Zima: The Social Scene Darling

The Aruban social scene has a new darling: Zima, the pool terrace at JOIA Aruba by Iberostar, and for good reason! 

First, the setting. You’re perched above the infinity pool, with Eagle Beach and the sunset stretched out in front of you. The views are pure postcard material.

The bar menu covers every mood, from crisp spritzes to celebratory champagne. And the food? It’s not just “pool bites”; these are plates crafted to match the moment, from oysters to desserts, depending on where the evening takes you.

Picture this: the weekend has just begun. All you want is a cold drink, a little mingling, and the best possible backdrop. Zima has that and more!

Zima feels like the answer to a question no one had managed to get quite right: How do you combine comfort, taste, and beauty in one unforgettable spot?

5:30 PM — Happy Hour begins.

You stroll through the hotel lobby, step out onto the terrace, and claim your table. From the DJ booth, Aguilar spins smooth house beats. Your number one priority: drink in hand.

There are sixteen Happy Hour drinks at half price from 5:30–7:30 PM. I sampled all the Signature Cocktails and the Classic Frozen lineup. A tough assignment, but someone’s got to do it.

Signature Cocktails

Saturn

Gin, passion fruit, falernum, orgeat, lime. Light, bright, and refreshing. The passion fruit makes it pool-perfect. $11 during Happy Hour.

Sea and Sand

Don Julio Silver tequila, Kahlúa, and coconut cream. Imagine a White Russian meeting a Tequila Espresso Martini, but fresher, lighter. $10.50.

E’ Perfetto

Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth, cinnamon, and Norino Amaro. My favorite Italian vermouth in a drink that’s sweet without being cloying. Think of it as a grown-up’s Coca-Cola. $10.50.

Classic Frozen Selection

Miami Vice

Half piña colada, half strawberry daiquiri, a vacation classic with a TV-show wink.

Passion Fruit Daiquiri

Bacardi Rum, passion fruit, an adult slushie with a tropical kick.

Margarita Frozen

Tequila, triple sec, lime. The undisputed “I’m on vacation” order.

All frozen drinks are $9 during Happy Hour.

Food to Match the Mood

Zima doesn’t settle for basic pool snacks. My advice? Order a few dishes and share.

Pekin Duck Spring Rolls

Shiitake mushrooms, carrots, red bell pepper, and oriental dip. Crunchy, savory, and so tempting we almost ordered a second round. $22.

Cheese Balls

Gouda, mango chutney, smoked aioli. Golden, melty, and with that sweet-smoky sauce combo you keep going back for. In Aruba, cheese balls at Happy Hour aren’t just tradition — they’re an unspoken rule. $16.

Octopus “Al Olivo”

Octopus, olive mayo, avocado, cherry tomato, toast. The olive mayo (I’m betting Kalamata) is addictive. I only wished for more bread to scoop it up. $22.

Beef Wagyu Sliders

American cheese, onions, relish, brioche. All the comfort of a backyard burger, but dressed up in a tux. Juicy, rich, and balanced enough that you don’t feel weighed down. $18.

Tuna Bao Buns

Fluffy bao filled with crisp lettuce, premium tuna, tangy pickles, and fresh cilantro. Cool, briny, and fresh. Sea breeze in sandwich form.

Beyond the Happy Hour.

When the sun sets, the energy shifts. Every Friday, local favorite Marisela and the band take the stage; it’s like she has made a Friday residency at this venue (and Wednesdays, acoustic), drawing the island’s most stylish crowd. What began with house tunes by Aguilar turns into a lively sing-along and dance party. Glasses clink, Prosecco corks fly, and Zima glows with that “this is exactly where I want to be” feeling.

For more info and reservations, check Zima's website HERE

For the Full Menu, click HERE

I will see you there!