Nightbeat
Nightbeat
Evening Escapades by Susan Campbell Once the fun in the sun gives way to an enchanting sunset, the neon lights begin to compete with the tropical stars to invite everyone to enjoy exciting nocturnal adventures. Sopranos Piano Bar
Palm Beach is party central
The strip is dynamic at night
Welcome the warm nights with spectacular sunsets bolstered by good company, happy hour specials, and lively music at Aruba’s awesome beach and pier bars. On Palm Beach your best bets to begin with are famous hangouts like MooMba Beach Bar that never disappoints, especially Sunday nights when they go all out with a dance in the sand BBQ. You’ll always find a fun and friendly crowd raising a few for happy hour at Bugaloe Beach Bar on its own pier and Pelican Pier Bar. Both places keep it going well into the night, often with live music. For pre-partying cocktails, many resorts have classy lobby lounges – sometimes with live music – such as Aruba Marriott’s Great Room and Ritz-Carlton Aruba’s Divi Bar & Lounge. Or Hyatt’s Alfresco Bar and Hilton’s Mira Solo Bar offer an elegant outdoor oasis to start the evening in style. If strolling along the hotel strip, why not drop by Dushi Bagels & Burgers for one of their fab cocktails and some live tunes. For the best selection of fine rums, the Palm Bar at Holiday Inn Resort is the place to be. For trendy tapas, live music, and great cocktails with comfy couches right in the sand, head to Pure Beach at Divi Aruba Phoenix Resort for an impromptu blowout with live music or DJs that often begins at happy hour and goes to whenever...
After happy hour sashay across the street from the highrise hotels to what locals refer to as “The Strip” – over a mile of shops, malls, dining venues, bars, and cafés lining J.E. Irausquin Blvd. Start in Paseo Herencia’s courtyard to witness the wonderful lit up waterworks show set to music. The magical display goes off four times per evening and a great spot to view it and enjoy fine wines and decadent cheese delights is at the new Melt Away Café. Later, enjoy an alfresco party at the Wet Bar with DJs and a dance floor over water. Right behind the courtyard in Palm Beach Plaza you’ll find Kalin’s Mexican enclave as the ideal spot for a mariachi party with giant margaritas and a “loco” staff. Afterwards, head back to the strip and simply follow your ears to find the kind of music that suits your mood. Feel like belting out tunes with a rollicking crowd? Stop into Sopranos Piano Bar where you can also enjoy fine scotch and cigars. For a heavier music scene, head to the open-air live bands at Hard Rock Café down the street. Then it’s all electric neon beats at Sand Bar & Lounge, plus South Beach across the street has DJs and the longest happy hour on the island: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. every night of the week! They are all outdoors and right off the sidewalk. Then fuel up on excellent coffee, cocktails, E
114 Nights
Opposite page, bottom left photo courtesy of Dushi Bagels & Burgers
Wet Bar
Dushi Bagels & Burgers
Nights 115