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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.
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.
These lovely little apartments set within a large residential home on the way to Savaneta are a prime example of many new spots offered in this region for those who prefer a more local, self-catering, and economical Aruban holiday. There is a choice of two apartments, one split-level one-bedroom with a good fold-out couch and a loft that sleeps four people, and a smaller space for two on the ground floor. Both have shared access to a pool and shaded lounges, and each have their own outdoor kitchen with a covered porch and garden dining area. There is a little local fish restaurant at the Nautical Yacht Club within walking distance, too. Thoughtful extras include folding chairs and coolers for outings to the beach. Mangel Halto is only a three-minute drive away.
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.
Riu bought this property, formerly the Westin Hotel, in 2014, right next door to its other Palm Beach family-friendly all-inclusive Riu Palace. But this one is rare for Aruba: an adults-only all-inclusive, though more are planned in the future. The tower structure is not a typical Riu design, but sea views from most rooms are great, and the Westin’s original pool area and water circuit is extensive. A bonus is that guests at the adults-only can also avail themselves of all the facilities next door at the sister resort, giving them far more choices of dining, entertainment, and activities. And it also has its own nightclub.
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