The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba

Set on Aruba’s breathtaking Palm Beach, the Ritz-Carlton has stunning natural surroundings as well as plenty of exclusive touches at the hotel itself.

There are over 300 luxurious rooms, with plush beds, custom-designed furniture, colourful island-inspired decor and lavish marble bathrooms, and many have panoramic views of the ocean from private balconies. If you are travelling with your family, opt for one of the spacious suites, with plenty of room for everybody.

Take a trip around the globe at the Ritz-Carlton’s restaurants, including the breakfast restaurant Solanio, modern American steakhouse BLT Steak and Casa Nonna, an authentic Italian restaurant dishing up hearty house-made pasta.  

There’s also the Madero Pool & Beach Grill, for dining by the pool in between swims, and the Divi Sushi bar, where you can tuck into fresh fish and sip handcrafted cocktails while enjoying the spectacular beach views. The café serves excellent coffee, thanks to its focus on premium beans and speciality brewing methods, as well as snacks and handmade treats, including gelato.

For some Caribbean pampering, visit the 15,000-square-foot spa for a treatment with a local touch, using ingredients such as aloe, coconut and coffee. Be sure to visit the relaxation lounges, featuring whirlpools, saunas and steam rooms, for a regenerating and relaxing experience. Speaking of relaxation, you can also bathe in the Caribbean sun at one of the beachfront pools, including adult-only and family pools.

To stay active during your stay, head to the fitness centre for an invigorating workout.

The kids club will keep your children entertained with a range of outdoor adventures as well as arts and crafts, introducing them in a fun way to the island’s rich culture, traditions and natural wonders, while adults can try their luck at the 24-hour casino, which has traditional table games, slot machines and live entertainment.

Guests can take advantage of direct access to a beautiful beach, complete with luxury cabanas, and there are plenty of water sports to enjoy, from snorkelling to catamaran sailing, or explore the island on your dune buggy. Children will love visiting the Aruba Ostrich Farm, especially seeing feeding time for the baby ostriches – a perfect photo opportunity! Golf fans, meanwhile, should tee off at the Tierra del Sol golf course – the only 18-hole championship golf course on the island – where you can enjoy private lessons.

Visit San Nicholas to see its colourful Caribbean street murals and boutiques, and be sure to save room in your suitcase to bring back jewellery and homewares made by local artists.