Built on the grounds of a former coconut plantation, this luxury boutique hotel is a tropical oasis and hidden gem amongst the hustle and bustle of the high-rise hotels in Aruba. Stepping in here is like transporting you to a hidden paradise — beautifully adorned casitas amongst tropical plants, glistening pools and exemplary friendly service. This hotel has quickly become one of my favorite places I’ve ever stayed and I’ll delve into why that’s the case.

Location and How To Get There 

Due to the uptick of tourism to Aruba, there is a plentiful number of flights from the United States – with multiple flights arriving daily from Atlanta, Miami, New York, and Washington DC amongst others. There are also flights available from Europe (Holland and the UK) and many Latin American countries. You will want to fill in an online immigration form online ahead of time if you can or you can do it on arrival like I did. It’s worth saving time by doing this before your flight. 

Once in Aruba, the Boardwalk Hotel is a short 20 minute ride away. You can choose to take a taxi or rent a car. We arranged a rental car ahead of time so we could do some exploring. There are a number of car rental companies directly outside the airport; however, they do get booked up so I recommend reserving one in advance. 

Check in Process

From the moment we set foot on the property, we were treated with such warmth and friendliness from all members of staff. The property itself is gated and you need a room card to open the gate to the car park. We were quickly buzzed in on our arrival and welcomed upon walking into the beautifully adorned reception area. We were greeted by name and offered a cold glass of champagne as we went through the check in formalities. 

The reception area really is a work of art. Tropical plants abound with beautiful bohemian peacock chairs and splashes of colour in every corner. It’s a dream come true for lovers of boho-style interior design! We were briefed on all the features of the hotel thanks to the wonderful staff. Topics included, but were not limited to discussing the ease of getting to the beach, reserving palapas, and ordering room service to our casita. We were given a short tour of the property along with a map before being escorted to our room and shown how  the room cards work.

Casitas 

There are just 49 completely private and unique casitas throughout the property, ranging from cozy Coco Casitas to Two Bedroom and Private Pool Suites. I was fortunate enough to stay in one of the one bedroom casitas – like all casitas it was adorned beautifully, with no detail left overlooked. 

Bright blue steps led up to the private shaded deck complete with a hammock and dining table. Entering through the front door was a large living and dining area complete with various colorful accents. Along the back wall was a full kitchen with an immersion hob, full refrigerator with top freezer, microwave, blender, toaster, kettle and coffee machine. The kitchen is equipped with all the cooking utensils you would need should you fancy making your own meals during your stay. 

The tap water is safe to drink in Aruba, and to follow along with the islands sustainability push, the hotel had kindly left two refillable water bottles for us to use during our stay and take home with us at the end of our trip. There was a glass bottle of water in the fridge which you could use to refill with tap water should you desire a supply of chilled drinking water. There was also a carafe of delicious iced tea that is caffeine-free and refilled every time housekeeping refreshes your casita. Also included was a cooler which can be used during your stay should you wish to take some goodies to the beach or on adventure around the island. There is a large ice machine near the entrance to the property. 

Our bedroom was equipped with two king-sized beds and multiple electrical charging ports within arms reach – a convenient feature that hotels often overlook. The dressing room connecting the bedroom to the bathroom was spacious, offering plenty of storage. It featured large mirrors, ample lighting, a safe, hanging storage, an iron and ironing board, and even a yoga mat, all neatly organised within the storage closets. The bathroom amenities included shampoo, conditioner, hand soap, aloe, and body lotion.

Food and Drink 

Tucked amidst swaying tropical palms, you’ll find the hotel’s very own Coco Cafe bar and restaurant. Set in a picturesque locale, it’s decked out in charming bohemian décor and boasting a vibrant menu with a whole range of delectable food options. I was pleasantly surprised that all allergens clearly labelled. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a full meal, you won’t be disappointed with the options available. 

Breakfast is also served here, and while you can book your room without breakfast included, I highly recommend booking the breakfast inclusive rate – which comes with one main dish, coffee or tea and a juice. You can also choose to have your breakfast in your casita like we did, which was a wonderful way to start our day and enjoy our room. Simply dial the front desk, and they will put you through to the restaurant where you can place your order and it will be delivered in no time! 

Facilities 

Despite not being directly beachfront, the hotel is just a short 3 minute walk to Palm Beach whereby there is a private reserved area just for Boardwalk guests. Beach palapas can be reserved the day before for your party; however, if you forget, all unattended palapas can be taken on a first come first serve basis come 11am. Should you not wish to take the short walk to the beach, the hotel offers a complimentary beach shuttle, “Chi Chi” which makes hourly trips to and from the beach. 

In the reserved area, there are a few drinks you can purchase such as water, beers and seltzers. Any other cocktails and food can be ordered through the QR codes on the palapas that utilises the kitchen at the neighbouring Ritz Carlton resort. Food and drink will be delivered by staff on segways from the Ritz Carlton. 

The property boasts two stunning pools. The larger one is adorned with numerous loungers and shaded palapas, creating a cosy oasis. Adjacent to each lounger, you’ll find handy QR codes linked to The Coco Cafe’s menu, allowing you to order refreshing drinks and poolside snacks and have them delivered right to you poolside.  

Meanwhile, the second pool, though smaller, maintains the same level of beauty and tranquillity.

A rather new feature to the property is the addition of a fitness centre complete with various machines and free weights – it’s located under one of the most spacious casitas, the Palapa 360 and also offers a yoga deck right outside. 

One of the highlights of my stay at Boardwalk Hotel was discovering the charming, secluded seating nooks scattered throughout the grounds. Nestled among the vibrant pergolas, these cosy spots provided the perfect retreat for a peaceful moment of relaxation or a quiet read. It seemed like there was a brightly coloured reading nook waiting to be found around every corner!

There is a small store within the lobby of the hotel which offers snacks, BBQ supplies, chilled bottles of wine and various handicrafts from local artisans. 

Activities

There’s no shortage of activities awaiting you at the hotel or through their front desk services. There’s an extensive spa menu, which offers everything from rejuvenating treatments to soothing massages. For those seeking inner peace, join a yoga class or challenge yourself with some stand-up paddleboard yoga. Adventure-seekers can head to the beach for thrilling kite or windsurfing sessions, or opt for one of the diverse island tours, whether by land or sea. 

Service 

The service I received at Boardwalk surpassed any I’ve encountered in this region of the Caribbean. The often joked about “island time” was refreshingly absent here, and I was consistently greeted by name by the attentive staff, despite my brief stay. Every inquiry, no matter how small, was met with genuine care and eagerness to assist. The personalised attention made me feel so welcome that I found it hard to say goodbye at checkout.

Closing Remarks

From the moment I set foot on the property, I instantly felt not only relaxed, but welcomed and at home. I was greeted so warmly by the front desk staff, of whom remembered my name on every encounter despite my short stay! The hotel’s unique and vibrant grounds, coupled with its stunning beach area, quickly elevated it to one of my all-time favourite stays. Trust me, I don’t throw around that title lightly and I’m already eagerly planning my next visit. If you’re seeking a bucket-list-worthy hotel in Aruba, far from the impersonal high-rises, this is the place to be — a private, serene oasis where you’re treated like family, not just a number.

Ready to book Boardwalk Aruba? Click here!

Looking for things to while in Aruba? Check out my post on “A day in Aruba: Champagne Brunch and Snorkelling Cruise Highlights”

You can find out more about my stay on my “Aruba” Highlights on Instagram @chase.the.rainbows.

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