The Best Boutique Hotels to Book in Aruba

On the outskirts of the high-rise area, MVC Eagle Beach has 19 cozy rooms in a two-story boutique complex that’s both eco- and pet-friendly. You’ll find it at the quieter end of Eagle Beach; it’s popular with couples as well as groups of friends who like the laid-back vibe of Tulip, the on-site brasserie and bar. The friendly atmosphere continues around the plunge pool, which has many lounge chairs if you’re too tired to cross the road to the white sandy beach.

This intimate property comprises 46 casitas, two pools, a hot tub and a terrace in the backyard, which hosts a weekly rum punch party. Set on a former coconut plantation, the casitas bask in tropical landscaped grounds, complete with hammocks. The design is tasteful, relaxed-island style, with air conditioning, kitchens and outdoor barbecues. You can use the beach huts and lounge chairs at the nearby Palm Beach for free; the area also has a vibrant nightlife. Hit Arashi Beach for snorkeling.

This beautifully designed 11-bedroom oasis of calm, close to the city and beaches, is for adults who prefer birds and butterflies to nightlife (although Eagle Beach is nearby). Up the gated driveway to the former family home, you’ll find an inviting hotel of comfy sofas, magazines and coffee-table books. Freshly prepared breakfasts are yours to enjoy by the terrace pool before relaxing in various nooks. Alternatively, the Dutch owner will shuttle you to one of the nearby beaches. The island’s capital, Oranjestad, is just 15 minutes away.

Off the main drag of high-rise chains, Golden Villas hides on a residential street in the Washington area of Noord. The eight low-key bungalows are popular with indie travelers who don’t want to follow the crowds. The communal area is centered around the splash pool and jacuzzi, complete with a barbecue and ample palapas for shade. If you want to explore further afield, there are convenient bus stops nearby, and the Spanish owners are happy to give tips.

On the north side of Aruba, in a quiet area called Bubali, these adults-only apartments are still close enough to the dynamic Palm Beach district to make socializing with crowds there a cinch. The four air-conditioned rooms are designed to be a home away from home, complete with full-size appliances, comfortable beds and toiletries, and there’s a pool with loungers. The decor is neutral, stylish and impeccably maintained, creating a perfect base for a stress-free vacation.

With just three rooms, the unassuming Karibu Aruba is quiet, with a Spanish hacienda vibe, on the northern tip in Noord. You’re a short walk from Moomba Beach but removed from the rowdy nightlife at Palm Beach. Join the friendly Dutch owners for daily yoga, and chat with them over a complimentary continental breakfast. Alternatively, sway the day away in a shady hammock, and enjoy dipping your toes in the pool. The chilled-out barefoot theme continues in the spacious, tastefully decorated rooms, complete with a fridge and coffee maker.

This 13-room boutique hotel has a secluded, romantic feel, with the beaches of Boca Catalina and Arashi accessible in minutes. Designed by Venezuelan architect Óscar Enrique Bracho Malpica, the hotel features contemporary art, in keeping with the tropical color palette, and rows of glass windows to highlight the stunning ocean views. A brasserie serves up made-to-order breakfast and dinner, and the hotel is also home to an outdoor pool and a boutique selling swimwear and gifts.

In the shadows of the Marriott and Ritz-Carlton hotels, which dominate the main strip, the eight-bedroom Modern Hotel Aruba offers something refreshingly different: a tranquil sanctuary on a residential street. When staying here, you’re steps away from the white beaches of Palm Beach and Boca Catalina in the north, perfect for snorkeling. However, the hotel does have a pool, and it’s often not crowded.