Opened in 2013, The Ritz-Carlton Aruba is the island’s most opulent beach resort. Rates can be high, but everything here is top-notch; the resort boasts plush rooms with high-end amenities, state-of-the-art spa and fitness facilities, fine on-site dining at Solanio (Italian) and BLT Steak, among other impressive restaurants, and exceptional overall service. Other highlights include yoga classes, two modern swimming pools, couples dinners on the beach, an excellent kids club for ages 4-12, pool and beachside cabanas, and a casino. With 13 treatment rooms and unique, locally-inspired offerings and ingredients (such as aloe, coffee scrubs, and Divi Divi tree oil), the 13,000-square-foot spa is among the finest in the Caribbean. The resort is also situated on a beautiful white-sand beachfront with ample space, which bolsters its perfect Aaa Overall Beach Resort Rating even more. Rooms come with 46-inch flat screen TVs, private furnished balconies or terraces with ocean views (in all), and colorful island-inspired décor; suites come with abundant space and wraparound or double balconies. Club Level guests have access to an exclusive lounge with seventh-floor ocean views and five food presentations daily. Water sports in the immediate vicinity include jet skiing, scuba diving, snorkeling, parasailing, and kitesurfing, among others. The resort can also arrange private dive charters, PADI certifications, deep sea fishing charters, and private catamaran charters. Other activities include live music, beach tennis, and island safaris.
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 $50 per person and the PCR test is $125 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.