Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort
Hotels on the island are categorized as low-rise or high-rise and are grouped in two distinct areas along L.G. Smith and J.E. Irausquin boulevards north of Oranjestad. The low-rise properties are closer to the capital, the high-rises in a swath a little farther north. Hotel rates, with the exception of those at a few all-inclusives, generally do not include meals or even breakfast. The larger resorts are destinations unto themselves, with shopping, entertainment, and casinos.
While the Tamarijn—Divi’s sister property—caters to all ages, this resort is favored more by couples and honeymooners. The newer tower has its own pool and bar and offers up some excellent sea views, and there are four super-luxe two-bedroom oceanfront suites with whirlpool tubs available only on this property. Guests at both resorts enjoy complimentary shuttle transportation to 11 dining options, 8 bars, 4 pools, nightly entertainment, and Alhambra Mall and Casino, as well as gorgeous Druif Beach. Updated amenities include an activities center for complimentary snorkels, floats, e-mountain bikes, and fitness classes; it's tucked beneath their modern sea-view fitness center and behind Aruba’s only climbing tower.
Once home to the owner of Aruba Ocean Villas, an adults-only resort, this incredible family-friendly semi-overwater complex has a gorgeously decorated living area spilling onto a massive deck over the sea. A crystal chandelier hangs over a grand piano and the fully-equipped kitchen is restaurant-sized. There are three bedrooms, each decked out in its own theme, but the master bedroom reigns supreme, with an outdoor soaking tub and rain shower in a private tropical garden. The overwater deck is awash with daybeds, lounges, and hammocks, so groups have lots of space to linger. Beach, fitness, and snorkel gear are included and housekeeping is available on demand.
Having received a major multimillion-dollar refresh in 2021, the interiors of this popular all-inclusive sister to Divi Aruba almost rival the stellar sea scenes you’ll discover mere steps from each oceanfront room. The latest dining option for all-inclusive guests has propelled this legacy property into a more cosmopolitan era: opened in late 2024, the seafront Club Margot offers a family-style three-course menu comprised of Caribbean and international flavors, including a decadent surprise dessert. Complimentary fitness classes, tennis, pickleball, snorkel equipment, e-mountain bikes, and access to Indulgence by the Sea spa on-site add to the multitude of activity options.
This full-service resort offers both family-friendly amenities and one adults-only top-level floor with its own pool, as well as guestrooms that are being modernized for the 2026 high season. Lots of organized activities, a seaside water circuit and pool bar, and a children’s playground offer something for all ages. Its beach has very kid-friendly surf and every kind of water sport imaginable. On-site dining includes a romantic toes-in-the-sand experience, a modern high-end steak house, and a snazzy seafront eatery focusing on Mediterranean specialties. Live music and killer cocktails at the Lobby Bar and entertainment at the 24/7 casino within also keep this indoor space hopping at night.
Operating like a small village unto itself, this all-suites, five-story, horseshoe-shaped time-share resort provides an ideal environment for families, with a kids' pool and colorful beachfront playground. Located on a gorgeous 600-foot circle of sand, there's a large pool and water circuit replete with whirlpools and fountains. One-, two-, and three-bedroom bright and spacious suites and premium suites also have balcony decks with hot tubs and barbecue grills. There are lighted tennis and pickleball courts, too.
This modern all-suite resort features very spacious, fully equipped accommodations ideal for families and small groups wishing to self-cater; there's also an all-inclusive option that gives access to all the food and drink at both Divi Aruba and the Tamarijn, and they now also offer a breakfast plan. The three redesigned freshwater pools (one with a swim-up bar and one with an on-site bar and grill) cater to the friendly Village crowd, which often includes repeat visitors. Though not directly on the water, the beach is a very short stroll away.
All the rooms at this all-suites golf resort community across the street from Druif Beach include fully equipped kitchens, but an all-inclusive option is also available with access and shuttles to sister resorts Tamarijn, Divi Aruba, and Divi Dutch Village. Those seeking the ultimate in luxury can book one of the golf villas that directly overlook the course and have private rooftop Jacuzzis and private grills. A large family-friendly pool has waterslides and waterfalls. Other amenities include a 9-hole golf course, lighted tennis and pickleball courts, a modern fitness center, four restaurants, and a sports bar. A breakfast plan is also available.
This family-friendly all-inclusive is a massive complex surrounding an expansive beachfront water circuit with a choice of five restaurants and scads of free activities. Rooms are spacious and nicely appointed, but for extra luxury book a Jacuzzi suite. Though they discourage spring break–style partiers, the vibe is always very high-energy, loud, and lively. Right next door, adults can enjoy the Orchid Casino and join the famous RIU brand theme parties at the sister resort, Hotel Riu Palace Antillas.
This complex of mostly time-share units located across the street from a gorgeous Eagle Beach front draws families and small groups for everything needed for a home-away-from-home vibe, including fully equipped kitchens. Good dining outlets and a glitzy casino are also on site.
One of Aruba's original low-rise resorts, Manchebo is now best known as a dedicated health and wellness boutique resort with daily complimentary seafront yoga, Pilates classes, and lots of healthy culinary choices. Premium all-inclusive packages also available. Try to snag the spacious one-bedroom second floor corner suite—here's only one, but it's spectacular.
A unique luxury boutique resort far from the touristy fray is across the road from the wild and scenic Malmok Cliffs, offering rooms surrounding a solarium pool as well as a few oceanfront suites with their own dipping pools. The gleaming white-and-glass complex offers bespoke personal service and their chic stand-alone indoor-outdoor bar and restaurant attracts many non-resort guests for its excellent fare. Though there's no beach, complimentary transfers to nearby Boca Catalina and Arashi beaches are included, and you can often spot sea turtles off the Tres Tapis Cove within walking distance.
Looking something like a stepped Mayan pyramid—the design maximizes sea views from the balconies—this older time-share hotel also has a homey feel, with full kitchens in all the spacious units. Other options include the luxury two-story three-bedroom townhomes or the chic Spa Lanai suite that can accommodate up to six people. Sitting directly on Palm Beach, the resort also has an inviting circuit of pools and hot tubs, and the dedicated activity pool is a popular spot to work out in fun ways. There are also organized kids' activities, theme nights, tennis courts, lots of on-site dining, and a large well-stocked mini market.
The adults-only hotel of the Renaissance Wind Creek's twin resorts offers guests a chic, waterfront urban oasis overlooking the Downtown marina with fine dining, a cool club infinity bar, and a glitzy on-site casino. Its proximity to scads of shopping, dining, and vibrant Downtown nightlife is a huge plus, and guests enjoy water taxi access from the lower lobby to a luxurious private island with the adult-only Flamingo Beach, as well as access to family-friendly Iguana Beach next door. Deluxe cabana rental options are on both sides. All-inclusive plans are available.
The high standards of Ritz-Carlton properties are well represented at the Aruba property with rooms that have private balconies, and ocean-view rooms that offer sweeping vistas of the Caribbean. Parents seeking a break will appreciate the range of distracting activities available from Ritz Kids, which includes an ocean learning program curated by the son of Jacques Cousteau. The resort is expansive, so it never feels crowded, and despite the numerous entertainment options available, including one of the best casinos on the island, peace and quiet are easily found. The spa is one of the largest on the island and offers a full range of treatments. The excellent two-story glassed-in lobby bar is perfect for sunsets. Club Level guests (7th floor) have private lounge and daily food and beverage offerings.