Noord is where a good portion of the action takes place on Aruba, also known as “One Happy Island".
Welcome to Noord
Paradise on earth
Aruba is part of the Netherlands, and the word “Noord” is Dutch for “north.” But when you’re on the north side of an island that happens to be in the Caribbean Sea, you are about as close to paradise as you can get. Noord is where a good portion of the action takes place on Aruba, also known as “One Happy Island.” You’ll find world-class restaurants in this tourism center, and it’s here you’ll fall in love with Aruba’s best beaches, including Arashi, Boca Catalina, Fisherman’s Huts, Malmok, Palm Beach and one of the most famous one Eagle Beach.
Residents enjoy fine-dining restaurants, niche cafes, bars and lounges, boutiques and independent shops, and casinos. Because the area attracts tourists, the opportunities for amusement and entertainment are endless. But there is more to Noord than tourism. There are traditional neighborhoods with older homes that include Alto Vista, Bakval, and Boroncana. There are also newer areas with more modern homes, such as Gold Coast Residence, Ruby, and Topaz, among others. Nature lovers who crave peace and quiet can easily find it on the dramatic limestone cliffs along the shore and the Bubali Bird Sanctuary, a protected wetland.
What to Love
Warm, crystal-clear water along white-sand beaches
Almost always sunny, with a yearly average temperature of 82
Upscale boutiques, malls, delis, and fine-dining restaurants
Good public transportation
Wide variety of water activities, golfing, biking, and tours
Annual festivals and events, and live music venues.
Local Lifestyle
Relax—you’re in Aruba, and the hustle and bustle of life takes a backseat. Life in the Caribbean Sea is laid back and peaceful. While residents can enjoy all the tourist activities, they also have activities like yoga classes on the beach and horseback riding at the North Countryside National Park and Beach. Of course, the miles and miles of white-sand beaches (something most people can only dream of) always beckon, and the weather is always perfect.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Over at the Screaming Eagle Restaurant, they’re serving up delicious Caribbean and French food. Make sure you try the Blackened King Clip, with its champagne sauce to die for. Or grab some authentic Mexican food right on Palm Beach at Lola Taqueria or Kalins , and you might guess that the Baja Fish Tacos go perfectly with the Cadillac Margarita. Try the Alhambra Casino and Shops for a night of fun, where you can play and game until your heart’s content and then enjoy some live music and shows. Afterward, head to their Cove Restaurant and order the Ribeye Steak. Let’s not forget Papiamento Restaurant, ask for their “Keshi Yena”, a very traditional Aruban dish.
The unique Paseo Herencia is known for its stylish shopping, including designer clothing, handbags, accessories, jewelry, spas, and specialty small huts with some local business. Paseo Herencia also has several restaurants, cafes, and lounges. When you want something different and new, they also have daily live entertainment and music, dancing, children’s activities, VIP movie theater, and a fitness studio. And for grown ups, pass by Drunk’s Denial for delicious alcohol infused gourmet.
Things to Do
No one is ever bored in Noord because there’s so much to do. The annual New Year’s Celebration with fireworks includes special offerings by almost all the resorts and hotels. Tennis lovers will flock to the Beach Tennis Championships, where world-famous pros gather and compete. Make sure you wear your poker face at the World Series of Poker, a tournament at The Casino Aruba. The Aruba Hi-Winds tournament of kitesurfing is for the seriously brave or those who want to watch them.
Schools
Aruba boasts dozens of excellent schools for all ages, including elementary schools, high schools, and universities. Education in Aruba is modeled on the Dutch system. Of note are:
Bold Real Estate Aruba offers clients a tenacious spirit, worldly outlook, and solid experience, making them an important ally to buyers and sellers on the island of Aruba.