New Hotels & Improved Beaches

With so many new accommodations under construction in Aruba, 2020 and beyond might be the year you may encounter a new favorite place to stay in the Caribbean.

From Eagle beach to Baby beach, from small boutiques to luxurious resorts, here are the best resorts worth booking a room in Aruba.

Secrets Resort & Spa

The first large hotel project San Nicolas is currently under construction near Seroe Colorado, a stone throw away from popular Baby Beach.

It’s an adult only resort with brand amenities that caters to unlimited luxury including on site restaurants with reservation free a la carte menu.

Also part of amenities are 24 hour concierge service, unlimited premium beverages and activities.

St.Regis

A new five star hotel is under construction between Divi Phoenix and RIU Antillas.

It’s a luxury resort that features 200 rooms and 22 living units.

The resort is designed so all rooms have ocean view of the beach. Constructions already started in the first quarter of 2020 and the resort is set to open late 2022.

Locally structural elements will be used to build the resort – including modern pool, and five star quality interiors.

Coral Shell 

A new condominium, Coral Shell, is slated to open late 2020.

Located in the downtown area, the building sits waterfront to Surfside bay. 

Coral Shell has several living units, all with views to the ocean. The building features single bedroom units, even up to 5 bedroom suites.

The design features an infinity pool for adults and a kids swimming pool.

There’s also a sun deck, fitness center overlooking the bay, sauna, outdoor kitchen with barbeque grill.

Olde Mole Boutique Hotel

Olde Molen is currently operating as a nightclub located in Palm Beach, close to Courtyard By Marriott.

The owners plan to transform the iconic Dutch building into a boutique hotel featuring close to 50 guest rooms. And the windmill is going to be converted into a museum showcasing the building its history.

Olde Molen will have on site restaurants, shopping and entertainment.

Harbour House

Promised to be the new downtown living, harbour house is currently under construction. 

It’s a 7 story high building – features state of the art lobby, solarium, fitness center, infinity pool on second floor, bar service, 

Harbour arena features several luxurious apartments and condos with all have an open floor concept to enjoy surrounding views of the downtown area. 

Port City

Port city is a new private sector project that will transform the former cargo terminal area in Oranjestad. 

It’s only in the planning stage, but the new project includes residential and commercial units with waterfront views of Bushiri beach. The surrounding area will be converted into public parks, landscapes, boardwalks alongside the beach and botanical gardens.

Port city will represent a unique living lifestyle and caters to the new generation of travelers.

According to tourism Minister, port city will begin construction late 2020.

Local Recommendations

Aruba will soon have newly refurbished beaches that will certainly attract more tourist then ever. Here’s a list of beaches that are slated to receive an upgrade soon.

Baby Beach

One of the most popular beaches in the Southeast end of the island, Baby beach, is on the list of beaches to be improvement by the Tourism Minister.

Baby beach is frequented by travelers who explore the other side of the island – San Nicolas. It’s a moon shaped lagoon with shallow and calm waters – perfect for families with kids.

The beach itself is going to be improved and surrounding nature areas beautified.

Malmok Boardwalk

A new boardwalk is under construction alongside the beach, stretching from Malmok area until Fisherman’s hut.

It’s an advantageous project for health conscious travelers and locals who enjoy walking and biking besides the beautiful stretch of beach at Malmok.

Construction already started late 2019 and will be completed mid 2020.

Bushiri Beach

A new beach emerged after local authorities removed a the first Hotel School in Aruba.

Bushiri beach will be the ideal beach for cruise visitors, because it’s close to the cruise port.

The entire beach recently received a new layer of fresh beach sand and palm trees.

Developments at Bushiri beach will continue mid 2020 with improving swimming conditions.

Carnival is one of Aruba’s largest seasonal celebrations.

It’s been a part of the island cultural heritage for 66 years .

Like every year, the carnival season is kicked off with a Torch parade and is followed by numerous events including queen elections, music festivals and parades.  

Here’s a schedule of the remaining parades in Aruba during February 2020.

Parada di Luz

Also known as “lightning parade” because of the colorful lights displayed, this is one of the ultimate night carnivals.

Thousands of participants get dressed in beautiful costumes that shine from far away.

Parada di Luz takes place in San Nicolas – from 8:00 pm until 2:00 pm (February 20, 2020).

Grand Parades

Aruba’s carnival always ends with two grand parades in San Nicolas and Oranjestad.

The first parade takes place in San Nicolas – February 22, 2020.

And the main grand parade takes place in the downtown area (Oranjestad). 

Deals & Coupons

National Anthem & Flag Day 

Aruba celebrates its independence every year on March 18.

It’s a traditional celebration since Aruba achieved its own autonomy within the Dutch Kingdom in 1976.

This day is public holiday with events all over the island for locals and visitors.

Stores are usually closed on this day, with exception of retail & restaurants located in the hotel area.

Join the activities around the island if you’re in Aruba and celebrate our flag and national anthem.

Dushi Vibe Festival

A unique festival will be taking place on the island for the first time.

It’s a new festival concept that brings different musical genres together.

Highlighting the festival is Daddy Yankee. Also featured are urban music artist like El Alfa, Francy and Pedro Alonso.

Dushi vibe takes place on April 4, 2020.

Eat Local Food Truck in Aruba

All the food trucks will be stationed in the middle of the downtown area during eat local in Aruba season.

It’s a typical family event featuring the best street cuisine in Aruba, from locally made bites to Dutch fries and everything in between. There’s also going to be live entertainment, music and fun activities for kids.

Eat Local Food Truck takes place last weekend in April (25 – 26).

Soul Beach Festival

Aruba is prepared to host the 20th year of Soul Beach Festival during memorial day weekend.

Mariah Carey will be one of the star performer headlining this years festival.

The Roots band are also on the lineup.

Soul Beach also features a comedy night, pool parties and several beach events around the island.

The event will take place May 20 – 25, 2020.

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