Of all the places you could possibly choose to stay while vacationing in Aruba, this family-owned and adults-only hideaway is perhaps the most soulful: catering to visitors in search of an authentic, Caribbean experience, Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba is a gem for those in the know.
Its bright blue entrance gate and a coral-red wall behind which coconut palms reach for the skies would be hard to miss when driving down the quiet road Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba calls home. But despite the vibrant colours that lend the hotel its signature lively – and stylishly retro – aesthetic, this is a place to unwind and find serenity between hammocks, pools and palm trees.
Located amidst a former coconut plantation with a history dating back to the late 1800s, the property was bought by Aruba-born twin sisters Kimberly and Stephanie Rooijakkers in 2011 and saw a significant extension in November 2019. Original features and the ever-friendly yet never-stuffy approach to service here attest to the hotel’s independent ownership, and we loved that members of the team shared personal recommendations with us on how to make the most of our time in Aruba. That said, we also scheduled some much-needed rest and relaxation by the two pools, one of which turns into a laidback outdoor bar at 3pm each day, when local beers and cocktails make for a great excuse to mingle with fellow guests.
A total of 49 standalone and semi-standalone, fully equipped private casitas that start at 45 sqm/485 sqft and go up to the 110 sqm/1,200 sqft Two Bedroom Casita ensure each guest can find an accommodation type to suit their needs – the Plunge Pool Casita is arguably among the most popular choices at Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba owing to its private pool and a luxurious four-poster kingsize bed; though for the trademark Caribbean experience of a thatched roof, book yourself into the unique Palapa Lodge 360. Whatever casita you opt for, guests can look forward to everything from private patios, hammocks and even BBQs to self-cater, should you wish to do so.
| Perfect for | Fly into | Right on time |
| The Insider | AUA | GMT -4 |
| While you’re Out There |
| Near Aruba’s northern tip and just a short drive from the hotel, you’ll find Arashi Beach, which is popular with locals and – if at all possible – has an even more relaxed vibe than other beaches on the island. The California lighthouse is just uphill from here, and if you’re around in the early evening, watching the sun melt into the Caribbean Sea from here is as magical as it sounds. |
Alternatively, there’s the option to enjoy a private dining session on your patio with Chef Taki, and we can’t recommend this enough: a selection of menus caters to different dietary requirements, and between three courses and plenty of friendly banter, we really enjoyed the experience. The hotel’s Coco Café, meanwhile, had us herbivores covered with mouthwatering vegan tacos and curry bowls while cocktails like the Tamarind Cooler or the signature Coco Colada made for refreshing treats. We loved hearing that produce is sourced either directly from the property’s gardens or from local farmers, one of several initiatives upping the ante of conscious hospitality at Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba (others include solar panels, a recycling scheme and donations to a local food bank).
For all things wellness, have the concierge team arrange a yoga or mindfulness class on the hotel’s outdoor deck, or ask to see the spa menu: though there’s no dedicated wellness area as such, treatments can be enjoyed in a special treatment room or within the comfort of your casita. A standout option – take it from us – is the Mafela Healing Experience Package, which includes a Dushi coconut body wrap and scrub and a divine facial before culminating in an 80-minute massage made bespoke to your personal preferences. Those looking to work up a sweat instead should seek out the hotel gym or the nearby Malmok coastline running path (which also just happens to offer fabulous people-watching).
It goes without saying that most guests regularly head down to the coast regardless, and though the property doesn’t offer sea views, the beach is a mere five-minute walk or a one-minute shuttle transfer away. Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba has a dedicated section along what’s quite possibly one of the most photographed stretches of sand on the entire island, all decked with beach huts and sun beds exclusively available to guests of the hotel. We certainly spent a blissful few hours with our toes in the sand here, though come afternoon, we were rather ready to return to our little oasis back at the hotel… cocooned by coconut palms and birdsong, there was no place more peaceful to us than the hammock outside our little casita.
www.boardwalkaruba.com | www.aruba.com
Photography courtesy of Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba
