Blue and turquoise water. Soft white sand. A shaded palapa and a beautiful view. Those are some of the things I’ll remember most about my recent trip to Aruba.
I stayed at The Westerly at Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino on Palm Beach, and I loved it. I had a head cold during the trip, so I took things slowly and spent more time enjoying the resort than exploring the island.
I still came home knowing I would return. I also spoke with several visitors who had been to Aruba 10 or 12 times. After spending time there myself, I could understand why they kept coming back.
Why I Loved Staying on Palm Beach
Where you stay shapes your vacation, and I really enjoyed the Palm Beach area.
The beach and pool were close by, and I could walk across the street to shop or grab something to eat. I liked being able to step outside the resort without arranging transportation every time I wanted to do something.
Palm Beach is Aruba’s high-rise resort area, with restaurants, shops, beach bars, and watersports nearby. If you enjoy having options within walking distance, it is an area worth considering.
Then there was the beach itself. The water had those beautiful shades of blue and turquoise, and the sand was white and soft. Spending time beneath a palapa was one of my favorite ways to enjoy it.
My Stay at The Westerly
The Westerly felt peaceful and calming, with the personal service I appreciate when I travel.
My room overlooked the pool and ocean, and I loved the view. The concierge service was another highlight. Having someone available to help with the details made the stay feel more personal.
I also appreciated how convenient everything was. I could enjoy much of my day without leaving the tower, with the beach and pool nearby whenever I wanted a change of setting.
These are the details I discuss with clients when choosing accommodations. The hotel name is a starting point, but the room view, location, service, and included benefits help determine how the stay actually feels.
Terrace on 10 Was a Favorite
I especially loved Terrace on 10, The Westerly’s adults-only rooftop retreat.
With the access included in my booking, I enjoyed breakfast, a very nice lunch, drinks from the terrace bar, sun beds, and evening hors d’oeuvres. Having those things available in such a peaceful setting was a big part of the appeal.
The Hilton is not an all-inclusive resort, but my Westerly stay with Terrace on 10 offered many of the conveniences people enjoy about one. I could have breakfast and lunch, relax, and enjoy a drink without making separate plans throughout the day.
I would still plan for dinner. The evening hors d’oeuvres were appetizers, and I wouldn’t consider them a full evening meal.
Terrace on 10 access is an added booking option. These benefits should be confirmed for your particular reservation rather than assumed to come with every Westerly room. Drinks and dining elsewhere around the resort should also be checked separately.
Adults-Only Spaces Within the Resort
Terrace on 10 is adults-only. The Westerly also offers adults-only ground-floor swim-up accommodations with semi-private plunge pools.
That distinction matters: the entire Westerly tower and the broader Hilton resort are not adults-only.
For couples who appreciate quieter adult spaces while still enjoying the amenities of a larger resort, this combination is worth discussing. I particularly enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere of the experience I booked.
The Spa Facilities Were a Lovely Extra
I toured the spa and was impressed by the facilities.
Access to the spa facilities, including the cold plunge and sauna, was included with my Westerly stay. Spa treatments, such as massages and facials, were an additional cost.
I didn’t have a treatment during this visit, so my impressions are based on the facilities I toured. Still, having that access added to what I appreciated about staying here. As with other benefits, I would confirm the current inclusions when arranging a client’s reservation.
The Resort’s Birds and Dinner at Sunset Grille
I loved the birds at the resort. They were such a fun part of the setting and something I enjoyed seeing during my stay.
I also had dinner at Sunset Grille, the resort’s steakhouse. Having an evening dining option on the property was convenient, especially while I was taking things slowly.
Between the birds, the grounds, time beneath a palapa, and the views, there was plenty to appreciate without filling every day with activities.
Of Course, I Found Tacos in Aruba
If you know me, you know I find tacos just about everywhere I travel. Aruba was no exception.
Across the street from the resort, I found Lola Taqueria, and it was delicious.
I ordered the shredded chicken tacos, which normally came on flour tortillas, and asked for corn tortillas instead. Add the guacamole, and oh my goodness—it was so good.
Having a place like that within walking distance was another reason I loved the area. A little shopping, delicious tacos, and then back to the beach? That works for me.
I Also Toured the Other Hilton Towers
Although I stayed at The Westerly, I also toured the Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao towers. That gave me a broader look at the property and its accommodation options.
This resort exceeded my expectations. I would encourage clients to look at the setting and the full experience rather than make a decision based only on the Hilton name.
The beachfront location, grounds, birds, spa facilities, and service all contributed to my impression. The Westerly’s concierge attention and Terrace on 10 were the parts I especially loved.
Seeing the other towers also reinforced the importance of choosing accommodations around the traveler. Different room locations, views, and access options can create different experiences within the same resort.
Palm Beach, Eagle Beach, and Baby Beach: Understanding the Areas
Aruba has many beaches and neighborhoods, but Palm Beach, Eagle Beach, and Baby Beach are three useful places to understand when planning a visit.
Palm Beach: Resorts, Restaurants, and Shopping
Palm Beach is where I stayed. It is known for its high-rise hotels, restaurants, shopping, beach bars, and activities.
For me, the convenience was a big part of what made the area enjoyable. I could have a relaxing resort day and still walk out for shopping or tacos.
Eagle Beach: A Wide Beach and Low-Rise Accommodations
Eagle Beach is known for its broad stretch of soft white sand, distinctive fofoti trees, and nearby low-rise accommodations.
It is an area to consider if a wide, open beach setting is high on your list. The location of the individual hotel still matters, including whether it sits directly on the beach or across the road.
Baby Beach: A Lagoon Near San Nicolas
Baby Beach is in southeastern Aruba near San Nicolas and is known for its shallow lagoon.
It is farther from the Palm Beach hotel area, so a visit needs transportation planning. It can be part of a day exploring another area of the island rather than something you expect to walk to from the main resort strip.
These are different settings, and the right choice depends on what you want nearby and how you plan to spend your time.
Aruba Has a Rugged Side, Too
Beyond the resort beaches, Aruba has an arid, rugged landscape that offers a very different view of the island.
Arikok National Park has caves, unusual rock formations, and dramatic coastal scenery. For travelers who enjoy exploring, it offers another dimension to a beach vacation.
I didn’t get to experience these places during this trip. They are part of what makes me want to return, with more time to see the island beyond my resort.
What to Know About Aruba’s Pink Flamingos
Those familiar photos of pink flamingos on the beach are often taken on Renaissance Island. De Palm Island also has a managed flamingo attraction.
A flamingo visit is something to arrange specifically. You should not expect to find those familiar photographed flocks wandering along Palm Beach or Eagle Beach.
The tourist flocks are managed rather than naturally established beach colonies. Rare wild flamingo sightings have also been reported in Aruba, so saying flamingos are only ever found on Renaissance Island would be inaccurate.
If seeing them is important to you, we can review the access options and work that visit into your plans.
Do You Need a Rental Car for Your Whole Stay?
Not necessarily.
Several visitors I spoke with described driving around Aruba as easy. At the same time, my stay showed me how convenient it can be to choose an area where you can walk to the beach, shops, and restaurants.
One option is to spend part of your vacation without a car, then rent one for a day or two of exploring. Transfers, taxis, or guided excursions can cover other outings.
That gives you flexibility without keeping a car parked while you enjoy the resort. The best approach depends on your hotel, your comfort with driving, and what you want to see.
A day visiting beaches and towns also requires different planning from a rugged Jeep excursion. We would review the route, vehicle requirements, and rental restrictions before choosing an option.
Should You Choose All-Inclusive in Aruba?
Aruba does have all-inclusive resorts. It also has an extensive restaurant scene, which gives visitors plenty of reasons to dine beyond their hotel.
I wouldn’t automatically eliminate a property because it isn’t all-inclusive. I would start by asking how you like to spend your days and where you want to eat.
Do you want every meal at the resort? Do you enjoy trying nearby restaurants? Would breakfast, lunch, and selected drinks included in your stay give you the convenience you want while leaving dinner flexible?
For me, The Westerly with Terrace on 10 offered a combination I really enjoyed. Much of my day was easy to enjoy right there, and I could make separate plans for dinner—or walk across the street for tacos.
For someone else, a full all-inclusive plan may be the better choice. The actual inclusions and overall cost matter more than the label alone.
Why I’ll Be Going Back
I will definitely return to Aruba, and next time I want a longer stay.
With a head cold slowing me down this visit, I have plenty I still want to experience. A Jeep tour is on my list. I may also rent a car for part of the trip and split my stay between a couple of locations to experience different areas.
I loved my time at The Westerly, and I want more time to enjoy the resort and explore beyond it.
After meeting people who had returned 10 or 12 times, I understand how Aruba can become a place you revisit. There is something appealing about returning to a setting you love while leaving room to discover something new.
Aruba Quick Answers
Is The Westerly at Hilton Aruba adults-only? No. Terrace on 10 and the ground-floor swim-up rooms are adults-only, but the tower and the wider Hilton resort are not.
What is Terrace on 10? It is The Westerly’s adults-only rooftop retreat. Access is added to your booking. My stay included breakfast, lunch, terrace drinks, sun beds, and evening hors d’oeuvres, but confirm the current inclusions for your reservation.
Is the Hilton Aruba all-inclusive? No. Terrace on 10 access can cover much of your day, but plan separately for dinner.
Should I stay on Palm Beach or Eagle Beach? Palm Beach suits travelers who want restaurants and shopping within walking distance. Eagle Beach suits those who want a wide, open beach and low-rise hotels.
Can I see flamingos on Palm Beach? Not usually. The well-known flamingo photos are typically taken on Renaissance Island, and De Palm Island has a managed flamingo attraction. Plan that visit specifically.
Do I need a rental car in Aruba? Not for your whole stay if you are on Palm Beach. You can rent a car for a day or two of exploring and use taxis, transfers, or tours otherwise.
Let’s Plan Your Aruba Vacation
Your Aruba vacation might center on a peaceful resort stay, a honeymoon, an anniversary, or a combination of beach days and exploring.
I can help you choose the area, hotel, room category, and experiences around your preferences, with a clear understanding of what your booking includes.
Start with a complimentary phone consultation and complete the introductory form so we can discuss your dates, departure airport, approximate budget, and what you want from the trip. I’ll explain my planning process and applicable planning fee before we begin.