With two new hotels, increased air connectivity and several new and renovated restaurants, Aruba offers many fresh reasons to visit. And the Aruba Tourism Authority is aiming to make the arrival process even smoother with a new processing option for international visitors.
In March, tourism officials introduced the Aruba Happy One Pass (AHOP), a digital “passport” that allows travelers to complete pre-boarding verification and share information with immigration officials without needing to provide a physical passport at immigration checkpoints (a passport is still needed for all other aspects of travel). Upon arrival at Queen Beatrix International Airport, those who register with AHOP can make their way to a dedicated lane where “face pod” technology identifies them using biometric verification.
The Aruba Tourism Authority also continues to show appreciation for repeat visitors. This year, the organization has presented certificates to several travelers who have visited the island repeatedly for at least 10 consecutive years, bestowing the titles of Distinguished Visitor, Goodwill Ambassador and Emerald Ambassador, based on the number of years visited.
Those looking for more opportunities to visit, meanwhile, may be pleased to learn that the destination has also attracted new air service: Southwest Airlines recently increased its frequency of flights to and from Baltimore, while Westjet has increased its frequencies to and from Toronto, and Air Canada has reentered the Toronto-Aruba market, according to tourism officials.
The 330-room Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Resort opened last year, but palapas are new to its beach.
Credit: 2024 Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba ResortHotel and Restaurant News to Know
A new addition to Aruba’s hospitality scene is the 330-room Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Resort, which opened last year and recently added palapas to its beach area.
Other hotels in Aruba, meanwhile, are touting renovations and new offerings. Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba, for example, will become an adults-only property as of January 1, 2025. The property also recently debuted The Coco Cafe, a new, Caribbean-themed restaurant.
Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino has added a new restaurant, Mercat, which specializes in Mediterranean cuisine. In addition, the hotel recently unveiled the Pride in Paradise package, an offering targeted at LGBTQ+ travelers that includes a reserved private pool cabana at the resort’s adults-only H2Oasis pool; a $250 credit at Atardi, the hotel’s beachfront restaurant; and other amenities. The package is available through November 21.
The Coco Cafe is a new offering at Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba.
Credit: 2024 Credit Aruba Tourism AuthorityAlso offering refreshed culinary experiences is Divi Aruba All Inclusive, which last year opened new dining venue Le Cafe, which serves gourmet coffees, pastries and baked goods as part of the hotel’s all-inclusive plan. The resort also recently renovated its Mexican and Asian restaurants. Coming soon to sister property Tamarijn Aruba is Club Margot, an oceanfront restaurant with an international menu.
Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino is also celebrating refurbished dining options, as it wraps up a redo of its Ruinas del Mar restaurant, which includes new decor as well as a new menu.
Passions on the Beach, a restaurant at Amsterdam Manor Beach, has a fresh menu and happy hour twice daily.
Credit: 2024 Amsterdam Manor Beach ResortAmsterdam Manor Beach Resort, meanwhile, is completing a renovation that includes refurbished guestrooms and an expanded restaurant, Horizons Lounge, which sports a new menu and daily happy hours twice per day.
Away from the hotel properties, new independent dining options in Aruba include Koal (https://koalrestaurant.com), which is set in a historic building in Oranjestad and offers a five-course chef’s table experience headed by Aruban native Chef Albert Raven.
Hotels Opening Soon
The island is gearing up to welcome the debut of two new hotels. Scheduled to open by the end of 2024 is the 220-room St. Regis Aruba Resort, which will have a spa, fitness center, casino and swimming pool.
Also slated to open before the end of the year is the 240-room Joia Aruba by Iberostar, a resort on Eagle Beach with three restaurants, five bars, two pools and a spa with seven relaxation areas. The property will also offer access to the golf course at Tierra del Sol.
