At the Ritz-Carlton Aruba, the sand is just a little softer and the sea sparkles just a little brighter than elsewhere. It’s a result of the resort’s location along famous Palm Beach, which is enviable, to say the least, but also of the hospitality giant’s legendary service – the cherry on top of each stay.
A mere 20-minute drive from the airport, the Ritz-Carlton Aruba sits on what’s arguably one of the island’s most postcard-worthy stretches of sand. The hotel’s blue-and-white striped parasols, so chic they’d look at home in the South of France, dot the beach nearly all the way down to the sea, where sailing boats are glued to the horizon and glistening waves lap the shore day in and out. It’s as dreamy as it sounds, of course, though there’s plenty more on offer here than merely a stunning setting.
We spent no small amount of time by the adults-only pool (there’s also a family pool for those travelling with kids), kicking back in a private cabana with iced coffees and copious amounts of sunscreen – complimentary, mind you – to sunbathe responsibly. Whenever we felt the urge to be more active, we joined our fellow guests in playing a round of giant chess, slipped into a large hot tub or borrowed a paddle board and snorkelling equipment, all readily available from the hotel.
The Ritz-Carlton Aruba is home to 320 guest accommodations, including 55 suites that come with private balconies offering views of the island’s famously turquoise sea. All rooms boast the kind of high-end amenities you’d expect from the brand, from kingsize beds to bathrooms with double vanities and rainfall showers. Look closer and you’ll notice details conveying a sense of place – think abstract, blue artworks and throws that nod to the seaside setting – alongside elegant touches like marble top side tables, black-and-white photography of local flora and mid-century modern statement chairs.
While the resort plays by the rulebook and accommodations don’t feature any particularly game-changing design elements, we loved that our lodgings were as spacious as they were light-flooded, with generously sized furnishings and floor-to-ceiling windows. OutThere travellers should opt to stay on the seventh floor, which comes with access to the hotel’s exclusive Club® Lounge, a hotel-within-a-hotel concept giving you added value perks: there’s the Club Concierge, for one, and a roster of changing culinary treats throughout the day (try Aruba’s local ‘pastechi’, or the addictive coconut rum cakes). Meanwhile, wine and cocktails flow liberally at the Club® Lounge during sunset hour.
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| The Escapist | AUA | GMT -4 |
| While you’re Out There |
| Don’t forget to check out the resort’s 1,400 sqm/15,000 sqft Casino during your stay. While gambling might not be front of mind for many guests, there’s nothing wrong with a few hours of trying your luck if you need a break from sunbathing and dipping in the sea. Aside from traditional table games, live entertainment makes for a particularly enjoyable reason to swing by the Casino on the weekends! |
Speaking of which, you won’t want to miss out on the hotel’s gastronomic offering. Five designated restaurants ensure you never get bored while taking you on a journey across the world’s most popular cuisines – our favourite was Casa Nonna New York, with its Italian family-style dining, while the Divi Sushi Bar & Lounge is great for Japanese bites and a late-night tipple (the signature ‘Cadushi’ cocktail is the drink to order here). Guests celebrating a special occasion would be well advised to have the Ritz-Carlton Aruba arrange one of its popular private dining experiences by the beach: a four-course sunset dinner with the option of live entertainment, what more could you want from a romantic holiday in the Caribbean?
The spa, too, offers a special treat for lovebirds with the Deseo Pa Dos treatment, a favourite among visiting couples. Our go-to wellness experience here was the Divi Divi massage, however, which incorporates oil from a local tree of the same name in a wonderfully relaxing treatment that nearly had us drift off into peaceful slumber. There are 13 treatment rooms at the spa, which sit alongside saunas, steam rooms, a therapy bath, an oxygen bar and a 24/7 gym for those looking for a workout instead. Since the goal of our visit was pure leisure and epic indulgence, however, we quite happily prioritised ESPA facials over weightlifting (and we wouldn’t blame you for doing the same!).
Relaxation is arguably what most guests come here for, and it’s in boundless supply at the Ritz-Carlton Aruba. While the resort doesn’t reinvent the wheel of luxury hospitality, it delivers exactly what visitors will know to expect from the heritage brand, as well as from a tropical island destination that’s among the most welcoming in the Caribbean. You could grab your daily espresso and gelato from Ritual Coffee Culture in the lobby before going for a jog down the beach with your pooch (did we mention the hotel is pet-friendly?). Or why not go on a kayaking adventure in the morning before seeking shade – and a lazy lunch bursting with flavour – at Madero Pool & Beach Grill at noon? Or, if you’re anything like us, you could just spend a few days not doing anything at all. The seaside setting alone, we found, was enough to put a smile on our face.
www.ritzcarlton.com | www.aruba.com
Photography courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company
