Radisson Blu Aruba. Photo Jill Weinlein
For 15 years, an unfinished condominium complex remained empty near the beautiful white sand of Palm Beach, Aruba. A talented architect acquired the project and redesigned, enhanced, and converted the apartments into the fabulous new boutique Radisson Blu Aruba resort.
He turned this luxe resort into the first LEED-certified hotel. Design features include energy-efficient air conditioning, condensed water collection and reuse for irrigation, LED lighting, and low water-consuming bathroom fixtures. There are 70 different indigenous plants and low-water landscaping creating an appealing garden sanctuary.
View from guest room 11-334. Photo Jill Weinlein
There are two main buildings at the resort. The front building opens to a welcoming lobby with eye-catching design elements and ambient lighting on the walls and ceiling. Next to the entrance is The Clover, a casual coffee cafe providing breakfast and lunch options with gourmet coffee and tea beverages. Upstairs on the second level above the lobby is a small spa and a fitness center overlooking the Palm Beach area. On the third level is a stunning rooftop pool and Sunset Bistro.
The second building at the resort provides 14 floors of all-suite view rooms with one to three bedroom options. There is a separate living and dining area, en suite primary bedroom, full or partial kitchen, refrigerator, coffee station and Smart-TV.
The suite layouts are larger than a typical hotel room with spacious bedrooms and living spaces. This resort is ideal for families, bachelor or bachelorette groups and company incentive trips.
In between the two buildings is a relaxing main tropical pool area with beautiful wood pergolas for yoga practice and outdoor meeting space.
Sunset Bistro at the infinity rooftop pool. Photo Jill Weinlein
CULINARY OPTIONS
The Sunset Bistro is an elevated dining experience at the rooftop infinity pool. This indoor and outdoor cafe overlooks a sparkling pool and Aruba’s Palm Beach. This dining venue is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Starting at 7 am, the chefs and staff display a beautiful breakfast buffet and diners can also order off the a la carte menu. During lunch hour, guests sunbathing by the pool can order refreshing drinks, cocktails or a local beer from the full bar to enjoy with a healthy vegetable wrap, salad or juicy burger.
Aruba Sunset from Radisson Blu. Photo Jill Weinlein
Sunset Bistro gets its name, because of it’s full view of Aruba’s spectacular sunsets. In the evening, this dining venue provides a more romantic atmosphere with elevated menu items, soft illumination around the pool, and a colorful skyline.
New culinary opportunities at Radisson Blu. Photo Jill Weinlein
There are two new culinary opportunities for guests and locals to enjoy. Don Esteban Gourmet is an upscale Spanish and European-style food and beverage lounge, nest to the entrance of the Radisson Blu. The chefs and staff prepare and serve charcuterie boards, Jamón Ibérico served tableside, and appealing tapas. Dishes can be paired with sparkling Cava and other beverages for an apertif experience before dinner.
Next door is Blu Tap Cider, serving craft cider and small plates. It’s the only cider house on the island. The bar pours South Hill Cider from New York and other beverages in a laid-back setting. A soft Caribbean breeze wafts inside as guests enjoy small plates and refreshing drinks after a day at the pool or beach for a more laid-back evening experience.
Moomba Beach Bar and Restaurant. Photo Jill Weinlein
BEACH TIME
Since the resort isn’t right on the beach, guests can take a short walk or ride a complimentary Radisson Blu electric shuttle to a reserved beach area. Moomba Beach Bar and Restaurant has complimentary loungers, umbrellas and access to the bar and restaurant for Radisson Blu guests. Overlooking Palm Beach’s white sand and turquoise waters, it’s next to a variety of water activities, plus snorkel and sunset boat tours.
Palm Beach, Aruba. Photo Jill Weinlein
THE LURE OF PALM BEACH
Aruba is known as ‘One Happy Island’ and the Palm Beach area delivers the classic Aruba vacation experience. Sun, calm blue water, beachfront toes-in-the-sand dining options, an array of shopping opportunities and casinos in some of the high-rise hotels and resorts.
It’s perfect for families because the clear and shallow water is ideal for wading, swimming and floating on rafts. It’s popular for couples and honeymooners who enjoy long romantic beach walks, and it’s a safe area to explore during the day and evening.
SAFETY
Aruba consistently ranks very high for safety among all the Caribbean islands. Violent crime is rare, especially against tourists. The island has a stable government and strong ties to the Netherlands.
WHEN TO VISIT ARUBA
The best time to visit Aruba is December through April when the weather is warm and dry. There is lower humidity and a steady light breeze due to the trade winds. The skies are clear and the sea is calm for swimming, snorkeling and outdoor dining.
The best value time is May through August for warm temperature, fewer crowds and better hotel and flight deals. Because Aruba is outside the hurricane belt, one doesn’t have to worry about turbulent weather.
Be sure to put the Radisson Blu Aruba on your 2026 travel list for stunning sunsets, spacious guest rooms and scenic beaches.
