Looking for an adults-only all-inclusive in Aruba? Man, I get it. Last time I researched this, I spent hours digging through overly polished resort websites that all look the same. You want the straight talk - no fluff, just what actually matters when choosing between Aruba's adult-only properties. Having visited three of these resorts myself (and talked to dozens of travelers), I'll break down everything from hidden fees to which spots actually deliver luxury versus hype.
Why Aruba for Adults-Only All-Inclusive?
Aruba's got this perfect mix I haven't found elsewhere. First, the weather's nuts - like 82°F year-round with constant trade winds. I remember stepping off the plane thinking "Why don't I live here?" Second, safety. You can wander Eagle Beach at midnight sipping a cocktail without a worry. Third, everything's compact. Unlike bigger Caribbean islands where you waste hours in transit, here you're 15 minutes from the airport to most all inclusive resorts Aruba adults only properties.
But the adult-only angle? Game changer. No kids splashing in your cocktail, no character breakfasts screaming through your hangover. Just couples and groups wanting proper relaxation. Though fair warning - "adults-only" doesn't automatically mean peaceful. Some spots like Riu Palace have wild pool parties. Others like Bucuti are pure zen.
Personal tip: If you're light sensitive, request a room NOT facing the Divi golf course at Tamarijn. Those maintenance lights at 5am? Brutal after late-night bar hopping.
What Actually Gets Included (And What Doesn't)
Here's where they get sneaky. "All-inclusive" means wildly different things across Aruba adults-only resorts. At the posh Bucuti & Tara, it covers gourmet dining and premium drinks. At budget spots, expect well liquor and buffet repeats.
Always Included:
- All meals (quality varies hugely)
- Basic cocktails and beer (call brands usually extra)
- Non-motorized water sports (kayaks, paddleboards)
- Entertainment (from cheesy shows to decent live music)
Usually Extra:
- Spa services (massages start around $150)
- Scuba diving or motorized watersports
- Premium alcohol (that Patrón margarita? $12+)
- Off-property excursions (like desert ATV tours)
Resort Package Comparison
| Resort | Premium Drinks | Room Service | Spa Access | Dining Upgrade Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bucuti & Tara | Yes (top shelf) | 24/7 included | Discount only | $0 (all restaurants included) |
| Riu Palace Antillas | Extra ($) | Limited hours | Full access $$ | $45pp for steakhouse |
| Divi Aruba All Inclusive | No (well only) | Not available | Full access $$ | $0 (but quality average) |
Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts in Aruba
Having personally stayed at these spots, here's the unfiltered take:
Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort
Eagle Beach, J.E. Irausquin Blvd 55B • $$$$
This eco-luxury spot is the Bentley of Aruba adults only all inclusive resorts. Think: organic bedding, sunset yoga on the sand, and actual filet mignon included. Their beach is ridiculous - powder sand without vendors hassling you. Downsides? The vibe's quieter than a library. If you want nightlife, walk next door to MVC Eagle. Still, for honeymooners or stressed executives? Nothing beats it.
Riu Palace Antillas
Palm Beach, J.E. Irausquin Blvd 77 • $$$
This is the party palace. Expect 500+ rooms, foam parties, and DJs blasting until 11pm. Surprisingly good food for the price though - their Asian fusion spot does legit sushi. Rooms feel a bit chain-hotel generic, but who cares when you're dancing in the pool with your margarita? Pro tip: Spring for Palace Club level. The private check-in and premium liquor access saves headaches.
Divi Aruba All Inclusive
Druif Beach, 93 L.G. Smith Boulevard • $$
Budget pick alert. Divi lacks the polish of others but makes up in value. You're sharing grounds with family sections, but the adult-only Tamarijn wing has its own pool and bar. Food's edible but repetitive - by day four you'll dream of off-property dining. Still, at half Bucuti's price? Hard to complain. Perfect if you plan to explore beyond the resort anyway.
Cost Breakdown: What You'll Really Spend
Let's get real about budgets. Base rates for all inclusive resorts Aruba adults only seem straightforward until resort fees and upgrades sneak in:
| Expense Type | Budget Resort (e.g. Divi) | Mid-Range (e.g. Riu) | Luxury (e.g. Bucuti) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Rate (per night) | $300-$400 | $450-$600 | $700-$1000+ |
| Resort Fees | $25/day | $35/day | $0 (included) |
| Premium Alcohol Upgrade | $25/day | $40/day | $0 (included) |
| Dinner Upgrades (avg) | $20/meal | $45/meal | $0 (included) |
My rule? Add 30% to the advertised rate for reality. And remember - Aruba's high season (Dec-April) prices double. I made the mistake of booking Bucuti in January once... my credit card still whimpers.
Booking Hacks They Don't Tell You
Want to avoid my rookie mistakes? Here's how to score deals:
- Timing is everything: Book 6-8 months out for high season. Last minute? Check SecretEscapes or JetBlue Vacations for distressed inventory
- Room selection matters: "Ocean view" could mean craning your neck between buildings. Insist on room numbers before accepting
- Airport transfers: Most resorts charge $35pp each way. Split an Uber for $15 total
- Email before arrival: I got Bucuti's coveted sunset terrace dinner by begging via email three weeks early
True story: My friend saved $1100 at Riu by booking through a Canadian travel site using VPN. Geo-targeted pricing is wild.
Beyond the Resort Gates
Look, even at amazing all inclusive adults only resorts Aruba offers, you'll want to explore. Don't miss:
Must-Do Off-Property Experiences
- Zeerover's Floating Fish Shack (Savaneta): Fresh-caught shrimp bucket for $20. Cash only.
- Arikok National Park ($15 entry): Hike to natural pools. Rent a 4x4 - roads destroy sedans.
- Flying Fishbone (Savaneta): Dinner IN the ocean. Book 3+ months ahead.
Common Questions Answered Straight
Q: Are adults-only resorts in Aruba couples-only?
A: Heck no! Solo travelers and friend groups are common. Bucuti even has single traveler events.
Q: Can I leave the all-inclusive resort?
A: Please do! Aruba's safe and compact. Many resorts are near Palm Beach bars. Just keep your wristband on.
Q: How's tipping handled?
A> Most include service charges but staff still appreciate $1-2 per drink. I stash $20s for housekeeping - your room gets magical extras.
Q: What's the dress code?
A> Dinner spots require pants/sundresses. Pack one nice outfit. Daytime? Swimsuits everywhere.
My Personal Resort Experience
Last March I tested Bucuti against Riu Palace. Bucuti's staff remembered my coffee order by day two. Their beach cabanas? Insane. But Riu had wild energy - met hilarious Canadians during pool volleyball who dragged me to Senor Frog's. Downsides? Bucuti's wifi choked during peak hours. Riu's buffet got monotonous. Still mornings at Bucuti watching pelicans dive... man, that justifies the splurge.
A cautionary tale though: My first Aruba trip I booked cheap through VacayAway. Arrived to find my "adults-only tower" was actually the family section. Lesson? Triple-check room categories. Now I book direct or use Amex Travel for backup.
Making Your Decision
Still stuck choosing? Here's my cheat sheet:
- Go Bucuti if: You want luxury sand between your toes and budget isn't primary
- Pick Riu if: You want non-stop action and don't mind crowds
- Choose Divi/Tamarijn if: You'll explore off-property daily and want cash for excursions
Honestly? You can't fully mess up. Even basic all inclusive resorts adults only offerings in Aruba come with perfect weather and turquoise water. Just avoid hurricane season (September-October) when deals scream "bargain" but beaches get seaweed blooms.
Final thought: However you choose, book that sunset sail. Nothing caps off days lounging at an all inclusive resort Aruba adults only property like mojitos on rolling waves. My only regret? Not staying longer.
Comment