What’s New In Aruba for 2023
by Dori Saltzman /Aruba is heading into 2023 with robust tourism plans including new hotel openings and renovations, along with other travel enhancements that will further its pandemic recovery. This follows a successful 2022, with full-year 2022 visitor arrivals having reached 98% of 2019 levels and tourism receipts fully recovered.
“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 visitors resources this year.”
What’s New
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Resort: The first hotel to open in Aruba this year, the Embassy Suites by Hilton opens its doors on February 1. Located across from Eagle Beach, the all-suite resort features 330 spacious suites with scenic ocean and island views, each equipped with a separate living area, private bedroom and wet bar. Resort amenities include an expansive pool, three dining outlets, meeting space, fitness center, and coming soon, a spa and casino.
- The Ritz Carlton, Aruba: Aruba’s Ritz Carlton opened the year with the debut of new, island-inspired designs for all guestrooms, suites and corridors. The hotel also introduced new culinary experiences, including a rum-tasting flight at Divi Sushi Bar and Lounge, and the new Madero Pop-Up Bar debuted in the pool area.
- Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort: This beach resort is currently undergoing major renovations to all studios and suites with an expected completion date sometime in April. The property also recently completed renovations of Passions on the Beach and Horizons Lounge, as well as both the freshwater swimming and kiddie pools.
- Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort: At the end of 2022, this Renaissance property completed renovations of all its one-bedroom suites.
- Raddison Blu Aruba: Also completed at the end of last year was the addition of the Senses Fine Dining restaurant to the Raddison Blu Aruba. The venue offers a chef’s table experience as well as an a la carte option. Also new to the property are a new specialty coffee shop and café, The Clover.
- Aruba Happy One Pass: Aruba will soon be unveiling 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 the island. The app will connect directly to the traveler’s Embarkation Disembarkation card to streamline travel to and from Aruba.
- Global Entry: The Aruba Airport Authority and Customs and Border Patrol unveiled a remote Global Entry Enrollment Center for U.S. citizens in late 2022, allowing U.S. visitors to expedite their departure from Aruba.
- New Spas: Two new spas recently opened in Aruba. The Now Skin Health & Wellness Studio offers a variety of beauty and skin care services, while Essential Wellness Retreats offers holistic health experiences such as wellness workshops, 1-on-1 wellness consultations and activities like Yoga, Tai Chi and nature hikes.