Nightbeat
Nightbeat Martini from Blue
Blue Piazza Italia
Girls’ Night Out by Susan Campbell “Yes it’s ladies’ night, and the feeling’s right,” sang Kool and the Gang. Here on Aruba, the “feeling’s right” for ladies’ night every night of the week! Follow our lead for an epic girls’ night out on the town.
While Aruba has an abundance of romantic enclaves and tête-à-tête hideaways for couples, the island can also be party central 24/7 for girls who just want to have fun. From surfside, stiletto-inthe-sand spots and laid-back local hangouts to ritzy glam lounges and lively clubs, there’s something to suit every girl’s whim and more. And there’s no need to wait until the sun goes down for you to get down and really get into the enchanting spirit of this island paradise. Daylight hot spots
When preparing to hit the town in high style, why not gather the girls beforehand at a local spa for a session of head-to-toe pampering and polish? (See page 44 for some great spas to start!) Then head off for the island’s daytime delights and soak up some sun while you plan your evening escapade. Try Reflextions, just outside of Oranjestad, 78 Nights
Pure Beach
Greatroom
with its whirlpool lounges right in the pool and seaside daybeds complete with beach service. While Reflextions is an ideal place to start, plan to circle back there much later at night when it morphs into a killer dance club with hot DJs. Cocktail hour is very much in vogue on this island, especially at Pure Beach at the Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort where creative tapas and couches in the sand recreate a South Beach vibe. Take time for a last dip in the sea there before transforming yourself for an exciting night out.
a brand new concept for quick bites. The offerings are divided into the time it takes to get them – 5, 10, and 20 minutes, and they also have some very cool new cocktail concoctions on their menu. Or try the signature blue drinks at Blue martini lounge in the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino. Rub shoulders with the local tycoons and up-and-comers who gather for cocktails after work. The Blue lounge becomes a party spot later in the evening, replete with a humungous video wall. Craving a little Asianstyle snack and a sip of sake before hitting the town? Sushi-Ya’s lovely little lounge NextDoor is just the spot. Or how about a glass of fine wine to get you in
The West Deck
the mood? Fusion Wine & Piano Bar in the Alhambra Mall has a vast selection of quality vintages guaranteed to satisfy. And Piazza Italia can also start your night off right with signature Italian aperitifs and pasta snacks. Get set to strut out with a sunset
To catch a spectacular seaside sunset before heading out, grab a table at the Radisson’s Mira Solo Wine Bar for small bites and a drink. Or head out to the charming Pinchos Grill & Bar on a pier just outside downtown Oranjestad – a perfect spot to watch the last rays on the water before the sun sinks into the sea. And the Pinchos’ team have just opened a
Pinchos Grill & Bar
sister beach bar called The West Deck, one of the first new establishments loca ted on the brand new Linear Park of Aruba at Governor’s Bay. They also serve cool drinks and small plates right by the water’s edge. (Try their unique “Beer-rita”!) These are just a few of the starters Aruba offers before you hit the clubs with your friends. Let your hair down
Not in the mood to get all gussied up after a long day at the beach? Aruba has plenty of laid-back places to go casual and just enjoy good company, small bites, frosty brews, and cool cocktails. Local hangouts include Eetcafé The Paddock, E Eetcafé The Paddock
Ease in to the evening
Start sophisticated with a girls’ gettogether at a snazzy lounge. A must-visit is the lobby bar in the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino which has a new addition called the Greatroom where you can savor the island’s only cocktails made with real aloe, and where they have Top photo by iStockphoto. Bottom photos by Luis Mejia
Middle photo courtesy of The West Deck. Bottom right photo by Amélie Bardem. Other photos by Luis Mejia
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