Aruba continues to enjoy a strong pandemic recovery as the island’s Tourism Authority (A.T.A.) detailed its upcoming tourism product developments for 2023. The One Happy Island had full-year 2022 visitor arrivals reaching 98 percent of 2019 levels and tourism.
“As we all collectively put the pandemic further into the rearview mirror, Aruba is thrilled to welcome the major developments happening on island, which add to the excitement visitors will feel this year,” said Ronella Croes, CEO of Aruba Tourism Authority. “From major accommodation developments to new airport resources, we are excited to showcase how the One Happy Island is continuously strengthening visitor resources this year.”
The notable developments are led by the grand opening of the Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Resort, which will open its doors to guests on February 1. Ideally located across from the world-renowned Eagle Beach, this all-suite resort will feature 330 spacious and upscale suites with scenic ocean and island views, each equipped with a separate living area, private bedroom, and wet bar. Outside of the suites, guests will enjoy an expansive pool, three dining outlets, meeting space, a fitness center and soon, a spa and casino
In addition to this major opening, several hotels are in the midst of or have recently completed significant enhancements.
The Ritz Carlton, Aruba began 2023 with the debut of new, island-inspired designs for all guestrooms, suites, and corridors.
At the end of 2022, Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort completed renovations of all one-bedroom suites on the property. In December of 2022, Raddison Blu Aruba welcomed the award-winning Senses Fine Dining restaurant to the property, which offers a renowned chef’s table experience, as well as an a la carte option. Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort is also undergoing major renovations including updates to all studios and suites by April 2023.
For visitors who choose to stay at an Airbnb property, Airbnb experiences now offer a variety of e-bike tours courtesy of Stezo Tours. Lasting about 90 minutes, tours such as the Full Moon E-Bike Experience allows guests to take in some of the One Happy Islands best views with pedal-powered assistance.
Wellness offerings in Aruba have also been recently enhanced by two new businesses – The Now Skin Health & Wellness Studio and Essential Wellness Retreats.
Complimenting these hotel developments and new activities are new resources that aim to make travel to and from the island even more convenient.
In December 2022, the Aruba Airport Authority and Customs and Border Patrol unveiled a remote Global Entry Enrollment Center for US citizens, allowing US visitors to conveniently apply for this time-reducing certification and enhance their departure experience from Aruba.
Additionally, Aruba will soon unveil the Aruba Happy One Pass, which will allow travelers to optimize the airport check-in process and health requirements as part of their arrival on island.