Our Director of Travel Planning, Shanna, explored the Dutch island of Aruba last week. With world-class beaches, many direct flights from major cities, and more sunny days than any other Caribbean island, it’s time to move Aruba to the top of your Caribbean bucket list!
Aruba, commonly known as a part of the "ABC Islands", conveniently falls south of the hurricane belt making it a popular tropical destination for visitors year-round.
Shanna's week of personal and business travel included visits to all the properties we feature this week.
First, our Pro Tip:
On your return, it is highly recommended to arrive to the Aruba airport 3 hours before your departure. This may sound a bit excessive, but trust us, it’s imperative, as there are 7 lines to wait in!
If you have Global Entry, then the departure process will be very much shorter as there is Global Entry processing actually at the Aruba airport. OR you can book a fast-track VIP departure service through us. This is one of the few countries in the world where U.S. Customs and Border Protection will pre-clear all passengers flying to the U.S.
Top 5 - Bon Bini (Welcome) to One Happy Island
1. Boardwalk Boutique Hotel (below)
If you are looking for a family-run boutique hotel in the middle of a former coconut plantation, look no further than this hidden gem. While technically not an oceanfront property, Boardwalk is a tropical oasis just steps away from Palm Beach. Guests enjoy stays in fully-equipped casitas (some with plunge pools), healthy comfort food at the new Coco Café, beach service and palapas, 2 pools, and more! Load your rental car with their complimentary beach chairs, cooler, and snorkel gear to check out what makes Aruba so discoverable.
2. Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort
Indulge and unwind at one of the Caribbean’s most awarded resorts, Bucuti & Tara (below).
2023 Tripadvisor #1 Best Hotel in the Caribbean and #18 Best Hotel in the World
2023 Travel + Leisure #7 Beach Hotel in the Caribbean
2022 Condé Nast Traveler Top 40 Resorts in the Caribbean
2022 TripAdvisor #1 Hotel for Romance in the Caribbean and #5 in the World
Did we even mention that this adults-only boutique property is located on world-famous Eagle Beach (above) which was voted the #1 Beach in the Caribbean and #2 Beach in the World?!
And… Bucuti & Tara is the Caribbean’s first and only Certified Carbon Neutral Resort!
3. Aruba Ocean Villas (above and below)
A picturesque sanctuary for romance travelers, Aruba’s only overwater resort offers truly unique accommodation options on the island. This locally owned boutique property features 7 overwater villas and 5 beach bungalows along with an off-property 4-bedroom Owner’s Estate. Adults 21+ can enjoy a seaside restaurant with a private overwater dining cabana, complimentary water activities, and serene massage treatment cabanas.
4. Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino (above and below)
We are huge fans of the Hyatt brand and this beachfront property located on Palm Beach is no exception. Newly remodeled rooms, connecting suites, weekly resort activities, and 9 restaurants and bars, make it an ideal location for all types of travelers including families and couples. Through the Hyatt Prive preferred program, we can offer our clients the following exclusive complimentary amenities:
- $100 resort credit
- daily breakfast
- welcome amenity
- priority for room upgrades
5. The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba
This five-star property is situated on the North end of Palm Beach closest to a popular area for kitesurfing and windsurfing. New island-inspired designs have recently been completed in all 320 guestrooms and suites. As a part of the Marriott STARS preferred program, all our clients receive:
- $100 hotel credit
- daily breakfast
- VIP status
- welcome amenity
- priority for room upgrades
If you're ready to book your luxury Caribbean getaway, let us know by clicking the button below.
I love travel and I love travel planning just as much and I am proud to have built a team as passionate about exploring the world as myself. It took me a very long time to align my career with my undeniable passion for exploring, but now I and the team are here for you. Your personal travel tailors - award reservation and luxury custom itinerary experts. We provide a bespoke service, imagining and creating itineraries for independent minded families and groups.