The story of Aruba’s all-inclusive resorts begins – but certainly doesn’t with — the Divi brand, founded on the Dutch Caribbean island in 1969 and named after Aruba’s iconic divi divi tree, helped pioneer the all-inclusive concept in Aruba. But a wide variety of hotel companies now operate all-inclusive properties on the island, including Spanish brands like Riu and Barcelo. Here are the top all-inclusive resorts in Aruba — as well as those offering special all-inclusive vacations.
Holiday Inn Aruba It’s always been one of the best values in Aruba, and now the Holiday Inn includes an all-inclusive option. If you enjoy gambling, consider the all-inclusive package at this upscale Holiday Inn resort on Palm Beach. The package includes all meals and drinks plus accommodations, which range from one-bedroom standard rooms with mundane resort views to oceanfront suites. Kids under 18 stay and eat free when sharing a room with the adults.
Manchebo Beach Resort This independent resort has built its reputation around wellness, and while spa services are not included in the optional all-inclusive package, the Premium Culinary All-Inclusive program does cover room, daily breakfast, a la carte lunch and dinner, and premium cocktails, wines and beverages. Plus, guests who stay four or more nights are invited to dine at a local Aruban restaurant. Guests also can choose from a dozen complementary yoga and Pilates classes each week, and other amenities include a freshwater infinity pool, Eagle Beach palapas and cocktail service, and a fitness center.
Riu Palace Antillas Riu brings its tried-and-true all-inclusive concept to Aruba’s Palm Beach, welcoming adults over age 18 to enjoy included watersports like kayaking and snorkeling, nightly entertainment, and dining in three theme restaurant, and all-suite accommodation. A high-rise hotel tower is complemented by a large freeform pool area and a stretch of beach shaded by palm trees and palapas.
Hotel Riu Palace Aruba Like the Riu Palace Antillas, the Hotel Riu Palace is a high-rise resort, with a pair of hotel towers set on Palm Beach. In addition to standard rooms, the resort has a variety of suites to choose from, some with jetted tubs on their balconies. Multiple pools and a whirlpool tub lead a list of amenities that include water sports, a fitness center, organized activities like beach volleyball, and access to the on-site disco. As with all Riu hotels, room service is available 24 hours per day.
Barcelo Aruba Two towers with a total of 373 rooms frame the landscaped pool are at the Barcelo Aruba, a family friendly Palm Beach hotel with accommodations ranging from simple guest rooms with two double or one queen bed to a 2,000-square-foot master suite that sleeps up to 6. A half-dozen dining options include Aruban, Mexican, Italian, and seafood restaurants. Entertainment, a kids club, gym, and twice-weekly dive lessons also are included.
The Divi Aruba Five categories of rooms, plus oceanfront suites, offer a variety of options to guests at this all-inclusive resort on Divi Beach. Located walking distance from the Alhambra Casino, the resort has amenities that include 10 restaurants and 8 bars, 4 pools, a fitness center with climbing wall, and a kids club for ages 4-12. Non-motorized water sports and e-bike tours are part of the resort’s all-inclusive package.
The Tamarijn Aruba Sharing a quiet stretch of Druif Beach with the Divi Dutch Village, the low-rise Tamarjin makes it easy to find a water view – all of its rooms are oceanfront and have either balconies or patios facing the Caribbean Sea. Guests have privileges at the Divi Aruba’s restaurants and facilities, with a la carte, Italian, Asian fusion, live cooking, and pizza eateries on-site and a Mexican restaurant and others over at the sister resort.
Divi Dutch Village The venerable Dutch Village isn’t exclusively all-inclusive: room-only and bed & breakfast rates also are offered. Dining options are limited to the Tiki Grill, pool bar, and beach bar, but all-inclusive guests also can utilize the three pools, tennis courts, water sports, and fitness center. Free golf at The Links at Divi Aruba also is included before 3 p.m. (later tee times are popular under Aruba’s hot sun), and guests have the run of amenities at the Divi Aruba and Tamarijn, too.
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