Who doesn’t love Aruba? I mean, it’s got a little bit of something for everyone. It’s a top destination for summer vacations, partly because it lies outside the hurricane belt, which is a surprise to many people! Last time I was there, it was the winter months (my favorite time to go) so I was excited to go back and explore a bit more of the island, and a new resort on Eagle Beach Aruba.
READ MY ISLANDS.COM ON THE RECENT RENOVATION OF AMSTERDAM MANOR BEACH RESORT.
Where to stay on Eagle Beach Aruba
Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort has been renovated while retaining the charm of its classic Dutch architecture. Nestled on Eagle Beach, Aruba, which is consistently ranked as one of the top beaches in the world, this AAA Three-Diamond, pet-friendly boutique resort is welcoming travelers back with updated and enhanced amenities. With just 72 studios and suites, the resort’s one- and two-bedroom configurations are ideal for couples and families. Travelers who love having access to a kitchen for quick breakfasts or late afternoon snacks will appreciate the guest rooms’ new modern kitchens with a stove, refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker. The spacious 1-bedroom suites feature a sitting area, kitchen, and dining area, accented with bright Caribbean colors.
Amsterdam Manor, owned for decades by the Van Schaijk family, makes guests feel like they’re part of the family. Today, the resort is run by the owner’s son, Alfred, who puts hospitality at the top of his daily task list. It’s clear that many of the resort’s guests are repeat visitors as Alfred greets them all by first names and the occasional kiss on the cheek. At sunset, the Horizons Bar becomes Alfred’s office as he throws an impromptu cocktail party for guests, who after just one day are more like family and friends.
Pull up a lounge chair and enjoy the view at Amsterdam Manor’s pool overlooking Eagle Beach, Aruba. Sleeping in on vacation is a luxury but you’ll want to get up early and stroll the oceanfront walking path. You’ll see locals and tourists walking, jogging, and biking along the Eagle Beach sidewalk. App-based rental bikes and scooters are plentiful if you really want to cover some ground.
Interested in learning which Caribbean islands are located outside the hurricane belt for your summer vacation? Read my article on Fodor’s “You Can Still Travel to the Caribbean During Hurricane Season.“
Dining on Eagle Beach Aruba
Chances are you’ll work up an appetite on your morning exploration. You can dine beachfront at the casual Passions on the Beach restaurant and enjoy a morning libation while watching the sun rise. Adjacent to the resort’s pool, Mangos restaurant serves a hearty and healthy breakfast buffet. As the day winds down, you’ll find most guests at the newly renovated rooftop Horizons Bar watching the sun set out over the Caribbean. Happy hour will be one of your most memorable experiences at Amsterdam Manor as you take in a perfect sunset with a craft cocktail in hand surrounded by all your new friends. Dine at the water’s edge with your toes in the sand at Passions on the Beach, a truly unique dining experience. At night, Passions on the Beach transforms into a one-of-a-kind oceanfront, fine dining restaurant. Lounge chairs where guests sunned themselves during the day are whisked away and replaced with dining tables, white tablecloths, and tiki torches. Unlike most restaurants, shoes are optional at this establishment as you’ll dine with your toes in the sand. It’s no surprise that this is also one of the island’s top proposal spots. For more casual dining, Mangos restaurant hosts nightly themed dinners featuring cuisine from around the world. Horizons rooftop bar offers the best seat in the house for enjoying a Caribbean craft cocktail while watching the sunset after a long day of exploring.
Aruba is known for its brisk breezes, so kite surfing and wind sailing are popular sports. If you’re up to the challenge, you can get lessons at many of the watersports stands. If just chilling out on the water is more your vibe, opt for Pelican Adventures catamaran cruise and snorkeling adventure. You’ll have an opportunity to explore the island from the water (above and below) on their brunch and sunset cruises.
Aruba’s inland areas are quite a contrast from its scenic beaches. For those seeking a bit more fun and adventure, De Palm Tours offers a variety of off-road ATV and jeep excursions through Arikok National Park’s rugged terrain, capped off by a visit to the island’s iconic natural pool and natural bridge. You won’t be ready to leave Aruba but there is one piece of good news as you head back home.
If you’re headed back to the U.S., you can actually clear immigration in Aruba so you can breeze through your home airport and lament the fact that vacation is over. The lines can be long, so be sure to arrive at the airport at least three hours before your flight. And if you have Global Entry, you’ll be at your gate in no time. There are great dining spots to grab a bite to eat before your flight and a fabulous wine bar that’s the perfect place to bid One Happy Island adieu.
All about Aruba
Aruba is a mesmerizing Caribbean island known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and warm, sunny climate. It is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and is situated just off the coast of Venezuela. The island is renowned for its diverse culture and friendly locals. Aruba boasts some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, with Eagle Beach and Palm Beach being the most popular. These beaches feature soft white sand and calm, turquoise waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The island enjoys a warm, dry climate year-round, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (around 24-30°C). It experiences minimal rainfall, making it an ideal destination at any time of year. Aruba offers a wide range of activities, including water sports like snorkeling, diving, and windsurfing. Visitors can also explore the Arikok National Park, which showcases stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and unique geological formations. The island has a rich cultural heritage influenced by its Indigenous, African, and European roots. Visitors can explore local markets, art galleries, and historic sites such as the California Lighthouse and the Alto Vista Chapel. Aruba has a vibrant culinary scene, offering everything from local seafood to international cuisine. The nightlife is lively, with numerous bars, clubs, and casinos. Known for its welcoming residents, Aruba promotes a “One Happy Island” motto, making it a great destination for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.