Aruba Nightbeat-2022

NIGHTBEAT

Where’s the Party?

By Susan Campbell

Aruba’s bar and club culture are dynamic and diverse, and you need not wait for the sun to set to embrace the party spirit.

Follow our lead to find all the action - day and night!

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Palm Beach: something for every party style Most Palm Beach resorts have their own happyhour action, and overwater party spots like Pelican Pier and Bugaloe happy-hours often rev up into the night with live music. MooMba is also popular for DJ-driven music and special events. But if you want to begin the evening in sophisticated style, there are cool and classy lounges to enjoy cocktails made with top-shelf spirits like Absolut vodka and its new rainbow of exotic flavors. Or how about a trendy new take on a classic like Jameson’s Irish espresso martini? You’ll find this elevated vibe at RitzCarlton Aruba’s Divi Lounge, also an ideal place to catch the sunset from their seafront terrace. Also, an elevated alfresco spot is Mira Solo Bar at the Hilton Aruba. Or if you’d rather enjoy cocktails in air-conditioned comfort, head to The Lobby Bar at Aruba Marriott & Stellaris Casino. (You’ll also find Champions Sports Bar there to watch the game.)

Now it’s time to hit “The Strip” across from the high-rise resorts for electric nights!

NIGHTBEAT

Begin at The Cove Mall - a new complex of trendy spots including a rooftop nightclub. For more rooftop action, head to the new Radisson Blu’s Sunset Bistro, an adult-only oasis cresting a gorgeous infinity pool with live music every Wednesday night. Then there is Paseo Herencia for magical light and water shows and lively bars like The Bulldog - a famous Dutch franchise.

Further down the strip you’ll find Sopranos for rollicking piano sing-alongs and Lola Taqueria for Mexican fiestas on the sidewalk. There’s also Dushi Bagels & Burgers with live music every night, a local favorite. And do pop into Papillon Restaurant’s lovely lounge for one of their signature French martinis.

Behind Barcelo, sleuth out Bohemian Bar & Restaurant for unique musical experiences, cocktails, and bites. (Visit Liv Casino while there to try your luck.) For high-octane partying, it’s Gusto Nightclub, and for more mature revelry, head to The Lobby Restaurant and Bar. But you’ll have to veer off the strip to find this new trio of hidden gems launched by CMFood Company. The complex includes Brutto Beach House for exotic cocktails, gourmet bites, and DJ-driven mood music, Lucca Trattoria for hot brick oven pizza and cold beer, and The Office Nightclub which is becoming the island’s newest hot late-night dance emporium. All in one spot!

And it’s well worth the trip to find Quinta del Carmen’s new massive outdoor tapas and cocktail garden out in Noord.

Eagle Beach & downtown Oranjestad: an eclectic selection of hot spots Eagle Beach is more laid-back than the strip, but happy hours are lively at the newly renovated Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort’s Horizons Pool Bar. And Divi’s Beach Bar Aruba is also fun for happy-hour sunsets. Later, you’ll find live music at Alhambra Mall’s collection of establishments like Fusions Wine & Piano Bar. But downtown Oranjestad has recently become THE place to be for a bevy of new after-dark delights.

Start with the exciting new Bochincha Container Yard - a multi-level entertainment emporium behind the Local Market. And behind Royal Plaza Mall is the new Patio 15 for the biggest outdoor dance venue on the island, and lots of special events. Then there’s the new Hoya Lush, a lovely neon-lit courtyard oasis for artisan mojitos and music in Plaza Daniel Leo. Be sure to sleuth out Apotek Speakeasy nearby for award-winning handcrafted cocktails in a superb clandestine setting. Then, head toward the old fort to find Umbrella Lounge Aruba for rocking party nights.

And the new Chubato Beer World in Plaza Niki Habibe has over 100 types of beer and dancing in the streets.

Mira Solo Lobby Bar www.hiltonaruba.com/dining +297 526 6612 At Mira Solo Lobby bar, sip on a Caribbean cocktail and savor small bites while overlooking the cascading waterfalls and spectacular sunset views. Enjoy nightly live entertainment and daily happy hours. Located at the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino.

Opening hours: 12 p.m. – 12 a.m.

Live Music: 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Dinner: 5:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Happy Hour: 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

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NIGHTBEAT

Around the marina, you’ll find Eetcafé The Paddock, a legendary rowdy watering hole frequented by Dutch expats. And there is a very exciting brand-new rooftop pool lounge and sophisticated supper club bar on top of Harbour House condominium complex on the cruise ship side of the marina now. It’s called Harbour Lounge, and it’s well worth finding for a glamorous night out. But it’s Renaissance Marketplace’s huge outdoor mall there where you’ll find lots more nightlife and special events. Start early at Casa Tua for a unique daily “Aperitivo” happy hour with drink and food specials. Later,enjoy live Latin music, dancing, and the best mojitos in town at Cuba’s Cookin’. And for killer creative tiki cocktails and Asian tapas don’t miss the new Po-Ké Ono there as well. Just past the marketplace, look for The West Deck- a fun bar and grill in Governor’s Bay. And there’s no better place for a romantic nightcap than the magically lit pier of Pinchos Grill & Bar just past Plaza Turismo. And Renaissance’s glitzy Wind Creek Crystal Casino 132 | Nights Aruba

and Wind Creek Seaport Casino downtown can help you keep the party going well into the wee hours! Downtown rocks!

Take the party on the road!

Hop aboard one of Kukoo Kunuku’s epic red party buses for a range of fun tours. Beyond their legendary Pub Krawl they also offer a Dinner & Nightlife tour, a Happy Hour tour, and a unique Wine & Tapas experience that stops at different first-rate restaurants and includes a professional sommelier on board. They are Aruba’s oldest continuously running parrandastyle party tour company. But wherever you go, ask your barkeep to make sure it’s locally made Palmera Rum in your tropical punch for a real taste of Aruba!

Good luck and cheers!