Nowadays, tourism drives Aruba’s economy. Neighborhoods like Noord showcase this reality, with five-star accommodations like Ocean Z Boutique Boutique Hotel, fine dining restaurants, and beaches filled with curious visitors on every corner. However, a journey back to the late 19th century reveals a different story. At that time, aloe vera symbolized the island’s identity and played a key role into its development.
Although it no longer holds the same prominence as before, aloe vera in Aruba remains an important product for locals. Its processing activities contribute to the income of many families, and its plantations have leveraged travelers’ interest to showcase the country’s history. Over time, these spaces have become tourist spots that, like many others, highlight the rich colonial past of this Caribbean island.
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When did aloe vera land in Aruban soil?
Aloe vera is known to contain vitamins A, B12, C and E. Credits: Rafael Rodrigues/Pexels
Despite its widespread use as a medicinal plant and as a decorative addition to home gardens, no one knows the origin of aloe vera. Some trace it to northeast Africa, while others claim that it comes from southwest Asia. Whatever the case may be, Arubans know that Frederik baron van Raders, who served as Dutch governor of Suriname between 1845 and 1852, brought the first plants to the island in 1840. Royal Aruba Aloe, a company founded in 1890, explains that written records show that five years later Aruba had “22 acres of aloe fields”.
By the 20th century, aloe vera in Aruba had become a huge success. In fact, locals dedicated two-thirds of the island’s 69.1 square miles to growing the plant. Its importance flourished so much that authorities issued stamps bearing its image. In 1955, a simple drawing appeared in the upper left quadrant of the coat of arms. Since then, it has symbolized Aruba’s “first source of prosperity”.
Today, aloe vera is used in many Aruban households as a home remedy for treating minor burns, conditioning hair, moisturizing skin, and even relieving insect bites. As if that weren’t enough, people also use the pulp as a topping to give some alcoholic punches a unique touch.
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Where can I learn about aloe vera in Aruba?
Royal Aruba Aloe tours are the ideal way to learn firsthand about the role of aloe vera in Aruba. Credits: Christian Lue/Unsplash
As mentioned above, the aloe vera industry in Aruba has reinvented itself to become an integral part of the tourism sector. This is why some plantations offer guided tours of their facilities. The most popular option is Royal Aruba Aloe (Pitastraat 115), which has operated in the Hato area since 1890.
This place is the mecca of aloe vera in Aruba. It offers 30-minute guided experiences in Papiamento (the official language of the country), Dutch, English and Spanish. During the showcase, a local guide explains the properties of the plant and even demonstrates how to separate the pulp from the green part of the leaf. The site also features a museum that displays antique “tools and equipment”, as well as a library with titles offering more in-depth information about the qualities of aloe.
The last stop on the tour is the gift shop, which offers the factory’s namesake brand. Its products range from sunscreen, deodorants and lotions to different types of soap and body scrubs. Would you consider visiting them?
This tourist attraction is located about 20 minutes by car from our facilities. If you’re looking for a luxury stay in Aruba, we invite you to explore our suites:
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