Aruba, Jamaica, ooh, I wanna take you to
Bermuda, Bahama, come on pretty mama
Key Largo, Montego
Baby, why don’t we go?
The Beach Boys were really onto something when they sang of the seas that can only be found in places like Aruba, Jamaica, and Key Largo. If you have your sights set on the arresting island of Aruba, rest assured you’re onto something truly spectacular.
Below, we’ll sail through fifteen different hotels and resorts, highlighting the all-inclusive options, family-friendly options, and adult-only oases. After taking a look at the high-end luxury that only the Ritz can provide, we’ll also explore a few affordable options, like the high-class Holiday Inn.
At the end of this article, we’re certain you’ll be booking into the perfect place to fulfill your wildest dreams.
The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba
When traveling, it’s always nice to poke around on the luxury sites to see what’s on offer – and the Ritz Carlton, Aruba has it all. To no surprise, The Ritz has secured one of the finest stretches of sand for their own private beach.
There’s no lugging chairs and umbrellas to the shoreline. Their little clamshell cabanas are all set up for you. Perhaps the cutest touch is that their cocktail servers scoot around on segways, meaning you never have to wait very long for a refill.
Of course, since it’s The Ritz, your rooms will be sumptuous, boasting the most glorious views of the Caribbean Sea. Then, with five dining options, a thirteen-treatment room spa, and two swimming pools, what more could you ask for?
As a cashless resort, all you need to worry about during your time here is which sarong to wear, which cocktail looks nice, and which fine dining experience you’ll savor to close out a beautiful day.
Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino
Here, we have another relaxing resort where every last detail is attended to. For example, they have two onsite pools, but they’ve been carefully delegated to a beachfront adults-only pool and a family-friendly pool with a waterslide.
Like most resorts on this list, they have an ongoing list of daily activities that you can partake in when you’re not soaking up the sun or enjoying the gentle lull of the sea. One activity that might be interesting for the yogis in your party is their aerial yoga experience.
The Hyatt’s suites are island-themed and completely cozy. When you’re not luxuriating in their sheets, you can walk along their lagoon or breathe in the misty air from the onsite waterfall. Of course, their on-site dining options are superb, but the concierge is also more than happy to arrange for you to spend some time down at the Aruba shops and restaurants for some local color.
Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino
To no surprise, several of the main chains have strongholds on the island; in this case, that’s a good thing! There’s nothing generic about the rooms and suites in their Aruba destinations.
What’s special about the Hilton Aruba is that it never feels crowded or overrun, even though there are over 350 rooms spread across three towers. Here, too, servers are more than happy to bring your umbrella drinks right to your seaside seat. And, when you’re done for the day, you can dine onsite or rent one of their bikes to explore Aruba.
When you’re sitting poolside, you can choose to savor the sunlight or roll up your proverbial sleeves and dive into a volleyball match. With a host of activities like Latin dance classes, the opportunity to make beachside s’mores, or a sunset sail on a catamaran, you never have to leave the grounds to partake in the fun.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba
The reason we have another Hilton on the list is because this is an important consideration if you’re on the lookout for a family-friendly destination. Here on the island, Embassy Suites is known to be one of the best. They go so far as to extend an offering of free stays for children under 17.
Every member of your family will be well cared for with a complimentary breakfast buffet and two complimentary cocktails per adult come happy hour. The way to access their private stretch of sand on Eagle Beach is to traverse their private tunnel.
Hilton Honors members receive a discounted rate, including family-friendly suites. And don’t be afraid to use their concierge as a resource. For example, they’ll be more than happy to arrange your visit to the nearby Bubali Bird Sanctuary or National Archaeological Museum if you’re looking for a way to divvy up your poolside, seaside, and barside bits of fun in the sun.
If you really enjoyed your time here next year, you can also indulge in even more family fun in the sun at any one of these Bahamas all-inclusive resorts.
Barceló Aruba
Like Embassy Suites, Barceló Aruba is also located in the high-rise district. It, too, focuses on all-inclusive family fun. So, if you’re looking for something a little more low-key, you might want to consider the next destination on our list (Boardwalk Boutique Hotel).
That said, if family time is the name of the game, look into Barceló Aruba, as well. Every room has a balcony or terrace view of either the sea or the gardens – can’t go wrong there. On top of that, it features six different restaurants, as well as a lovely pool bar or lobby bar for an evening nightcap.
Wherever you are, the chances are high that you can enjoy some live music. If you feel like luck is on your side, you can also take your chances at the onsite casino.
Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba
One thing to note about Aruba is that Palm Beach is where all the action is. And, even though the Boardwalk Boutique Hotel is about half a mile away, you don’t sense any of that frenetic energy here. Perhaps it’s because it’s family-run by two local sisters who spotted the opportunity to purchase this former coconut plantation and turn it into something truly special.
This is an adults-only boutique hotel with 49 fully-equipped casitas and plenty of secret hideaways throughout the property, including hammocks, tranquility zones, swimming pools, and a beautiful boardwalk overlooking the sea. Here, everything is colorful, fresh, and calming – especially in the casitas.
Indulge in an afternoon massage, splurge on some lovely meals in The Coco Café, or set up a time to hop aboard their shuttle and explore downtown. Here, you’ll find solo travelers and romantic couples alike. You’re free to go your own way when you stay at the Boardwalk Boutique, but one thing is guaranteed: complete and utter relaxation.
Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa
Like Boardwalk Boutique, Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa has a lovely, relaxing atmosphere due to its smaller size, with only 72 guest rooms. They also put the spotlight on wellness, offering complimentary pilates and yoga classes. Their onsite spa is also rumored to be one of the best on the island.
When you’re ready for some nourishment, their steakhouse or Japanese restaurant will send you over another blissful edge. Alternatively, they also have a host of vegan options, which is lovely to see, as well as a brimming menu of nutrient-dense smoothies.
Of course, the cabanas are already set up for you on the beach. So, if you feel like taking your spiritual retreat to the beach, all you need to do is pack a self-development book and some sunscreen! They’ll take care of all the rest.
Bucuti & Tara
Here, we have another adults-only property with plenty of unique offerings. The most notable one is their “Dine Around Plan.” This opens up the door for you to experience downtown island restaurants if you like to explore the area when you’re living the resort dream.
When you’re onsite, you can indulge in full daily breakfast offerings before you embrace any of their wellness packages, such as the Spiritual Journey, which includes a 60-minute Sacred Massage of Totoma, two private classes, three small-group classes, and four-morning group classes.
Mental, physical, and spiritual wellness rule the day when you’re here, and you’ll quickly see that the staff is more than willing to help you set the perfect schedule for your Arubian days and nights.
Hotel Riu Palace Aruba
Continuing with a menu of all-inclusive offerings, Hotel Riu Palace Aruba lives up to its name. As a 24-hour all-inclusive resort on Palm Beach, there’s plenty to do on- and off-site. You’ll certainly want to spend some of your day at any one of their two outdoor pools or kids’ pool. When you’re ready to hit the beach, they’ll set up the loungers and parasols for you.
There’s also ample opportunity to let your sporty side out with beach volleyball, paddle surfing, and kayaking. When you’re ready to relax your muscles, all you have to do is take a dip in their whirlpool before indulging in a satiating spa service.
With five restaurants, a full breakfast buffet, and live music streaming through the air, you’ll have that inescapable feeling that you’re fully on island time, and, even if only for a week, all is right in the world.
Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort
Renaissance Wind Creek’s point of interest is that its location is in downtown Oranjestad instead of Palm Beach or Eagle Beach. So, if you’re looking for something a little more dialed back, this could be the one!
They have their own private island, Renaissance Island, that you can be transported to via water taxi. While you’re there, you can meet and greet flamingos as you sip on a pretty little umbrella drink. It’s also all-inclusive and adults-only if that’s what you’re looking for.
While they have plenty of ocean suites to choose from, you can also book a room alongside their calming white sand lagoon. When you’re ready for some action, you can either indulge in their offering of watersports, the Okeanos Spa or test your luck with their casino match play coupons.
Divi Dutch Village Beach Resort
What’s nice about Divi Dutch Village Beach Resort is that most of their suites feature a kitchenette or kitchen. So, if you prefer to start your days with a warming cup of tea from the quiet of your balcony, this is another nice all-inclusive option.
While there are four onsite pools here, you can also hop aboard their complimentary shuttle to enjoy the amenities of two neighboring resorts: Divi Aruba and Tamarijn Aruba. This is a family-friendly experience, with a rock climbing wall, children’s club, over-the-water hammocks, and more.
On the days you’re not luxuriating at their swim-up bar, you can try to make par on their nine-hole golf course or set up some services at their salon and spa. Children under twelve stay free, and everyone’s bound to enjoy the Tiki Grill or Tiki Pool Bar.
Their concierge also makes it easy to explore Aruba while you snorkel through some shipwrecks, horseback ride through the desert, or venture off on a sunset sail.
Divi Aruba All-Inclusive Resort
Now that we’ve mentioned Divi Aruba and Tamarijn Aruba let’s discuss those properties, as well. Divi Aruba’s packages include unlimited food, drinks, e-bike tours, a children’s club, and easy access to Divi Dutch Village (especially that gorgeous golf course). So, you’ll never be short on activities or entertainment options when you stay at either of these locations.
You also have your pick in terms of garden, pool, and ocean views. You might want to indulge in one of their oceanfront lanai rooms. With easy access to an exquisite array of dining and entertainment options, you won’t even need to leave the grounds of any of these three resorts.
Tamarijn Aruba
Things are similarly sumptuous over at Tamarijn Aruba. If you can swing it, their premium oceanfront rooms will soothe your soul as you listen to the sound of the waves from your cloudlike bedding.
Like Divi Aruba, you’ll have easy access to onsite golfing, a wellness retreat, and a bustling entertainment calendar with events like craft cocktail classes, beach parties, a sea turtle club, dance shows, live bands, and so much more.
Holiday Inn Resort Aruba-Beach Resort & Casino
Back to another popular chain that really steps things up a notch when they’re on island time. This is a lovely beachfront hotel in Palm Beach, offering sprawling high-rise views of Aruba. With beachside pools, a full menu of watersports, and five on-site restaurants, you can easily make this a romantic getaway or a full family holiday.
They can also help you live like a local if you’d like to visit The Village to soak up some local flavor. The Village is packed with art and street performers. Staff will also be glad to help you make your way to the enchanting Aruba Butterfly Farm or California Lighthouse. You’ll get a decent amount of bang for your buck here, leaving you utterly refreshed without having necessarily broken the bank.
Radisson Blu Aruba
Let’s close out with another family-friendly, affordable resort option. At the Radisson Blu Aruba, you’ll be treated to easy walking distance to Palm Beach, where you can either lay out for the day or do a little snorkeling. Right outside their hotel, you also have an array of high-end shops when you need a little retail therapy. Their rooftop infinity pool – for adults only – is also a nice way to end the day.
You’ll have access to fitness classes, room service, horseback tours, and even a little hiking trip into the dramatic caves in Arikok National Park. The days will sail right by while you’re here, whether you sign up for any one of these amazing activities or just park your lounge chair on Palm Beach the entire time.
Set Your Watch to Island Time
Once you’re booked, all you need to do is set your Apple Watch to island time and let the supportive staff at any of these locations take it from there. We hope you have the best week of your life, whether you’re booked into a wellness retreat or riding the waves on a jet ski.
When it’s time for your next all-inclusive getaway, know that we have a destination guide already lined up for you. Together, we’ll help you plan the perfect trip to add to your lifetime of memories.