Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive

This all-inclusive beach resort occupies a series of two-story low-rise pale-yellow buildings sandwiched between a gorgeous stretch of white-sand beach and a main road, with a tiled open-air common area that stretches from the minimalist, contemporary lobby straight to the sand. Everything here is simple and modern, with minimal decoration save for a few potted plants, a lobby sculpture reminiscent of a windswept tree, and a couple of Greco-Roman style statues. The Tamarijn is particularly popular with families in search of a beachfront experience in Aruba, with enough facilities and dining options to make it a good choice for those who don't want to venture far. Though families take center stage here, the hotel also attracts couples and regularly hosts destination weddings. 

Tamarijn Aruba is situated on a prime beach in the Low-Rise hotel district, a 10-minute drive from Queen Beatrix International Airport. As the name suggests, the Low-Rise district is characterized by low-lying hotels, in contrast to the busier (and taller) High-Rise district in front of Palm Beach, a seven-minute drive away. Popular nearby attractions include Eagle Beach, a five-minute drive from the hotel, and the California Lighthouse, nine minutes away by car. It's a 10-minute drive to downtown Oranjestad and the cruise terminal and getting to both Alto Vista Chapel and the Tierra del Sol golf course doesn't take much longer. Arikok National Park and Savaneta (with great beachfront dining) are each around 20 to 25 minutes away by car. Baby Beach takes just over a half-hour to reach. The adjacent Divi Aruba, which shares facilities with the Tamarijn, is about a 10-minute walk down the road (or beach). There's a free shuttle that links the two properties and it runs every 15 minutes. 

Rooms are situated in a series of two-story buildings that flank Druif Beach, and all rooms face out over the water. All are more or less identical, with two queen-size beds or one king-size bed. Simple, pleasant decor includes cream-colored tile floors and coordinating bedspreads, two-toned light-blue bed runners, and small colorful art prints on the walls paired with dark-brown ceiling fans, headboards, and wooden furniture like large wardrobes and small sitting areas with tables and chairs. Rooms stay softly bright, with a mix of recessed lighting, tabletop lamps, and floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that lead out to furnished patios or balconies which can be blocked off with blackout curtains. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, free and reliable Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and Nespresso-style coffeemakers along with digital safes and irons/ironing boards in the closet. Bathrooms are snazzy, with large granite countertops and walk-in showers with dark-tinted glass doors. Wall-mounted toiletries and hairdryers are provided.

The resort offers a serious range of amenities, primarily geared toward vacationing families, and guests of the Tamarijn also get access to the facilities at the Diva Aruba (including its 9-hole golf course, albeit for a fee). There are four pools in total, including a main pool with beach views and lots of lounge chairs along with three freeform pools at the nearby Divi -- though all four can get crowded. Guests can also head straight from the resort out to its white-sand beach, where there's a volleyball net and a short row of palapa-shaded lounge chairs. Calm turquoise waters are ideal for swimming. Non-motorized water sports equipment (snorkels and kayaks) are available and included as part of the all-inclusive package. Motorized water sports can be arranged for a fee.Dining options are abundant, with 10 restaurants between the Tamarijn and Divi, with a mix of indoor and outdoor seating. Guests staying at either of the two resorts get access to the bars and dining options at both. Five of these are at Tamarijn, including three a la carte options: the sea-facing Palm Grill with seafood and DIY hibachi grills at the tables; the upscale Italian Paparazzi; and the pan-Asian Ginger. There's also a large buffet restaurant with all sorts of international options and a pool-facing bar and grill, Pizza Per Tutti, with drinks, snacks, and pizza available well into the night.The all-inclusive alcohol program is generous, with a wide range of local and international beverages on offer. Other amenities include a fitness center with a good range of cardio equipment and Life Fitness weight-training machines, plus a range of fitness classes, from Zumba to yoga, along with outdoor tennis courts with floodlighting for evening matches. There's also a game area with pool and table tennis, and a tall outdoor climbing wall along with shoes, harnesses, and helmets for children and adults. For children ages 5 through 12, there's a kids' club with activities ranging from t-shirt decorating to scavenger hunts. Note that it's only open on weekdays. Adults are catered to with a strong lineup of nightly entertainment featuring everything from karaoke to Aruban dance. The hotel also has its own car rental desk, beauty salon, concierge services, and free Wi-Fi and parking.