Aloe vera has long been treasured across the Caribbean for soothing sunburns, and on Aruba it’s one of the island’s signature products. Established in 1890, the Aruba Aloe Museum, Factory and Store is the oldest continuously operating company on the island. The facility produces a wide range of aloe-based products, from face and body lotions to sunscreens and shampoos.
A guided tour of the factory introduces visitors to each step of production: the aloe-cutting area, the testing laboratory, the filling room, and the packing and storage sections. The on-site store offers an opportunity to purchase sunscreen, after-sun gels, lotions and other soothing remedies, making it easy to stock up before leaving the island.
If you’d like to sample aloe in a different way, several resorts incorporate the plant into their menus and treatments. The Aruba Marriott, for example, features aloe-inspired cocktails and spa offerings. Its Aloe and Milk Bath Wrap blends aloe with coconut, mung bean and lavender, following a traditional Balinese formula designed to exfoliate and hydrate the skin.
Whether you visit the museum and factory to learn about the history and production of aloe or treat yourself to a spa ritual, Aruba’s aloe tradition plays a distinctive role in the island’s culture and visitor experience. The combination of natural ingredients and time-honored techniques makes these products appealing for anyone seeking gentle, effective care for sun-exposed skin.