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The Elevated Lobby Bar Experience–Our Kinda Bar Hopping!

By Tina Causey-Bislick

Hotels and resorts are maximizing their common spaces to be more than just a pass-through or place to check-in and -out.  For the past few years, the lobbies of hotels have transitioned to places to gather, relax, socialize, and even conduct business for those weaving in a workation.  Cozy and comfortable spaces and workstations are creatively carved out, and the lobby bar area is no exception.  In fact, the lobby bar experience has become an integral part of a hotel’s identity and a place guests are likely to frequent numerous times during their stay.

Aruba’s resorts are on-par with this trend, offering premium cocktail experiences, well-thought wine lists, and intriguing, contemporary noshes and bites to savor.  We’re featuring four of our favorite lobby bars on Aruba, each with unique settings, drinks, and menus to explore.  It’s time to break the mindset that lobby bars are just convenient spots to grab a beer for guests staying at the hotel—these lobby bars offer a lively night out no matter where you are staying (or if you live here), with great food, drinks, ambiance, and even live music, for an unforgettable island experience.

Divi Sushi Bar & Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba

Divi Sushi Bar & Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton Aruba

Casual sophistication awaits at The Ritz-Carlton’s Divi Sushi Bar & Lounge.  Start the early evening off with an enchanting Sunset Ritual experience on the lounge’s terrace, where the captivating scenography sets the tone for experiencing cocktails in paradise.  The locally inspired Cadushi Cocktail, made with real cactus puree, is the perfect companion to mark the golden hour.  During the sunset hours, a live dj mixes in just the right vibes to match the sunset, with talented local singers taking over during the evening.

Inside, the illuminated center bar is a whirl of mixology magic, with bartenders shaking and stirring an intriguing menu of classic and contemporary craft cocktails.  There’s even a collection of mocktails to explore for those wishing to forgo alcohol. The adjacent sushi bar offers a variety of specialty rolls, sashimi, and fresh ceviche. Not in the mood for sushi?  The half-pound Angus burger with bacon and caramelized onions is one of the best burgers on the island!

The Casino at The Ritz-Carlton, located just off the lobby, keeps the party going with live entertainment and complimentary beverages for those playing the table games and the impressive selection of slots.

Divi Sushi Bar & Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton Aruba
The Ritz-Carlton's signature Cadushi Cocktail is the perfect companion for the Sunset Ritual experience
Divi Sushi Bar & Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton Aruba
Asian gyoza dumplings with chicken and lemongrass
Divi Sushi Bar & Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton Aruba
The Caribbean Old Fashion crafted with premium Papiamento Rum
Divi Sushi Bar & Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton Aruba
The Bourbon Smash is made with fresh blackberry puree and High West Bourbon
Divi Sushi Bar & Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton Aruba
Specialty rolls, sashimi, and nigiri...sushi heaven right here
Divi Sushi Bar & Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton Aruba
This 8-ounce Black Angus beauty is topped with caramelized onions and bacon

Mira Solo at Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino

Mira Solo at Hilton Aruba

A lobby bar never looked so sexy!  Sultry sunsets viewed atop a tropical waterfall with lush gardens offer a quintessential island experience at this al fresco bar and lounge.  The Hilton Aruba’s grounds—at 15 acres—make up the largest resort acreage and beachfront on the island, and Mira Solo’s perch positioning offers stunning sea views, while elegant fire pits keep the glow going into the evening.

The island’s legendary Aruba Ariba, recently featured on the front cover of Food & Wine magazine, was originally concocted right here in 1963.  Sip it to the sounds of live local music, and sample tastes from a creative menu that showcases tastes of Aruba, the Caribbean, and South America.  Be warned:  the smells of sizzling premium steaks wafting from next door’s Sunset Grille may lure you to continue the evening there, or just downstairs is The Casino Aruba, featuring a unique starlit ceiling, live-action poker, tables games and slots, as well as live local entertainment.

*pictured above are the Ravenous Pineapple with Sauza Blue Agave Tequila, pineapple juice, prosecco, and mint; and the Aqua Aloe with Hendrick’s Gin, aloe juice, fresh lime, mint, and a splash of tonic.  Great beat-the-heat coolers!

Mira Solo at Hilton Aruba
The New Fashioned is made with Buffalo Trace Bourbon, natural orange oils, Luxardo cherries, and orange bitters
Mira Solo at Hilton Aruba
Watermelon Mojito...a fresh twist on the classic mojito
Mira Solo at Hilton Aruba
Saco is a favorite Aruban late-night munchie that typically comes in a brown sack filled with deep-fried goodies like Johnny cakes, ribs, and fried potatoes...Mira Solo's version also has shrimp.
Mira Solo at Hilton Aruba
A South American favorite--the empanadas are stuffed with shrimp, chicken, or beef
Mira Solo at Hilton Aruba
The sea views at Mira Solo beckon some fish and shrimp tacos to match the view...the mango slaw is delish!

Blue at Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort

Blue at Renaissance Aruba

Located at the adults-only Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Marina Hotel in the heart of downtown, Blue has a swanky, modern South Beach vibe.  Positioned adjacent to the rooftop pool, guests can lounge with cocktails by the pool with lively downtown views and an in-house dj spinning tunes, relax inside in the open-air lounge area with lots of cushy living-room style spaces, or pull up a stool at the bar and watch award-winning bartenders mastering mixology.

The diverse craft cocktail menu was thoughtfully curated and reflects locally-sourced ingredients incorporated into many of the unique cocktails.  Blue’s nosh menu offers plenty of dishes to dine on—from tastes and shareables to main courses.

Extend your evening at the Wind Creek Crystal Casino, located just steps away.

Blue at Renaissance Aruba
Clover blossom honey, Elderflower, floral gin, floral elixir, fresh lemon, and a splash of club soda make up this signature favorite, the Flowers of the Caribbean
Blue at Renaissance Aruba
So much more than the typical frozen libation, the Ora Huba is a mix of tropical flavors like coconut rum, dark rum, mango syrup, passionfruit, and vanilla elixir blended with ice
Blue at Renaissance Aruba
Delicate and fresh...chilled rice-paper spring rolls
Blue at Renaissance Aruba
Next-level Asian wings
Blue at Renaissance Aruba
The Peligroso Old Fashioned adds some spice to the classic with a salsa of local Madame Jeanette peppers balanced with a sweet red bell pepper syrup
Blue at Renaissance Aruba
This half-pound Angus burger is served on a unique charcoal bun
Blue at Renaissance Aruba
Make an entire evening out of Blue's bar experience--main courses like fresh fish and mussels are on the menu

The Lobby at Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino

The Lobby at Marriott Aruba

Smart, stylish, and oh so inviting, Marriott Aruba‘s The Lobby’s welcoming “great-room” environs encourage an evening of sipping and savoring while enjoying live local singers and musicians, either at the bar or in one of the cushy great-room spaces to lounge.  Signature craft cocktails echo with local touches, including an upscale take on the classic Aruba Ariba, as well as an island version of the Moscow Mule. Watch your sushi being artfully prepared at the sushi bar positioned right next to the bar, or dive into a pork belly bow, gourmet flatbreads, and more.

Stroll over to the resort’s Stellaris Casino for an exciting night of gaming and live entertainment into the wee hours.

The Lobby at Marriott Aruba
The Aruba Mule is made with aloe juice and Tito's Vodka with a splash of ginger beer
The Lobby at Marriott Aruba
Check out the video below...just the right amount of smoke is infused in the popular Smoking Old Fashioned
The Lobby at Marriott Aruba
The Lobby makes fresh flatbreads--we indulged in the Asian Barbecue Flatbread
The Lobby at Marriott Aruba
Fresh tuna poke bowl from the sushi bar
The Lobby at Marriott Aruba
Forget about ranch dressing..the kimchi mayo was delightful with these sweet, spicy and tangy Kimchi Wings
The Lobby at Marriott Aruba
The Hibiscus Margarita is topped with an edible candied hibiscus flower
The Lobby at Marriott Aruba
A very cool touch: the creamy foam on the Espresso Martini can be personalized with images or messages created by a 3D printer
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