The Ritz Carlton, Aruba

Aruba is the kind of place people dream about. Crystal blue water, breathtaking sunsets, and picture-perfect beaches surround you everywhere you turn. But what truly transforms a beautiful place into an unforgettable experience is the people. As travelers with strict dietary restrictions, we know that even the most beautiful destination can become stressful if those needs are not clearly understood. Arriving at The Ritz Carlton Aruba for our first visit, we carried both excitement and a quiet uncertainty. What we experienced instead was something remarkable. Our very first evening set the tone for everything that followed. Dinner at BLT Steak on the property was where we first met Executive Sous Chef Nando, along with the wonderful team members Janine, Josie, and Gwen. Within minutes of sitting down, it became clear that this was not going to be a typical dining experience. Chef Nando took the time to understand my dietary restrictions in detail, asking thoughtful questions and reassuring me that he would personally make sure I could enjoy every meal during our stay. In that moment, the anxiety that often accompanies traveling with strict dietary needs simply melted away. We also had the opportunity to briefly meet Executive Chef Awanish during our stay, and it was clear that the level of care and coordination we experienced across the resort reflected the leadership happening behind the scenes. From that very first night, it was evident that the entire culinary team was aligned in making sure my needs were not just accommodated but genuinely cared for. What followed over the next several days was something truly special. Chef Nando did not simply take care of us that first evening. He made it his personal mission to ensure that no matter which restaurant we visited throughout the resort, my dietary needs were clearly understood and thoughtfully accommodated. He communicated with his culinary teams across the property so that every dining experience felt effortless and welcoming rather than stressful. What became clear throughout our stay was that this level of attentiveness was not just one person going above and beyond, but a culture of service shared across the entire Ritz Carlton team. What impressed us most was that Chef Nando personally checked in throughout our stay, making sure everything was being handled exactly as promised. And then came one of the most memorable surprises of our trip. Knowing that desserts are rarely an option for me, Chef Nando created a beautiful chocolate cake that I could safely enjoy. Each evening we found ourselves sitting on the veranda, overlooking the glow of the ocean while live music drifted through the warm island air, sipping wine and sharing that incredible cake together. For someone who rarely gets to enjoy dessert, it was not just delicious, it was deeply thoughtful and something I will remember long after the trip itself. The care did not stop at dinner. Each morning, Chef Lucien made sure that breakfast was something I could enjoy without hesitation, once again removing the stress that dietary restrictions can sometimes bring to travel. When we planned an early morning deep sea fishing excursion, Lyn went out of her way to help arrange breakfast and snacks to take with us so that I could head out for the adventure without worrying about finding something safe to eat. Down at the beach bar each afternoon, Harold, Cezar, and Yousef welcomed us with warm smiles and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel less like a guest and more like an old friend returning. They took such great care with our lunches, making sure everything was prepared perfectly while greeting us each day like family. Out on the beach, the care continued in the most effortless way. Essmainlin “Smiley” and another wonderful Harold took incredible care of us each day, always appearing at just the right moment with a fresh towel, a drink, or simply a warm smile to check in and see if we needed anything. Their attentiveness never felt intrusive, only thoughtful and genuine. It created that rare feeling where you can completely relax because you know everything is being taken care of. And when the day came to an end, we would return to a room that felt refreshed and perfectly prepared for the evening. The housekeeping team did a beautiful job each day, and their evening turndown service truly felt like a warm hug after a day in the sun. The Ritz Carlton Aruba is undeniably beautiful. Turquoise water, stunning sunsets, and an immaculate property create the kind of setting most travelers dream about. But what truly makes this place extraordinary is the people. From the culinary team to the beach staff and the many team members working behind the scenes, we felt genuinely welcomed and cared for throughout our stay. Chef Nando’s leadership and genuine care for his guests represent hospitality at its very best. In the end, Aruba gave us the beauty, but the people at The Ritz Carlton Aruba gave us the memories.

Our first stay at The Ritz and it exceeded all expectations. Welcomed promptly with champagne and water, check in was quick and our rooms were beautiful. Big shout out to Chef Lucien and his team, our private beach dinner (Husbands Birthday) was beyond fabulous! Antonio at the pool was warm and welcoming to our family. BLT Steak House was delicious, best steaks we’ve had and a big Thank you to Ken made our dining experience delightful. Jose best frozen drinks on the beach! Till we see you again

There’s only one problem with this hotel, it is not handicap, friendly. There are no ramps down to the bar and out to the backarea to watch the sunset. We were there with someone in a wheelchair and it was not easy to get the person to the back area to see the sunset. We love going to this bar area, it’s a shame it’s not handycap accessible.

My wife and I just returned from four incredible nights at The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba, and once again we left feeling the same thing we always do: complete gratitude and a strong pull to come back as soon as possible. We have traveled the world and stayed at some truly spectacular properties. Yet we continue to choose The Ritz-Carlton Aruba as our favorite place because it genuinely feels like home. When the staff says “welcome home,” it is not a scripted greeting. It is a feeling that is reinforced through every conversation, every thoughtful gesture, and every moment of care throughout the stay. This was our fourth visit in the past two and a half years. We already have another trip booked later this year, this time bringing our two sons. That alone speaks volumes. The people are what make this property extraordinary. David Coster treats us like family from the moment we arrive. His warmth and leadership are felt throughout the entire resort. Each morning at Solanio starts with Kate’s smile. She greets us like old friends and even shares pictures of her niece, which makes breakfast feel personal and joyful. Jun, Edward, and Janet at Solanio are top notch, attentive, kind, and consistently excellent. Angela at Casa Nonna is remarkable. She will work with the chef to create special dishes that are not even on the menu just to make your evening perfect. Jean Paul ensures everything runs seamlessly there, and Jeanine at BLT runs an exceptional restaurant with professionalism and grace. Youssef, whether at Madero or greeting guests near the bus stop, is always welcoming and engaging. Sor in housekeeping surprised us with extra chocolates to bring home to our boys. It was such a thoughtful touch and meant more than she probably knows. And Susana, who oversees the property, ensures that excellence is delivered at every turn. The beach is breathtaking. Wide, pristine, and swimmable with calm, crystal clear water. The weather is as predictable and perfect as anywhere in the Caribbean. Sunshine, steady trade winds, and that unmistakable Aruba glow. The rooms are beautiful and meticulously maintained. The dining across the property is outstanding. But what truly sets this place apart is the heart behind the hospitality. When you combine one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, consistently gorgeous weather, and a team that makes you feel like you belong, why look anywhere else? For us, it is total perfection. We leave rested, grateful, and already counting down the days until we return. This is not just a resort to us. It is home.

We had a magical time during our second visit to the RC Aruba (we also stayed there in February 2023). The property really does a fantastic job of making all guests, including families, feel welcome. My wife and I were greeted with a welcome drink as soon as we entered the lobby. Our kids were greeted with welcome gifts--including a backpack and activity books. We also love that this property has 2 swimming pools--one for adults only and one for families. This is great, because it ensures that nobody will ever complain about the activities of kid playing in the "family" swimming pool. The water was the perfect temperature and they provide constant poolside service from about 11am-6pm. In addition to what you can order, the hotel does a great job of making you feel like luxury by offering free giveaways. Usually there was a free foodcart in the lobby in the afternoon--one day they were given away crudite and another day was mini belgian pancakes. Then, at the pool, they gave away popcorn and snowcones around 1pm and then ice pops for the kids around 3pm. Bottled water is also free and plentiful. The beach is spectacular--a large private space just for hotel guests. The water was the perfect temperature for swimming and the hotel offers free swim activities (kayaks, canoes, paddleboards) available for guests. We took advantage of the kayaks on two occasions. The rooms were well kept and there was daily housekeeping service as well as evening turndown service. We dined at Soliano several times for breakfast--which has both a luxurious buffet as well as a great a la carte option. We also had dinner at Casa Nonna and BLT Steak. Both were great meals that had a number of kid-friendly as well as vegetarian-friendly options. A few times my wife and I ended the night with a drink in the lobby bar--which was lively and included live music. I'd like to highlight the stellar work of both Jose and Angelique. Jose runs the mixology bus in the courtyard--he is a beverage wizard! He made us some of the most amazing cocktails and mocktails that I had ever seen or tasted. Also, two of our kids did an activity in the kids club and Angelique made sure that they had a fantastic time. This was a great respite to them at the right time, because the heat was getting to them at that point. So they enjoyed 3 hours of air conditioning and indoor activities. We had a wonderful time during our 2nd visit and most definitely anticipate returning for a 3rd stay in a year or two!

A breathtaking hotel with outstanding amenities and service. Special recognition to Jose, the bartender who is situated on the rear lawn inside a converted VW Bus. Without question, his Pina Coolada was the best I've ever had, and I like neither pineapple nor coconut. It was fresh and professionally made. Jose exemplifies what it means to stay at the Ritz Carlton with his professionalism, class, grace and extreme attention to detail. Highly recommend

Virtually perfection! We stayed four nights as Marriott Titanium Elite and were automatically upgraded to a 1 bedroom executive suite with a massive oceanfront balcony - it had two padded sun loungers, a table and two entry points to the room. Breathtaking views! And it was decorated on arrival with amenities to celebrate our anniversary. Everyone at the resort was beyond friendly and attentive to the guests. The interior, amenities and grounds were beautiful and well-maintained. We sat at the adults only pool each day and wandered down to the beach occasionally. Service at the pools was fast and friendly; pool attendants and servers remembered guests’ names throughout their stay, greeted them and frequently checked on them. Reserving pool or beach chairs can be done one day in advance on the resort’s app but if you aren’t clicking to reserve at exactly the moment chairs are released each day, they get taken. In that case, you may need to get up early to be assured of securing a first come first serve set of chairs. This was no problem for me as I get up early but it’s something to be keenly aware of if having chairs at a certain pool or the beach is important to you. As for the restaurants, the resort has three places that serve dinner. BLT was by far the best - delicious popovers and equivalent steak quality to locations in the U.S. Way beyond our expectations for a Caribbean location! If we’d stayed for a week, we’d have liked another restaurant option or two on site but we heard that guests do like to venture out to local restaurants and other hotel restaurants. I am a distance runner and used the fitness center nearly every day - it was kept at a cool temp appropriate for working out (not typical in the Caribbean in my experience) and all equipment was new and working. The fitness center was also stocked with fruit, water, snacks and wet and dry towels. I also visited the salon twice and was immediately taken back for my service, which was also fast. We used a car service arranged by the Ritz to pick us up drop us off at the hotel/airport - they were easy to find when we landed and fast and efficient. We’ve visited many other Caribbean islands and stayed at other superb properties as well but, even with all those comparisons, Aruba’s weather and the Ritz-Carlton Aruba’s service is incredibly tough to beat. We will return!

We had an amazing week in Aruba as always. This is our third time staying on this property and it has not disappointed. From check in to check out the people are warm and friendly, the property is impeccable and every need is anticipated before you know you have it. What has been a staple on our last two vacations is a daily drink (or two!) from the Bus Stop. Jose is a masterful mixologist and could whip up a fabulous drink with just asking us what ingredients we were in the mood for that day. I had something different each day! He greeted us with a smile and remembered us day to day. Do not miss a stop at this place! We hope to be back next year to continue the memories!

This is a nice hotel, with great service on the quieter end of Palm Beach. I am writing this review, specifically, about the little VW bus on the beach at the Ritz Carlton. This is the BEST place on the island to get a piña colada or Mojito, in my opinion. There’s a lovely gentlemen by the name of Jose, who always greets you with a beautiful smile and whips up the best cocktail you’ve ever had in your life. It’s a little bit on the pricey side, but you really get a nice volume that equals about two drinks, which makes it an excellent bang for the buck THIS IS A “DO NOT MISS” STOP. Send Jose my best ; )

The most wonderful beach resort vacation. The grounds are beautiful, the beach prestige, the food delicious, the rooms lovely and updated, but it is truly the staff at the Ritz Carlton that deserves the credit (and thanks) for our unparalleled vacation. We celebrated our 32nd anniversary and every staff member went above and beyond to make our stay special. From extra chocolate on our pillows from the room staff, to Juan’s remembering our drink order each day, to Lynn and Claudia greeting us warmly each day at breakfast. Josh at the front desk could not have been more gracious and helpful. Everything truly was truly exemplary. A special shout out to both Melissa and Shaniqua at the beach towel hut. These women went above and beyond to greet us, chat with us and make us feel welcomed each and every day. The Ritz hires the best people and it shows. As gorgeous as the property is, what made our visit was phenomenal was the caring and professional staff. One Happy Island is Aruba’s exactly right slogan. The Ritz will now be an annual destination for our anniversary celebration. We cannot wait to return.

We are currently staying at the Marriott but decided to visit Noori Sushi Bar at the Ritz Carlton and we were not disappointed at all The service was outstanding from the moment we arrived Although the food took a bit longer than usual it was absolutely worth the wait The ambience is phenomenal very elegant, relaxing and perfect for a special night out A special shoutout to a lovely lady with red hair who was opening the door and welcoming everyone with such warmth and attentiveness I didn’t catch her name but she truly made us feel welcome and set the tone for the entire experience Also kudos to the bartenders the drinks were excellent and perfectly crafted Overall a beautiful dining experience I will definitely be back

We had a wonderful stay at the Ritz, traveling as a couple with our 23- and 24-year-old daughters. The service was exceptional from start to finish. We spent most of our time by the pool and especially loved the morning chocolate smoothies. We also enjoyed a yoga class, ordered room service, and dined on sushi and at BLT—every experience was excellent. The hotel was exactly what we expected, and perhaps even more so. It’s quiet, elegant, and incredibly relaxing. By the end of our five-night stay, my husband was getting a bit restless, and I suspect that if we had boys, they might have been bored. The atmosphere is very posh but subdued—no music at the pool and no true outdoor bar scene to linger at. That said, if you’re looking for a peaceful, refined escape, this hotel delivers beautifully.