Where to Stay in Aruba: The 6 Best Areas & Resorts on the Island
Jet Setting with Jen contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Read our Privacy Policy for more information.
For as long as I can remember, visiting Aruba was always one of the Caribbean islands that was top of my list to visit. I am not sure if it was the Beach Boys song that inspired me or my Dutch roots, but regardless, I wanted to go, and I am so glad that I did! Aruba is for sure “One Happy Island“, and as a solo female traveler, I always felt safe, welcomed, and like I belonged.
Between visiting the amazing beaches, snorkeling in the most beautiful water you’ll ever see, walking around Palm Beach, or eating at one of the many amazing restaurants, there is plenty to see and do. Depending on what you want to get out of your trip and your vibe, deciding where to stay in Aruba can be a struggle. Especially since Aruba has some of the best resorts in the Caribbean. In this guide, I will be diving into where to stay in Aruba so that you can pick the best resort in Aruba to match your vacation vibe!
Introduction: Where to Stay in Aruba
If you are planning a trip to Aruba deciding on where to stay can make or break your trip. You want to choose the best resort in Aruba that meets your vacation vibe, based on what you want to see and do, and what you are wanting to get out of your trip. Whether you are a solo traveler, like me, planning a trip to Aruba for your honeymoon, anniversary, or on a friends/family trip, there are plenty of amazing resorts in Aruba to choose from. In this guide, I will walk you through all of the best resorts and where to stay in Aruba that meets your needs. Now, let’s dive in!
1. Palm Beach Aruba
If this is your first trip to Aruba, I would highly recommend that you plan on staying in this area. It was my first stop when I got to Aruba, and honestly, it has everything that you could possibly need. There are restaurants, shops, the beach, beach/ocean excursions, etc., and is very walkable. This area is very safe, day or night, and as a solo female traveler, I never felt like I was unsafe while I was in Palm Beach at all.
One of the best resorts in Aruba in the Palm Beach area is the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Casino. This hotel is in the middle of the action, and you can very easily walk to the beach, go grab coffee, or grab lunch and dinner, all without renting a car. Another great resort in this area is the Hilton Aruba. Even though this resort is in the middle of one of the busiest areas in Aruba, this resort still manages to have a more laid-back and relaxing vibe, which I personally love when I am in the Caribbean.
All in all, Palm Beach is a great area to stay while in Aruba. Is it busy? Yes. But is it safe and walkable? Also, yes. You have everything you need, right out your front door, you don’t need a car, it’s very safe, and there is lots to do. It’s one of the best areas to stay at while in Aruba, especially if this is your first time visiting!
2. Eagle Beach
IF you’ve been to Aruba a few times, or maybe you are looking for something a little less busy and more on the “quieter” side, then you may want to stay in the beautiful Eagle Beach. I feel like Eagle Beach is way so many people love traveling to Aruba. The beach is bigger than Palm Beach, in my opinion, its less busy, and the sunsets here are unmatched. As soon as you step foot on that white, soft, warm sand, everything just completely melts away,
If you are thinking about Eagle Beach and want an adults-only resort (which is always my vibe), then I would recommend Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort. This is a peaceful resort that is wellness focused, and it has a more relaxed, romantic, calmer vibe. Whether you want to relax by the pool or beach, cozy up and watching the phenomenal sunsets, or spend a relaxing morning in the spa, this resort has it all!
As a solo female traveler, this resort is definitely on the quieter side, which I honestly love, you don’t have the same busy restaurants, shops, etc., that you do in Palm Beach, but it’s very relaxing, and off-site dining is an easy cab ride away.
3. Oranjestad, Aruba
If you are looking for that Dutch vibe, and the fun colorful buildings, the history, and the museums, then the area you may want to stay in is Oranjestad. I feel like you get more of a cultural experience in this area, and since its Aruba’s capital city, there is lots of history and things to do here.
The best resort in this area in my opinion is the Rennaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort, which gives you access to their private island. You know the one with the iconic flamingos! You can literally layout on the beach in a lounge chair and have flamingos all around you. I don’t think I have ever seen anything like it.
Oranjestad has the perfect mix of relaxation and there is plenty to do. It’s the perfect mix between Palm Beach and Eagle Beach, with a pop of Dutch culture. This area is very safe to explore, especially for a solo traveler, and is a great place to stay for first-time travelers, or even if this is your 10th visit to Aruba.
4. Druif Beach
If you are looking for all-inclusive vibe, then Druif Beach is the area for you. Divi Aruba All Inclusive is a great resort that sits perfectly along Druif beach. This resort and area is perfect if you are looking for a great beach, but maybe something a little less busy than Pam Beach.
What I love most about an all-inclusive is that you don’t have to worry about anything! Everything is included, you don’t have to worry about paying for anything extra, and you can literally just float around in the water or lay in a lounge chair on the beach and do absolutely nothing. It’s honestly the best!
5. Noord & Malmok
If you are into water activities like snorkeling, or maybe looking to stay in a private villa, then Noord & Malmok is for you! The water is crystal-clear, and you can literally snorkel for hours and hours and see so far down in the water. You actually feel like you are swimming around in an aquarium. One aspect of this area that I loved was that you feel less like a tourist and more like a local. There are lots of residential areas around, and it’s much quieter.
What you do need to keep in mind though is if you are thinking about staying in this area, is that you do need to drive to get to any resutrants, etc. It’s not a very walkable area, so you do ned to either have a car or catch a cab to get to most places.
On the other heand, if you love less tourists, you love water activities, like snorkeling, and are looking maybe for a secluded villa-style accomodate, then this area is perfect for you.
6. Savaneta & San Nicola
The last area in Aruba that I would recommend staying is Savaneta & San Nicola. You are looking for more of n artsy area, with lots of fun street art, and more of a locals-vibe, then this is a great area for you. Baby Beach is very close by and is a great beach for swimming, as the water is very calm and also very shallow.
One of my favorite resorts in this area is Aruba Ocean Villas, which has those iconic over-water bungalows that we have all seen, and have dreamed about staying in. It’s like being in the Maldives, but without paying for the Maldives. This is a great romantic area for those who maybe on their honeymoon or celebrating an anniversary.
This area is also less touristy, it is much quieter, but you do need to probably rent a car or take cabs if you plan on leaving the property for excursions, etc. This area is also very quiet, so if you want nightlife, then this may not be a preferred location for you.
Conclusion: Where to Stay in Aruba
Aruba is honestly one of my favorite islands in the Caribbean. There is a reason it is called “One Happy Island”. The people, the culture, the food, everything about this incredible island will absolutely make you happy. Choosing where to stay in Aruba, as you can see in this guide, can completely change the vibe of your trip. If you are wanting busy and lively, romantic and secluded, or somewhere in-between, there is an area and resort for you. And honestly, you don’t even need to just stay in one area. If you are wanting to try a few spots, split your stay and stay half of your visit in one area and the other half somewhere else. I hope this guide has helped you and inspired you to plan your next trip to Aruba. Need help planning/booking? Send me an email and I am happy to help you!