Aruba Day 3 | It’s My Birthday! 🎂🌴🥂 Celebrating in Paradise
October 14, 2026 | Fitness • Finance • Freedom
Another year around the sun, and what better way to celebrate than in beautiful Aruba? 🥂💕 Day 3 was my actual birthday, filled with beautiful scenery, fitness, self-care, delicious food, and unexpected surprises!
Birthday Morning & Exploring Aruba ☕🌊
I started my morning at Matthew’s Beachside Restaurant, enjoying gorgeous ocean views and a sugar-free cappuccino. I originally wanted breakfast by the water, but the prices weren’t quite what I had in mind.
And you already know my philosophy: Vacation doesn’t mean abandoning your financial goals!
So I enjoyed the scenery and continued exploring.
While driving, I noticed Aruba’s many roundabouts, dry, desert-like landscapes, and how few people seemed to walk outside unless it is a tourist areas like Palm Beach. It’s interesting how different the island looks beyond its beautiful beaches!
I eventually stopped at MooMba Beach Restaurant for breakfast. The waterfront scenery was lovely, and parking was complimentary for customers. Unfortunately, the food didn’t taste particularly fresh, the portions were small, and the service was slow during my visit.
Travel tip: Always ask about complimentary parking before paying! I learned this after paying unnecessarily on two occasions.
I also noticed a more relaxed pace of restaurant service during my trip, so allow extra time and request your check promptly when you’re ready to avoid delays.
Birthday Workout & Spa Day 💪🏾🧖🏾♀️
Next stop: the gym!
It was Wednesday, which meant upper body day. One feature I absolutely loved was the facial recognition check-in. No membership card, no phone, just my face! Less screen time? Yes, please!
After my workout, I drove back toward Palm Beach for my birthday spa treatment.
The exfoliation and massage were relaxing, although the body wrap wasn’t quite what I expected, and my stomach wasn’t exfoliated as it typically is during my Korean spa visits.😆
Spa tip: Always clarify exactly what’s included in a treatment before booking.
The lovely part? They surprised me with a glass of champagne to celebrate my birthday! 🥂
One other accommodation observation: the shower water where I stayed was mostly lukewarm. As someone who loves hot showers, that wasn’t ideal, although other properties may be different.
Birthday Dinner, Garlic Butter & a Sweet Surprise 🎂🍽️
After enjoying more beautiful scenery, I returned to Red Fish for dinner. This was my second visit because I enjoyed it so much the first time!
One thing I noticed at several restaurants in Aruba, similar to Puerto Rico, was how frequently fried dishes appeared on the menus. Grilled options weren’t always easy to find, so don’t hesitate to ask.
And can we talk about that garlic butter sauce?! 🧄🧈
Baby, CHEF’S KISS! 🤌🏾
Is it something I’d eat every day? Absolutely not! But occasionally, especially on vacation? We’re enjoying life!
I still practice portion control and often save restaurant leftovers for another meal. It’s better for my nutrition goals and my wallet.
The highlight of my birthday dinner was an unexpected birthday celebration! The staff sang, played instruments, Aruban style 🫢 and surprised me with complimentary cake.
Unfortunately, I didn’t record the singing, but some beautiful moments are meant to be experienced rather than filmed.
And yes, I devoured that very sweet birthday cake! 🎂
Solo Travel, Boundaries & Ending the Day 🌙
During dinner, I also had a pleasant conversation with a local Aruban man who invited me out. Although he was persistent, I politely declined.
Solo travel reminder: You can be friendly, approachable, and open to conversations without accepting invitations. Your safety and boundaries always come first.
I ended my birthday with another gym visit for my evening walk.
Final Thoughts 💕
Was everything perfect? No. But was my birthday magical? Absolutely!
I explored, exercised, relaxed, celebrated, and enjoyed the freedom to spend my day doing things I genuinely love.
That’s what Fitness • Finance • Freedom means to me: being intentional with your health, money, and choices while enjoying the beautiful life you’re building.
Here’s to another year of growth, adventure, and unforgettable memories! 🌴🥂
With love, LaBeautyQueenAna 💕
⸻
Let’s Connect
🌐 My Blog: https://labeautyqueenana.com
🛍️ Digital Store: https://beauteebeneholistique.com
🔗 Social Links & Resources: https://linktr.ee/labeautyqueenana
💕 Products, Tools & Services I Love: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/LaBeautyQueenAna
Some shopping links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Aruba birthday trip, Aruba solo travel, Aruba Day 3 vlog, Aruba spa experience, Aruba gym, Aruba restaurant reviews, MooMba Beach Aruba, Matthew’s Beachside Restaurant, Red Fish Aruba, Aruba parking tips, Palm Beach Aruba, solo female travel, fitness while traveling, Aruba travel tips, LaBeautyQueenAna.