The 5 Best All-Inclusive Family Resorts In Aruba

• Getting There: drive 8 minutes from Aruba Airport (AUA)
• Rates: from $444/night
• Standout Review: “This is the first trip we did resort style and wow did they set the bar high. From the customer service to the friendly faces on the pool deck/renaissance island taking our orders - just a truly unforgettable weekend. We stayed at the adult hotel and the room was exactly what we expected, very cozy. Anytime we went to the pool there were always chairs. The renaissance island is everything you have read about. Get there early and have the best time ever…”

I spent four glorious days at the Renaissance Wind Creek last spring and it was one of the most memorable resort experiences I have ever had. The sprawling property consists of two different hotels—one only for adults and another family-friendly one—but guests have access to the amenities at both. In other words, you can drop your brood off at the kids club and walk over to the other hotel to do some shopping, play some blackjack at the casino or luxuriate in the adults-only rooftop pools. Perhaps the most special thing about the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba is the private island, a whimsical and truly magical private beach escape where flamingos roam freely and other native wildlife can be spotted under the lush tree cover of the winding footpaths. The island’s private beach is immaculate and there’s always ample seating. (If you can swing it, I highly recommend booking one of the private cabanas, which are stocked with every amenity under the sun and provide direct access to the crystal clear Caribbean waters below.)

• Getting There: drive 15 minutes from AUA
• Rates: from $450/night
• Standout Review: “The resort is the most beautiful and relaxing place we have ever experienced. From the moment you enter the resort you are met with the friendliest and most helpful staff. They make sure you have everything you need to have the best time.”

It’s hard to find even one minor complaint amidst the glowing five-star reviews for Manchebo Beach Resort, all of which highlight the property’s prime location on beautiful Eagle Beach, immaculate rooms and luxury amenities. The resort is also family-friendly and welcomes guests of all ages, whilst providing easy access to a host of nearby activities and excursions. That said, if you’re traveling with kids you best be 100 percent committed to a family affair, since this particular resort does not have a drop-off kids club, nor does it offer specific, kid-oriented.

• Getting There: drive 15 minutes from AUA
• Rates: from $334/night
• Standout Review: “Best location on the beach! The staff was very welcoming from the moment we arrived. The rooms are steps away from the ocean, and the renovated rooms are beautiful. Everyone throughout the resort is always friendly and helpful.”

The reviews for Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort emphasize the pristine beachfront location and exceedingly friendly and attentive service. The resort also coordinates numerous on-site activities for families, including ones that are designed with kids in mind. There’s no drop-off kids club, though, and some reviewers had minor complaints about the quality and comfort of the accommodations, indicating that some of the newly renovated rooms might still be a work in progress. Nevertheless, it’s one of the most affordable options on the list so your pocketbook might thank you.

• Getting There: drive 18 minutes from AUA
• Rates: from $256/night
• Standout Review: “The hotel was one of the best we've stayed in. When they say resort, they mean it. A great mix of age ranges, not so many guest rooms that the facilities, breakfast venue, pool, gym, are overwhelming. A real boutique and family fun atmosphere.”

Located on Palm Beach (and just a stone’s throw from Eagle Beach) this lovely property is a beachfront bargain that provides guests with easy access to nearby casinos, shopping malls, butterfly farms, restaurants and more. By all accounts, the service is friendly and attentive and the rooms, all of which feature kitchenettes, are exceedingly comfortable. Families will also be pleased to know that the property has a drop-off kids club featuring age-appropriate activities and, well, free babysitting. Additionally, certain amenities, like yoga and zumba classes, receive very high praise—though I would be remiss not to mention that reviewers also note that some amenities could benefit from an upgrade.

• Getting There: drive 17 minutes from AUA
• Rates: from $633/night
• Standout Review: “A first-rate experience. Concerned about the details and making the stay totally premium. The staff at the Royal salon were very friendly and helpful, Melvin, Lisette, Maria, Carolina, Karina and Jaime. Very good breakfasts in the Royal lounge. Lunch and dinner at all restaurants were exquisite!”

After pouring over the reviews, I can say with some degree of certainty that the other resorts will get you more bang for your buck. Comments generally give the food very high praise, so you can count on being well-fed, and the drop-off kid’s club and organized kid-centric activities are a major plus, as is the enviable location. Still, it is difficult to overlook the numerous complaints about cleanliness and maintenance issues in the rooms. In other words, the jury is still out on Barceló Aruba at the time of publishing.