Thinking All-Inclusive in Aruba? Read This First

A lot of people assume Aruba is packed with all-inclusive resorts—but it’s actually the opposite. There are far fewer AI's than most Caribbean destinations, and there’s a good reason for that.

Aruba is extremely safe, very easy to get around, and in many areas totally walkable to bars, restaurants, beaches, and nightlife. On top of that, the food scene is incredible all over the island. Because of this, many travelers prefer to stay non–all-inclusive and explore.

If you want to really get a feel for the different areas before you go, I highly recommend watching my Aruba walking videos on YouTube. They’re a great way to see what’s actually around you, understand the vibe of each area, and decide what location makes the most sense for your trip.

That said—yes, as a travel agent, I do book plenty of all-inclusive resorts in Aruba. They can be a great fit, especially if you’re a big eater or drinker, traveling with a large group, or just want to know the full cost of your trip upfront. I just always encourage people to venture out at least a bit—I’d hate for someone to come all the way to Aruba and never leave their resort. That’s wild to me 😅

One more thing that’s worth mentioning—alcohol is NOT cheap in Aruba. Even the local beer, which comes in those tiny 7oz bottles and is brewed on the island, runs about $40 a case. And don’t get me wrong, I love a Chill, but that one hurts a little 😂.

Views from RIU Antillas

You do have options, though. You can hit duty free when you land (and even pre-order ahead of time to skip the line), which can save you a good chunk of money. You can also stop at a grocery store on the way to your resort for mixers—or have everything delivered straight to your place through One Happy Fridge Aruba definitely gives you flexibility.

That said, if you love to drink on vacation and plan on enjoying frozen piña coladas, daiquiris, and poolside cocktails all day long, all-inclusive can make a lot of sense here—and I’ve got you covered with some great AI options.

One last thing to consider is pricing. Sometimes an all-inclusive stay can actually come in around the same price—or even less—than other resorts even with food and drink included. So if it makes sense for your wallet, why not?

That said… please, PLEASE venture out and explore a bit. Aruba is incredibly safe, absolutely amazing, and there’s so much to see and do all over the island. Renting a car makes it easy to explore at your own pace—and it’s honestly one of the best ways to truly fall in love with Aruba.

Oh—and don’t forget to pack your insulated cups, reusable straws, and floats. Trust me, they make vacation even better. 🍹🌴

Here’s a breakdown of the current all-inclusive options in Aruba, in plain English:

RIU Antillas facing south towards St. Regis

RIU Antillas (Adults Only) & RIU Palace (Family Friendly) – Palm Beach

Both RIU resorts are in an awesome location right on Palm Beach, within walking distance to tons of nightlife, restaurants, bars, and shopping—which is a huge plus in Aruba. On property, you’ll have 10+ restaurants and bars to choose from, so there’s plenty of variety without ever leaving the resort.

They sit directly on the beach with a huge, lively stretch of sand that’s perfect for spreading out and soaking up the sun. The water here is usually calm and ideal for floating the day away, and there’s even a small dock a little ways out that people love jumping off of for fun.

Both palapas and pool chairs are first come, first served, and if you don’t see something open right away, the beach staff is usually happy to help find more chairs for you. The pools are energetic with swim-up bars, and there’s always something happening—pool entertainment, workout classes, and nightly shows. These resorts are popular for a reason: an awesome Palm Beach location, lots of energy, and tons of options both on and off the property.

Quick note: RIU Palace is currently undergoing much-needed renovations and will be closed for a few months this coming summer, with completion expected in the fall. The updates were absolutely needed, and I’m excited to see all the changes once it reopens!

Elite Club Upgrade (Highly Recommended)

Upgrading to Elite Club at RIU Antillas gives you access to a more relaxed experience within the resort. You’ll enjoy an additional pool and bar area with plenty of shade, a new indoor bar and lounge for drinks and snacks, and a quieter overall vibe compared to the main pool.

Elite Club guests can also make dinner reservations, which is a big plus during busy times, and you’ll have an upgraded liquor selection stocked in your room. It’s a great option if you want all the fun of RIU Antillas with a calmer space to retreat to when you need it.

Barceló Aruba – Palm Beach

This is a family-friendly all-inclusive in the Palm Beach area, but it’s not one I personally book. While the location is good, the resort itself is more dated, and I feel there are better overall options on the island that offer a higher-quality experience for my clients.

JOIA Iberostar

JOIA Aruba by Iberostar – Eagle Beach

JOIA is one of the more upscale all-inclusive options in Aruba and offers a lot of flexibility. You can choose room-only, room + breakfast, or full all-inclusive (new as of November 2025).

The resort features 3 pools:

• A main family pool with a swim-up bar (main level)

• A premier members pool (main level)

• An adults-only infinity pool overlooking the resort and Eagle Beach

There are 6+ restaurants and bars on site, and the dining here is definitely a step up compared to many all-inclusives IMO. Eagle Beach is just across the street, but it’s a very short, easy walk with slow-moving traffic, speed bumps, and crosswalks—and it’s consistently rated one of the best beaches in the world.

Umbrellas and loungers on the beach here are first come, first served and set slightly back from the water, so other guests may set up their own chairs closer to the shoreline if that’s important to you.

Pool at The Tamarijn

Divi & Tamarijn All-Inclusive – Divi/Druif Beach

These are my most-booked all-inclusive resorts in Aruba, and for good reason. Together, they offer 11 restaurants, tons of pools, and a HUGE beach area that stretches across both properties—so you never feel crowded.

The Tamarijn has a more romantic feel since every room is oceanfront with gorgeous views, while the Divi offers more variety and space, with room options ranging from garden view to beachside to oceanfront. Together, they work really well for families, couples, and larger groups looking for flexibility and a classic resort experience.

Divi Dutch Pool

Divi Dutch Village Beach Resort

Located just behind the Tamarijn, Divi Dutch Village offers studios and suites with kitchenettes or full kitchens, making it a great choice if you like the option to cook some meals during your stay. You can choose between two all-inclusive plans:

• Signature All-Inclusive: Includes access to Divi Village and Divi Golf

• Mega All-Inclusive: Includes access to Divi Dutch Village, Divi Golf, Divi Aruba, and Tamarijn restaurants and amenities

This resort is perfect if you want flexibility—cook when you feel like it, and enjoy all-inclusive perks when you don’t.

Divi Golf Village Pool with swim up bar

Divi Golf Village & Beach Resort

Located across the street from the beach and right next to the golf course, Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort offers spacious, condo-style suites and a relaxed atmosphere. The resort features multiple pools (including a swim-up bar), optional all-inclusive plans, and plenty of room to spread out.

Guests here can also choose between:

• Signature All-Inclusive: Access to Divi Village and Divi Golf

• Mega All-Inclusive: Access to Divi Dutch Village, Divi Golf, Divi Aruba, and Tamarijn amenities and restaurants

It’s a great option if you want the comforts of a condo with the flexibility to go all-inclusive—or not—depending on your mood.

Renaissance Island

Downtown Oranjestad

Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Marina – Adults Only

Renaissance Wind Creek Ocean Suites – Family Friendly

Located right in downtown Oranjestad, these sister resorts are perfect if you want a city vibe instead of a traditional beach strip. Guests at either property enjoy access to the famous Renaissance private island (yes, the one with the flamingos 🦩), reached by a short boat ride.

You can choose room-only, room + breakfast, or full all-inclusive options (all-inclusive requires a 4-night minimum).

The Wind Creek Ocean Suites are family-friendly and feature spacious suites with separate living areas and galley kitchenettes with a fridge and microwave. Select rooms also include full kitchens, making this a great option for families or longer stays.

Guests can enjoy two large pools (one with a swim-up bar) and a small, protected man-made beach area. Across the street, the Wind Creek Marina Hotel is adults-only and offers a quieter vibe with a small rooftop pool just off the lobby.

Secrets Baby Beach

Southern Aruba (Baby Beach)

Secrets Baby Beach Aruba

This adults-only, all-inclusive resort is all about relaxation. Think huge pools, swim-up bars, gorgeous views, and excellent food options. Baby Beach is just a short walk away, but keep in mind it gets VERY busy as the day goes on, which is important for some travelers.

This resort is also about a 40+ minute drive north to Palm Beach and Eagle Beach, so it’s best if you’re planning to mostly stay put. If your goal is to chill, unwind, and not do much exploring, this is a great pick.

Final Thoughts on All-Inclusive in Aruba

I absolutely book all-inclusive resorts in Aruba—but I’m always reminding people how safe, walkable, and food-focused the island is. Even if you choose AI, I highly recommend venturing out for at least a few meals or excursions. Aruba has way too much to offer to stay inside a resort bubble the whole time.

If you’re a big eater or drinker, traveling with a large group, want to know your full cost upfront, all-inclusive can be a fantastic option here—especially when chosen strategically.

If you want help figuring out which one fits your travel style best, I’ve got you covered. Fill out of form HERE and I can help you plan an amazing trip!

Don't want help and just have questions? You can book a 30 min call with me too and ask away!

Or just use my website as resource! I have videos of all the resorts as well!

Palm Beach Sunsets