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By: Fern Sidman
Every mid-winter, a remarkable migration takes place. For decades, Syrian Jewish families from Brooklyn and Orthodox communities across the Northeast have made a ritual pilgrimage to the balmy shores of Aruba, escaping frigid temperatures for Caribbean sunshine. In recent years, however, this seasonal tradition has taken on a new dimension: the island has become one of the most hospitable destinations in the Western Hemisphere for observant Jewish travelers, thanks in large part to a singular culinary innovation and a growing ecosystem of kosher amenities.
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At the heart of this evolution stands the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino, a sprawling beachfront resort on Palm Beach that has redefined what it means for Orthodox families to vacation comfortably while maintaining religious observance. Aruba’s relatively dry climate, near-constant 80-plus-degree sunshine and welcoming culture have always made it appealing to winter sun seekers. But in 2025, the opening of Piccolo, the island’s first full-service, year-round Glatt-Kosher steakhouse, transformed the travel calculus for those who keep strict dietary laws.
Piccolo’s arrival at the Hyatt Regency was nothing short of a milestone for kosher travel. Before its debut, Jewish visitors to Aruba had limited options: pre-packaged meals, seasonal pop-ups, or laboriously bringing kosher food from home. No longer. Now, guests can enjoy a meticulously curated fine-dining experience with full kosher supervision under Chabad of Aruba — a dramatic elevation that has reverberated through the Jewish travel world.
The restaurant itself is styled with an elegance that bridges Caribbean breeziness and Manhattan steakhouse sophistication, featuring plush interiors and an open kitchen that celebrates premium cuts, seasonal sides, and thoughtfully prepared desserts. Its menu is both classic and inventive, ranging from heirloom chopped salads and grilled baby chicken to prime ribeyes and Mediterranean-inspired fish dishes. Piccolo also offers a full cocktail program and fine wine list — a rare combination in a kosher setting far from home.
Although Piccolo currently closes on Friday and Saturday in observance of Shabbat, plans are underway to introduce Friday night dinners and Shabbat lunches by reservation, allowing travelers to celebrate the Sabbath communally in the restaurant’s dining room.
Augmenting this premier venue is a kosher pizza stand near the beach, serving Cholov Yisroel cheese pies under Chabad supervision. Together, these options afford travelers both upscale and casual kosher dining without ever leaving the Hyatt grounds — a convenience with emotional and spiritual resonance.
Yet the Hyatt’s appeal extends beyond its groundbreaking dining. For Orthodox families, the resort’s amenities combine modern luxury with the kind of practical comforts that make long stays not just bearable but genuinely enjoyable.
Set amid the luminous turquoise waters and pristine white sands of Palm Beach, the property offers sprawling grounds with multiple swimming pools, lagoon features, cascading waterfalls, sprawling lawns, and oceanfront vistas that invite relaxation. The resort’s casino and spa lend a cosmopolitan edge, while tennis, yoga, and family-oriented activities ensure travelers of all ages find recreation.
Hyatt Regency Hotel, a popular spot for singles (Jewish Voice video)
Crucially, for Orthodox guests used to detailed planning and logistical clarity when it comes to religious life, Aruba’s Chabad community now coordinates services and kosher food deliveries beyond what any hotel alone could provide. That means minyanim (prayer services), community gatherings, and seasonal holiday observances are readily accessible — a vital thread in the fabric of extended stays — especially during high-season winter breaks.
The presence of Chabad Aruba has been instrumental in transforming Aruba from a pleasant vacation destination into a place where Jewish life — complete with food, prayer, and community — thrives. Since its modest beginnings in 2013, Chabad has cultivated a Jewish presence that includes a Hebrew school, day camp, daily services, and a kosher market. The opening of Piccolo and other on-site kosher options has deepened that fabric, making travelers feel welcomed and spiritually accommodated even far from home.
For many Syrian Jewish families — especially those from Brooklyn who spend mid-winter breaks in Aruba — the experience is both a social anchor and a restorative escape. Days often begin with prayer services or leisurely kosher breakfasts before families take advantage of Aruba’s crystalline surf and warm breezes. Excursions range from snorkeling off the island’s famed coral reefs to guided tours of Arikok National Park or sunset catamaran cruises. Evenings are punctuated by dinners at Piccolo or communal Shabbat meals coordinated with Chabad, fostering both community and continuity of tradition.
For returning visitors — many who have vacationed in Aruba annually for decades — the Hyatt’s new kosher infrastructure drastically reduces the friction that once accompanied observant travel. The ability to dine out without logistical burdens is more than a convenience; it represents a profound affirmation that Jewish identity and luxury travel need not be at odds.
While the Hyatt Regency has become the de facto home base for kosher travelers, Aruba also offers other world-class accommodations — notably the St. Regis Aruba Resort and the Ritz-Carlton, Aruba — catering to those who prioritize peak luxury.
The St. Regis, known for its opulent design and expansive rooms, stands as a beacon of refined hospitality. Its beachfront setting and bespoke service appeal to discerning travelers, though guests must plan kosher meals in advance. Coordination with Chabad for kosher catering or off-site dining remains essential for observant visitors.
Similarly, the Ritz-Carlton offers a refined beachfront escape with elegant rooms, multiple dining venues, and amenities like a world-class spa and personalized concierge services. However, as with the St. Regis, travelers seeking kosher dining need to complement their stay with outside coordination or simply choose Piccolo at the Hyatt.
Hyatt Regency Hotel, Aruba (Jewish Voice Video)
Aruba’s appeal goes well beyond kosher culinary infrastructure. Its location outside the Atlantic hurricane belt promises predictable sunshine, making it a perennial favorite for winter-averse travelers. The island’s blend of Dutch colonial heritage and Caribbean vibrancy creates a culturally rich backdrop for exploration.
The Ritz Carlton Hotel above
Aruba’s beaches — from the lively Palm Beach to the quieter Eagle Beach — are among the Caribbean’s most photographed, renowned for their powder-white sand and gentle surf. For families and sunseekers alike, Aruba offers water sports, bike paths, and scenic drives. Those with a penchant for history can explore Oranjestad’s pastel-hued architecture and learn about the island’s Sephardic and European Jewish roots, which trace back to early settlers who contributed significantly to local life.
In recent years, Aruba has become more than just a tropical escape for observant Jews; it has become a home away from home, a place where religious observance and leisure coexist seamlessly. The Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort’s embrace of kosher fine dining through Piccolo — supported by the Chabad community — has been central to that transformation, allowing families to enjoy the island’s splendors without compromise.
For the Syrian Jewish families and other Orthodox travelers who have made this annual pilgrimage, Aruba now offers an experience that is both deeply familiar and refreshingly expansive — where Shabbat prayers can be said by the sea, where fine kosher food awaits without logistical hurdles, and where sunlit days segue into community dinners under the stars. It is, in every sense, a destination where tradition is honored, family bonds are strengthened, and the rhythms of Jewish life find harmony with the gentle pulse of Caribbean sunshine.