After our third incredible trip to Aruba in just four years, I can confidently say this Caribbean gem just keeps getting better! Every time we return, we discover something new to love. If you’re dreaming of white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and a vacation filled with relaxation and adventure, Aruba should be at the top of your list. The questions I get asked most often about our trips are always about accommodations, excursions, and dining – so I’m excited to share all the details in this comprehensive Aruba Travel Guide. Consider this your go-to resource for planning the perfect Aruba getaway!
Why Choose Aruba for Your Vacation?
When my husband and I plan a trip, we always prioritize three key factors: safety, amenities, and location. Aruba checks all these boxes and more. We had heard amazing things from friends and family, particularly about the island’s safety and the fact that you can drink the tap water – a huge plus for peace of mind. Being able to explore freely, even at night, without safety concerns is truly invaluable. While we adore Mexico, safety is honestly a consideration that makes us hesitant to visit as often as we’d like.
Aruba’s potable water is another significant advantage. The island boasts exceptionally pure water, eliminating the need to constantly buy bottled water and reducing environmental impact.
And let’s talk about the food! Aruba’s culinary scene is simply outstanding. I’ll delve into specific restaurant recommendations later, but trust me when I say that the food on this island is some of the best we’ve ever experienced. Exploring the diverse dining options is always a highlight of our Aruba trips.
Beyond the beautiful scenery and fantastic food, the Aruban people are what truly make this island special. Aruba is nicknamed “One Happy Island,” and it’s easy to see why! The locals are incredibly welcoming and kind. From friendly taxi drivers offering insider tips to restaurant staff making you feel right at home, the Aruban people genuinely value tourists, creating a truly welcoming and enjoyable vacation atmosphere.
Finding Your Perfect Aruba Accommodation
On our first trip to Aruba, we wanted to experience everything the island had to offer. We kept reading rave reviews about The Renaissance Resort & Casino in Oranjestad. We were particularly intrigued by the fact that the Renaissance owns its private island, known as Flamingo Island, which is complimentary for guests and quite exclusive for non-guests (more details on accessing Flamingo Island later!). However, we also heard that Palm Beach boasts even better beaches, so we decided to split our stay between two different hotels to compare both sides of the island.
During our honeymoon in 2018, we spent our first three nights at the Renaissance Resort & Casino (specifically in the Ocean View Suites) and then moved to the Marriott Ocean Club on Palm Beach for the remaining seven nights.
Having experienced both sides of Aruba, we now overwhelmingly prefer Palm Beach. Below, I’ll provide a detailed review of both hotels and beach areas to help you decide which might be the best fit for your Aruba vacation.
A quick note on all-inclusive resorts: While they can seem appealing, we personally prefer not to be tied to eating and drinking only at our hotel. Aruba is home to so many exceptional restaurants that exploring the local culinary scene is a must! I highly recommend skipping the all-inclusive and venturing out to experience the diverse and delicious dining options Aruba has to offer. You won’t regret it! I’ll share some of our favorite dining spots in Aruba below.
Renaissance Resort Review: City Vibes and Private Island Access
Balcony view from the Renaissance Resort in Aruba, showcasing the ocean and city skyline.
The Renaissance Resort actually consists of two distinct hotel towers. We stayed at the Marina tower in 2018, although they also offer Ocean Suites. While the Marina towers do have a small beach area, it’s not the main draw. The real highlight of staying at the Renaissance is complimentary access to Flamingo Island, a stunning private island accessible by a short boat ride. Keep in mind that if you choose the Renaissance, reaching a true beach experience involves a boat trip.
The Renaissance’s location is in the heart of Oranjestad, right by the cruise port. This means fantastic access to shopping and restaurants. Luxury shoppers will appreciate the attached mall featuring high-end boutiques like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Prada, alongside charming local Aruban shops. However, the cruise port location can also be a drawback. When cruise ships are in port, the area can become very crowded. Our taxi driver mentioned that one day, a ship offloaded 7,000 passengers! That’s a significant influx of people on a relatively small island. For us, this made the Palm Beach side more appealing, but the Oranjestad area definitely has its advantages.
Our room at the Renaissance, while spacious, felt a bit dated. We had a one-bedroom suite with a sizable bathroom and a small living room. While the bathroom had been updated, the furniture in the living room and bedroom felt quite old. We also noticed that our bedroom’s sliding door was off track and wouldn’t close properly. It wasn’t a major issue for us as we spent most of our time outdoors, but it was something the hotel should have addressed before assigning the room. Despite these minor drawbacks, we did have a beautiful balcony view overlooking the water, which we thoroughly enjoyed.
The hotel pool was a definite plus. It offered full service, a swim-up bar, and plenty of lounge chairs.
One of the best things about staying at the Renaissance was the fantastic food options nearby. We started each morning with breakfast at the Dutch Pancake House, located downstairs in the hotel, and absolutely loved it.
Overall, while we enjoyed our stay at the Renaissance, we probably wouldn’t choose to stay there again. The Oranjestad side of Aruba is great, but it felt a bit too touristy for our preference. While we are tourists ourselves, we found Palm Beach to be much more peaceful and relaxing, which is what we prioritize in a beach vacation.
Marriott Ocean Club Review: Palm Beach Paradise
Ocean view from a balcony at the Aruba Marriott Ocean Club, highlighting the turquoise waters of Palm Beach.
After three trips to Aruba, it’s clear that the Marriott Ocean Club and Palm Beach are our preferred choice. We’ve stayed here in 2018, 2020, and again in 2022, and each time it reinforces our love for this location. The Marriott Ocean Club boasts an unbeatable location on Palm Beach, with numerous bars, restaurants, and shops within easy walking distance. And of course, there’s the beach itself – absolutely breathtaking! The water is crystal-clear, a stunning aqua blue, truly like something you see in movies. The hotel itself was renovated just a few years ago, so everything feels fresh and new.
Our room at the Marriott Ocean Club in Aruba has always been a one-bedroom suite. We’ve also stayed in a two-bedroom suite, and both are generously sized and comfortable. Every time, we’ve been treated to a beautiful ocean view. The staff at the Marriott Ocean Club are consistently friendly and attentive, adding to the overall positive experience.
One detail that truly stands out is the exceptional comfort of the beds and pillows. It’s rare for me to sleep well in hotels, but the Marriott Ocean Club is an exception. The king-size bed and pillows provided were incredibly comfortable – my husband Jesse agrees! A good night’s sleep is invaluable on vacation, and the Marriott Ocean Club delivers.
Indulge in Aruba’s Diverse Dining Scene
Aruba is a food lover’s paradise! The sheer number of incredible restaurants means you’re spoiled for choice, and it’s hard to go wrong. I’m a huge advocate for exploring different cuisines when traveling, which is a big reason why we typically avoid all-inclusive resorts. Over our Aruba trips, we’ve dined at a wide variety of restaurants, and honestly, they’ve all been fantastic! However, there’s one restaurant we make sure to visit every single time: Wacky Wahoo. If you love seafood, Wacky Wahoo is an absolute must. It consistently serves the freshest and most delicious seafood on the island.
Here’s a list of restaurants we highly recommend from our Aruba dining experiences:
- Farro Blanco at The Light House: Delicious Italian food with stunning views near the California Lighthouse.
- Wacky Wahoo: Unbeatable fresh seafood in a casual and lively atmosphere.
- The Kitchen Table: Upscale dining experience with creative and refined Caribbean cuisine.
- Passions on the Beach: Romantic beachfront dining, perfect for sunset dinners.
- Atardi: Another exceptional beachfront dining option, located at the Aruba Marriott Resort (not Ocean Club).
- The Dutch Pancake House: Perfect for breakfast or brunch, serving authentic Dutch pancakes.
- Diane’s or Linda’s Dutch Pancakes: Two other great options for Dutch pancakes, offering a local experience.
- Aqua Grill: Fresh seafood and American fare in a stylish setting.
- Anna Maria’s: Charming Italian restaurant with a beautiful garden setting.
- Infini: For a truly special occasion, indulge in their 12-course tasting menu for a culinary journey.
- Apotheek: A must-visit cocktail bar! The bartenders are incredibly skilled. Tell them your preferences, and they’ll craft a custom cocktail you’ll love. Perfect for pre-dinner or after-dinner drinks.
- Lima Bistro: Offers a delightful fusion of Peruvian and Aruban flavors.
- Fisherman’s Hut: Casual beachfront spot serving fresh seafood and local dishes.
This might seem like a long list, but every single one of these restaurants provided a memorable dining experience. We haven’t had a single bad meal in Aruba, and the fact that you can safely drink the water is a huge bonus, especially when enjoying cocktails and fresh juices!
Unforgettable Activities and Excursions in Aruba
On our most recent trip in 2022, we prioritized relaxation and beach time, including a visit to the famous Flamingo Island (more details below). However, in previous years, we’ve enjoyed some incredibly fun island tours. I highly recommend checking out Kukoo Kunuku. We participated in their wine and tapas tour, which was a blast! They pick you up in a colorful party bus and take you to 5 or 6 different restaurants around the island to sample food and wine. It’s a fantastic way to experience Aruban cuisine and culture in a fun and social setting.
Flamingo Island: A Unique Aruban Experience
Tourists interacting with flamingos on Flamingo Island in Aruba, a unique wildlife encounter.
If you’re visiting Aruba, a trip to Flamingo Island is an absolute must-do! However, there’s a slight catch: access to Flamingo Island is exclusively for guests of the Renaissance Resort. Since we weren’t staying at the Renaissance on our 2022 trip, we found a clever workaround: book a massage on the island! Booking a massage grants you free access to the island for the entire day, allowing you to enjoy the flamingos and the island’s amenities. Trust me, it’s absolutely worth it!
Flamingo Island is located just a short 5-minute boat ride from the Renaissance Resort. The boat trip itself offers stunning views of the turquoise water. Once on the island, you’ll be greeted by crystal-clear water, pristine beaches, and, of course, the famous flamingos! The island is also home to iguanas, adding to the unique wildlife encounters.
Flamingo Island also offers a restaurant and a couple of bars, ensuring you have plenty of options for food and drinks throughout your day. You can easily spend a full day relaxing on the beach, swimming in the clear waters, and interacting with the flamingos. You can thank me later for this insider tip!
Packing Essentials for Your Aruba Trip
Wondering what to pack for your Aruba vacation? For detailed outfit inspiration and packing tips, head over to my Aruba Outfit Post to see exactly what I wore on our trip to Aruba! You’ll find plenty of stylish and practical ideas for your Caribbean getaway.
Getting Around Aruba: Transportation Tips
While renting a car is an option in Aruba, we’ve always opted for taxis. Aruba’s taxi drivers are generally very friendly and often provide excellent recommendations for restaurants and activities. Plus, taxi fares are price-regulated, which is a great benefit, and English is widely spoken by drivers. For most destinations within the main tourist areas, nothing is more than a 10-minute taxi ride away. Make sure to have cash (USD is readily accepted), as not all taxis accept credit cards.
Final Thoughts: Our Overall Review of Aruba
We are completely in love with Aruba and are already planning our next trip back! Every time we leave, we feel happy, relaxed, and safe. The incredible food and the welcoming atmosphere are just icing on the cake. If you have the opportunity to visit Aruba, don’t hesitate – just go! You’re in for an unforgettable Caribbean experience.
