The New Terra at Bucuti & Tara Resort, Aruba A
Foodie Match Made in Eco-Heaven
by Susan Campbell
I’ve been following the epic eco-story of Bucuti & Tara Resort in Aruba for many years, and have stayed there often, their location on a pristine stretch of award-winning Eagle Beach is postcard perfect. And though they have always been a pioneer of environmental preservation and sustainability on the island, they've still always managed to offer guests the ultimate in an adults-only luxury experience.
The resort's dedicated team has been busy increasing its allure over the past decade, and have garnered numerous awards for romance and stellar personal service, while at the same time seriously continuing to decrease their carbon footprint. To date, they’ve received over 30 awards for outstanding environmental operations including the prestigious Green Globe Platinum "Most Sustainable Hotel in the World". And they are still the Caribbean's first, and only, Certified CarbonNeutral® Resort.
On the culinary front, their signature restaurant Elements has won many awards of its own. And they were among the first on the island to focus on locally sourced farm-tofork and sea-to-plate fare. They were also the first to strive to create gourmet vegetarian and vegan options well ahead of others. So, when they were seeking to offer something unique for foodies in a vacant space on their property that once held a chef’s table venue, they took their time to get it right. Then early 2025, the stars aligned, and they did.
After garnering the win as Top Chef on season 13 of Bravo’s popular show, Jeremy Ford opened his own restaurant Stubborn Seed in Miami, and soon became so well known for his culinary prowess and excellence in creating sustainable, locally sourced fare that it received Michelin Stars four years in a row. The Bucuti & Tara team took notice, and invited him to the island to
talk about options. The chef fell in love with Aruba, and the resort’s chic eco-friendly vibe, and agreed to partner up to launch a special offshoot in that space. They decided to call it “Terra” meaning ‘earth’ in the local lingo of Papiamento, and agreed it was to be helmed under Jeremy's direction while respecting the resort’s stringent environmentally sustainable operations. Turns out they made the right choice, as Chef Jeremy had applied for a Green Michelin Star (an award for restaurants that demonstrate excellence in sustainable gastronomy), and then received the coveted honor right after he sealed the Aruba deal! Seriously a match made in foodie eco-heaven!
The intimate venue is a stand alone oval structure on the property done in understated earth tones and mood lighting leaving the food and the staff to be the shining stars. Though not a typical chef’s table experience, it’s the chef’s original menu that sets this spot apart. They offer a set price menu that can be paired with wine rotating around seasonal ingredients called ‘The Story’, or you can opt for a la carte dishes from their “grazing” and “gathered and grilled” choices. Expect tantalizing surprises like Aruban kabocha pumpkin agnolotti with local charred maitake mushrooms, orange marmalade, hazelnut pine nut dukkah, and umami foam. Or binchotan grilled local catch with local greens and kombu citrus “fish tea”. And their creative hand-crafted cocktails are also locally inspired like the ‘Prikichi Punch’ named after Aruba’s national bird, the brownthroated parakeet. ( ‘Prikichi’ is the local name for it. )
The new Terra has really taken root in Aruba now, it’s becoming as popular with locals as it is with visitors. However, the intimate venue only seats 35 people, so book far ahead to ensure a table. And in keeping with the resort’s official designation, the restaurant is strictly adults-only and cashless.
www.terraaruba.com
