Page 50 - Dreamscapes Magazine | Winter/Spring 2025

Serenity Now
HOW ARUBA MARRIES
NATURAL BEAUTY
WITH WELLNESS
BY KAREN BURSHTEIN
100 others at Aruba’s famed Eagle Beach. The atmo-
I’m sitting cross-legged on a fluffy beach towel with
sphere is completely silent except for the surf and
an occasional flying gull. We’re partaking in the
Caribbean’s first-ever “Relaxathon,” a competition for
the title of the island’s most relaxed person. The stress-
free race, hosted by none other than Shaun White, the
U.S. Olympic boarding legend, was meant to under-
score the level of calm and wellness one feels on this
southern Caribbean island.
This was my first trip to Aruba with a group of travel
pals. I have avoided Aruba before, thinking it would be
overly touristy. And yes, while the island has its share of
American chains, I discovered a multicultural blend
with over 90 nationalities, including Afro-Caribbean and
Latin American cultures. There’s also just enough Dutch
influence that I could order my favourite bitterballen and
kaassoufflé snacks when I had a hankering (delivered to
my beach chair, thank you). But it’s Aruba’s relaxed pace,
pristine white sand beaches, and its mindful activities
and wellness experiences that stood out.
Our days began with a slow morning routine: an
outdoor activity followed by a healthy breakfast. By 11
a.m., it was too hot for much else, so we’d retreat to the
water, then explore Aruba’s dining scene in the
evening. By day three, I remember thinking, “I haven’t
felt this good in a long time.”
Even if you do nothing but breathe fresh air and
relax under a shady palapa, you’ll feel renewed. Locals
call it “The Aruba Effect”—the rejuvenating vibe that
lingers long after you return home.
dayONE
On my first morning, I grabbed coffee and took a walk
along the white sugar sand beach, stopping to check
the roped-off turtle sites. It was turtle nesting season,
and the island carefully roped off these sensitive areas
to prevent trampling. Some guests were already pool-
side, sipping smoothies.
Later on, I met my friends for my next beach experi-
ence. We joined a sound healing session with Tibetan
singing bowls. We lay face down on towels as our
instructor placed bowls around us, the gentle vibra-
tions creating a deeply relaxing effect. I was definitely
too relaxed to question it.
We then enjoyed a breakfast of fresh fruits and
Dutch pancakes at Bucuti & Tara, a chic, carbon-neutral
hotel. A bright yellow golden warbler swooped in and
made off with a pancake when we weren’t looking—a
lighthearted reminder of Aruba’s natural charm.
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DREAMSCAPES WINTER/SPRING 2025