My gorgeous sisters and I taking in the stunning sunset at JOIA Aruba.
After meeting my pageant sister, Miss Aruba 2024, during our Miss Supranational experience in Poland, I left with two big takeaways. First, Aruba isn’t just as stunning as everyone says it is. It might actually be more. Second, while it’s a dreamy backdrop for weddings and honeymoons, it’s also one of those rare places that invites you to celebrate life simply because you can!
Here we are in Poland—some of my Miss Supranational Sisters from Africas & the Caribbean. Can you spy Miss Aruba?
I experienced that firsthand when I received a press invitation to JOIA Aruba by Iberostar to explore their new wedding experience. Naturally, I turned it into a girls getaway with my own sisters, and it was everything we needed and more. After nearly a year without international travel, stepping onto Eagle Beach beneath the Caribbean sun felt like the gentle exhale my soul didn’t know it needed. A true reset. God knew exactly where this island girl needed to be.
What I didn’t expect was how deeply special the experience would feel, even without a ring in sight. Over several days, I spent time with the JOIA Aruba team, observing how they bring weddings to life. Every detail, from the first tasting to the last toast, is approached with care, intention, and love.
Here’s the truth: connection, joy, and presence aren’t only reserved for couples or brides. They live in sisterhood, rest, beauty, and the moments we share when we slow down long enough to savor them.
Not Just for Couples: Why Aruba Feels Like a Love Story
And oh, did we savor it all! Aruba is postcard-perfect in every way. The water was impossibly turquoise, the sand so soft I had happy feet, and the sunsets looked like someone hit “cinematic” in real life (truly, no lens could fully capture the depth of its beauty and I had two cameras!). But the island had this quiet vibe underneath all that beauty—maybe it’s the desert-y feel, maybe the breeze just knows how to chill you out.
JOIA Aruba invites you to celebrate life for life’s sake. The resort balances soft luxury with easygoing charm. Oceanfront rooms are airy, light, and elegant, perfectly framing the turquoise horizon. Rooftop bars (my sisters and I had endless piña coladas), vibey lounges, and beachside nooks make it effortless to find your own little slice of paradise or share it with your loved ones, or even just yourself. (Hey, I’m here for an epic solo trip!)
The resort is designed for celebrations of all kinds. Weddings, honeymoons, or a girls’ trip that feels like a true escape.
Who This Trip Is For:
JOIA Aruba is perfect for anyone seeking:
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A sisters’ escape that celebrates connection
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A friend-cation with depth and fun
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A solo reset with space to recharge
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A destination that inspires joy and intentional living
The Rooms
Between my sisters and me, we had two luxe suites and it was perfect. Each included a cozy living area, a spacious bathroom with a rain shower, and a balcony with lounge seating and swim-out pool overlooking the rooftop bar and partial beach views.
My youngest sister, Shermine, even swam quietly over to give my sister, Medgina, a surprise jump scare—so yes, the connecting pools are perfect for shenanigans too. Turquoise accents dotted the space, and white walls were painted with illustrations of little blue parrotfish, which keep Aruba’s sand so pristine and white.
Brides-to-be can also opt for suites with butler service or the bridal suite, but even for a sisters’ getaway, the accommodations feel indulgent, relaxing, and thoughtfully designed.
What to Do
- We didn’t follow the full itinerary, but JOIA Aruba offers an island tour with Aruba Fantasy Tours, including the California Lighthouse, Bushiribana Gold Mines, and Alto Vista Chapel. (We left early to attend our god-sister’s graduation so we missed that part!)
- We spent our days pool-hopping (three pools on property), lounging on Eagle Beach, enjoying rooftop bar vibes with endless virgin pina coladas, snapping endless photos, and singing along to live music. We also indulged in R&R at the spa with cold plunges, sauna sessions, and 50-minute massages—the kind of rest that makes you wake up with the lines on your face after the best sleep…you know the kind!
- Lunch at Tierra del Sol’s golf course was a highlight—stunning views and delicious food, even for a non-golfer like me.
- One thing I made sure I had to make happen was reunite with my pageant sister, Rashida Schmidt (Miss Supranational Aruba 2024)! There’s nothing like reconnecting with a friend on her own turf so I was so grateful to see her and catch up on all things pageantry.
Reunited with Miss Aruba and it feels good!
Falling in Love with the Food at JOIA Aruba
As foodies, we were impressed with the resort’s dining options: Bucatini, Marea, and Zima. Each offered something unique. Bucatini’s breakfast buffet is a must for morning lovers, and Italian dinners were unforgettable (we definitely had our fill of pasta and cheese here)! Marea brought Caribbean vibes with classic American dishes, and Zima, the rooftop bar I was telling you about, paired incredible food with infinity pool views. Oh, and don’t skip Star Cafe for late lunches or snacks.
Redefining Romance on Your Own Terms
I had the chance to sit in on a bridal planning session, and what struck me most was how thoughtful and expansive the process felt. The JOIA Aruba team walked through everything, from the bride’s beauty team to details often overlooked, like the groom’s suit fitting and barber lineup. Every element was given space and care. There was no pressure—just a team genuinely invested in making the day personal and meaningful.
Sitting there with my sisters, we naturally found ourselves quietly taking notes, exchanging glances, and realizing what resonated with us and what didn’t. It became less about one specific wedding and more about clarity: what we value, what feels authentic, and how a day like that could one day reflect who we are. “It’s your day, it happens your way,” they kept saying. And it showed.
Traveling with my sisters made the trip richer, softer, and full of joy. From getting ready together in the resort’s bridal suite with mimosas and sweets to sunset walks along Eagle Beach, every moment was celebratory. There were quiet moments too. Late-night balcony talks, laughter that echoed across our room, and pauses where none of us spoke but just soaked in the view. The romance of the trip was not about a partner. It was in being present, celebrating each other, and letting the island do the rest.
Being there, watching all that care and intention unfold, reminded me that experiencing romance isn’t defined by a status, a ring, or a checklist. It’s a state of being and a lens through which you experience life. On Eagle Beach, under a Caribbean sky, I found moments that are soft, restorative, and unapologetically my own. From hearing about Aruba in Poland from my pageant sister to actually experiencing it with my real sisters on this trip, I was reminded that connection, rest, and joy are often closest to home. Aruba is not just for weddings or honeymoons; it is for anyone who wants to celebrate life, connection, and every blessed moment.
This trip was sponsored by JOIA Aruba by Iberostar; as always, all reflections and moments shared here are completely my own.
Plan Your Trip to Aruba:
Ready to start planning your own sisters’ getaway (or solo escape)? Here’s how to make it happen:
Where to Stay
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JOIA Aruba by Iberostar – The resort we stayed at, right on Eagle Beach. Airy suites, private balconies, and rooftop bars make it perfect for relaxing and connecting.
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Other Aruba Hotels on Expedia – Browse options to find your perfect beachfront stay.
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Hotels.com Aruba Selection – Flexible booking options for every traveler.
How to Get There
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Aruba’s Queen Beatrix International Airport is served by major U.S. airlines. Use Expedia Flights to find the best deals for your travel dates!
Quick Tips
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Book early during peak travel season to secure suites with ocean views or special packages.
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Take time to relax at your resort and soak in the island vibes—Eagle Beach and the rooftop pool at JOIA Aruba is unforgettable, trust!
Affiliate Disclosure
This post contains affiliate links. If you book through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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