Stay & Play

Brand New Radisson Blu – Aruba’s Latest Luxury Stay

Article by Susan Campbell, photos Radisson Blu Aruba

One Happy Island was delighted to welcome the first Radisson Blu brand hotel to Aruba recently, in fact, it’s currently the only Radisson Blu in the Caribbean. And personally, I was delighted to recently have had the opportunity to stay in this exciting new space. And “space”, in this case, is the operative word.

All units in the new Blu are extremely spacious suites with two or three bedrooms and two-to-three full bathrooms, and all have contemporary fully equipped modern kitchens, and high-tech and expansive living spaces. Most have spacious balconies as well. The water circuit below is also expansive- a winding oasis of with two large pools and an adult-only whirlpool nook. They also have the largest infinity rooftop pool on the island set on the second floor over their lobby where guests can enjoy fabulous sea views and dine at their pool-front Sunset Bistro.

During my visit, the FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar had not been completed, but is slated to be soon, and when it is, the rooftop infinity pool and Sunset Bistro and bar will become strictly an adult-only oasis. (Ideal for honeymooners). Families will be welcome to take all meals at the FireLake below, and there is also a lively beach bar and café beside the ground level pools. Room service is also available. And of course, with full kitchens, you can easily self-cater – there are large well-stocked supermarkets a short hop away. A fully equipped fitness and chic wellness center and two spacious meeting areas add to the on-site offerings making it an ideal place for corporate and leisure travel.

Not beachfront? Not a problem

Though the location of this new upscale hotel might be puzzling to some, it’s right beside the Palm Beach Plaza behind the new Cove Mall, it’s a short walk to Aruba’s most popular beach and steps from scads of first-rate dining, fun clubs and pubs, glitzy nightlife, casinos, and shopping. And the hotel also has its own dedicated Radisson Blu spot in the sand on famous Palm Beach replete with lounges and shade umbrellas and the option to sign for food and beverages from MooMba, arguably the island’s best beach bar/restaurant. If you don’t want to walk, there is a regular complimentary shuttle to their beach area from the lobby.

Stellar views & super staff

All 132 modern multi-room suites are ethereally decorated in crisp white and aqua with splashes of Caribbean color, and floor-to-ceiling windows offer stellar island and ocean views. (Book ocean facing above the sixth floor for best sea views.) Though right in the heart of the busy Palm Beach urban strip, the property has a definite standalone community resort feel tucked away behind its own walls and parking areas. The staff also makes the vibe more fun and friendly than formal, and they often hold themed get-together events with specials on food and drinks with music.

www.radissonhotelsamericas.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-aruba