Curator’s statement
At 35, I needed a reset—not a vacation. Aruba was my first real solo trip, and I went looking for peace, perspective, and a break from my life that looked fine on paper but felt all wrong. This wasn’t about checking things off a list—it was about letting go. Aruba gave me time to breathe, feel, and remember who I was when no one else was watching.
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In my 20s, I traveled for other people—bachelorette weekends, weddings, baby showers. Fun, yes. But never really mine. At 35, I hit a wall. I was the heaviest I’d ever been—emotionally and physically—and knew I needed something different. That “different” came in the form of a solo trip to Aruba, booked with points and full of zero expectations.
I chose the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino because I wanted ease. A spa, a casino, and a beach I could walk to barefoot. And let’s be honest—safety was a top priority. Aruba is English-speaking, warm but breezy (wind = less bugs), and known to be solo-traveler friendly.
Day one was about doing nothing. Room service. Wine. Balcony time. A bath that felt like a baptism. From there, I moved slowly—with a mimosa in hand. I explored on foot, chatted with locals, and booked three excursions:
A full island tour with De Palm Tours (yes, I cliff-jumped)
A catamaran snorkel trip (they made a “special” hangover remedy for me)
The Kukoo Kunuku party bus (why I needed the hangover remedy)
The drunk bus ride was wild and fun—but a pro tip for future solo travelers who aren’t on the water often: don’t schedule your boat trip for the next morning. Learn from my mistakes.
Even so, the snorkel crew took fantastic care of me. They kept an eye on my stuff, made sure I was included, and treated me with the kindness solo travelers dream of.
The real gift of this trip? Choosing silence. I met people when I wanted to, spent intentional time alone when I didn’t. I ended my trip with a massage and pedi at the Hilton’s spa and returned home not “fixed,” but more myself.
This reset kicked off a ritual: one solo trip every year. It became my medicine.
Need to know
Aruba is extremely solo-traveler friendly and easy to navigate.
Book with points if you can—and upgrade if you want to. You’re worth it.
Don’t overplan. Let the island pace you.
Aruba Aloe After Sun Lotion = magic. Bring some home.
Kukoo Kunuku is a wild ride (in the best way). Don’t schedule anything early the next day.
Treat yourself—room upgrades, spa days, slow mornings. You’ll thank yourself later.
For more information and insider recommendations, visit our Aruba page.
Travel Advisor
Kim Stokes
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