Flamingo Beach Aruba: The Complete Guide

Flamingo Beach Aruba is one of the most popular places to visit in Aruba and for good reason! This is a rare and special experience where you can walk with flamingos, feed the flamingos, and get perfect up-close photos of these beautiful birds. We spend a full day at Renaissance Island and Flamingo Beach, testing everything to make sure that you have all the information and a complete guide to have the perfect day at Flamingo Beach Aruba.

Flamingo Island Aruba

Disclaimer:  We received complimentary access to Renaissance Island and Flamingo Beach Aruba to visit the famous Aruba pink flamingos! All opinions are our own. Please note that some of the links in the below article are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, we earn a commission if you make a purchase. Click here for the full disclosure statement. Thank you for supporting the businesses that support us!

Flamingo Beach Aruba: The Complete Guide

We’ve got answers to all of your questions on visiting Flamingo Beach Aruba. It’s hands-down one of the best things to do in Aruba! If you’re looking for more fun things to do, check out our blog post covering the whole island and top 15 unique things to do in Aruba. Visiting the Aruba pink flamingos is a bucket list item for so many people, and we have everything you need to know in this review of the Flamingo Beach Aruba.

Flamingo Beach Aruba

What is Flamingo Beach Aruba?

Flamingo Beach is widely known worldwide and is one of the most famous beaches in Aruba, alongside Palm Beach. What makes Flamingo Beach Aruba special is the small flamboyance of pink flamingos (yes, a flock or group of flamingos is called a flamboyance!) that call the private island home. You can visit Renaissance Island and Flamingo Beach and have a wonderful up-close experience with these beautiful birds.

Flamingo Island Aruba Flock

Where is Flamingo Island Aruba?

Flamingo Beach is located on the private Renaissance Island, which is sometimes also referred to as Flamingo Island. The island is located just offshore the main island of Aruba, and is just a 10 to 15 minute boat ride from the main Aruba harbor in Oranjestad. Renaissance Island also has the Iguana Beach, whish is slightly larger than Flamingo Beach. There’s a reason it’s called Iguana Beach, as there are lots of Iguanas hanging around!

Iguana on Flamingo Island

How to Get to Flamingo Beach Aruba

As Flamingo Beach is located on the private Renaissance Island, the only way to get there is to take the Renaissance water taxi. The cost of the water taxi is included in your ticket to Renaissance Island.

Boats run from 7:00 AM to 6:45 PM every day approximately every 15 minutes. To catch the water taxi in town, the main pick-up point is located right at the Renaissance Aruba in Renaissance Mall. You’ll see the water access point and small dock that goes into the mall, near the Starbucks. Alternatively, the water taxi also stops outside in the main harbor, mostly to pick-up employees. This dock is located in the southernmost corner of the harbor, near the Renaissance Convention Center.

Flamingo Island Aruba Water Taxi

Your tickets are not time specific so you are free to take any water taxi to the island and any water taxi back. There is only one dock on this Aruba private island, and you just line up and wait for the next water taxi when you are ready to go!

What it Costs to Visit Flamingo Beach Aruba

There are two main ways to gain access to Renaissance Island. One way is to have a hotel room booked at the Renaissance Aruba Resort where access to the island is complimentary, and the other is to purchase a day pass separately just to visit the Aruba pink flamingos.

Flamingo Island Aruba Hammock

The easiest way is certainly to spend a few nights at the Renaissance Aruba Resort to gain complimentary access to Flamingo Beach and Renaissance Island. With the Renaissance Aruba being located right in downtown Oranjestad, it’s a great base to walk and explore the city attractions, restaurants, and nightlife.

Check availability at the Renaissance Aruba Resort for your dates!

Alternatively, you can purchase a Renaissance Island Day Pass for $125 USD per person. Note that there is not a guarantee that Day Passes will be available every day, as the hotel generally only sells Day Passes when the hotel is not full. To be 100% sure you can visit Renaissance Island during your visit, either book a stay at the Renaissance Aruba Resort, or book your Day Pass in advance here to be sure that you will get your chance to visit the famous Aruba pink flamingos.

What is Included in the Day Pass to the Flamingo Beach Aruba

When you purchase an Island Day Pass, you get all of the following items included:

  • Complimentary water taxi to and from Renaissance Island
  • Complimentary beach towels
  • Complimentary snorkeling equipment, kayaks, paddle boards, and floats; first come first serve
  • 1 lunch meal and 1 cocktail at the Papagayo Bar & Grill or Mangrove Beach Bar on Renaissance Island
Standing Flamingo Aruba

Note that Flamingo Beach is adult-only, so if you are traveling with kids you’ll have to spend most of your time at Iguana Beach. Children can visit Flamingo Beach, while being supervised, between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM. However, if you arrive earlier or stay later, the flamingos will sometimes wander by themselves over to Iguana Beach, so your children should have no problem getting a chance to see the Aruba pink flamingos.

What to Expect When at Flamingo Beach Aruba

You will arrive by water taxi at the main dock in the center of the island. When you get off the water taxi, to the right is Flamingo Beach, and to the left is Iguana Beach.

Exiting right, Flamingo Beach has the Mangrove Beach Bar located on the beach, for the sand in your toes drinking opportunity. There are also a number of lounge chairs located throughout the beach.

Flamingo Island Beach Bar

If you exit left, you will first pass the beach house where you can obtain your complimentary beach towels, as well as the water sports equipment, if you are interested.

Flamingo Island Towel Stand

Further along, you will find the large Iguana Beach with lots of lounge chairs and palapas to relax at for the day. At the far end are washrooms and the Papagayo Bar & Grill, which serves a delicious Aruban breakfast as well as lunch and snack food throughout the day.

Breakfast Flamingo Island

You can spend the whole day on Renaissance Island, and move between Flamingo Beach and Iguana Beach as much as you like. The Aruba pink flamingos will mostly be at Flamingo Beach, however when we visited, the flamingos were at Iguana Beach early in the morning and at the end of the day.

Flamingo Beach Aruba: The Complete Guide 1

Enjoy time relaxing at the palapas on Iguana Beach, and enjoy the delicious food served up at the Papagayo Bar & Grill that is included with your Day Pass. Their pizzas, are especially delicious and perfect for snacking on at the beach!

Is a Cabana at Flamingo Beach Aruba Worth it?

Private cabanas are available for rent at both Flamingo Beach and Iguana Beach. Rentals start at about $150 USD per day for the smaller cabanas and $200 USD per day for the larger cabanas on the adult-only Flamingo Beach. At Iguana Beach, the large cabanas are available for rental for $250 USD per day and the smaller ones for $200 USD per day. Prices can fluctuate depending on the time of year that your visit. Cabanas come with bottles of water, a bottle of sparkling wine, wi-fi, and personalized service.

Flamingo Island Aruba Cabana

The question of if renting a cabana at Renaissance Island is worth it, is entirely up to your personal preference. It is absolutely not necessary to rent a private cabana, as there is more than enough space for anyone to relax at a lounge chair and palapa throughout the island. Given that you can also get food and drink service at the palapas on the beach, we do not recommend the additional cost of the cabana, unless you really value personal space and privacy.

The Next Trip Top 5 Tips to Make the Most of Flamingo Beach Aruba

1. Make the Most of Your Day

To make the most of your day pass, plan to arrive early or stay late at Renaissance Island on either the first or last water taxi. During the day, the island fills up and the chance of getting a beautiful photo with the flamingos all to yourself decreases substantially. We arrived on the first water taxi, and took the last one back, and for the first hour and last hour we had the whole island, and the Aruba pink flamingos, almost to ourselves.

2. Plan Ahead

Plan your day at Renaissance Island and Flamingo Beach Aruba far in advance! If you are booking the Island Day Pass separately and not staying at the Renaissance Aruba Resort, it is advised to book your day pass prior to arriving in Aruba as the island has capacity restrictions. There is no guarantee that the hotel will offer Day Passes, as if the hotel is at full capacity they may not make Island Day Passes available. You don’t want to be disappointed and not get the chance to visit Playa Flamingo Aruba while on the island!

3. Be Respectful

Flamingos are not native to Aruba, and are kept here on Renaissance Island for tourism purposes. Keep this in mind, and be respectful of the birds. They are used to humans, however there should be no yelling, chasing, touching, or holding the birds. Ultimately the Aruba pink flamingos are wild birds, even if they are now a bit of a tourist attraction, so please be respectful!

4. Have Fun on the Water

Utilize the complimentary kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkel equipment during the afternoon. When most people are on the Aruba private island, take the time to relax and enjoy the sun and water as opposed to jostling for position among the crowds and in between the Aruba pink flamingos.

5. Bring US Quarters Change for Flamingo Food

The best way to get a photo with the flamingos is if you have food for them. That way the will stay with you and you can tell your photographer to snap away. Flamingo food is sold on the island in a small gumball style vending machine. For USD $1, you can get 1 cup of kibble for the cute Aruba pink flamingos. Make sure you bring US quarters as the gumball style vending machine only accepts quarters.

Flamingo Beach Aruba Feeding

Most Frequently Asked Questions about Flamingo Beach Aruba

We are answering some of the most commonly asked questions about visiting Flamingo Island in Aruba so that you have all the answers in one place.

Where is the Flamingo Island?

Flamingo Beach is located on the private Renaissance Island, which is sometimes also referred to as Flamingo Island. The island is located just offshore the main island of Aruba, and is just a 10 to 15 minute boat ride from the main Aruba harbor in Oranjestad.

Is Flamingo Island Worth It?

A day pass to Flamingo Island is $125 USD per person. Included in the day pass is the water taxi from the main island, towels, beach chairs, snorkeling equipment, kayaks, paddle boards, and floats; first come first serve1 lunch meal and 1 cocktail at the Papagayo Bar & Grill or Mangrove Beach Bar on Renaissance Island. Whether or not the Flamingo Island is worth it depends on how much you want to experience the flamingos up close.

How Many Flamingos are on Flamingo Island Aruba?

There are 8 flamingos on Flamingo Island in Aruba. They walk around freely and you can feed them as much as you like or take photos with them.

Where Do You See Flamingos in Aruba?

You can see the famous flamingos in Aruba on Flamingo Island. On the island, there is flamingo beach which is where the birds hang out during the day. In the morning before 9am and in the evening, the flamingos wander to Iguana beach and you can see them there.

What Beaches Have Flamingos in Aruba?

The only beach in Aruba that officially has flamingos is Flamingo Beach on Flamingo Island / Renaissance Island. However, the birds are free to walk around on Flamingo island and you can sometimes find them on Iguana beach as well.

Have you Been to Flamingo Beach Aruba?

Have you been to Flamingo Beach Aruba and visited the beautiful pink flamingos? Let us know in the comments how you enjoyed the experience!

Pin this post to your Aruba travel Pinterest board so you are fully prepared to visit the flamingo beach when you are planning to visit the One Happy Island.

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Flamingo Beach Aruba: The Complete Guide 3

15 Unique Things to Do in Aruba

Aruba is one of the top Caribbean island destinations for a good reason! Stunning beaches, beautiful weather, and warm and welcoming locals all contribute to what makes Aruba the One Happy Island. There is a lot more to the island than just beautiful white beaches and turquoise waters that you can’t miss out on.

Oranjestad Aruba Church

We’ve compiled a list of our favorite 15 fun and unique things to do in Aruba after having spent two weeks on this amazing island. Read on for all of the best Aruba things to do to help you plan your vacation!

Disclaimer:  We received complimentary spa services from Rejuvenate Medi Spa Aruba as part of our research on the best unique things to do in Aruba. We thoroughly enjoyed the services, all opinions are our own. Please note that some of the links in the below article are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, we earn a commission if you make a purchase. Click here for the full disclosure statement. Thank you for supporting the businesses that support us!

15 Unique Things to Do in Aruba

There are so many great unique things to do in Aruba, that we have divided our list into north, central, and south areas of Aruba to help with your planning. All of these locations are easily accessible by rental car, which is one of the best ways to explore the island.

To help with planning your perfect vacation to see the 15 unique things to do in Aruba, we have put together this map of everything listed in this blog post.

Trip map created with Wanderlog, the best travel planner app

North Side of Aruba

The north side of Aruba contains some of the most popular destinations for visitors to the island, including the famous Palm Beach, and a number of other easy to reach destinations. There are so many unique things to do in Aruba though that you don’t want to limit yourself to just the north side of the island, be sure to read about everything else below!

Explore Palm Beach

Palm Beach is the most famous destination in Aruba, and that’s because it has the best sunset views on the island, as well as beautiful sand and relatively calm, warm waters. Almost all of the major resorts in Aruba are located here, so it’s likely where you will be staying during your visit to Aruba.

Palm Beach Aruba

The best way to explore Palm Beach is to take a walk or bike along Aruba’s sightseeing path that stretches all along Palm Beach. The pathway is multi-use and goes between the beach and resorts. You’ll get a sneak peak of all the resorts, as well as an opportunity to sample some great food and drinks along the way. One extremely popular and great healthy option for a snack while exploring Palm Beach is Eduardo’s Beach Shack for healthy bowls, smoothies, and fresh snacks. No trip to Aruba is complete without stopping at Palm Beach!

Eduardos Beach Shack Aruba
Eduardos Beach Shack Aruba Bowl

If you really want the full Palm Beach experience, consider going on a sunset catamaran cruise! There are a few different options, but the most popular is this one that also includes happy hour drinks and appetizers! The cruises can sell out during peak season, so be sure to book in advance so you don’t miss a sunset on the water!

Hyatt Regency Aruba Sunset Cruise

Alto Vista Chapel

A popular stop for many tours, the Alto Vista Chapel, is located on top of a hill with expansive views of the ocean. While the current chapel is not the original building, this is the site of the first Catholic church in Aruba, from 1750. The small building has a simple design and the location is quite peaceful, making this a great place for contemplation.

Alto Vista Chapel Aruba Unique Things to do Aruba

Bushiribana Gold Mill

Most people don’t realize that Aruba was extensively searched for gold hundreds of years ago, and they did find it! The stone structure remnants here are from the Bushiribana Gold Mill that processed ore from the surrounding hills during Aruba’s gold rush. The ruins here are free to explore and climb through.

Bushiribana Ruins Aruba Instagram
Unique Things to do Aruba Bushiribana Ruins

While you’re here, don’t miss views of the rugged coastline a short walk away, which includes a natural cave. A popular way to visit this area as well as other secret beaches is with an ATV or UTV tour, which will allow you to access places not accessible by car. Check out some of the great tours in Aruba here.

California Lighthouse

The California Lighthouse can be seen from quite far away as you approach it, owing to the relatively flat geography of the island, and that it is ideally perched on higher ground. As a result you have a beautiful 360-degree view from the top of the California Lighthouse of all of Aruba. The lighthouse is open daily to walk up to the viewing platform, at a cost of $5 USD for admission.

California Lighthouse Aruba

The view from the top gives you a true perspective of the size of Aruba and where everything is located, a great place to stop near the beginning of your trip to gain perspective of the island, or near the end to see everywhere you’ve been!

California Dunes

For such a small island, Aruba has an incredibly diverse geography, ranging from volcanic rocks, to the beautiful white sand Californa Dunes. The sand dunes can easily be explored on foot as you admire the ocean views and nearby cacti and aloe. The California Dunes are definitely one of the more unique things to do in Aruba that you wouldn’t expect to find on this fantastic island.

California Dunes Aruba

Westpunt

Westpunt is the rough and wild westernmost point of the island of Aruba. Westpunt is a bit off the beaten path, but can be reached by car down a bumpy gravel road, or it can be reached with a light hike/walk along the Westpunt trail which begins at the north end of Arashi Beach. There’s not much to do here other than admire the raw power and beauty of the ocean as it crashes into the shore, spraying mist everywhere. It’s incredible to behold in person, and worth the short drive down the gravel road.

Unique Things to do Aruba WestPunt

Westpunt is located nearby the California Lighthouse and California Dunes, making it easy to visit all three in a short amount of time.

Tres Trapi Beach

Tres Trapi, or Three Steps, Beach is a popular stop due to the unique three steps that have been carved out of the rock leading down to a tiny area of white sand beach. It’s a popular stop due to being one of the may unique things to do in Aruba, but unless you are planning to do some snorkeling here, it’s usually a pretty brief stop to admire the steps or take a quick swim in the ocean. If you’re looking for a larger beach while in the area, head two minutes further north to Arashi Beach for a large expansive area of white sand.

Tres Trapi Steps Beach Aruba

Relax with a Spa Day

All of the resort hotels on the island offer multiple types of spa experiences for their guests, and while you will certainly leave feeling refreshed and relaxed, you will be paying a lot for that experience! One great way to get all of the refreshment and relaxation without the high cost, is to go where the locals go! The Rejuvenate Medi Spa is where local Arubans go for high quality service at an affordable price. They offer a full variety of treatments for everyone and are just five minutes away from Palm Beach, perfect for stopping by anytime during your stay in Aruba!

We enjoyed a couples massage here as well as a pedicure and loved both. We have not felt this good in a long time!

Rejuvenate Medi Spa Aruba
Rejuvenate Medi Spa Aruba

Central Area of Aruba

The center of the island is home to the main city of Aruba, Oranjestad, as well as the international airport, and is also the primary residential and shopping area for residents. You’ll find everything you need for life on the island, but also a few points of interest and unique things to do in Aruba that any traveler will want to check out.

Explore Oranjestad

The quaint capital city of Aruba is a must-see destination as it is oozing with Caribbean and Dutch charm with it’s brightly colored and beautiful buildings. The city is centered around the harbor, where you will also find cruise ships at dock. You may want to plan your visit to Oranjestad at a date or time when there is not a cruise ship in port, so that you don’t have to compete for space with the influx of cruise passengers.

Oranjestad Aruba Green House
Oranjestad Tram

The most striking building is the bright pink Royal Plaza Mall, but it’s worth exploring the streets behind here to find more shopping, hidden restaurants, and more beautiful architecture.

Oranjestad is highly walkable and incredibly safe, however you can also explore the city using the tram service which traverses the main shopping area.

Aruba Aloe Museum and Factory Tour

Did you know that Aloe Vera products are the number one export of Aruba? The healing plant is grown all over Aruba, and is used in many types of products. At the Aruba Aloe Museum you can learn all about the history of Aruba and aloe as well as take a factory tour, before finding the perfect Aruba Aloe souvenir at their giftshop. Located just a short 10 minute drive from Palm Beach, this is a easy stop and one of the unique things to do in Aruba that you won’t find elsewhere.

Aruba Aloe Farm Factory

Date and Time: The museum is open year-round and generally open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day of the week, with slightly reduced hours on weekends. Check the Aruba Aloe website for the latest opening days and hours.

Cost: The factory museum and tours are free.

Location: Google Maps location of Aruba Aloe Museum and Factory

Flamingo Island / Renaissance Island

One of the most popular and unique things to do in Aruba is by far visiting the Flamingo Beach in Aruba. Here you get taken by water taxi to the private Renaissance Island where you can spend the day relaxing at either one of their two lagoons with beaches, hammocks, and lounge chairs, rent a cabana, and of course hang out with flamingos! Spending a day here does involve some advance planning, and you’ll want to make the most of it so read our full blog post on Flamingo Beach Aruba for more information before your trip to Aruba.

Flamingo Beach Aruba

South Side of Island

The southern side of Aruba, is slightly less popular to visit, mostly due to having a few less attractions that would be of interest to the casual tourist, but also because it is a bit farther away from the popular hotel resorts on Palm Beach. Luckily, nothing in Aruba is that far away, and so all of these great locations and unique things to do in Aruba on the south side of the island are only about a half hour drive from Palm Beach.

Arikok National Park

The Arikok National Park takes up about 18% of the island of Aruba, which is an impressive amount of space to dedicate to nature on a small island like Aruba. Most people visit Arikok National Park for some basic hiking to the highest point in Aruba, or to see some beautiful sea caves and natural pools. Guided hiking tours with a park ranger are available.

Arikok Cactus Aruba

Visit Mangel Halto Beach

Mangel Halto Beach has incredible turquoise waters and a barrier reef just offshore which offers excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities. As the sand beach area is not overly large, this beach is better suited to getting out on the water in a kayak or stand-up paddleboard for some snorkeling in the nearby reefs as opposed to sun tanning and relaxing onshore. As you probably didn’t pack your own kayak or SUP on the plane to Aruba, taking a guided tour is the best way to explore this stunning reef.

Mango Halto Beach Aruba Blue Water

It is not as popular with tourists as it is relatively unknown, meaning that it is usually not very crowded and mostly just used by locals.

Explore the Colorful Streets of San Nicolas

San Nicolas is actually the second largest city in Aruba. What makes San Nicolas a great destination is the compact downtown area that is full of beautiful colorful street art. The main street area is the best place to start, and you can wander the side streets admiring the art, and popping into the odd souvenir shop or café for a snack. Charlie’s Bar is one of the most popular in the area, which a rich history and atmosphere, dating back to 1941. The whole downtown area of San Nicolas is relatively compact, but worth a visit to see the sunrise side of Aruba.

San Nicolas Streets Aruba
San Nicolas Street Art

Relax at Baby Beach

Close to San Nicolas, and another one of the most famous beaches in Aruba, is Baby Beach. Baby Beach is known for being a true Caribbean paradise, with a gorgeous half-moon shaped lagoon with calm waters and a stunning turquoise color. It’s a great place to relax and swim in the water without the potential waves of other beaches, meaning it’s also great for families. There is a refreshment stand and grill in the area if you’re planning on spending the day and haven’t brought snacks of your own.

Baby Beach Aruba

Where to Stay in Aruba

During our two weeks in Aruba, we visited some of the top resorts on the island and have reviewed all of them, to give you as much information as possible in order to make the best decision for your trip to Aruba.

Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort

The Hilton Aruba is hands down the most iconic resort in Aruba. This is the hotel that started it all back in 1959, and has been popular ever since. Fresh off of recent renovations, the Hilton Aruba offers one of the most beautiful resort pool and beach areas as well as a number of great dining options right on Palm Beach. Read our blog post review of the Hilton Aruba Resort for more information.

Hilton Aruba Pools

Aruba Marriott Resort

The Aruba Marriott Resort is a large resort, and also boasts some of the largest rooms and balconies on the island for the ultimate in-room comfort. The resort offers a large casino, plus multiple pools, and an expansive beach area to take in every sunset. There are numerous fine dining options available on property, plus the ability to dine at the sister Marriott Vacations and Ritz-Carlton properties next door. Read our blog post review of the Aruba Marriott Resort for more information.

Aruba Marriott Main Pool

Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort

The Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort is a great all-round resort in Aruba with a perfect Palm Beach location, and enough pools and dining options to keep everyone entertained. One of the stand-out features of the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort for adult and couple vacationers is the adult-only pool with incredible cabanas for rent. Renting one of these cabanas for the day or your whole stay can really take your Aruba vacation up a notch! Read our blog post review of the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort for more information.

Hyatt Regency Aruba Cabana

Manchebo Beach Resort Aruba

The Manchebo Beach Resort is a boutique-style resort with a smaller footprint and only one main pool.  What it lacks in number of pools it more than makes up with by having the most impressive and largest beach area of all the Aruba resorts we visited. There is more than enough room for every guest at the resort to be out on the beach and not feel cramped with palapas, hammocks, and more available to everyone. If you’re looking for a more intimate setting and want to maximize your beach time this is definitely the resort for you. Read our blog post review of the Manchebo Beach Resort Aruba for more information.

Manchebo Beach Resort Aruba Hammock

Frequently Asked Questions of Aruba

We’ve got answers to some of the most commonly asked question on Aruba. If we’ve missed anything that you’re looking for, let us know in the comments!

What is Aruba known for?

Aruba is most widely known for being an idyllic white-sand beach Caribbean island, and when most people think of Aruba, they think of Palm Beach. Aruba is also widely known as a great wind and kitesurfing destination, for their Divi trees, Aloe Vera, and of course the famous Flamingo Island. However, there are so many other unique things to do in Aruba!

Is 3 Days in Aruba Enough?

While you can certainly enjoy a 3 day trip to Aruba, you would not be able to see all of the 15 unique things to do in Aruba and still have time to relax and enjoy. If you’re looking to spend some time on a beach and enjoy great food and warm weather, you can certainly accomplish this with a quick visit to Aruba. You’ll just have to come back to explore the rest of this beautiful island to see for yourself why it’s called One Happy Island.

Is Aruba Worth Going to?

Absolutely! Aruba is one of the safest and most beautiful islands in the Caribbean. The island is easy to access, easy to get around, and offers a surprising variety of travel experiences for being a small island in the Caribbean. If we haven’t convinced you to go to Aruba with the above 15 unique things to do in Aruba, we’re not sure what will!

Can You Use US Dollars in Aruba?

The official currency of Aruba is the Aruban Florin (AWG). One Aruban Florin equals $0.56 USD, however during your trip to visit the most unique things to do in Aruba you will not need to have any Aruban currency. US Dollars are widely accepted everywhere and are no problem at all to use. In fact, prices in all resorts and tourist-centric areas will likely be in US Dollars. Credit cards are also widely accepted, so you will not need a lot of US Dollar cash.

What is the Best Month to Go to Aruba?

The most popular time to visit Aruba is January to March, however this is not necessarily the best time to visit to see all the unique things to do in Aruba as room rates will be sky-high. April to August is considered the offseason, where you will find much more affordable room rates. In addition, due to Aruba’s location so far south in the Caribbean, there is very little threat from hurricanes, which are typical with many other Caribbean islands. September to December are also quieter months, but you can also expect more rain during this time period, though rain passes through quickly.

15 Ultimate Things to Do in Aruba Summary

Whether you are spending a long weekend our two weeks on Aruba, there is so much to do and see on this amazing island. Choose your favorites from the list above for a shorter trip, or try to see as much as possible! Just don’t forget time to relax on the beach and take it all in. Embrace island life and the One Happy Island and you’ll be planning your next trip to Aruba before you even leave!

Pin this post to your Aruba travel Pinterest board to save the most unique things to do in Aruba when you are planning to visit the One Happy Island.

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Cabana Paradise at the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort – A Hotel Review

The Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort offers an excellent well-balanced mix to the discerning Caribbean traveler. From great dining and beautiful rooms, to pools and luxury cabanas to drool over, you can’t go wrong with a visit to this resort. Everything you need for an amazing vacation to Aruba can be found here, especially the famous Palm Beach just steps outside your room.

Hyatt Regency Aruba

We spent 3 days at this amazing hotel and put together this Hyatt Regency Aruba hotel review so that you can decide where to stay on this beautiful island! We’ve also put together a great list of 15 unique things to do in Aruba as well as a full guide of the famous Flamingo Beach on Renaissance Island.

Disclaimer:  Our stay at the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort was compensated. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and as always, all our opinions on this Hyatt Aruba review and what to do are our own. Please note that some of the links in the below article are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, we earn a commission if you make a purchase. Click here for the full disclosure statement. Thank you for supporting the businesses that support us!

Hyatt Regency Aruba Location

Everything is close on a small island like Aruba, and the Hyatt Regency Aruba is only a 15 to 20 minute drive from Queen Beatrix International Airport. The Hyatt Regency Aruba is located in the middle of Aruba’s famous Palm Beach. This is the most popular area on the island and for good reason. In front of the oceanfront resorts you have a stunning white sand beach and incredible sunsets, and behind the resorts there are more restaurants and shopping opportunities than you’ll need.

Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Area

The Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort does not provide shuttle service, so to get to the hotel, you can choose to take a taxi for around $30 USD, book a special bus transfer for $20 USD roundtrip per person, book private transportation, or rent a car for your stay. If you have a rental car, there is a large parking lot located across the street from the hotel. Parking is free, however you need to get a room card first so that you can access it, and also don’t forget to unload your car while parked at the hotel entrance, and not in the parking lot as it is a long uphill walk back to the main entrance.

Hyatt Regency Aruba Arrival

The Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort has a grand circular entrance, and as you step out of your car the bellman will greet you and help you with your bags. The large lobby area is open-air so you can feel the sea breeze and catch a glimpse of Palm Beach between the palm trees in the main resort area. Just on the other side of the check-in area, to your right as you drive up to hotel, you will see the Hyatt Regency Aruba Casino for those looking to try their luck in Aruba.

Hyatt Regency Aruba Lobby

As we arrived during COVID-19 times, safety precautions were in place such as hand sanitizers and all staff were wearing face masks throughout our entire stay, as were most guests except when at the pool or dining at a restaurant.

Check-in was completed quickly and seamlessly, there is also a special line for those with World of Hyatt elite status to make your experience as fast and efficient as possible. We were offered waters and provided with a short explanation of the amenities of the resort before we were off to explore everything the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort has to offer.

Hyatt Regency Aruba Rooms

The Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort is one large, roughly L-shaped building, with the main resort area, restaurants and bars located on the ‘inside’ of the L. The other side has the adult pool area, and all of the resort rooms face either the main resort area or the adult pool area, with nearly every room having at least a partial ocean view. There’s a great variety of the types of room on offer, so that you can find what works best for you or your family. During our time at the Hyatt Regency Aruba, we stayed in a high-floor Ocean View King room overlooking the adult pool area with the ocean and the beautiful Aruban sunsets in the background.

Hyatt Regency Aruba Room

The rooms are spacious with lots of space to relax on the lounge chair, comfortable King-size bed, or take in the ocean breeze from the Juliet balcony. Each room is also beautifully decorated with modern touches and Caribbean island style, which really makes it feel like you are staying in Aruba!

Read More: Hotel Review of the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort

Hyatt Regency Aruba View

Hyatt Regency Aruba Amenities

The main resort area of the Hyatt Regency Aruba is nicely laid out with lots of palm trees, tropical plants, and water features. There are multiple waterfalls, ponds, and rivers, creating a great tropical vibe. The main pool also has many areas, a swim-up bar, waterslide, and games area to keep everyone entertained. The waterslide at the Hyatt Aruba may be designed mostly for kids, but it is a lot of fun! Directly in front of this area is the famous Palm Beach with its beautiful white sand and lots of complimentary palapas available for guests to use throughout their stay.

Hyatt Regency Aruba Main Pool

The real stand-out feature of this resort is without a doubt the adult only pool. Located on the far side of the resort, it is quieter and more exclusive, and also enjoys sun for longer into the evening. To make the most of your vacation, with no need to battle for space for the best poolside lounge chair, or worry about your valuables when you’re off for a swim, you can rent a poolside Trankilo cabana for the day.

Hyatt Regency Aruba Cabana

Read More: 15 Unique Things to Do in Aruba

Hyatt Regency Aruba
Hyatt Regency Aruba

Each of the private cabanas comes with a large poolside lounge for relaxation, a covered sitting area with TV and sound system, as well as a mini fridge with refreshments, a complimentary fruit platter, and food and drink service throughout the day. We enjoyed a cabana for one day, and can’t recommend it enough. You have a large amount of room all to yourself, as well as the luxuries of food and beverage service, and the ability to relax outside, but remain in the shade and watch some TV.

The Hyatt Regency Aruba has a special webpage with all of the reservable and bookable beach services on offer, where you can reserve a cabana ahead of your stay to guarantee you make the most of your vacation.

For those that want to stay active, there is a fitness center available in the resort as well as outdoor tennis courts.  The Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort also offers a wide range of classes throughout the week, such as Aerial Yoga, Beach Yoga, meditation, and more.

If you’re looking to get out on the water, there is a dock located very close to the Hyatt Regency Aruba where you can join Red Sail Sports for a sunset catamaran cruise or any other adventure. The sunset cruise is on a large catamaran with loud music and an open bar. If that’s not your scene look for one of their other daytime water excursions, or if you got lucky at the Hyatt Regency Aruba casino, you can charter a whole catamaran for your own, personal sunset cruise!

Hyatt Regency Aruba Sunset Cruise
Hyatt Regency Aruba Sunset

Hyatt Regency Aruba Dining

When staying at the Hyatt Regency Aruba, there are an amazing nine bars and restaurants to choose from for dining and drinks throughout your stay, so you should never be short on options.

Hyatt Regency Aruba Restaurants

Throughout the resort you will find a number of restaurants that are open for lunch, dinner, and everything in between. No matter where we went, we always had warm and friendly service. The Palms Beach Bar was a favorite for their happy hour specials, but it’s also a great place to grab a drink or snack anytime in the afternoon. Here you have the option of taking a cocktail class with the bartender, and you can learn how to make some of the famous island cocktails.

The Hyatt Aruba restaurant that makes a great healthy option throughout the day is the Kadushi Juice Bar. The juice bar offers a large selection of freshly made juices full of your favorite mix of fruit and vegetables.

Hyatt Regency Aruba Dinner

The signature Hyatt Aruba restaurant is the stunning Ruinas del Mar, which pays tribute to traditional Aruban architecture and is surrounded by a large pond with fish, turtles, and swans. You can have a huge breakfast buffet here, or an upscale steak and seafood dinner. Dinner here is decadent, and we especially recommend the Whipped Burrata to start and the Miso Glaze Chilean Sea Bass for a main. It’s also a great place to watch the sunset behind the palm trees of the resort.

Hyatt Regency Aruba Sea Bass
Hyatt Regency Aruba Dessert

With our addiction to coffee, we always appreciate a decent coffee bar in resorts. At the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort, they brew fresh Starbucks coffee every morning, which pairs perfectly with their fresh baked goods, waffles, or breakfast sandwiches.

For those with Hyatt Globalist status, or for those that book a room at the Hyatt Aruba with club access, you will receive access to the Regency Club at the Hyatt Aruba. The Regency Club provides both breakfast and afternoon snacks to Regency Club Access members.

Of course, in-room dining is also available every day from 6:30 AM to midnight. Alternatively, based on the location if you don’t find a Hyatt Aruba restaurant that works for your meal, you are easily within walking distance of many other restaurants and bars just along the oceanside pathway or the main road behind the resorts.

Hyatt Regency Aruba Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Hilton or Hyatt better in Aruba?

They are both great options! It really depends on what you are looking for. The Hyatt Aruba has more modern and newer facilities, including the rooms, and has a really nice adult only pool with cabana facilities. The Hilton Aruba is one of the classic Aruban resorts and features much more expansive resort grounds, with larger pools, a larger beach area, and overall more lounge chairs, meaning it is less likely to feel crowded. You can ready our review of the Hilton Aruba Resort here!

Is the Hyatt Regency Aruba Adults-Only?

No, the Hyatt Regency Aruba is welcoming to everyone, and caters to families with its kids club and large waterslide. The Hyatt Aruba does however have a large separate pool and relaxing area with beautiful cabanas that is adults only.

Does the Hyatt Aruba have a Club Lounge?

Yes, the Hyatt Aruba has the Regency Club lounge which offers a special relaxing area, as well as daily breakfast and daily afternoon snacks for those that have access. To access the Regency Club you need to be a Hyatt Globalist elite member or be staying in a room class with Regency Club access.

Does the Hyatt Aruba have free breakfast?

Generally, breakfast is not included at the Hyatt Aruba. You can easily book a room rate that includes breakfast, or breakfast is offered for free for Hyatt Globalist elite members. If you don’t have breakfast included, an affordable breakfast option is to pick up coffee and some pastries or a breakfast sandwich at the onsite Hyatt Aruba café.

Hyatt Regency Aruba Conclusion

The Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort is a really well-rounded resort, with modern and fresh rooms, excellent dining options, and exclusive adult pool cabanas, that can really kick your vacation up a notch. Being located right on the prestigious Palm Beach means you won’t miss out on any of the action, and can catch all of the stunning Aruban sunsets.

Check availability at the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort for your vacation!

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Hyatt Regency Aruba Hotel Review
Cabana Paradise at the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort – A Hotel Review 6

Beach Perfection at the Manchebo Beach Resort Aruba – A Hotel Review

The Manchebo Beach Resort Aruba has a unique location compared to other resorts, as it is located on the quiet and beautiful Eagle Beach. The Manchebo Beach Resort has a very impressive and expansive beach area, allowing you to relax and unwind with toes in the sand at this boutique style resort. You don’t want to miss this experience when visiting the One Happy Island.

We spent 3 nights at this gorgeous hotel and put together this hotel review for you to help you decide where to stay on the island! We’ve also put together a great list of 15 unique things to do in Aruba as well as a full guide of the famous Flamingo Beach on Renaissance Island.

Manchebo Beach Resort Aruba Sand

Disclaimer:  Our stay at the Manchebo Beach Resort Aruba was compensated. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and as always, all our opinions on this Manchebo Beach Resort review and what to do are our own. Please note that some of the links in the below article are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, we earn a commission if you make a purchase. Click here for the full disclosure statement. Thank you for supporting the businesses that support us!

Manchebo Beach Resort Aruba Location

The Manchebo Beach Resort Aruba is only a 15 minute drive from Queen Beatrix International Airport. The resort is located near the southern end of Aruba’s Eagle Beach, which is about halfway between the famous Palm Beach to the north, and Oranjestand to the south, the main city. What Eagle Beach may lake in flair to Palm Beach, it more than makes it up with more space, less people, and the same incredible Aruban sunsets.

Manchebo Beach Resort Aruba Palm Tree

The Manchebo Beach Resort Aruba does not provide shuttle service, so to get to the hotel, you can choose to take a taxi for around $20 to $30 USD, book alternative bus transfer for $20 USD roundtrip per person, book private transportation, or rent a car for your stay. If you have a rental car, there is free parking located in the parking lot in front of the hotel entrance.

Manchebo Beach Resort Aruba Arrival

As you pull up to the entrance of the Manchebo Beach Resort Aruba, the bellman will greet you and help you with your bags. The reception and concierge are located right at the entrance, and the whole check-in experience is quick and painless. From the check-in area, you can’t see much of the resort, so you will have to wait until you’ve checked into your room before taking in the amazing beach views. You won’t have to wait long though, and soon you’ll be on your way with your complimentary welcome drink mojito in hand.

The Manchebo Beach Resort Aruba provides a more boutique experience than many of the larger resorts on Aruba. Instead of many hundreds of rooms, here you have just 72 rooms and more sand and beach area than you can possibly imagine.

Manchebo Beach Resort Aruba Hammock

As we arrived during COVID-19 times, safety precautions were in place such as hand sanitizers and all staff were wearing face masks throughout our entire stay, as were most guests except when at the pool or dining at the restaurants.

Manchebo Beach Resort Aruba Rooms

The rooms at the Manchebo Beach Resort Aruba are located in two low-rise buildings that spread out from the main pool and dining area. The rooms in each building are quite similar, with minor differences in the types of rooms on offer whether you prefer a Garden View or Ocean View. During our time at the Manchebo Beach Resort Aruba, we stayed in a ground level Deluxe Ocean View room, which allowed us to walk out directly to the beach whenever we wanted.

Manchebo Beach Resort Building

The room has a simple but sophisticated style with distinct Aruba accents, so you know you’re on a Caribbean island without even looking out the window! There is everything you need from a comfortable King-size bed, in-room coffee, and a desk and seating area. One of the small touches we really appreciated was a lavender pillow mist on the bedside table to help you have an amazing and relaxing sleep.

Manchebo Beach Resort Aruba Amenities

The center of the Manchebo Beach Resort Aruba is the pool area. The pool is not large compared to other resorts, but we never found it full and there was always room in the lounge chairs around the pool. Given the boutique style of the resort, we always found that it never felt crowded at the pool or on the beach, as there are just fewer guests in general.

Manchebo Beach Resort Aruba Pool

The main restaurants are located just off the pool area, and closer to the beach you’ll find a large covered outdoor area where daily yoga and Pilates courses are offered to all guests. Off to the left-hand side of the resort you will find a pathway to the Spa del Sol where they offer a number of wellness experiences in their Caribbean-Balinese designed spa oasis. There is also a fitness center on property with a number of cardio machines and free weights for those who like to stay fit.

Manchebo Beach Resort Area
Manchebo Beach Resort Aruba Walkway

The main selling point of the Manchebo Beach Resort Aruba is without a doubt the truly massive beach area. Every single person staying at the resort could be out on the beach and you would never feel remotely crowded. There is a large area with palm trees to provide shade, and interspersed hammocks and seating areas. Closer to the water there are over 50 palapas for additional shade, or fun in the sun with beach cocktail service. Beyond all of that is a large area of the pristine white sand of Eagle Beach, where the warm water beckons.

Manchebo Beach Resort Hammock

Another unique aspect which you may get to experience, depending on the time of year, are sea turtle hatches! Not only did we love the extensive beach area of the resort, but so do the sea turtles! There were a few small areas on the beach that were roped off during our stay where sea turtles had laid eggs. When the hatches happen, you can easily walk out from your room to witness a beautiful sight!

Manchebo Beach Resort Aruba Dining

When staying at the Manchebo Beach Resort Aruba, you have the option of selecting the all-inclusive package, breakfast included, or a la carte for all meals. You can dine at any of the four restaurants onsite, catering to all tastes. Alternatively, there are a few bars and restaurants that you are able to walk to.

Manchebo Beach Resort Pool

The main restaurant which serves breakfast daily and is also open for dinner, is Ike’s Bistro. This restaurant is located between the lobby and pool area, and is the main center of the resort. Enjoy your breakfast looking out over the pool area and plan where you want to relax in the sun today!

Read More: Hotel Review of the Marriott Aruba

Manchebo Beach Resort Aruba Breakfast
Manchebo Beach Resort Aruba Omelette

We loved the Aruban Breakfast, featuring a local treat: the pastechi. It’s a fried pastry, typically filled with Gouda cheese, and it’s delicious! We also highly recommend sampling the extensive smoothie menu, which were both healthy and delicious.

Manchebo Beach Resort Pega Pega

The Pega Pega Bear Bar and Grill is where you can have a casual lunch, either poolside or beachside, with all of the typical bar and island dishes on offer. Pega Pega is also open for dinner, however if you are looking for something fancier, you can choose between The Chophouse or Omakase Japanese Sushi Bar, depending on what you are feeling.

Of course, in-room dining is also available for any meal of the day, as is drink service while at your palapa!

Manchebo Beach Resort Aruba Conclusion

The Manchebo Beach Resort Aruba is a great option for those looking for a more boutique experience, and for those that want to spend the most time relaxing on the beach. No other Aruban resort comes close to the expansive beach area here, making the Manchebo Beach Resort Aruba a great choice for those looking for a toes in the sand island experience!

Check availability at the Manchebo Beach Resort Aruba for your next vacation!

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Beach Perfection at the Manchebo Beach Resort Aruba – A Hotel Review 7
Beach Perfection at the Manchebo Beach Resort Aruba – A Hotel Review 8

Palm Beach Bliss at Hilton Aruba Resort – A Hotel Review

The Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort is the most iconic hotel in Aruba as it was the first luxury resort in Aruba, officially opening in 1959. The hotel is a purposeful mix of modern luxury touches while still celebrating the history of the hotel and Aruba. Everything you need for an amazing Aruba vacation can be found here, especially the famous Palm Beach! The Hilton Aruba is one of the best places to stay when visiting the One Happy Island.

We spent 4 blissful days at the Hilton Aruba Resort and loved every second of it. We put together this hotel review so you know exactly what awaits when you are planning your stay here. We’ve also put together a great list of 15 unique things to do in Aruba as well as a full guide of the famous Flamingo Beach on Renaissance Island.

Hilton Aruba Sunset Pool

Disclaimer:  Our stay at the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino was compensated. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and as always, all our opinions on where to stay and what to do are our own. Please note that some of the links in the below article are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, we earn a commission if you make a purchase. Click here for the full disclosure statement. Thank you for supporting the businesses that support us!

Hilton Aruba Location

Since Aruba is not a very large island, that means everything is pretty close, and the Hilton Aruba is only a 15 to 20 minute drive from Queen Beatrix International Airport. The Hilton Aruba is located near the southern end of Aruba’s famous Palm Beach. This is the most famous area of Aruba for good reason as it offers a beautiful white sand beach, picture-perfect sunset views, and many restaurants and shopping opportunities in the streets behind all of the oceanfront resort hotels.

Hilton Aruba Boat

The Hilton Aruba does not provide shuttle service, so to get to the hotel, you can choose to take a taxi for around $30 USD, book alternative bus transfer for $20 USD roundtrip per person, book private transportation, or rent a car for your stay. If you have a rental car, there is lots of free parking located in the parking lot to the left of the hotel entrance.

Hilton Aruba Arrival

As you pull up to the grand entrance of the Hilton Aruba, the bellman will greet you and help you with your bags, before taking you to the reception in the open-air breezeway of the resort. The main check-in area of the resort with reception and the concierge is all open-air so you don’t miss out on any of that amazing warm Aruba weather.

The lobby area also houses the coffee shop and market, is the main entrance to the casino, and has views of the Mira Solo open-air bar and the sprawling pool area behind. This area celebrates the amazing history of the Hilton Aruba Resort with photographs of the resort and the many famous people who have stayed here over the decades, from rock stars to royalty to movie stars. There is so much history, that the hotel is almost a destination in and of itself!

Palm Beach Bliss at Hilton Aruba Resort – A Hotel Review 9
Hilton Aruba Waterfall

As we arrived during COVID-19 times, safety precautions were in place such as hand sanitizers and all staff were wearing face masks throughout our entire stay, as were most guests except when at the pool or dining at the restaurants.

Check-in was completed quickly and seamlessly, there is also a special line for those with Hilton elite status to make your experience as fast and efficient as possible.

Hilton Aruba Rooms

The Hilton Aruba Resort has three main towers where all of the rooms are located, the Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao Towers. The rooms in each tower are quite similar, with minor differences in the types of rooms on offer. During our time at the Hilton Aruba, we stayed in the Aruba tower with a room looking out over the huge pool area, and the incredible Palm Beach. It was perfect for taking in the Aruban sunsets.

Rooms in the Bonaire and Curacao towers are similar, but are a slightly different style as the buildings are newer. They also offer rooms and suites that look out onto the beautiful tropical gardens.

The room is spacious with lots of room for storing your luggage, a super comfortable King-size bed, and a desk and seating area. Though the best part is of course the balcony, where you can spend time outdoors enjoying the great weather any time of day.

Palm Beach Bliss at Hilton Aruba Resort – A Hotel Review 10
Hilton Aruba Room View

Read More: Hotel Review of the Hyatt Regency Aruba

Hilton Aruba Amenities

The standout feature of the Hilton Aruba Resort has to be its main pool area. The pools are spacious, palm-tree lined, and perfect for relaxing. There are many lounge chairs, cabanas, and even hammocks to spend hours at, sipping an Aruba Ariba. Between the main building and the pool area, there is a large waterfall, and also the Bird Garden, which features a number of exotic birds. During the day you can come visit the birds and chat with their keeper, or you may just find them flying around the resort area!

Hilton Aruba Pools
Hilton Aruba Pool

In front of the pool area is an expansive area of the famous Palm Beach. This is why you’re coming to Aruba! Soft, white sand stretching for miles! There are a ton of palapas spread out on the beach here, where you can also order food and drink service. If you’re looking to do some activities, you can even try out standup paddle boarding, canoeing, or paddle boating out on the water.

Hilton Aruba Beach
Hilton Aruba Spa

For those that want to stay fit and active, there is a 24-hour fitness center available in the resort as well as outdoor tennis courts. If you like to relax on vacation, the Hilton Aruba has the eforea spa, complete with many unique to Aruba aloe vera treatments. Aloe vera is one of the Aruba’s most famous exports, and the spa has many treatments which incorporate this amazing plant.

Hilton Aruba Dining

When staying at the Hilton Aruba, there are five main restaurants and bars to choose from for dining and drinks throughout your stay.

Breakfast is served at the Laguna Restaurant, which overlooks a tropical lagoon. You can choose to sit indoors or outdoors, and are spoiled with choice for what to eat. A Continental Buffet, many a la carte options, as well as Endless Breakfast are all available. We highly recommend the Endless Breakfast option as you can order as much as you like from the a la carte menu, sample the buffet, and it includes bottomless mimosas.

Lunch options include the Castaways Bar, which overlooks the pool area and is perfect for casual lunch bites, drinks, and a daily happy hour. Just next door is Gilligan’s Seafood Shack, which was our favorite place for an afternoon snack. We loved the Coconut Shrimp and Crab Cakes, and be sure to sample their delicious Yucca fries!

Hilton Aruba Gilligans
Hilton Aruba Coconut Shrimp

The flagship bar and lounge is Mira Solo, which is just off of the lobby, and specializes in Caribbean cocktails and live music! This is the best place to sample the signature Aruba Ariba cocktail which was actually invented here at the Aruba Caribbean Resort back in the 1960’s. Since then, the Aruba Ariba has become the go-to cocktail everywhere on the island, and you haven’t been to Aruba if you haven’t tried one!

Hilton Aruba Lagoon

Once you’ve sampled a cocktail at Mira Solo, it’s not far to Sunset Grille, which as you might guess is an excellent place to watch the sunset. Sunset Grill is the higher end restaurant on property and the perfect place to enjoy some excellent steaks and local fish and seafood.

Hilton Aruba Sunset Grille
Hilton Aruba Sunset Grille Steak
Hilton Aruba Sunset Grille Dessert

Another upscale alternative for dinner is to reserve the Sunset Concierge experience. Here you can select a five-course meal to enjoy with personalized service at a table set up just for you right on Palm Beach.

Hilton Aruba Sunset Concierge

Being coffee lovers, we stopped by the lobby coffee shop at least once every day of our stay! The baristas created some great lattes with Lavazza coffee, which paired nicely with the baked goods on offer. There is also a large selection of snacks, gelato, and to-go items available at the market.

Of course, in-room dining is also available, as is dining and drinks while on the beach at your palapa!

Hilton Aruba Conclusion

The Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort is the most iconic resort in Aruba, and is perfectly located on Aruba’s famous Palm Beach. The resort has numerous food options to keep you satisfied throughout your stay, and one of the most impressive pool areas on the island, making the Hilton Aruba a great choice for any trip to Aruba.

Check availability at the Hilton Aruba for your dates!

Pin this post to your Aruba travel Pinterest board to save the best place to stay when you are planning to visit the One Happy Island.

Hilton Aruba Review
Hilton Aruba Resort

Fun in the Sun at Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino – A Hotel Review

If you’re looking for the ideal vacation to Aruba, there are a number of beach resorts to choose from, all with sunset views, pools, and multiple dining options. The Aruba Marriott is a well- rounded resort that offers large rooms and balconies, an amazing 10 dining options, and direct access to the famous Palm Beach. The Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino is one of the best places to stay when visiting the One Happy Island.

Fun in the Sun at Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino – A Hotel Review 11

We spent 3 nights at the Aruba Marriott and documented everything about the stay below. We’ve also put together a great list of 15 unique things to do in Aruba as well as a full guide of the famous Flamingo Beach on Renaissance Island.

Disclaimer:  Our stay at the Aruba Marriott Resort was compensated. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and as always, all our opinions on where to stay and what to do are our own. Please note that some of the links in the below article are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, we earn a commission if you make a purchase. Click here for the full disclosure statement. Thank you for supporting the businesses that support us!

Aruba Marriott Location

Nearly everything is close in Aruba, so it’s no surprise that the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino is only a 15 to 20 minute drive from Queen Beatrix International Airport. The Aruba Marriott is located near the northern end of Aruba’s famous Palm Beach. This is the primary place to be in Aruba as it offers a beautiful white sand beach, stunning sunset views, and many restaurants and shopping opportunities in the streets behind the oceanfront resort hotels.

Fun in the Sun at Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino – A Hotel Review 12

The Aruba Marriott does not provide shuttle service, so to get to the hotel, you can choose to take a taxi for around $30 USD, book an alternative bus transfer for $20 USD roundtrip per person, book private transportation, or rent a car for your stay. If you have a rental car, there is ample free parking located right in front of the hotel entrance.

Aruba Marriott Arrival

When you arrive at the Aruba Marriott, you will be greeted by the bellman, and walk through the entrance hallway that opens up into a bright and airy modern lobby. The check-in and concierge are on the right-hand side, and the lobby bar and Starbucks café are on the left-hand side. Straight ahead is your direct access to paradise!

The lobby has views out the windows to the main resort pool and beautiful palm trees, just beckoning you to drop everything and run outside for some pool and beach time!

Aruba Marriott Stellaris Casino Beach

As we arrived during COVID-19 times, safety precautions were in place such as hand sanitizers and all staff were wearing face masks throughout our entire stay, as were most guests except when at the pool or dining.

Check-in was completed quickly and seamlessly, there is also a special line for those with Marriott Bonvoy elite status. As you make your way to your room, you’ll get impressive resort views as you take the glass paneled elevators up to your floor.

Aruba Marriott Rooms

There are a number of different room sizes and locations at the Aruba Marriott. The vast majority of rooms are on the inside of the ‘U’ shaped resort, giving you views from your room overlooking the main pool area, as well as the beach, palm trees, and those legendary Aruba sunsets. During our time at Aruba Marriott, we stayed in a room with direct views of the ocean. One thing unique about this Marriott resort compared to all other resorts nearby is that they have some of the largest rooms and largest balconies in Aruba.

Fun in the Sun at Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino – A Hotel Review 13

The room’s really are large with each one being 500+ sq feet (46+ sq meters) with lots of floor space, even with a king-size bed, seating area, and desk. There is also a small coffee and tea station and fridge to keep your beverages cold. The rooms are bright with tons of natural light and clean, modern furnishings that give off some great island vibes.

The balconies are also a large 100+ sq feet (9.3 sq meters) with chairs to enjoy the warm Aruba weather any time of the day. The Aruba Marriott also offers some impressive suites with even larger balconies, or rooms that overlook or have access to the adult pool.

Aruba Marriott Amenities

The main building of the resort is ‘U’ shaped, surrounding the curving main pool, hot tubs, and a unique rock waterfall. This is the main hub of the resort, and off of this main area you will find most of the restaurants. The lobby also has direct access to the Marriott Aruba Stellaris Casino, which is open 24 hours, and is the largest in Aruba!

On the left side of the resort is the H2Oasis adults-only pool, which has a more relaxing atmosphere, numerous cabanas to relax in, as well as a pool bar with food service. Overlooking this area is where the large, two-story fitness center is located. In the fitness center you have access to multiple weight machines, exercise bikes, and treadmills, or you can sign up for one of the fitness classes that they have on offer.

Aruba Marriott H2Oasis Adult Pool

In front of everything at the resort is the famous Palm Beach! Enjoy super soft white sand and uninterrupted ocean views. There are lots of palapas available for shade throughout the day, and even other activities such as stand up paddleboard yoga classes.

For even more relaxation, select a service from the onsite Mandara Spa. Aloe has been grown on Aruba for over 150 years and the spa offers many aloe-based procedures and products, for the true Aruban relaxation experience.

Staying at the Marriott Aruba has other perks, as you are located right next to the other Marriott hotels in Aruba, the Ritz-Carlton, Marriott Ocean Club, and Marriott Surf Club. You can easily walk along the beach boardwalk to these other properties and enjoy some of their amenities as well.

Fun in the Sun at Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino – A Hotel Review 16

Aruba Marriott Dining

When staying at the Aruba Marriott, you have access to an impressive 10 different dining options. With this many options, you are are sure to find something that suites your tastes!

Aruba Marriott High-End Dinner Restaurants

The highlight is Atardi, which offers the perfect feet-in-the-sand romantic dining experience right on the beach. Reservations here are highly recommended as it fills up quickly! Enjoy delicious fresh seafood while watching the sunset. The other higher-end restaurant onsite is Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, which is open daily for steaks, seafood, and everything else. Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse is located to the right of the lobby and overlooks the resort gardens.

Another stand-out option for dinner or drinks is The Lobby, which is famous in Aruba for their sushi bar! They also offer live music and entertainment for a memorable evening.

Aruba Marriott Breakfast and Lunch Restaurants

The main restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner is La Vista, which offers a large open-air terrace for eating, with views of the ocean anytime you dine. We enjoyed some of their delicious salads and pizzas more than once, because we just couldn’t get enough!

Aruba Marriott Lunch Salad
Aruba Marriott Pizza

For lunch, many people also opt to dine at Waves Beach Bar and Grill, which is literally right on the beach. Here you can enjoy some light snacks, or typical lunch fare in a casual beach environment.

Of course, we couldn’t help but stop at the lobby Starbucks every day of our stay! This is the actually the largest Starbucks in Aruba, offering the full standard Starbucks menu items plus some additional unique options. If you’re looking for something to satisfy your sweet tooth, there is a small gelato shop on the right side of the lobby, which serves up some amazing flavors of gelato.

When staying at the Aruba Marriott, you also have access to the dining at Marriott’s Aruba Ocean Club, which is right next door. With all of these dining options, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste.

Aruba Marriott Conclusion

The Aruba Marriott Resort is a really well-rounded resort located right on Aruba’s famous Palm Beach. The highlights of the resort that make it stand out are the numerous food options, expansive rooms and balconies, and fresh modern décor. Of course, you also get stunning sunset views and uninterrupted access to the beach, making the Aruba Marriott a great choice for any Aruban vacation.

Book your stay at the Aruba Marriott Resort now!

Fun in the Sun at Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino – A Hotel Review 17

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