Returning to Aruba year after year is called the “Aruba Effect.” It’s a term that describes the lasting sense of happiness and relaxation that is imprinted on your heart. The feeling is brought on by the welcoming culture and natural beauty that lingers well after your vacation and for good reason.

The One Happy Island of the Caribbean is home to the best beaches in the world, with its pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Topping the list of beaches is the consistent great weather, with more sunny days and comfortable conditions than anywhere else in the region. It’s no wonder that Aruba has the highest rate of repeat visitors of any island in the Caribbean. More than 50% of travelers return to the destination at least once.

Yet, with so many beautiful resorts and beaches, there is a shift moving beyond the usual “sun-and-sand” messaging you read about the island. Travelers are looking for experiences beyond relaxing on the beach, signaling a shift toward cultural immersion.

That immersion is what I surprisingly got during a recent stay at the newly opened Radisson Blu Aruba in Oranjestad. In any luxury beach hotel experience, warm hospitality and stunning beaches are expected. However, what surprised me was how easily I could blend cultural experiences and outdoor activities at my fingertips upon checking in.

A Shift In Traveler Expectations

Research shows that travelers seeking authentic, meaningful interactions are more likely to increase their appetite for travel. People are looking beyond the popular and often overcrowded sites. As data from the Good Tourism Institute shows, travelers crave authentic connections that allow them to learn from locals.

There’s also a growing trend in what’s being called “contributing travel experiences,” which involves activities that specifically allow visitors to have a positive impact on a destination. Examples of these activities include joining a guided hike to help repair national parks and snorkeling or kayaking to collect trash from the ocean or river.

Setting your intentions on booking experiences with locals has a profound impact on local communities. Economically, seeking local cultural activities directly supports small businesses and regional artists. The revenue creates and sustains jobs for residents.

Socially, direct interaction allows travelers to learn new skills and share culture in ways that preserve it. Culturally immersive travel experiences help maintain indigenous traditions, as many cultures struggle to keep them alive amid globalization.

How Radisson Blu Aruba Hotel Is Leading The Cultural Charge

Radisson Blu Aruba is a luxurious all-suite resort stretched on the vibrant Palm Beach Strip. It’s in an ideal location, within steps of Palm Beach, restaurants, bars, and Oranjestad’s lively nightlife. The resort boasts the largest suites on Palm Beach and the largest adults-only rooftop infinity pool in Aruba.

However, it’s also what awaits off-property that rounds out the reasons Radisson Blu Aruba is one of the best resorts for indulging in local culture. Here are signature experiences guests can book through the concierge.

Volunteering at Aruba’s Donkey Sanctuary

The Donkey Sanctuary in Aruba — Mitti Hicks

The Donkey Sanctuary Aruba is a nonprofit organization devoted to saving the island’s donkeys. Staff here educate both locals and tourists on their care. Historically, donkeys used to be the main form of transportation on the island. They were left to wander the wild once cars took over. Now, the donkeys that can no longer fend for themselves due to sickness or injury have a forever home at this sanctuary.

As a part of Radisson Blu Aruba’s Voluntourism package, guests can book a hands-on experience caring for rescued donkeys as part of a larger initiative to give back to the local community while connecting with the island’s heritage. Expect to feed donkeys, provide fresh water, and groom and walk the animals.

Support Local Artists At Art City

San Nicolas, the Street Art Capital of the Caribbean in Aruba. — Mitti

Over the last few decades, Aruba has quietly transformed into an incredible art hub driven by the revitalization of the city of San Nicolas. Located about 30 minutes away from Oranjestad, San Nicolas is known as the “Street Art Capital of the Caribbean.”

In 1985, the town experienced an economic downturn following the refinery’s closure. Local artists and visionaries sought to bring life back into the community. Tito Bolivar founded the organization ArtisA and used the organization to revitalize the area into what is now a massive open gallery.

In 2016, the town welcomed thousands of people for the first Aruba Art Fair. The fair now attracts international artists who create large-scale murals for all to enjoy. Throughout the streets, the art reflects Aruba’s rich Afro-Caribbean, South American, Dutch, and indigenous heritages. Book a guided walking tour in San Nicolas with the Museum of Industry to learn more about this growing art and cultural scene.

Explore Aruba’s Rich Heritage Through Rum Tasting at Bodegas Papiamento

Rum Tasting at Bodegas Papiamento in Aruba — Mitti Hicks

While Bodegas Papiamento is the new kid on the block, there’s a significant cultural history here. For starters, it’s housed in a restored historic ice factory in the heart of the city. The space brings together seven unique concepts under one roof, including a rum distillery, bar, restaurants, a food truck, cigar shop, chocolate shop, and a soon-to-open coffeehouse.

Don’t look at this experience as another way to drink on vacation. Instead, it’s a culturally immersive experience that symbolizes the native language, Papiamento. The language blends African, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, and English. Like Papiamento, the distinct rum here is a mix of cultures and influences that reflects the island’s rich heritage.