The local developers that collaborated on Radisson Blu Aruba spared no expense: Bedrooms are furnished with luxe Italian mattresses, high-end refrigerators from German brand Liebherr grace spacious kitchen areas and intricate mosaic tiles in sandy tones climb bathroom walls. And while these sumptuous touches go above brand standards to enhance any stay, there was one elusive upgrade they just couldn’t purchase: an enviable oceanfront location.

A parking lot, another resort, some shops and a casino stand between Palm Beach and the 156-room property, opened in 2021 in Noord, about a 15-minute drive from Queen Beatrix International Airport. From guestrooms and public spaces, you can still peek at the turquoise water and palm tree-dotted beach, accessible via a five-minute walk or complimentary frequent shuttle. Depending on your perspective, the location either elicits a feeling of respite or FOMO from the bustling beachfront.

© Radisson Blu Aruba

If you are a sea devotee, plan on getting on the sand early, as towel savers come out in full force by 7 a.m. Attendants claim they’ll be removed after 1.5 hours, but I sat baking at 8:15 a.m. while umbrellas were set up to shade loungers that remained empty; the Aruban government’s imposed limit of 48 chairs doesn’t help things. Mid- to late-afternoon is easiest to snag a spot, when you’ll be rewarded with calm, azure water beckoning you to float the day away, and soft, powdery sand that’s perpetually cool since it’s made from crushed corals and shells.

If you’d rather take a dip on property, a family-friendly pool on the ground level has a large, warm-but-not-hot whirlpool and a kids’ pool. Peer over the buildings in your line of sight from an in-water lounger in the adults-only rooftop infinity pool, and you can see the tops of the palms and that swoon-worthy water. There’s a spa next to the fitness center that’s pretty basic, with a decent menu of services but no lockers, changing rooms or amenities.

The rooftop is where you’ll also find the hotel’s only current dining concept, Sunset Bistro. It’s open all day but shines best at lunchtime, when you can taste your way through the ceviche menu — shrimp and mango, creamy salmon, grouper with avocado — paired with an ice-cold Balashi. The cocktail menu offers fun options like a fruity-yet-potent Aruba Ariba, a Mojito riff with a splash of Provence rosé and an elderflower margarita.

© Radisson Blu Aruba

Right outside the lobby, yet not affiliated with the hotel (even though staff erroneously told me I could charge it to my room), The Clover is an adorable coffee and tea shop  awash in stone and natural wood tones with an inviting outdoor garden; a coconut yogurt, fruit and granola bowl topped with mini pancakes is the perfect healthy yet indulgent breakfast. The hotel plans to open a cidery and bar to introduce fizzy fermented juice to the island.

There’s an urban-meets-island vibe throughout, and the foliage is stunning, with vibrant bougainvillea; palms of all sizes; and a long, manicured walkway covered by a pergola. A weekly Garden Flow begins with a guided meditation walk through the property, during which we were invited to touch (and water) the flora, place stones into planters and soak up nature’s vibes. The experience is followed by a healing sound bath led by a Shaman practitioner, who, with guests’ permission, does hands-on Reiki, and ends with tropical fruit and fresh coconut water.

© Radisson Blu Aruba

Experiential programming is one example of how Radisson Blu Aruba truly stands out. Staff strive to transcend the typical aqua aerobics and bingo found at other resorts by bringing in local experts for immersive, complimentary events, and it’s paying off. One evening before dinner, I attended a sea glass workshop led by a local artist and a gallery owner, who helped us design original wrapped pendants. On Tuesday mornings, staff from Aruba Aloe, the world’s largest aloe company, helps guests mix up a D.I.Y. body scrub.

And a weekly floating yoga class is more like a meditative nap on a mat in the pool, encouraging guests to seek mindfulness during the weightless calm. While the sand might not be right at your doorstep, Radisson Blu’s authentic offerings make the resort feel every bit as transportive.

Radisson Blu Aruba

J.E. Irausquin Blvd 97-A
Noord, Aruba
tel 297 526 5000