Aruba shouldn’t be a secret. It’s not “undiscovered,” neither is it some mysterious gem you must whisper about over Sunday brunch. It’s not an unique island solely talked about by your wealthy aunties or influencers with jet-set perks. Aruba is out right here—beautiful, sun-kissed and culturally lush. And should you ask me, it’s time to grab the gatekeeping proper out of somebody’s carry-on.
I got here anticipating the same old… turquoise waters, a rum punch with a heavy pour, perhaps a spa day if I performed my playing cards proper. However what I discovered at JOIA Aruba by Iberostar was one thing else fully. It’s not simply luxurious–it’s liberation. It’s presence. It’s peace. That deep-exhale-after-the-longest-week type of ease.
And I’m not simply speaking concerning the view from my balcony (although sure, that was a second)–I’m speaking about one thing deeper. The type of intentional ease that doesn’t simply pamper–it welcomes, nurtures, and tells you: keep some time.
Extra Than a Fairly Postcard
Aruba’s magnificence runs deeper than its views are broad (although, wow). Its roots are advanced. Whereas Aruba didn’t function the huge plantation techniques seen in different Caribbean nations, it was nonetheless a part of the transatlantic slave commerce. The Spanish enslaved the island’s Indigenous Caquetio individuals, and the Dutch reintroduced African slavery within the 1700s. However with out the dimensions of plantation agriculture, the enslaved inhabitants was smaller. After emancipation in 1863, previously enslaved individuals built-in into society shortly; an unusual trajectory within the area.
That historical past reshaped Aruba into the culturally layered, welcoming place it’s at the moment. Right here, variety isn’t a pattern, it’s how individuals dwell. You’ll hear Papiamento, Spanish, Dutch and English multi functional dialog. It’s not performative multiculturalism; it’s simply life. And for Black vacationers, that issues. In Aruba, you’re seen. You’re invited. Aruba whispers, “Welcome house.”
The Smooth Life Manifested
Let’s speak JOIA Aruba by Iberostar, a part of IHG’s luxurious and way of life assortment, and albeit, the holiday you’ve been manifesting in your Pinterest board since 2020. This isn’t your grandma’s all-inclusive resort. JOIA is an expertise. The title itself means “jewel,” and that’s not simply branding—it’s the entire vibe.
It’s luxurious, sure, however not the flashy variety. Suppose constant earth-toned magnificence, structure that highlights the island’s pure parts, and a design philosophy that claims, JOIA is about what feels good, not simply what seems good. The spa is aware of make you neglect your telephone. The eating places provide daring flavors that don’t really feel pressured. The service vibe doesn’t give “hospitality” as a lot because it provides “household who really likes you.”
There’s additionally a wellness middle with open-air yoga. A spa with therapies that lean into pure parts like aloe, sourced proper from the island. If sustainability issues to you because it does to me, you’ll recognize that JOIA was constructed with eco-conscious practices in thoughts, together with water conservation techniques and a powerful dedication to preserving the native ecosystem. The sustainability efforts right here aren’t only for press releases.
With three standout eating places and 5 bars (yep, I examined all of them), the delicacies right here pairs superbly with the island’s rhythm. The seafood tastes prefer it was caught that morning and seasoned with herbs from an on-site backyard. No buffet trays in sight. As a substitute, there’s Numa—JOIA’s signature restaurant impressed by the Arawak individuals—the place native flavors meet high-quality eating. Finish the night time on the rooftop bar, which seems tailored for Instagram sundown selfies.
The place Shoreline Meets Tradition
JOIA could ship the delicate life in abundance, however Aruba has layers that deserve exploring—ones you may’t totally expertise from a beach-front lounge chair. Faucet into JOIA’s concierge group, they beam with satisfaction to take you deeper.
Simply past the resort, the island’s advanced, typically missed historical past begins to unfold. Though Aruba didn’t comply with the plantation blueprint of its Caribbean neighbors, that doesn’t imply it escaped the grasp of colonization or slavery. In contrast to different locations the place this previous is entrance and middle, Aruba’s story typically goes unstated. It’s slowly being changed by celebration and reclamation.
You’ll really feel that shift most clearly in locations like San Nicolas, the place vivid, defiant murals stretch throughout partitions, reclaiming area with coloration and cultural satisfaction. Native and worldwide artists flip buildings into testimony… the visible affirmations of identification, resistance, and pleasure. Step into artisan studios like Cosecha, the place the work of native makers honors all the pieces from Afro-Caribbean spirituality to native craft strategies. It’s all a part of this larger narrative: Aruba doesn’t have to be gatekept anymore. It by no means did. The island is a dwelling gallery and a cultural pulse level.
However tradition isn’t solely captured on partitions or canvases—it’s felt within the land and sea, too. JOIA affords curated off-site experiences that transcend sightseeing. Suppose nature hikes by Arikok Nationwide Park’s desert trails and limestone caves, catamaran cruises over impossibly clear water, and visits to the historic Balashi Gold Mill Ruins. There are additionally alternatives to interact with the island’s pure future; like snorkeling alongside coral restoration groups or collaborating in seashore clean-ups that truly make a distinction.
One night after getting back from snorkeling the coral reefs, I sat on the beachfront bar and watched the solar soften into the water. There was no rush, no loud DJ attempting to create a vibe. Simply delicate music, divine fish tacos, and a silky easy Espresso Martini — all a reminder that I didn’t have to be anyplace else however right here.
Passport Stamped, Soul Fed
For Black vacationers, the pursuit of the “delicate life” isn’t nearly indulgence—it’s about reclamation of the soul. Relaxation is resistance. Ease is earned. After generations of labor, of exhibiting up, and proving ourselves, we deserve locations that embrace us with out query. At JOIA, there’s nothing to show. You simply… exist. And superbly may I add.
And Aruba? It affords the identical. A spot that doesn’t erase historical past however folds it into the right reward… one among inclusion and pleasure. Once you ebook your suite at JOIA (go for the oceanfront—you’ll thank me later), you’re not simply planning a trip. You’re answering a name. You’re claiming a delicate touchdown.
So no, I’m not gatekeeping Aruba. I’m kicking the door broad open.
Aruba and JOIA are ready.