Date-Night Dining by Susan Campbell On this island every night can be date night since there are so many dreamy and downright sexy places to share a meal together. So get all decked out in your most seductive duds and set out to explore Aruba’s canoodling culinary spots.
Soul mates in the sand
The only thing that is more romantic than long hand-in-hand walks together on a beautiful beach is dining tête-à-tête together surfside by tiki torchlight with your bare toes touching in soft white sand. The soothing sound of gentle waves and the brilliance of the stars in a tropical night sky set the stage for a night to remember forever. Aruba has many beachfront dining options with tables in the sand, each with their own individual appeal. And if you reserve early enough, in many of these spots you’ll also be treated to a spectacular sunset over the sea. These fine dining establishments are typically known for their gourmet specialties, which include some or all of the following: fresh catch of the day, seafood, meat specialties, compre-
hensive wine lists, and signature dishes and drinks. You’ll find them on beautiful beaches dotted all over the island. Barefoot Aruba offers elegance in flip-flops on Surfside Beach, while Simply Fish at the Marriott Resort is one of the top fish and seafood restaurants on the island. Flying Fishbone, near the quaint fishing village of Savaneta was the first toes-in-the-sand dining locale. Sunset Beach Bistro at the Divi Phoenix Resort livens things up with live music nightly. Some resorts offer special lover’s dinners in very private surroundings, these include the Hyatt’s Footprints Beach Grill, with only five tables, and the private palapas at the Bucuti & Tara Resorts. (Reserve well in advance for these two.) For a sweet finish to your beachside E
Barefoot Aruba
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Bottom photo courtesy of Barefoot Aruba. Facing page photo by Can Stock Photo
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soiree, Passions on the Beach at Amsterdam Manor on Eagle Beach offers the Passion Surprise dessert for two. Sizzle inside, surfside, or alfresco
If you prefer your sandals and stilettos remain on solid ground but still seek a dining spot close to the sea, this island has many magical spots of that ilk as well. Pinchos Grill & Bar is situated on its own sparkling private pier and is so romantic that it was chosen to host one of The Bachelor’s rose ceremonies. Then there is lovely Driftwood for fresh-fish lovers where they will cook up your very own catch if you go on one of their deep-sea fishing outings. Romantic Matthew’s and trendy Pure Beach are also steps from the sea and the surf, and La Vista provides amazing sea vistas from inside and out. There are all kinds of alfresco options – like lovely French-inspired Amuse Bistro along the strip next to the highrise hotels – that are just perfect for people-watching while you cuddle. In fact, you might want to plan a progressive dinner along this lively street to experience as many spots as you can in one night. Choose one for an appetizer, another for a main course, and end at the courtyard of the beautiful colonialstyle Paseo Herencia Mall for dessert and to watch the wonderful waltzing waters show. If you’re dressed to the nines and seeking an inside escape, then Windows on Aruba offers an überupscale and sophisticated vibe with a pano
ramic glassed-in view. Or hide away in your own dimly lit corner amidst 7 West’s modern neon decor. And though Aruba is famous for its fresh fish, lovers who are passionate about red meat are well accommodated at top establishments like Ruth’s Chris Steak House, L.G. Smith’s Steak & Chop House, and French Steakhouse – all classy indoor spots with air conditioning should you need to cool down a bit from your steamy attraction to one another! E
Pinchos Grill & Bar
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Top photo by Pavel Losevsky. Bottom photo by Pierre Arsenault
Love around the world
Feed each other amazing tidbits from around the globe at some of Aruba’s finest international restaurants. Discover amore at Italian La Trattoria El Faro Blanco or Sole Mare, or how about some Cuban cuisine, killer mojitos, and sultry live Latin music at Cuba’s Cookin’? Asian delights abound at Sushi-Ya, and if you want to curry more favor with your special someone, treat them to some hot Indian cuisine at Taj Mahal or Tandoor. For international and distinctly Aruban fare, a visit to the lush garden terrace of Papiamento is a must; it’s one of the most romantic enclaves on the island. Share unique experiences
Aruba has some unique dining venues where passions can be fueled by food and wine as well. You are bound to launch the libido le vel up a notch if you head to Screaming Eagle where you can actually dine in a gorgeous ca nopied bed. Or you can embark on a dreamy sunset dinner cruise aboard Mi Dushi or with Red Sail Sports, De Palm Tours, and Pelican Adventures. And if you really want to make a grand entrance as a couple, then float above the
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waves by whirlybird to touch down at Ventanas del Mar, the award-winning signature restaurant of Tierra del Sol’s Golf Club on the island’s northwestern tip via Aruba Heli-Tours’ Fly & Dine option. Last but not least, don’t forget to ask about special “lovers’ menus” for two wherever you go because many resorts and establishments offer them, but don’t always present them on the regular menu. K
Top photo by Andrey Popov. Bottom photo by Famke Backx