via tripadvisor.com

All-in for Aruba all-inclusives

All-inclusive resorts are a popular pick for millions of travelers, including couples, families, friend groups, and more, because they offer tons of value, plus hassle-free vacation planning. That’s because all-inclusive rates fold in lodging, all food and beverages (including alcohol and snacks!), activities, and gratuities, so you won’t have to worry about logistics or additional costs. And with everything in one place, there’s no need to ever leave these all-inclusive resorts in Aruba—unless you want to.

While you may be intrigued by the best all-inclusive resorts in the U.S. or the best all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, you may want to consider jetting off to Aruba. Sun-seekers of all ages can choose from an array of all-inclusive resorts here, all of which offer a fun-filled, warm-weather, and stress-free escape. In Aruba, you’ll find some of the best all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, including some of the best adults-only all-inclusive resorts, the best all-inclusive resorts for families, and even some of the best all-inclusive resorts in the world.

Why Aruba is a fantastic vacation spot

Aruba, aptly nicknamed “One Happy Island,” is also one of the best islands to visit in the Caribbean because it’s out of the hurricane belt, so it makes a great year-round vacation destination. The island is known for its white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, setting the perfect scene for a relaxing escape.

When it comes time to choosing the perfect place to stay on the island, it’s certainly worth considering an all-inclusive resort. Not only are the best all-inclusive resorts in Aruba located on or across from the beach, but they also offer an abundance of on-site activities and amenities. Most have several drinking and dining options to choose from (swim-up bars are a fun bonus!), while full-service spas and included water sports add an extra-special touch. Additionally, some offer accommodations complete with private patios or balconies so that you can take in the fresh ocean air without having to leave your room or suite.

How we chose the “best” all-inclusive resorts in Aruba

In order to narrow down the best all-inclusive resorts in Aruba, we did some digging on TripAdvisor, combing through thousands of guest reviews to determine each property’s key features and amenities. You’ll find that all our picks have at least 2,500 reviews, though most of them have well over 3,000. We also ensured that each property has an average rating of four stars or higher.

Although there are quite a few all-inclusive resorts in Aruba, all our top picks had to have a beautiful oceanfront location, directly on the beach or right across the street. After all, the beaches in Aruba are arguably the destination’s biggest draw, so it was essential to pick all-inclusives that offer prime beach access. Last, every all-inclusive resort on our list features amenities beyond lodging, drinking, and dining. Part of the appeal of an all-inclusive resort is access to on-site amenities and activities that go beyond the basics, so all our favorites have extra perks such as a sprawling casino, non-motorized water sports, fitness classes, live music and entertainment, kids clubs, or a rotating selection of daily activities.

Via Tripadvisor.com

Best overall

Barceló Aruba

Barceló Aruba is our top overall pick among the best all-inclusive resorts in Aruba, one of the best Caribbean destinations to visit. The upscale property offers contemporary accommodations, all of which come with private balconies, seven restaurants, three bars, nightly entertainment (live music, anyone?), a casino, and a sparkling swimming pool oasis. Fitness enthusiasts can take advantage of the on-site sports offerings, which span from kayaking to water aerobics. Families will especially appreciate the kids club too. Last, take your trip to the next level by splurging on the spa: You deserve it!

Pros:

• Idyllic beachfront location, within walking distance to shops and restaurants
• Seven on-site eateries
• Every room has a balcony or terrace

Cons:

• Most restaurants require dinner reservations
• Room service only included for select categories

Book Now

Aruba has launched its brand new Christmas dining menu and a series of festive events, so we visited their restaurant on Bournemouth Pier to give it a try.

Aruba is well-known for its summer beachside parties with great cocktails and a view of the sea but the restaurant feels just as special in winter.

We booked a table for two at 6.30pm on a Wednesday evening, with time to watch their new weekly Karaoke event ‘Rockaoke’ at 8pm afterwards, which takes place throughout December.

The Bournemouth pier venue has a cocktail bar, karaoke stage, indoor dining tables and outdoor balcony seating. The space had been decorated with festive lights and a large Christmas tree.

This along with Christmas music and warm lighting, gave the restaurant a cosy and relaxed atmosphere.

We were shown to a nicely presented and comfortable booth table inside, overlooking the sea and with a view of the Christmas tree.

Aruba’s new Christmas menu launched on Friday, November 18 and is available until Friday, December 23.

The new menu includes a choice of two canapé packages and a two or three course menu.

The canapé packages start from £17 and the set menu from £28 per head.

READ MORE: Aruba Bournemouth invests £50K into new Christmas events

We chose our three course options in advance. To start we had a chargrilled vegetable terrine and a chicken and duck terrine.

The vegetable terrine was made with red and yellow peppers, courgettes and aubergines and served with a rich tomato dressing and toasted sourdough.

The pressed terrine of chicken and duck came with red onion marmalade and herbs. Served with toasted sourdough.

The portion sizes were substantial and tasty but the terrine and sourdough was light enough to leave space for the main.

For the main, we had the roast turkey roulade and the slow cooked belly of pork. There were also cauliflower, beef and salmon based mains on offer.

The roast turkey roulade was a turkey fillet with pork, sage and onion stuffing wrapped in smoked streaky bacon. Served with seasonal greens, roast potatoes and rich gravy.

The main was cooked to perfection and tasted delicious. The combination of turkey, bacon and stuffing is a Christmas staple and I really enjoyed the seasonal greens which had a lot of flavour. The roast potatoes were perfectly crispy and the gravy was rich and more like a sauce.

Finally, we both chose the sticky toffee pudding cheesecake for dessert. The other options on the set menu were Christmas pudding, lemon meringue tartelette, sticky toffee pudding cheesecake, pecan and cranberry tart and a cheeseboard for one.

Our dessert had a digestive biscuit base covered with a layer of white chocolate baked cheesecake, with sticky toffee sponge and sticky toffee sauce, served with ice cream and berries.

The cheesecake was delicious and not too sweet with a sticky toffee sponge and sauce on top. The ice cream and berries balanced the course out and the portion size was perfect.

Following dinner, was a chance to experience Aruba’s new Rockaoke event, which featured a great live band with a singer to kick off the event and a chance for the public to take part.

The karaoke was entertaining and the dance floor and bar were busy. Visitors can come down to Aruba just for the karaoke event and drinks without ordering a meal.

Overall, we really enjoyed the experience. All three courses were lovely, as well as the service, which was attentive and friendly throughout the entire evening. The atmosphere was cosy and festive and it was nice to be by the sea - whatever the weather.

Booking online for dining reservations is advised via www.aruba-bournemouth.co.uk.