Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba

Aruba is the sort of place that’s managed to get by without having to take much notice of the boutique-hotel movement — picture-perfect white sand beaches and an idyllic climate mean there’s little pressure to innovate. But there are exceptions, and Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba is one of them: a vibrant, colorful, eclectic boutique hotel that makes no compromises on location, set as it is amid a coconut grove just a five-minute stroll from Palm Beach.

The accommodations are no mere rooms, but casitas, complete with kitchenettes or full kitchens, air conditioning, and private patios with barbecues and hammocks; some feature outdoor showers. The bright and breezy décor is lit by plentiful sunlight, and while the style leans in to the inspiration of the tropical locale, it feels fresh and full of personality.

There are two expansive pools, and the hotel maintains its own spot on Palm Beach, complete with palapas and lounge chairs, with food and drinks served by the neighboring Ritz-Carlton. And the meals are provided by Eduardo’s Beach Shack, a locally owned and family-run restaurant with expertise in light fare like smoothies and protein bowls as well as more conventional comfort-food options. And there’s more going on here than pure simple pleasure — the hotel’s Do-Good program offers ways guests can give back to Aruba, encompassing everything from switching off unnecessary lights to participating in beach cleanups or even adopting a stray local animal.