One Happy Island, Three New Resort Options

The Southern Caribbean island of Aruba will take your clients on a journey filled with pristine white-sand beaches and sparkling turquoise waters contrasted by cacti and rugged rock formations.

This “One Happy Island” is known for worldclass accommodations, dining, beaches and activities that reflect the destination’s local charm.

If your clients are heading to Aruba, you can recommend a variety of new and renovated accommodations, including an upscale all-inclusive property, an iconic hotel in the heart of Palm Beach and an off-the-radar hideaway with overwater villas.

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BARCELó ARUBA: All-inclusive luxury

Couples and families searching for a four-star, all-inclusive experience on Aruba’s famous Palm Beach will enjoy the Barceló Aruba, formerly the Occidental. This 373-room resort and casino recently underwent a multimillion dollar renovation. The property is just steps from shopping, dining and entertainment.

But who really needs to leave the hotel? With six restaurants, there’s plenty of dining options, including Aruban seafood, Japanese, Mexican, à la carte Italian and international buffets with themed dinners, as well as evening entertainment with live music.

If clients crave ultra-luxe treatment, book them at the Barceló’s Royal Level with private lounge for check-in and checkout, an exclusive bar and restaurant, personal concierge, room service, priority reservations at the resort’s restaurants and other VIP services.

Guests can unwind at the pristine Palm Beach, take a dip in the swimming pool, visit the swim-up pool bar and take in the lush gardens surrounding the pool. Barceló Aruba also offers activities such as scuba diving lessons, snorkeling, kayaking, beach volleyball and tennis.

Call 800-227-2356 or visit www.barcelo.com/en-us/hotels/aruba/palm-beach/barcelo-aruba.

HILTON ARUBA CARIBBEAN RESORT & CASINO: Iconic hotel in the heart of Palm Beach

For couples and families seeking Aruban flair and a hotel brand they know and trust in the heart of Palm Beach, look no further than Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino. The 357-room beachfront resort and casino sits on 15 acres and, like the Barceló Aruba, recently completed a multimillion-dollar renovation, converting from a Radisson to a Hilton.

The renovations showcase the hotel’s history as an iconic Palm Beach property by preserving the nostalgia of the past. The local art is inspired by historical images that tell stories of Aruban beach life. The resort blends mid-century style with a contemporary, elegant beachfront flair.

Hilton redesigned guestrooms, created an open-air lobby, added the beachfront Japanese eforea spa and updated the property’s five restaurants. Options include the signature Sunset Grille, serving fresh seafood in an elegant setting; and the outdoor Mira Solo lounge for small bites and cocktails.

The two pools have waterfalls and a freshwater lagoon, which provide clients with plenty of space to stretch out. The pool area also features cabanas, day beds, lounge seating and hammocks. Activities include tennis, snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing and windsurfing.

The Hilton’s great location may prove even more important as this property doesn’t feature an all-inclusive option. As is the case with the Barceló, your clients will have easy access to dining, nightlife and entertainment in Palm Beach.

Call 800-250-0134 or visit www.arubacaribbean.hilton.com.

READ MORE: Aruba: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

THE OLD MAN & THE SEA OCEAN VILLAS: Off the Radar, Over the Water

More adventurous couples and solo travelers seeking unique, rustic overwater hotel experiences need to try The Old Man & The Sea Ocean Villas. This hidden gem is for those who yearn to immerse themselves in the local culture and who truly want an authentic Aruban experience.

While the property is set in Savaneta just south of the airport, its overwater bungalows will make your clients feel as though they’ve landed in the South Pacific. The overwater villas feature water views, outdoor showers, shabby chic décor, crystal chandeliers, fresh flowers and other unique touches created by the property’s artistic owner, Osyth Henriquez.

Your clients can choose between six accommodations options, ranging from overwater villas to beach bungalows. Dushi Sue, the property’s sixth villa, debuted with a one-of-a-kind chandelier created from Aruba’s native Divi-divi tree and features its own bar, Jacuzzi and a hammock. Plans are underway to add another half-dozen villas sometime in the future.

Clients will be enveloped in Aruba’s natural beauty, away from the tourist areas and televisions. Every morning, guests can expect a homemade breakfast to start the day. They can lounge at the resort on a daybed or lounge chair and swim in the ocean. Many villas allow easy access into the water right from their doorsteps.

Recommend the VIP package, which includes an expedited experience at the airport, transportation to the resort, a welcome amenity and a private chef for evening meals.

The property is near San Nicholas, where travelers will find funky street art and can swim in the calm waters of Baby Beach.

Call 917-520-5833 or visit www.arubaoceanvillas.com.