The Secret Garden is Aruba’s exclusive private in-home dining experience and the island’s only culinary collaborative, featuring international and local chefs presenting weekly chef’s-table events for a limited number of diners.
The Secret Garden is located in a replica of a traditional Aruban cunucu (countryside) home owned by event planner and content and travel writer Tina Causey-Bislick and her husband, Michael Bislick, a local Aruban and professional musician.
Our current chefs in residence
Papillon’s Chef’s Garden with Chef Patrick Van Der Donk: Fusion of French & Caribbean Flavors every Wednesday evening
After a one-year run, with Chef Martijn Liebregt overseeing the culinary production, a new chef that seasoned Aruba foodies know well is taking over the kitchen for the Wednesday evening dining experience. Chef Patrick Van Der Donk, former chef-owner of Amuse Bistro and Amuse Restaurant, shares his French-inspired cuisine with touches of local and Caribbean flair, with a wine pairing curated by sommelier Kavey Yarzagaray. “I think we managed to capture a good balance between the chef’s creations and the wine selection, exploring some fun and unusual regions,” Kavey shared. Overseeing the evening’s service with grace and island hospitality are Michael and Isabella.
The menu changes seasonally. The current menu is a six-course experience ($95) There is an optional wine pairing ($65) available.
*Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free options with advance notice
Press & Guest Reviews
“If you want to get seriously local… book a dinner at The Secret Garden. I had a plant-based meal, and it was incredible.”
Becca Glasser-Baker, from New York Metro’s “The Ultimate Guide to Aruba”
“Far from the predictable surf and turf and pina colada one might expect and deservedly crave on such a trip, the dinner is one of the many refreshing and decidedly local experiences now on offer to tourists.”
Jennifer Smith, U.K.’s Daily Mail
“A magical experience! Chefs Tina and Tony dazzled us with their vegan comfort food creations… hosts Tracy and Jen made each of us feel taken care of throughout the entire night. An experience not to be missed.”
Meredith Marin, Vegan Aruba
“Fantastic food in a cozy atmosphere. Most enjoyable–everything from welcome cocktail to yummy dessert! Great company too!”
Rona Coster
“A wonderful and creative experience ..enjoying delicious vegan food in Aruba!!! My third visit…and more to come…”
Janique Schilders
“This was unlike anything I had done before on this island in 20 years. The entire evening was so special. Between the lights and the music and the flowing Prosecco, it was impossible not to enjoy.”
Meagan Mackenzie Van Cooten
“Magical place, delicious food and best service. A one of a kind experience. Highly recommended!!!”
Donna Upegui with Donna Health & Happiness
“Amazing tropical, chic atmosphere. Food was to die for and the hostesses were outstanding…can’t wait to return!”
Laurie Brandt
“Awesome food, beautiful garden, great company, wonderful hostesses!”
Evy Raven
The Secret Garden Aruba 