Page 51 - Dreamscapes Magazine | Winter/Spring 2025

PHOTOS: JULIEN DE BATS/ONE HAPPY PHOTOGRAPHER | KAREN BURSHTEIN | SHUTTERSTOCK/FOKKE BAARSSEN
dayTWO
Dutch-born, long-time islander Gea Sougé led
us on a sunrise “Mindfulness Beach Walk” at
Alto Vista. We practised breathing techniques,
did a sensory meditation exercise on rocks
overlooking the sea, and learned about the
flora and cacti strewn along the path. After-
wards, we enjoyed breakfast tacos and pitaya
bowls at Eduardo’s Hideaway, a daytime spot
popular with the plant-based crowd.
Beach days were breezy, thanks to Aruba’s
trade winds keeping us cool. I also learned
that only reef-safe sunscreen is allowed on
the island to help keep the sea and sand pris-
tine, and turtle nesting grounds on the beach
safe (another feel-good bonus).
dayTHREE
The next morning, we joined Pilates and
vinyasa yoga classes in an open-air pavilion
overlooking the sea at the Manchebo Beach
Resort. And yes, we treated ourselves to mas-
sages at the resort’s Spa del Sol where wooden
pathways led to private thatched cabanas
perched over the white sands of Eagle Beach.
While I failed to make the podium at the
Relaxathon, I definitely can attest to the Aruba
Effect. Weeks after I returned home, the feeling
of well-being I soaked up in Aruba was still
with me. I call that a victory.
DS
travelPLANNER
For details about Aruba including entry
requirements, visit aruba.com/us
Where to Dine in
Aruba
> BOHEMIAN: French flair with island vibes and live
music. bohemianaruba.com
> L.G. SMITH’S STEAK & CHOP HOUSE: An ever-evolving
restaurant for fine dining and chic extravagance in the
capital of Oranjestad. lgsmiths.com
> PASSIONS ON THE BEACH: A stretch of beach in the
north part of the island transforms to an enchanting
feet-in-the-water dining experience where fresh seafood
is the star. passionsonthebeach.com
> ZEEROVER’S: A casual fish joint that’s a firm favourite
with locals and visitors alike. aruba.com/us/explore/zeerover