Just Back From the Ritz-Carlton Aruba

• There are many direct flights to Aruba, especially from Boston and New York City, as well as other eastern cities

• It's outside of the hurricane belt

• It's a great option for almost anyone: couples, families, multi-generational trips, friends trips, destination weddings and corporate or group trips

• There are so many good restaurants

• In Aruba, you clear US customs
  

The Ritz-Carlton is the only five-star property on the island. The Ritz-Carlton is at the end of the hotel zone on the beach meaning it is generally quieter but you’re not far at all (2-5 minutes walking) from other restaurants/hotels. I love the boardwalk that goes along the beach.

The hotel has many room categories, with lots of connecting options. There is a club on the 7th floor and 45 rooms come with club access (five food settings a day plus unlimited drinks, and they often have fun activities happening like live music etc.). The hotel is only seven stories high and every room has a balcony.

The resort is dog-friendly (less than 25 lbs) and they even have dog cabanas! They have two pools: a family pool and an adult (18+) pool. They also have a great spa and gym.

The restaurants on-site are delicious. We didn’t have one bad meal! The breakfast at Solanio is so good. They have an an amazing, big buffet as well as an à la carte menu. In the evening, this turns into Casa Nona, an Italian restaurant. We also ate at Divi sushi lounge and BLT steakhouse. Everything was so good! There is beach service (they come to you on segways), as well as pool food and beverage service.

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