6 Best Shopping in Aruba

Tierra del Sol’s luxury villa and home rentals are typically the visiting celebrity choice, and their Robert Trent Jones II–designed golf course is where serious golfers play. So it’s no surprise that this spa blends into the entire upscale luxury scene here perfectly. One highlight is the pampering private couples whirlpool where romantics can canoodle with champagne in peace. They also have an interesting new sea-sand detox skin treatment. But most come here for the high-end massages, wraps, scrubs, and skin treatments, and there is also a full hair and nail care salon. Spa guests are welcome to use the fitness center and lounge by the cliff-side pool looking out at the California Lighthouse.

So much more than simply a grocery store, this massive emporium of food and services rivals many big-city super-centers. Everything from fresh produce, a butcher shop and deli, fresh fish and seafood, an on-site bakery, a pharmacy, beauty and health products, sit-down snack shops, and even a toy shop are a few of the surprises you will find here. Prices are just a tad higher than in North America, but quality is good.

Oranjestad’s original “Main Street” (behind the Renaissance Marina Resort) had been neglected since most cruise passengers preferred to stick to the front street near the marina where the high-end shops and open-market souvenir stalls are. However, a recent massive renovation of the entire downtown region has breathed new life into the backstreets with pedestrian-only stretches, compact malls, and open resting areas. A free ecotrolley now loops all through downtown, allowing you to hop on and off to shop at all kinds of stores. Fashions, souvenirs, specialty items, sporting goods, cosmetics … you name it, you’ll find them all on this renewed street.

The flagship Maggy’s is in downtown Oranjestad, but there are four more stores and two salons on the island. They are Aruba’s premier emporium for duty-free perfumes, cosmetics, and name-brand skin-care items.

The Aruba Marriott's Mandara Spa was created along a Balinese theme and offers some signature Balinese specialties like the boreh—a traditional warm healing pack of special spices—followed by a wrap using local Aruban aloe and cucumber. They have a wide range of treatments and a full-service salon that can accommodate wedding parties. They also cater well to honeymooners with some very special packages and private couples rooms with extra-large whirlpool baths or Vichy showers.

Really more of a dining and gathering spot along the marina than a shopping complex, this is a lively spot with a few souvenir shops and specialty stores. There is also a modern cinema. But mostly it's full of eclectic dining emporiums and trendy cafes and they have live music some weekends in their al fresco square.