One of the very best options on the island for families, Marriott’s Aruba Surf Club offers a plethora of kid-friendly amenities: a lazy river, a game room, a kids club, a Nintendo Wii lounge for teens, and a waterslide to name a few. The rooms are built for families, too; standard guest rooms come with kitchenettes, but the larger villas (one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites are available) come with full kitchens and separate living and dining rooms. Many have great ocean and pool views. On-site dining variety is lacking (there’s just one restaurant open for all meals, and the food is only decent – this factor has a negative effect on the Overall Beach Resort Rating) and the grounds and beach area can get crowded at peak vacation times (pre-COVID); but the property offers an outstanding fitness center with plenty of equipment, an outdoor grilling area, beach volleyball on-site, and one of the best swimming pool areas in the Caribbean. Sailing and snorkeling cruises are available right on the beach (in addition to other water sports such as tubing/banana boat rides), and there are plenty of off-site shops and restaurants in the immediate vicinity. Guests have access to the casino and more at the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino (A2), the sister property that’s easily within walking distance.
Complimentary COVID-19 testing for U.S. re-entry is available on-site (complimentary antigen tests are provided for two guests per room staying three consecutive nights or longer). For additional guests, testing is available at a fee; the antigen test is $40 per person and the PCR test is $100 per person. Results are returned in 24 hours. In the event of a positive test, the island’s mandatory COVID-19 insurance will cover designated accommodation costs until recovery.