Aruba's Hidden Gem: Exploring Boardwalk's Authentic Hospitality

General Information

Families with children aged 12 and over are welcome.

Location

The island of Aruba sits outside the hurricane belt, with an average temperature of 82F or 28C. There are direct flights from the US, Latin America, and Europe. The hotel is ideally located if you want to have a little privacy but also to be within walking distance from the beaches, just a stone’s throw from the Boardwalk’s entrance gate.

Vibe

At Boardwalk, tranquility reigns supreme. The soothing sounds of birdsong, swaying palm trees and water fountains around the property create the perfect relaxing atmosphere.

Clientele

If, like me, you prefer to avoid crowded resorts, cookie-cutter rooms, or the frustrations (and hidden costs!) of house/apartment shares, Boardwalk is a perfect choice. They offer promotions for extended stays and a Romance Package for special occasions.

Accommodation options

The hotel consists of 46 casitas, including 32 newly constructed in 2019 and 14 fully rejuvenated casitas. Each one bears a unique character, paying homage to Caribbean and Aruban heritage, and exudes the freshness of a beachfront home. These well-appointed spaces feature full air conditioning, kitchenettes or fully equipped kitchens (all with Nespresso coffee makers), private bathrooms and inviting patios with BBQ facilities, providing the ultimate indoor-outdoor experience.

• Coco Casitas: These Caribbean-style one-space suites are 45m² or 485 sq. ft. and feature a king bed. Accommodates a maximum of 2 adults.

• Deluxe Coco Casitas: Inspired by Aruba, these one-space suites are 50m² or 540 sq. ft, boasting a four-poster king bed and featuring luxurious bathrooms with indoor and exclusive outdoor showers. Accommodates a maximum of 2 adults.

• One Bedroom Casitas: Offering a separate bedroom, these casitas can host a maximum of 4 guests (2 adults and two children aged 12 and above). Choose from a king or two queen beds. These casitas are spacious, spanning 75 m² or 810 sq. ft.

• Two-Bedroom Casitas: Ideal for larger families, these casitas provide two separate bedrooms with a king bed and two queen beds, each with its own connecting bathroom. These expansive accommodations are 110 m² or 1200 sq. ft. and can sleep 6, with a maximum of 4 adults.

• Palapa Lodge: Nestled beneath a thatched roof on the second story, this suite offers spacious quarters spanning 70 m² or 750 sq. ft. and can accommodate a maximum of 2 adults. It is the ultimate get-away experience with a king bed, a relaxing bathtub and a 360-degree wrap-around terrace. This suite does not have a kitchen.

• Plunge Pool Casita: Exuding Caribbean flair, this unique stand-alone casita features a secluded garden, sundeck, plunge pool, sunbed, double hammock and an oversized private patio. It is designed for 2 adults and boasts a four-poster king bed, with generous quarters spanning 280 m² or 3000 sq. ft.

The Boardwalk team takes immense pride in their commitment to eco-friendly practices, encompassing LED lighting, inverter A/C, water filtration, biodegradable detergents and more. The 2019-built Casitas exemplifies green construction with solar panels, solar water heaters and energy-efficient windows and doors.

Food & Drinks

Tucked away in the heart of this historic coconut plantation, The Coco Café is a haven of local, tropical goodness. The menu is a loving showcase of Aruba's vibrant culinary traditions, the Belgian heritage of the proprietors, and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. It includes nutritious dishes such as grilled tropical Red Snapper served with a mango salad, creole sauce, and brown rice and a variety of vegan and gluten-free options, such as the Vegan Whopper, a black bean burger served with dill sauce on a vegan brioche. Add in freshly shaken cocktails (Aruba Ariba, anyone?) and various smoothies; there is something for everyone to enjoy. Food All Day (8am to 8pm). The Bar is open from 8am to 10pm, with Happy Hour from 3–5pm.

Unique Features & Amenities

• Two inviting pools, one larger and one smaller, with swaying hammocks and sun loungers for relaxation.

• Spa services with various face and body treatments, available in the treatment room or your casita.

• Fitness room for those who want to stay active.

• Outdoor yoga deck with complimentary yoga mats.

• Complimentary palapas (beach huts) and sun loungers are set aside for Boardwalk guests at nearby Palm Beach.

• Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.

• Complimentary gated parking on-site.

• Multilingual staff to support you during your stay.

• A shuttle service can take guests to and from the beach.

• Beach towels are available at the front desk.

• Segway-riding servers from the adjacent Ritz Carlton beach provide discounted F&B service at the beach.

• The Boardwalk also provides coolers in every casita, so guests can bring their drinks and snacks to the beach, making for lazy, easy beach days.

Additional information

The nearby "Vela" water sports center offers kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals, with 10% off for Boardwalk guests. The more adventurous can rent windsurfing, kitesurfing and foiling equipment at another Vela location, just a short walk away.

Superfood Plaza is your go-to for groceries, with a chemist, liquor store, food outlet and seafood outlet, which even cooks your seafood for dine-in or takeout.

A taxi ride from the hotel to the Plaza costs approximately US $10 (or US$13 into the center of town), or you can opt for the local Arubus at US $2.60 for a single ticket.

I highly recommend the Boardwalk Boutique Hotel to all my clients seeking an authentic experience, set in the backdrop of a world-famous destination. So whether you are celebrating your honeymoon, an anniversary or a friends reunion, it's an absolutely stunning choice for your next vacation. Reach out and let me help plan your next getaway at this exceptional property!

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Aruba. In need of further inspiration? Check out ’s guide, Guide to Adventure & Relaxation in Aruba.