The kind of hotel setting the benchmark for hospitality in its destination, Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort is a household name in Aruba despite being exclusively accessible to guests. And those who come to stay – in many cases, year after year – love the hotel for its unrivalled dedication to delivering all things romance and relaxation on the island.
It’d be hard for us to explain just how ready we were for a comfortable lounger and an ice-cold drink when we checked into Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort. Fortunately, the hotel’s attentive staff could tell right away that we were in need of some downtime, and pointed us in the direction of its saltwater infinity pool. From here, we were just steps from the aquamarine sea, which we spent the next few hours dipping in and out of, before finally basking in the sun while palm trees swayed in a warm breeze and piña coladas appeared, as if by magic, next to our lounger. And thus, our holiday began.
A stay at Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort is a bit of a no-brainer as returning visitors to Aruba would say, for the hotel has carved out not one, but two niches for itself: firstly, as the Caribbean’s only certified carbon-neutral resort with an astounding roster of sustainability initiatives that have made it the only hotel globally to be awarded the UN Climate Action Award, and secondly, as perhaps the island’s leading adults-only hideaway, with exclusive-use beach facilities along one of the most pristine stretches of sand in the region. For the many couples who come to stay, the resort has a few tricks up its experiential sleeve, from picnics in Aruba’s quietest corners to twice-weekly movie nights under the stars, a birdwatching safari along the northern coast or a sailing trip on the teak schooner ‘Monforte’ – whatever the heart desires, the hotel’s romance concierge is happy to arrange.
As for accommodations, you’ll find several categories across the portfolio of 104 rooms and suites at Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort. Standard rooms start at 32.5 sqm/350 sqft and include features like a stylish, black headboard backing your bed, alongside useful USB sockets and a tablet to reserve a beachside lounger (convenient, that!). We’d recommend the Penthouse Suites in the Tara Wing, however, which come with a wealth of added-value perks like soaking tubs, private terraces equipped with daybeds overlooking the sea, as well as privileged access to thatched palapa-style cabanas on the beach. While amenities are modern and cushions and artworks introduce pops of colour to each room, don’t expect to find anything excessively upscale: the greatest luxury on offer here is arguably being able to spend most of your time outdoors, anyway.
| Perfect for | Fly into | Right on time |
| The Escapist | AUA | GMT -4 |
| While you’re Out There |
| The Aruba Aloe Factory Museum and Store, just a short drive from the hotel, makes for a surprisingly interesting outing that allows you to learn all about the aloe plant. Ubiquitous in Aruba owing to the island’s hot and dry climate, the plant is of course the source of aloe vera, and those with sunburn can conveniently pick some up after touring the factory…. having bought some ourselves, we really recommend you do! |
Another treat awaits at the Purun Spa, where we can’t recommend the cooling coconut milk and aloe wrap enough to those who, like ourselves, have perhaps spent a minute or two too long in the sun – while there are two treatment rooms available, massages are arguably best enjoyed in a beach cabana, where the sound of waves washing ashore will do its part in adding a layer of relaxation that’s just divine. Beyond regular spa treatments, Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort offers a comprehensive range of wellness activities you’d struggle to find at competing addresses; think reiki, mindfulness and breath work classes or even more out there tarot card readings and cacao ceremonies for those on a spiritual journey.
The latter are a brilliant way to whet the appetite, of course, and when the time comes for a meal, Elements restaurant dishes up a mix of global favourites with a focus on natural, organic ingredients. We were delighted to find that the hotel offers menus to suit different dietaries and ordered many an original-sounding dish from the vegan selection: from hearts of palm salad to plant-based panna cotta or carrot cake topped with almond ice cream, we appreciated the attention to detail that clearly goes into curating each meal here. Like many hotels in Aruba, Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort also arranges intimate dining experiences on the beach, that see couples treated to six-course dinners on a backdrop of sunset views… what’s not to love?
Though the property no doubt has a romantic feel to it, catering excellently to lovebirds, visiting friends or solo travellers shouldn’t feel discouraged to stay: live guitar or steel pan music by the SandBar brings guests together over Paloma cocktails in the evenings, and an array of group classes including candle or coffee scrub making ensure a social atmosphere for those looking to connect with fellow guests. Once we’d caught up on sun and sleep after our arrival, we loved making friends with those around us, and it’s easy to see why: there’s a wonderfully carefree vibe here, and smiles are high on the agenda for every guest. Somewhere between the poolside bar and the sparkling sea, you’ll always find one.
www.bucuti.com | www.aruba.com
Photography courtesy of Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort
