By Bob Curley
Aruba has always been one of the safest and friendliest destinations in the Caribbean, a reputation that’s especially valued given the realities of travel in 2020. COVID-19 cases on the island have remained low and while there have been a handful of coronavirus cases among tourists, Aruba has remained open to international visitors (including Americans) since early July.
And there’s more good news: most of the dozen-plus resorts now open in Aruba are located directly on one of the island’s beautiful beaches, cooled by constant trade winds. (Note that some casinos and other facilities may be closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. (Find everything you need to know about Aruba’s travel requirements here).
Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino: This large resort complex on Palm Beach has something for everyone, including the adults-only Tradewinds Club, a 24-hour casino, family and adult pools, a Mandara Spa, and a la carte dining options that include a Ruth’s Chris Steak House.
Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort: Luxury boutique sister resorts on Eagle Beach are adults-only hideaways with a focus on sustainability. Breakfast is included when you stay in any of the four-diamond resort’s 45 suites or 59 guest rooms.
Divi Aruba All Inclusive Resort: One of four Divi resorts on Aruba, this all-inclusive property sits on a 1.5-mile stretch of Druif Beach and has more than a dozen dining options, included water and land sports, nightly entertainment, and a kids club.
Divi Aruba Phoenix: Travelers looking for an all-inclusive getaway with some extra elbow room will enjoy the high-rise Phoenix, which has one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites, many with views of Palm Beach.
Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino: Centrally located on Palm Beach, the Hilton Aruba has a kid-friendly waterfall pool and freshwater lagoon, rooms with either patios or balconies, a spa, casino, and The Palm Beach Club, a private resort-within-a-resort.
Holiday Inn Resort Aruba: This casino hotel on Palm Beach has a full menu of amenities for an affordable Aruba vacation, particularly if you’re traveling with children. A family friendly activity center, spa and fitness center, and more than a half-dozen dining options make this more than your typical Holiday Inn.
Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa: Aruba has a bit of a go-go reputation, but while that may be true on Palm Beach, the boutique Manchebo resort on quieter, palm-dotted Eagle Beach has exuded relaxation and relaxation for more than half a century.
Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino: One of the Caribbean’s most unique resorts, the Renaissance combines the hip vibe of a downtown hotel with the otherworldly atmosphere of a private island with wandering flamingos, waterfront cabanas, and a secluded spa.
The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba: The ladies and gentlemen of the Ritz-Carlton welcome guests (and their pets) to Palm Beach with attentive service and amenities that include Club-level rooms and perks, family and adult pools, casino and spa, and six restaurants.
These additional Aruba resorts are open, but across the street from the beach rather than on it:
- Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort: This villa and suite resort has spacious accommodations around pools and a nine-hole golf course, with a beach club at “Divi Beach” between Manchebo Beach and Druif Beach.
- Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba: Poolside casitas and oceanfront palapas combine to make the Boardwalk a tranquil oasis near Palm Beach.
- Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort Aruba: Small by Aruba resort standards with just 72 rooms and suites, the Amsterdam Manor is notable for its traditional Dutch architecture and for being both budget- and pet-friendly.