Expan Experience: The best hotels and beaches in Aruba

The plane barely touches down and it already feels different . It's not just the weather or the color of the sea you admire from the window: it's an immediate sense of calm , as if time has decided to slow down in Aruba , the Happy Island , a destination worth discovering again and again .

In this new edition of Expan Experience , Bárbara Díaz , travel advisor for North America, Central America and the Caribbean , tells us the details of her most recent trip to Aruba, where she visited the facilities of some of the best hotels and beaches on the island.

A tour between hotels and beaches

" This was an invitation from the Aruba Tourism Office for some operators, where Expan Tours had the opportunity to attend and thus be able to see some of its hotels and places , such as its beaches Palm Beach, Baby Beach and Eagle Beach , the latter being recognized as the best beach in the Caribbean and the third best in the world in the Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice 2025 awards ."

From the very first visit, it becomes clear why Eagle Beach has been recognized as the best beach in the Caribbean . Its white sand, its vastness, and that sea of impossible hues need no filters or exaggeration.

Together with Palm Beach and Baby Beach , they form a trio that defines much of the island's natural charm. Each beach has its own personality, but they all share a common feeling: tranquility, cleanliness, and a harmony that invites you to return again and again.

Aruba, a beautiful destination

" Aruba, the Happy Island, is a truly beautiful destination. Its beaches make you really want to return again and again ."

To speak of Aruba as a tourist destination is to speak of balance. It is a beautiful island, yes, but it is also a place where service stands out for its quality, where the friendliness of its people feels genuine, and where the safety is a pleasant surprise.

Being able to stroll through the streets at a leisurely pace, without a care in the world, is a luxury that is valued more than ever today. Added to this is an exquisite, diverse, and expertly prepared local cuisine , capable of satisfying both the curious traveler and the most discerning diner.

There are hotel options for all types of travelers, from those looking for all-inclusive accommodations to those who prefer accommodations with just breakfast so they can go out and discover the local gastronomic offerings.

" On this FAM trip, they focused heavily on exploring Aruba's hotels and beaches , but since it's a destination that has almost everything close by, you can also visit its capital, Oranjestad , with its colorful architecture, shops and Caribbean atmosphere , and San Nicolas , known as the city of murals , where urban art transforms into a cultural attraction that surprises and connects with the local identity."

JOIA Aruba by Iberostar, a jewel

" JOIA Aruba By Iberostar , a new hotel where I had the opportunity to stay during my entire stay in Aruba, is in the Eagle Beach area and has the option of breakfast only and all inclusive ."

It's a family-friendly hotel, although it doesn't offer specific entertainment for children. It particularly stands out for its excellent service and spectacular cuisine , with attention to every detail, which elevates the overall experience.

In Palm Beach, Riu Palace Aruba and Riu Palace Antillas

In the Palm Beach area, ideal for those seeking activity, proximity to services and a more urban experience without losing contact with the sea, the Riu Palace Aruba and Riu Palace Antillas stand out, two very different proposals: one family-friendly and the other adults only .

" This area concentrates much of the island's active life, with a wide range of restaurants , bars , shops and the famous duty-free diamond jewelry stores , an attraction that continues to be highly valued by visitors ."

Secrets Baby Beach, adults only

Further south, in a completely different setting, lies Secrets Baby Beach , an adults-only hotel located in the Baby Beach area. It's a more intimate and tranquil option, but also the furthest from the island's main attractions.

" A key recommendation for those choosing this accommodation is to rent a car , which allows you to explore Aruba with greater freedom and make better use of its short distances and good roads ."

Breakfast only options

For travelers who prefer to stay with breakfast only and explore the island at their own pace, Aruba offers excellent alternatives such as Embassy Suites by Hilton , Hilton Aruba , Radisson Blu Aruba , and Courtyard by Marriott Aruba .

" These are options designed for the traveler who values the comfort of the hotel, but who wants to discover the many gastronomic alternatives that the destination offers, from local restaurants to high-level international offerings ."

Tips and recommendations

One of the advantages of traveling to Aruba is that they speak Spanish perfectly , which eliminates any communication barriers and makes the traveler feel even more comfortable.

As a recommendation, something that should never be missing on any trip, but especially on an international one: travel insurance . Traveling informed and protected allows you to enjoy everything the island has to offer even more.

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