For years it was Aruba’s most beloved “small hotel,” a tiny oasis of 14 rooms just across from Palm Beach. 

Now, after a major transformation project, Aruba’s family-owned Boardwalk has officially relaunched as a full-fledged boutique hotel, the Boardwalk Boutique Hotel. 

The new Boardwalk has reopened its doors following a significant expansion project that resulted in 32 new “casitas” on the lush grounds of a former coconut plantation called Plantage Tromp. 

The new Boardwalk has a fitness and spa, a new lobby, a lobby cafe and what the property is calling a “multi-experience” pool. 

The hotel’s existing 14 casitas also underwent a refurbishment. 

All of the property’s bungalow-style casitas have large patios, hammocks, barbeue grills and modern kitchens. 

The new poolscape has several pool decks, an overwater hammock, water features, kid-friendly pool entry and daily poolside bar service, too. 

The Boardwalk also features a second, more secluded pool, along with a beach club on Palm Beach.

 “We have tried our utmost in the design and lay-out of the extended property, to keep our unique Caribbean character and laid-back vibe intact and integrate as much local touches as we possibly could,” said Kimberly Rooijakkers, one of the owners of the hotel. 

The expansion project totaled $10 million and nearly three years of work, the property said. 

It also came with a renewed focus on being green. 

“All new casitas are so-called Green Houses, constructed with Nudura and Insuldeck insulating materials, using solar panels, ultra-efficient energy management systems and 100% LED lighting. All of this to enhance our eco-friendly hotel operations,” Rooijakkers said. 

What it all means is that what has long been Aruba’s leading small hotel is now the hottest boutique hotel on the island. 

For more, visit Boardwalk Aruba. 

— CJ