Destination Aruba: Rest & Relaxation at an All-Inclusive Resort

I stepped onto the tan powder sand walking toward the ocean that was beaconing me to dip my feet in the water, a rich gradient of greens and blues. It was almost otherworldly and something I hadn’t seen since my trip to Praia Galheta, a gay nude beach in Florianopolis, Brazil. But this wasn’t a clothing optional beach. Kicking off my flip flops, I walked close to what appeared to be clear water lapping at the shore. It was my first chance to test the temperature of the ocean. The lukewarm water washed over my feet as I sank down further into the sand. I looked beyond my feet and towards the horizon, where a boat danced from the ripple effect of the ocean’s waves. In that instance, I knew my vacation had just begun and that I would certainly take several dips in the ocean on this trip – something I don’t normally do when I’m at a beach in the U.S.  

Palm Beach Pier located near Barceló Aruba

I had heard about beautiful Caribbean beaches, but this was my first time experiencing one that wasn’t part of cruise excursion at a popular port of call. I was standing on Palm Beach, located in front of the all-inclusive Barceló Aruba on the northern coast of the island. To my left, at a glance, was a small wave-beaten pier local kids used to perform acrobatic flips into the ocean. On the other side of the pier, brown thatch umbrellas line the beach in front of the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino, and further south, stood the white sand-castle architecture of the Hotel Riu Palace Aruba.  

Hotel Riu Palace Aruba

Pivoting to the right of me, there are several vendor huts offering a variety of water sports and excursions, including jet skiing, parasailing, and an adrenaline-pumping adventure to be pulled behind a speedboat on the Great Big Mable, an inflated tube that seats up to three people. The Playa Linda Beach Resort and the Holiday Inn Resort & Casino are two other beachfront properties located further north along the coast. 

Showing Off the Ocean View from the Room’s Balcony

It wasn’t my intention to make this trip to Aruba an active vacation. I was there to embrace my new surroundings – a welcome change beyond the walls of my apartment and home city, Washington, DC. It was my first international trip during the COVID pandemic; so, my goal was to relax and rejuvenate, away from the barrage of bad news most of us try to avoid during the 24-hour news cycle in the U.S.  

The Barceló Aruba was my a 4-day retreat to do nothing. The property has 373 rooms that all have a balcony with views of the ocean, pool and or garden. Each room’s refrigerator is stocked with free water, beer and soft drinks. Other perks about staying here include the on-site casino and the New Image Wellness & Spa that provides massages and body treatments. Within its complex and in the surrounding area, the Barceló has two tennis courts and it’s located near the only 18-hole golf course on the island.

View of the Resort’s Swimming Pool from Room

The resort’s natural swimming pool – surrounded by rocks, gardens and palm trees – is the go-to destination for adults and families with kids. Adult guests can grab free cocktails at the swim-up Splash Pool Bar, and instructors facilitate daily activities, such as water aerobics and water polo, for guests who want a more active beach vacation. And for those who just want a little rest and relaxation, cabanas, beach chairs and umbrellas are readily available – first come first serve. Just a few steps beyond the pool, resort guests can enjoy the beach as well as free beach chairs and stationary thatch umbrellas. Beach staff is quick to bring chairs to guests and wipe them down with an anti-bacterial spray before starting they start their day of sunbathing.

Palm Beach is located in front of Barceló Aruba

Part of your all-inclusive stay here includes your meals at all of the on-site restaurants, including  Beach Club Restaurant (serves grilled food, soups and salads), L’Olio (serves Italian cuisine), México Lindo (serves authentic Tex-Mex), Kyoto (serves Japanese cuisine) and The Palm, a buffet-style restaurant before COVID has transitioned to a more intimate fine dining experience. 

Outdoor seating at The Beach Club Restaurant

A trip to the Caribbean isn’t complete without sampling the seafood. Guest have the opportunity to sample the local catch at all four restaurants in dishes, including the crab and avocado salad; grilled prawns served with lobster sauce; and the grilled tuna fillet with soy and orange sauce. Don’t forget to bring your phone along for each meal. Instead of handheld menus, QR codes are provided at all restaurants so you can download their breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. And if you’re looking for a post-dinner nightcap, head to the Lobby bar – with social-distance seating – check out the other guests and to listen to music requests that include everything from disco to 80s rock to group line dancing like the wobble.  

Lamb Chops and Lobster Served at The Palm (Photo Credit: Stephaan Harris)

Similar to my recent trip to Massachusetts, the Barceló Aruba has social distancing guidelines for the elevators as well as hand-sanitizer readily available throughout the property. Even though I was diligent about wearing a mask in common areas, the resort did not enforce masks. COVID-19 has caused several businesses in the area to temporarily close, including the Sopranos Piano Bar, located outside of the resort complex. 

Sopranos Piano Bar

During my stay, I noticed that a majority of the guests were from New York and New Jersey, traveling as multi-generational families, groups of friends and couples, including an adorable 70-something newlywed couple. Aruba is a popular location for destination weddings and honeymooners and the Barceló was no exception to the rule. Is it a cool place for LGBTQ+ travelers? Well, I only spotted one gay couple during my stay and a number of gay bars do exist in Aruba. Again, due to health concerns, some places are temporarily closed, and if they are open, most nightlife and local businesses close at 9 or 10 every night. 

COVID Safety Guidelines and Hand-Sanitizer near the Resort’s Elevators

If nothing else, Aruba was a great beach getaway to relax on a stunning beach. Prior to my trip, a friend recommended staying for a few days and I felt 4 nights (Thursday to Monday) was enough for me. To plan your trip to Aruba, you must have your negative COVID test results 72 hours before your departure flight. Your test results are part of a thorough registration process to receive an ED Card to enter the county. Before you plan your trip to Aruba, check out their health requirements for American travelers.