Best All-Inclusive Resorts In Aruba

Plenty of warm sunshine and a refreshing cocktail in hand whenever it's desired—that's the elevator pitch for all-inclusive beach resorts. And while Aruba may not have as many all-inclusive properties as some other Caribbean islands, such as Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, it offers visitors an interesting array of options.

That's because the island is home to resorts from several traditional all-inclusive brands plus a few smaller resorts, and even one international hotel chain, that offer optional all-inclusive add-ons. So, whether you're looking for a lively pool scene, a couples-only setting, or family-friendly fun, Aruba is one happy island (as its motto suggests) for all-inclusive ease. Here are nine of the best all-inclusive resorts in Aruba.

Divi Aruba All-Inclusive

Divi Aruba All-Inclusive has an enviable location on one of the island's best beaches—make that three of its best beaches, since Divi Beach adjoins beautiful Manchebo and Druif beaches—and offers dining and bar privileges at sister property Tamarijn Aruba All-Inclusive. This set-up effortlessly blends the amenities of two resorts for the cost of one, meaning guests at this 265-room property have access to 10 restaurants, eight bars and four pools.

Rooms are spacious with garden, pool or sea views and feature contemporary décor in shades of blue, brown and ivory and free WiFi. Divi's ambience is family friendly (there is a Sea Turtles kids club) and guests can enjoy an array of watersports and land activities as well as the nine-hole The Links at Diva Aruba Golf Course (bookable at an added cost).

Rates also include nightly entertainment such as Carnival Night, limbo performances, mariachi bands and even synchronized swimming shows, while access to the adjacent Alhambra Casino is free (of course the craps tables and slot machines aren't all-inclusive, so bring cash). Restaurants, which include Pure Lime for Mexican specialties and Ginger for modern Asian, feature locally-sourced papaya, plantains, mahi mahi and red snapper. There is no shortage of things to do when visiting.

Tamarijn Aruba All-Inclusive

All-inclusive means an ocean view at the 236-room Tamarijn All-Inclusive because all accommodations are in low-rise buildings and feature a patio or balcony that faces the pristine sand and turquoise sea. Located on a mile-long stretch of Divi Beach adjoining Eagle Beach, the family-friendly resort also allows guests to access the amenities at adjacent Divi Aruba All-Inclusive—and that means 10 restaurants, eight bars and four pools.

Tamarijn was renovated in 2017 and all rooms feature modern décor in deep sea blue, gold and dark brown, so the view out the sliding glass door to the balcony truly pops. There's free WiFi, too, perfect for making friends back home jealous with gorgeous Instagram pics. Dining options at the resort include Paparazzi for rustic Italian, Ginger for Asian-fusion, Red Parrot for romantic fine dining and Lime for Mexican cuisine. After dark, Tamarijn really comes alive with a roster of nightly entertainment—you may even end up starring in your own limbo video on YouTube!

And while it's not included in the nighty rate, trying your luck at the adjacent Alhambra Casino is a popular pastime.

Barceló Aruba

It's hard to beat the location on Palm Beach—Aruba's relaxation zone, where daytime watersports keep sun-seekers of all ages happy and the incredible sunsets are ideal for romance—but the 373-room Barceló Aruba adds to vacation enjoyment with all-inclusive pricing and a large freeform pool with a tropical waterfall, two hot tubs and swim-up bar.

The property appeals to both families and couples, with the option to book the 35-room, 10-suite Royal Level for added amenities and services such as premium beverages, preferential bookings at a la carte restaurants and exclusive access the Royal Level Restaurant & Lounge.

All rooms, decorated with traditional mahogany beds and a crisp blue and white color palette, are spacious and have a balcony with garden, pool or ocean view. Dining is in six restaurants—The Palm for international buffet; a la carte options L'Olio for Italian, Mexico Lindo for Tex-Mex, Kyoto for Japanese and Aruban Seafood for contemporary fusion; and Club de Playa for a casual beachfront dining—and there are three bars. A kids' club, spa, casino and live music in the Lobby Bar several nights a week round out the Barceló's amenities.

Hotel Riu Palace Aruba

Sometimes a beach vacation is only really about one thing: having fun. If that's the case, the 450-room Hotel Riu Palace Aruba, located on the southern end of Palm Beach, can make that happen. With almost non-stop activities and entertainment—along with free-flowing cocktails, free WiFi and Renova Spa—the ambience feels like a 24/7 beach party, so you're likely to be stashing that book you've been meaning to read and splashing your way to the swim-up pool bar instead. In fact, there are two large pools, plus a whirlpool and a separate kids pool.

Yes, children are welcome here (travelers looking for a grown-up vibe can book at the adjacent adults-only Hotel Riu Palace Antillas). Even though it's family friendly, Riu Palace has a lively ambience with elaborate décor that channels a Moroccan/Andalusian vibe: white domes and parapets outside and black-and-white terrazzo floors and crystal chandeliers inside.

The rooms feature a king or two queen beds with dark wood headboards and floral embroidered pillows in mauve and brown. Five restaurants offer Italian, Japanese and steakhouse menus—and an all-you-can-eat international buffet, of course. Guests over 18 can enjoy drinks and lunch at Antillas, including drinks at the Pacha disco.

Hotel Riu Palace Antillas

Not looking for the shrieks and laughter of little voices to be part of your all-inclusive Aruba vacation? The adults-only Hotel Riu Palace Antillas provides the ease and sociability of a big all-inclusive, but the only temper tantrums you're likely to see at this 482-room property is if a grown-up's favorite sports team loses a big game.

Located on the southern end of Palm Beach, Riu Palace Antillas, while a bit quieter than family-friendly Hotel Riu Palace next door, has a lively vibe with non-stop activities and entertainment, six bars and two pools (one with a swim-up bar) along with five restaurants specializing in Asian-fusion, Italian, Aruban, seafood and steak and an international buffet (Antillas guests can also enjoy drinks and lunch at Riu Palace Aruba).

Rooms are located in a 16-story tower and feature somewhat basic décor (which could use an update) and king-sized beds (some Junior Suites have two of them) and partial or full sea views, while Hotel Riu Palace has more dramatic interior design with a Moroccan/Andalusian theme. Antillas also has a fitness center, Renova Spa, a casino and Pacha disco.

Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort

Calling all golf-loving families and groups of friends: You can vacation in a Golf Villa sleeping four guests right on the grounds of the nine-hole The Links at Divi Aruba (free after 3pm) and book your stay on an all-inclusive basis that includes access to a total of 13 restaurants and bars and 10 pools. Three are located at Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort, while the rest are at nearby sister properties Divi Aruba All-Inclusive and Tamarijn Aruba All-Inclusive.

Other inclusions: watersports, tennis, a fitness center, a 30-foot climbing wall, shuttle service to the Alhambra Casino and evening entertainment and theme nights. Some of the Golf Villas also feature rooftop whirlpool tubs.

There are three restaurants onsite at this property—Mulligan's Golf Café, Bar & Restaurant for casual fare (including pizza) overlooking the course, Seabreeze Restaurant & Sports Bar for open-air dining with a variety of culinary options and Infinity Grill for burgers and nachos—as well as a free-form pool with a swim-up bar and the Indulgence by the Sea Spa.

Holiday Inn Aruba

While Holiday Inn properties are not typically all-inclusive, the Holiday Inn Resort Aruba – Beach Resort & Casino can be for guests who prefer the concept. With an all-inclusive add-on package—which can be booked at the time of reservation by scrolling to the bottom of the room results or added on at check-in if you've already reserved—three meals daily and beverages (non-alcoholic for kids and alcoholic and non-alcoholic for adults) are included with a three-night minimum stay.

Guests wear wristbands and need to sign charge slips in the five restaurants and three bars, but won't be charged if they stick to included menu items and house brand liquors. Located on one-quarter mile of white sand on Palm Beach and perfectly positioned for Aruba's great sunsets, the 590-room property is fairly recently renovated (2014) and offers free WiFi.

Décor in the rooms and Junior Suites is a soothing sandy beige with brilliant blue artwork and crisp white bed linens. The resort has two pools and a hot tub along with a kids' club, game room, tennis courts, a 24-hour fitness center and free bikes. Culinary offerings include steaks and seafood at the beachfront Sea Breeze Restaurant & Bar, burgers at Oceanside Bar & Grill, pastas and other Italian specialties at Da Vinci Ristorante and slices at Pizza Now!—making it a very family-friendly option.

Manchebo Beach Resort

The best of both worlds—an intimate, 72-room boutique property in the blissfully low-key Eagle Beach area and all-inclusive ease—is possible at Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa and guests simply need to opt for the all-inclusive add-on (breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus premium open bar) when booking or upon arrival.

What's more, this independently owned low-rise hotel with an ahh-inducing location on one of Aruba's most beautiful white-sand beaches embraces sustainable practices and is Green Globe Platinum-certified. And along with its swaying palms and thatched-roof palapas, Manchebo's focus on wellness (with yoga and pilates instructors) and healthy dining makes it a great option for travelers looking to decompress (although there is free WiFi).

Room décor mixes classic and contemporary details in subtle blue and neutral sand tones, bathrooms feature zero-entry showers, and private furnished patios or balconies offer a garden, partial ocean or full ocean view. Although small, Manchebo features four restaurants—Ike's Bistro for Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, the Chophouse for steak and seafood, Omakase Sushi Bar for Japanese fare and Pega Pega Beach Bar & Grill for casual fruit smoothies and salads. And vegan and vegetarian options are always available.

Amsterdam Manor

The name might be a giveaway, but 72-room Amsterdam Manor is designed to feel very Dutch—and with its optional all-inclusive package (available with a minimum five-night stay and with separate per-day prices for adults and kids, and with just a few surcharges for certain menu items or beverages) it's even easier to appreciate the property's many charms. With a seven-night stay, the package even includes one off-property dinner at select restaurants.

Located right across the street from the stunning white sands of Eagle Beach, this just might be the most colorful resort in Aruba. From its Dutch Colonial architecture featuring golden yellow walls and orange-red rooftops to the the cheerful wall colors and fabric patterns in its guestrooms, family owned Amsterdam Manor has two restaurants—Passions on the Beach for romantic tiki-torch-lit dining in the sand and Mangos for international cuisine—and two bars as well as a small swimming pool with a refreshing waterfall.

It's also the first pet-friendly resort on Aruba, so for an additional $10 a day, your favorite four-legged friend can be included in the fun, too.