My ABC Island Reset

Trading Peaks for Palms: My ABC Island Reset


My 2025 travels took me all over the world—30 countries in total. It was a year defined by adventure and challenge: rock-climbing my way up to the legendary “church in the sky,” participating in the America’s Cup 12-meter yacht regatta, and intentionally visiting places that pushed me far outside my comfort zone.


After a year like that, I knew what I wanted in 2026. Softer travels. More water than altitude. Fewer logistics, more beach days. Tropical islands instead of tough climbs. And I got a head start on this gentler chapter by visiting the ABC Islands of the Netherlands Antilles: Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao.


Each island had its own rhythm—and together, they set the tone for the year ahead.

Aruba: Familiar Shores, New Perspectives

I’ve been to Aruba three  times, and each visit has revealed something different. On my first trip, I did the classic island tour—driving along the rugged northern coast to see the California Lighthouse, exploring Arikok National Park with its dramatic desert landscapes and caves, and stopping at the Natural Bridge and Alto Vista Chapel. The contrast between Aruba’s wild interior and its polished resort areas made a lasting impression.



On subsequent visits, I slowed things down and focused almost entirely on beach hopping—Eagle Beach, Palm Beach, and smaller coves tucked away from the crowds.


This most recent visit, however, was my favorite. I skipped the rental car and took the public bus to San Nicolas, a colorful, creative town at the southern end of the island. From there, I spent hours at Baby Beach, one of Aruba’s most unique stretches of sand. The beach is shaped like a protected lagoon, with calm, shallow, crystal-clear water—perfect for floating, snorkeling, or simply doing nothing at all. The soft white sand, gentle waves, and uninterrupted horizon made it easy to lose track of time. This was Aruba at its most relaxed—and exactly what I was craving.


Bonaire: Nature, Above and Below the Water

Bonaire is synonymous with diving and snorkeling, and for good reason. You simply can’t come here and not get in the water. The reefs are accessible, healthy, and teeming with life. True to the island’s motto—“It’s in our nature”—everything here revolves around conservation and the outdoors.


Beyond the water, I toured the island and was struck by how raw and understated it feels. I visited Goto Meer, a quiet inland lake known for its flamingos, who stood elegantly against the pale blue water. Nearby, vast salt flats stretched toward the horizon, reminding me that salt production remains the island’s largest industry.


One interesting stop was Rincon, the oldest village on the island. Its 16th-century roots are still visible in the traditional houses, and many newer homes are fenced not with wood or metal, but with cactus—practical, natural, and unmistakably Bonaire. The village felt deeply connected to the land, unhurried and proud of its heritage


Curaçao: Color, Culture, and Constant Motion

Curaçao, the largest of the three islands, immediately felt more energetic. Its vibrant capital, Willemstad, was an absolute delight. I began my exploration on the Otrobanda side of the city, soaking in the lively streets and everyday local life before crossing the iconic Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge.


Known affectionately as the “Swinging Old Lady,” this hinged pedestrian bridge connects Otrobanda to Punda and offers stunning views of the harbor and the famous row of colorful waterfront buildings. Watching the bridge swing open to let ships pass felt like a small ceremony—part infrastructure, part performance.


In Punda, I wandered toward the floating marketplace, where vendors sold fresh produce straight from their boats. Along the way, I stumbled upon intimate art galleries and studios, each reflecting Curaçao’s deep love for color, creativity, and self-expression.


To round out my visit, I hopped into a cab to experience the Queen Juliana Bridge, the tallest bridge in the Caribbean. The panoramic views from above were breathtaking, offering a sweeping perspective of the city, the water, and the constant movement below. Driving around the island afterward, I passed housing developments adorned with bold painted murals—art woven seamlessly into daily life.


A Softer Way Forward

After a year of intensity, the ABC Islands reminded me that travel doesn’t always have to be hard to be meaningful. Sometimes, floating in warm water, wandering colorful streets, or sitting quietly by a lagoon says just as much as a summit or a race ever could.

This is the tone I’m carrying into the year ahead: slower mornings, saltwater afternoons, and destinations that invite you to breathe a little deeper.


NOTE: All photos by the author

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