Aruba is often presented as a honeymoon destination as well as a Caribbean haven for the rich and famous. Despite being branded as the “Vegas of the Caribbean”, this island nation has plenty of family-friendly activities and stays. One of the best financial choices you can make when taking your family on vacation is to get an all-inclusive stay. That way, you don’t have to worry about your wallet after making the primary payment.
The best Aruba All-Inclusive Family resorts are the Tamarijn Aruba All-Inclusive Resort and the Divi Aruba All-Inclusive, both of which offer great dining and drinking options. For kids, the best resort is De Palm Island Resort, which you can get a day pass to without booking a stay.
In this article, you will learn more about the package specifics of the best all-inclusive family resorts in Aruba, including:
- De Palm Island Resort and Park
- Tamarijn Aruba All-Inclusive Resort
- Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
- Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino
- Hotel Riu Palace Aruba
- Divi Dutch Village Beach Resort
- Barcelo Aruba
- Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort
- Divi Aruba All-Inclusive Resort
- Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort
- Holiday Inn Resort Aruba
- Aruba Destination Weddings: A Brief Overview
- Tropical Weather
- Well-Serviced Resort Stay
- Beautiful Wedding Venues
- Ideal Honeymoon Destination
- Friendly Locals And Honeymooning Tourists
- 8 Best Aruba Wedding Packages
- 1. Destination Weddings Travel Group ($5,364 – $10,000)
- 2. The Ritz Carlton ($3750 – $6,850)
- 3. Divi And Tamarijn Aruba Wedding Package ($6,995 – $7,550)
- 4. Riu Hotels and Resorts Wedding ($1,499 – $5,499)
- 5. Hyatt Regency Aruba Wedding Package ($2,900 – $9,900)
- 6. Barcelo Aruba Wedding Package – ($1,500 – $4,000)
- 7. Amsterdam Manor Wedding ($2,000 – $6,000)
- 8. Holiday Inn Aruba Wedding Package ($2,490 – $6475)
- Getting Married In Aruba: The FAQs
- What do I need to get married in Aruba?
- When is the wedding season in Aruba?
- Can I get married on a tourist Visa in Aruba?
- How much does it cost to get married in Aruba?
- Does the wedding couple pay for the guests in Aruba?
- What is the best place to get married in Aruba?
- Recapping the Best Aruba Wedding Venues in 2023
1. De Palm Island Aruba
When it comes to All-Inclusive stays in Aruba, the best option by far for any family with children is De Palm Island. It is not often mentioned in surface-level resources and round-ups.
While most family-friendly resorts in the country treat children as an afterthought, De Palm actively caters to them, making sure that the stay is as memorable for the children as it is for the parents.
It is not only the only destination with a zipline in Aruba but is also the only resort that includes park rides in its all-inclusive package. Banana Boat Rides, Underwater Helmet walk, and sky jumpers are some of the rides offered by the De Palm Island Resorts. It covers a stretch of off-island land that is within Aruba (the country) but off Aruba (the island).
For guests, though, the resort offers a transport service that connects the resort island to the main island. While getting to De Palm Island requires extra effort, every bit of that effort is worth it.
Here is how the amenities and perks of the All-Inclusive package at De Palm Island compare to those at the average all-inclusive resort on the island.
FoodAll Meals IncludedAll Meals Included
SnacksIncludedNot Included
BeveragesUnlimitedUnlimited within a category
GymWeekly passes can be purchasedUsually free or unavailable
SnorkelingIncludedOccasionally Included
Waterpark non-motorized ridesIncludedRarely Included
Banana Boat RidesIncludedNot included
ZiplineIncludedNot included
Salsa LessonsIncludedRarely Included
AccommodationRequires additional bookingIncluded
In an average Aruba Beach Resort, an all-inclusive package covers and services your stay, but having fun is your responsibility. Check out this post on the best things to do in Aruba to set your itinerary.
At De Palm Island, your fun is taken care of, but you will have a tough time finding accommodation. The Island has a 41-room resort with hundreds of tourists visiting just to engage in activities.
Its one-day pass makes it accessible to residents of other resorts as well. Perhaps it will be more practical for you to stay at one of the easier-to-reserve resorts and take a family trip to De Palm Island with a day pass for each member.
2. Tamarijn Aruba All-Inclusive Resort
Tamarijn Aruba All-Inclusive Resort has a vacation-rental-style architecture with chick interiors that are as Instagram-able as they are comfortable. The location has multiple swimming pools and a water-font location.
Tall palm trees reinforce the Caribbean-luxe aesthetic that the resort so firmly markets. It is an all-inclusive resort that offers waterfront dining and relatively secluded sunbathing opportunities.
It is conveniently located near a taxi stand and has a tennis court as well as a neighboring outdoor sports activities business. There are plenty of opportunities for upgrades in Tamarijn, though the basics are covered in the all-inclusive package.
Family-friendly alert: The resort offers pretty cheap babysitting services ($17/head), which frees the adults in the family to engage in activities they like.
It is located near the Divi Aruba golf course, and you can pay to play or learn golf on the 9-hole course there. Because Tamarijn is backed by the same business that owns Divi Aruba, its residents can avail of special discounts for Divi’s services, including golf course access.
While the resort itself is a 3-star family-friendly one, it is situated close to Alhambra Casino, which is a medium-high-end establishment for adults.
Dry-cleaning, laundry, on-premises salon, and spa services are not included in the all-inclusive package. Still, the package is pretty valuable.
The All-Inclusive Package includes:
- Unlimited alcoholic and virgin drinks at eight bars
- Freshwater pool access at Tamarin and Divi Aruba
- Manual water sports
- Free WiFi (not all Aruba resorts offer this)
- Coffee maker with supply top-up
- Yoga, Zumba, and Water Workouts
- Tennis Court Access
- Access to the Divi Winds Sports Center
- Access to a full-service poolside bar
- Cabanas (first-come-first-serve)
- Kids Club Access (Ages 5 to 12)
3. Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
The Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino is ideal for families that want a waterfront vacation with something separate for adults. Given the proximity you’ll have to water as an Aruba Marriot resident, your kids will have plenty of time to engage in non-motorized water activities while you can visit the Stellaris Casino.
The establishment offers equipment for paddleboarding, kayaking, etc. From waterside beverages to comfy sunloungers, the resort has all that you can expect from a premium summer vacation destination. The resort is great for families because of its kid’s club and adult-friendly entertainment.
The All-Inclusive Package at Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino includes:
- Dine at 5 on-site establishments
- All-you-can-drink beer
- Accommodation
4. Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino
Water-top canopies and a private beach (the only one in Aruba). What’s not to love? The Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino is a great family resort with bifurcated adult and kids’ entertainment aspects. The resort has its own kids’ club and offers activities that 5 to 13-year-olds can enjoy.
For ages between 14 and 17, standard watersports can be enjoyable, and the Renaissance has plenty of those as well. However, motorized water sports aren’t included in the all-inclusive package.
The All-Inclusive Package at Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino includes:
- Standard Brand Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
- Standard brand iced beverages
- Unlimited standard-brand beverages
- Breakfast (a la carte or buffet)
- Lunch (a la carte or buffet)
- Dinner (a la carte or buffet)
5. Hotel Riu Palace Aruba
If you’re looking for a truly palatial vacation, then Hotel Riu Palace Aruba is perfect. It has the best exterior aesthetics that are contrasted by its traditionalist interior design. The visual appeal of the architecture and views are among the best aspects of a Riu Palace stay.
Young couples and families with Social-Media-Savvy teenage children really appreciate how grand the hotel feels on camera. There’s a kids’ club, kiddie pool, and shows for children at the family-friendly side of the hotel.
But overall, the stay is more enjoyable for young adults and those with teenage kids. Cabanas by the beach, varied cuisine, and two-outdoor pools are the top features of this 400-room-establishment.
The All-Inclusive Package at Hotel Riu Palace Aruba includes the following:
- Free WiFi
- Gym Access
- Whirlpool Bath
- Swimming Pool Access
- Alcoholic beverages and virgin drinks
- Dine at on-premises restaurants
6. Divi Dutch Village Beach Resort
The Divi Dutch Village Beach Resort is a part of the trifecta of resorts, two of which are dedicated all-inclusive ones, while one offers an all-inclusive package alongside pay-to-get services.
The Divi Dutch Village is the one with an all-inclusive side package. Members of Divi Dutch Village, Divi Aruba, and Tamarijn All-Inclusive can share some facilities between the resorts, which is something that adds value to guests of the individual brands.
If you choose the room-only reservation option, kids under 12 don’t have to be paid for. The all-inclusive option has kids’ activities, and there is a pay-to-get babysitting option for parents who want to visit nearby casinos or enjoy couples’ time.
The All-Inclusive Package in Divi Dutch Village Beach Resort Includes:
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Access to standard facilities from two adjacent resorts
- Daytime Bar Access and Beverages
7. Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort
Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort is backed by the Divi group and is the only all-inclusive resort with a golf course.
While guests from adjacent Divi-backed resorts can use the golf course after paying for its access, the Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort Guests get complimentary access alongside priority in bookings to the 9-hole-course.
The resort is designed like a suburban haven based on a mix of European architecture and tropical vacation homes. Its golf course is well-maintained, and it has a kids’ club that keeps the children busy and entertained. As with all Divi hotels, paid babysitting option is available to parents who want some time to themselves.
The All-Inclusive package at Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort Includes the following:
- Free WiFi
- Shuttle Access to nearby resorts
- Kids Club
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Beverages from multiple bars
8. Divi Aruba All-Inclusive Resort
If you like the Divi resort conglomerate, then you should get the value-paced all-inclusive stay packages offered by Divi Aruba All-Inclusive and Tamarijn All-Inclusive, as these are the resorts that push the all-inclusive deal.
The Dutch Village and the Golf and Beach resort offers all-inclusive options but aren’t too eager about turning their respective packages into flagship services.
Divi Aruba All-Inclusive has a handy pay-to-get babysitting package that starts at $17/kid. There is also a kids’ club, to which your children will have complimentary access.
The resort has an extensive list of dining and drinking options, with the option to maintain a tab that can be settled at the end of your stay. This tab can be used for value-added services.
The All-Inclusive Package at Divi Aruba All-Inclusive includes:
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Unlimited drinks (select category) from any on-site bar
- Late-night drinks
- Accommodation
- Shuttle service between resorts
- Pool access to the resort-of-stay and adjacent resorts
- Kids’ club
9. Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort
With European architecture and Latin American courtyard design, Amsterdam manor is a slice of the global blended with the tropical. It is a beach resort that feels family-friendly, a first impression, mainly because of its homey feel.
It offers scenic dining, resort-exclusive pool access, and a beachfront location with amazing views. Its sun loungers and cabanas are ideal for adults who want to kick back and relax. Given that it overlooks Eagle Beach, known for its evening parties, it isn’t unfair to say that it is great for adults who want to party as well.
But what about the kids? Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort is considered a family-friendly location because it has a kids’ pool and a home-like environment without proximity to gambling and casinos. In terms of kids’ activities, though, this resort leaves much to be desired.
Its all-inclusive package has decent value, but only a small portion of it is dedicated to kids.
The All-Inclusive Package at Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort includes:
- Free WiFi (not the norm in Aruba hotels)
- Beach towels, sun loungers, and beach chairs
- Dining at select restaurants
- Beverages at select bars
- Kids pool
10. Holiday Inn Resort Aruba
The Holiday Inn Resort Aruba offers the classic Holiday Inn experience at the classic Holiday Inn price. But despite not having a unique flavor, it does have a great family atmosphere. People who book Holiday Inn prefer contemporary comforts even in foreign locations.
And while many international tourists might frown at this, kids appreciate it. They like things feeling like home, and Holiday Inn does make you feel like you’re having an average upper-middle-class day.
That is, until you step out and admire the Aruba seascape and bask in its abundant sunshine and warmth.
The amenities at the Holiday Inn Resort in Aruba are geared towards the median common denominator among tourists. That’s why it is at the end of this list still on it. The service and amenities are great for families, though they are not exceptional.
The all-inclusive package at The Holiday Inn Resort Aruba includes the following:
- Access to three pools
- Unlimited house brand drinks
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at on-site restaurants
How To Choose An All-Inclusive Family Resort? (5 Questions to Make the Decision Easy)
Each of the all-inclusive resorts covered in this post has 5-star reviews as well as 1star ratings. Ultimately, your individual experience can vary from that of someone else purely because of context.
Asking the following questions will help you align your resort choice with your expectations.
Who Is The Resort Stay For?
One of the first things you must be clear about is who the stay is for. You might want quality time with your family. Or you might simply want a break from work but couldn’t be away from your kids. It is also possible that you’re not even big on vacations, and this is purely for the kids.
When you know who the stay is for, you can pick the resort that caters to them more. Some Aruban resorts offer great entertainment options for kids but an average experience for adults. Most family-friendly resorts are meant for adults but with an added kids’ club.
Who Is The All-Inclusive Package For?
Sometimes the vacation is for everyone in the family, but the all-inclusive option is taken because dad likes his beverages bottomless. At other times, the adults don’t really avail of much, but the kids end up eating their weight in chicken nuggets.
If you go with the all-inclusive package to limit your own FandB expenses, you should choose a resort that isn’t stingy with food and has great reviews. If it is for kids, then choose a spot like De Palm Island so kids can get the most out of the deal.
Is The Resort An All-Inclusive One, Or Does It Have An All-Inclusive Package?
This is a very important question. If the resort is a regular all-inclusive type, then it is optimized to serve large quantities of food and drinks. But if it is a regular resort with an all-inclusive package, then you’ll probably get a very restrictive definition of what the “all” in “all-inclusive” means.
What Is The Dollar Value Of What’s Offered?
Usually, an all-inclusive package is considered a budget-friendly option. But if you put the dollar value of what each package includes, you’ll realize that some resorts offer far more value for the prices they charge.
At the same time, others seem to offer far more perks, but their prices end up making the actual deal a bad one.
What Is The Dollar Value Of What’s Omitted?
Finally, it helps to write down the perks, activities, and services you plan to avail of that the resort doesn’t include in its all-inclusive package.
This way, you don’t stray too far from your budget and can choose a package with additional charges in mind.
Key Takeaways on the Top Aruba All-Inclusive Family Resorts in 2023
The best Aruba All-Inclusive Family resorts are ones that offer broad F&B coverage alongside some activities and areas dedicated to kids.
Divi group’s resorts offer the best value because they have a collective access arrangement. Regardless of wherever you book your stay, make sure to take your kids to De Palm Island, where the day pass will cover most of their entertainment and activities.
And if you’re lucky enough to have an opening to stay at the De Palm Island resort, and can afford it, then you should definitely reserve your spot there. It has flamingos, underwater helmet walks, and Aruba’s only zipline.
What’s not to love?!