Tantalizing Treasures by Susan Campbell There’s a bounty of treasures on Aruba just waiting for a savvy shopper to unearth and bring home. Glittering jewels and precious gems, first-rate fashions, and charming souvenirs are all stashed away around our lovely shores. So follow our lead to discover this island’s best riches.
The Spanish may have called this island “useless” as it had no precious minerals, but they were wrong. There was gold found on Aruba later in history. And though, the mills have long since closed, that doesn’t mean there’s no treasure still to be found here. And you need not battle like a pirate to secure them either. Just arm yourself with enough energy to navigate the multitude of shopping venues, malls, and districts – indoor and out – that hold loot aplenty for those searching for superb keepsakes.
Seek out swashbuckling styles
Men, women, and children will have no problem finding a vast array of designer fashions, casual wear, and tropical holiday styles at the many boutiques and quality clothing shops here. There are also stores that specialize in sportswear, baby clothing, footwear, eyewear, and even hats! Famous brands abound such as Tommy Hilfiger, Nautica, and Benetton to name-drop just a few! !
All that glitters and then some
Gold, silver, diamonds, designer jewelry, precious gems, pearls, and more, are to be found at upscale and reputable shops throughout Aruba. Artwork and fine crafts also dot the landscape in bespoke family-run outfits and funky boutiques in resort shopping arcades and secreted away on side streets. More takehome treasures are items like Dutch Delft pottery, and for those wanting whimsy, there are scads of Aruba logo-emblazoned souvenirs, beachwear, and clothing – even flip-flops!
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More spoils to plunder
Most of Aruba’s stores offer very low duty and no tax, so top-name cameras electronics, Swiss watches, and brand name technology can be had at great prices. And of course there are lots of duty-free shopping opportunities at the airport too! Handcrafted jewelry made with lucky djucu nuts
Raid the shops for take-home goodies
You should also look for cool items like crafts made from the “lucky nut” called djucu, beautiful hand-carved masks, rare antiques, fine linens, quality perfumes, popular cosmetics, top-notch leather goods, and even Cuban- and Aruban-made cigars. These are all ideal steals to add to your treasure chest.
Pirates love hiding loot, so don’t forget to stash away some goodies to enjoy at home. Look for Dutch treats like caramel filled stroopwafels, Dutch chocolate, and cheeses, and Aruban-made hot sauces and jams. Locally made spirits are also a treat. You need never settle for ordinary grog on this island when you can snag some excellent locally made rum or unique liqueurs like Ponche Crema, Aruba’s answer to potent rum-laden eggnog, and coecoei, the rich red spirit used to make Aruba Aribas! They are all easy to find prebottled for travel. So set a course for shopping nirvana. But don’t forget your reusable bag! Aruba has banned all plastic bags now in retail stores for the good of the environment. "
And if haggling is your pleasure, then visit the stalls of the open-air flea markets. And don’t forget the island’s famous aloe products! Aruba’s aloe is among the best quality in the world and you can even tour the aloe farm and factory at their main site.
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Top left photo by Paul van Driel. Bottom left photo courtesy of Aruba Aloe. Bottom right photo by Tara Markus