There’s a hidden rooftop in the heart of the high-rise hotel strip, tucked between the Marriott’s Aruba Surf Club, the Holiday Inn Resort Aruba-Beach Resort & Casino and the Radisson Blu Aruba. All you have to do to find it is walk along Juan E. Irausquin Blvd., by the Palm Beach Plaza, and look up.

“We didn't tell anybody about The Vue. We just opened our doors and the news instantly spread that there was something new and different on the island,” says owner David Henrick. The entire rooftop is designed as an open-air lounge to maximize views of the island from every angle. “We always try to push the envelope,” Henrick says. The VIP space at The Vue was recently renovated to accommodate a one-of-a-kind dining experience. “We're also working on a chef's table experience. It’s almost a restaurant within our restaurant and a space that probably has the most beautiful view on the island to watch the sun set,” Henrick adds. Locally-made cabanas sit in each corner of the floor, offering guests more private open-air dining or lounging areas. Sleek high-top tables line the railings of the rooftop overlooking the open ocean and the cruise ships docked south toward Oranjestad.

There’s a specially-designed menu available to craft whatever kind of night you set out to have: a wine list, cocktail list, appetizer menu, main course menu and dessert menu. You can sit down for a cozy evening for dinner by choosing from the specialties, including the New Zealand rack of lamb, local catch of the day, New York prime rib, beef tips with Gorgonzola and blue crab gnocchi. Snack on a few appetizers, like the classic ceviche, tuna avocado tartare and diver sea scallops with charred peppers. Stop by to share their famous dessert: deep-fried Oreos served with Baileys ice cream. Or settle in for a laid-back evening by the 360-degree bar at the center of the rooftop and order a signature cocktail from one of the knowledgeable mixologists.

Every evening promises a unique experience. There are no two sunsets alike, the electric violinist or DJ set guarantees to set the tone for the evening, and there are myriad reasons to bask in the ambience of the rooftop experience. “Maybe you’re not ready to go home after dinner,” Henrick says. “The Vue has a relaxed vibe where you can have dessert and a cocktail or just hang out and talk.”

Some of the best nights at The Vue are often the most intimate, Henrick says. He remembers a gentleman getting down on one knee to propose to his girlfriend by the front railing at sunset. “He had told us, so we all kind of held back a little bit. And then the music stopped,” Henrick remembers. “The whole restaurant stood up and applauded. It was just incredible. Everybody was instantly so happy for them.” New Year’s Eve is another standout night in Henrick’s eyes. “There's no better place to be able to see the view of the fireworks on New Year’s Eve,” Henrick adds. “It’s an incredible experience because we're up here and get to see the fireworks go off all around us.”

The rooftop may be a hidden gem, but the not-so-secret ingredient to creating unforgettable moments at The Vue, Henrick says, is his team. “It's not about me or The Vue. It's about the experience. And the experience begins with The Vue team. Our staff is top-notch,” Henrick affirms. “I think it’s exciting for us—the people who work with The Vue—to be part of something special on the island.”