Celebrating Aruba’s Local Treasures

Aruba’s vibrant creative scene offers travelers authentic, locally made treasures. From handcrafted art and jewelry to gourmet products and wellness items, each piece reflects the island’s natural beauty and heritage. Supporting these local creations allows visitors to take home a true piece of Aruba, deepening their connection to this extraordinary island.

Aruba is well-known for its excellent health and beauty products made from locally grown aloe plants. The Aruba Aloe company exports some of the finest quality aloe in the world. However, there are also surprising locally made treasures created by both Arubans and expats alike. For example, don’t miss the insanely delicious baked goods at the locally owned T2Pan Sourdough Boutique, which specializes in naturally leavened bread and artisanal pastries. The owner is also a Certified Bread Sommelier!

Additionally, keep an eye out for the new artisanal spirits crafted by the unlikely duo of Dutch and Austrian expat beach tennis _Iplayers. They’ve learned to distill small, handcrafted batches of rum, vodka, whiskey, and gin. Their distillery, Red Anchor Spirits, offers an inimitable taste that comes from their use of Aruba’s unique desalinated seawater. Another gem is Jim’s Kitchen Aruba Local Made Sauces, developed by celebrated Private Chef and Culinary Consultant Jim Rooseman, who combines Asian influences with locally grown fruit to create fantastic flavors like Papaya Kimchi.

You can also learn the ancient art of glassblowing from an expat Italian master at Studio Murano Art, where you can craft your own unique souvenir at his alfresco studio in the countryside. He offers free daily glass-blowing demonstrations and has a charming souvenir shop. Here are even more unexpected local treasure finds.

Art by Rani - Handcrafted Ceramics

You might have already experienced this art without realizing it, as Rani Varde’s beautiful hand-crafted ceramic plates are in high demand for use in fine dining establishments all around the island. Once you witness it, you’re sure to recognize the unique style of what she calls “functional ceramics”— tableware, decorative dishes, and vases—art that can be used in everyday life, not simply admired. Originally hailing from Shillong in North India, Rani credits her creative style to “NIRA,” which in Sanskrit means flowing like water, but she also likes to incorporate Western influences in her style. Her preferred mediums of artistic expression are paintings, pyrography (wood burning), and pottery, and she credits her love of meditation as a source of fresh ideas. (In fact, she also gives free meditation courses!) In her ceramic work, no two pieces are alike. They all bear a mark or flaw to set them apart, making each one “imperfectly perfect,” as she calls them.

Aruba’s nature also inspires her, and you’ll see that reflected in her collections like the Ayo Bowls inspired by the island’s unique rock formations. She frequently gives workshops where you can create your own ceramic keepsake, but you’ll always find her unique signature souvenir line at The Atelier - Made on Aruba in Paseo Herencia Mall. Her work is also available at Artitudes Art Shop in Oranjestad and at Space 21ART in San Nicolas. View her eclectic collections or order a custom piece from her website. You’ll also find her workshop dates there.

I @ceramicsbyrani
T +297 593-5628
www.artsbyrani.com

FAIR BLVD - Sustainable Luxury Jewelry Brand

Luxury meets social responsibility is the vision behind this remarkable enterprise helmed by talented fashion designer Anika Stevens. Her aim to create a luxury fashion accessory brand sustainably sourced from indigenous communities around the world garnered her a fellowship to represent Aruba in the coveted Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative in 2016.

Today, the stunning wearable art of her company FAIR BLVD has already graced the runways of the prestigious Emirates Fashion Week in Dubai and captured the attention of the global fashion elite. The mission is to sustain and protect traditional art and craftsmanship by showcasing exceptional artists from remote regions which preserves cultural heritage and fosters entrepreneurial opportunities. View the bespoke collection or order an original creation online. They ship worldwide.

www.fairblvd.com

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Hot Delight Gourmet Hot Sauces- Gourmet Hot Sauces

Another local treasure surprise is one of the world’s most addictive gourmet hot sauces, which began as a local family’s secret recipe. No self-respecting restaurant or household will be without at least one bottle of Hot Delight to enhance any meal.

This “pica” (hot sauce) was originally created by Aurelio Ruiz over three decades ago as a hobby to give to family and friends. But the addictive elixir of locally grown papayas and Madame Janette peppers, combined with his secret ingredients, became so extremely popular that eventually, he began to produce it commercially, and it became the family business.

Today, you’ll find both versions “Pica di Papaya” (mild hot) and “Madame” (very hot) available island-wide. They also ship worldwide now, too.

www.hotdelightaruba.com

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