is in exploring Aruba’s hidden gems, indulging in wellness and culinary artistry, or placing a high‑stakes poker wager under the Caribbean sun, Oranjestad offers a seamless blend of history, luxury, and modern vibrancy. From elegant yacht tours to exclusive spa treatments and the glamorous Moneymaker Tour at the Hilton, the island’s capital holds curated experiences that cater to every refined taste.
Not content with Aruba? Take a look at some of our other luxury destinations on Beau Monde Traveler.
