I’ve visited this island on two separate occasions, each offering a unique experience. During my first visit, I stayed in the capital, Oranjestad, while my second stay was in the hotel zone, Noord. Both trips were unforgettable, but each location had its own vibe and highlights. Let me share the differences and why each was special.

Back in 2017, I stumbled upon a roundtrip flight from Atlanta for just 25,000 Delta points. That alone was reason enough to check out the island! It was my second solo trip, and I was beyond excited. Warm weather, picturesque beaches—what more could I need?

After leaving the airport it took all of 20 minutes to reach and get checked into my Airbnb, a cozy studio located far enough from the noise to feel peaceful yet close enough to walk to everything in town. Most of the day was spent exploring nearby shops and taking in the sights. For dinner, I ventured to the Marriott in the hotel zone, which at the time offered an all-you-can-eat lobster buffet for $65 (sadly, no longer available). It was a great way to experience a different part of the island and soak in a new vibe.

Prior to dinner, I was having a cocktail and met a group of ladies celebrating a birthday and was invited to join them at the beach the next day. From then on, the remainder of my stay was filled with lazy beach days and island exploration—a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. 

Exploring Oranjestad, the capital, was a fantastic experience. The city is vibrant, colorful, and full of energy. Depending on which direction you turn, you might find streets lined with shops and businesses or be greeted by stunning views of the array of blue waters.

My second visit was in 2024 and practically free, thanks to flight credits and free hotel stay won in a raffle. The Marriott in Noord was the perfect location for beach days and I was sure to rent a car this time around. The beachfront property was right on Palm Beach which is well known. After checking in and getting familiar with the grounds, I decided to enjoy some time in the water before the sunset began. There’s no shortage of restaurants, but I landed at Moomba Beach Bar. I had an awesome meal on my last visit, so I made sure to stop in again. After returning to the hotel, I heard some live music so decided to check it out. What a great way to end of day full of beach, food, and sunsets. 

During my two stays, I visited several beaches—Eagle, Arashi, and Baby—each offering a unique experience. Eagle Beach stood out for its pristine white sand and calm vibe, making it perfect for relaxation. Arashi Beach was a bit quieter, with great spots for snorkeling and a picturesque setting. Baby Beach, with its shallow, clear waters, was ideal for wading and offered a more secluded, tranquil atmosphere. Each beach had its own charm, adding to the unforgettable island experience.

I split a day spending time on Renaissance Island, a private oasis belonging to the Marriott Renaissance Resort. While it’s primarily for guests, day passes are available, making it accessible for others to enjoy. Getting to Renaissance Island required a short boat ride. While the island was bustling with people, I had no trouble finding a chair and a perfect spot to relax and soak in the serene surroundings. If you don’t spot a flamingo here, there are plenty of other locations you’re bound to find them. After plenty of swimming, it was time for a workout. I visited a Tribe pole studio and took a class with Liz, which was an amazing experience. I broke a sweat, stumbled more times than I could count, but left feeling accomplished and energized. Afterwards, I explored more of the south end of the island which has its own charm and had a wonderful sunset dinner which there is no shortage of. More direct flights have been added from the U.S. which means there’s no excuse not to visit. Although it’s the smallest of the ABC Islands, you’ll quickly see why it’s a happy place to be.