Article and photographs by Karen Burshtein.
Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao are known collectively, as the ABC islands.
All three share ties to the Netherlands. Aruba and Curaçao are autonomous, self-governing constituent countries of the Dutch Kingdom, while Bonaire’s status is a special municipality. Though each is distinct in flavour and character, they share some things, notably stretches of some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and extraordinary sub-aquatic life. All are committed to eco- and sustainable tourism, and all have enticing experiences for those looking for a wellness-focused holiday.
A is for Aruba
Pure relaxation on Eagle Beach in Aruba
North American visitors who like the comforts of home will find Aruba the most approachable of the three islands with many familiar US retail businesses. The island is spread across 145 kilometres (90 miles), comprising long stretches of sugar fine beaches, hidden coves, and deserts with flowering cacti. The cacti supply the aloe at the base of most local skin care. Visitors, too, can take an aloe scrub-making class, which can be arranged by contacting Aruba Aloe directly.
Recoveryzone Aruba is a luxe but serious day spa. A perfect, just-off-the-plane treatment is their RecoveryAir Pneumatic Compression Contrast Therapy, which includes a mood-lifting cold plunge, sauna and compression boots.
Balance is key while holding a yoga pose on a SUP Paddleboard
SUP Paddleboard Yoga lets you fully embrace your Caribbean stay by doing sun salutations on a paddleboard in the sea. Certified yoga instructors guide you through gentle moves, while you balance -or not- on the board. Uninterrupted views of the turquoise water can free the mind as much as the yoga poses.
Goddess Retreats are increasingly popular in Aruba. The island offers pre-designed packages or easy opportunities to tailor your own. Two small and charming hotels on Eagle Beach are wellness-focused. Manchebo Resort has daily complimentary yoga classes and a Bali-inspired spa, while the neighbouring Bucuti and Tara Resort has a designated wellness concierge who will tailor a wellness itinerary for guests.
Bountiful Bonaire – lesser known but a must visit!
Experience Bonaire’s Yoga Wellness Week – date TBA for 2025
Bonaire is perhaps the least known of the ABC islands. Until recently most of its visitors came for the amazing snorkeling. But now they’re discovering this under-the-radar-gem’s untouched terra firma as well as its commitment to sustainability and wellness.
Nature Cooking School aims to wean this arid island off imported foods. At least for produce like tamarind, bananas, avocado, eggplants and the herbs which can thrive on Bonaire. Locals and visitors together learn about planting and picking. The lesson ends with a meal cooked together.
Nature Cooking in Bonaire
Bonaire’s annual Yoga & Wellness Week lets you connect with nature over and under water: their packages include activities like snorkeling workouts, biking and hiking in addition to yoga sessions.
The salt pyramids on the eastern side of the small island have been on the radar for ecotourists and now draw wellness vacationers. The residue of evaporated sea water is raked into towering, pyramid-shaped mounds next to seawater that shimmers pink. The rosy hue is thanks to microorganisms called halophiles. Swimming in the high mineral salt flats is a boon for skin, while just breathing in the saline air brings a general sense of calm and, say, aficionados, cleanses you of negative energy.
Culture in Curaçao!
Visit Ashram Curaçao on your journey of self-discovery
Curaçao ticks the box for wellness seekers who are looking for a Caribbean holiday immersed in culture. The island is rich in history and architecture, with a unique melting pot of people. It also has some spectacular beaches such as Grote Knip, and Cas Abou.
8, The Experience Spa is located on the gorgeous west coast within the Coral Estate Luxury Resort. 8 offers an array of thoughtfully designed services in treatment rooms that face the sea. Enjoy cool breezes as you take in a plant-based Dual-Exfoliation facial or a Chakra Healing massage. Post treatment, relax in cliffside jacuzzi. Day spa patrons have access to many of the resort’s amenities.
Marerly Elly, aka The Universal Alchemist
Ashram Curaçao provides visitors with a secluded and gorgeous patch of nature to focus on self-discovery. The retreat and its varied activities are based on non dualism which aims to connect you with all aspects of your surroundings.
Get wellness tips from Marerly Elly. The guru, known locally as the Universal Alchemist, is a microbiologist and herbalist who concocts holistic skin and healthcare products, and teas, based on plant medicine. She learned the practice from her grandmother who was also an herbalist.
Article and photography by Karen Burshtein. Karen Burshtein is an award-winning Toronto-based travel and culture writer with a love of history, saltwater and open water swimming.
She was born in Winnipeg, Canada and writes about all aspects of Canadian culture and history. She also travels the world where she likes to seek out the untold, the unconventional, and the quirky.
