Aruba’s Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Is a Barefoot Paradise With Colorful Casitas, Local Art, and a Happy Hour Cart 

Tucked away in a lush coconut grove just minutes from Palm Beach lies one of Aruba’s best-kept secrets: Boardwalk Boutique Hotel. With its colorful casitas, adults-only vibe, and home-away-from-home hospitality, this locally owned hideaway has been quietly redefining what it means to escape in style. We took the time for an interview with Boardwalk’s manager for a behind-the-scenes look at the experience that’s turning heads and winning hearts—one barefoot guest at a time.

For travelers who haven’t heard of Boardwalk yet, how would you describe the experience in a sentence?

Boardwalk: Think of it as your dream Caribbean village where you have access to your private house with all the comforts from home—but with someone else making the beds and mixing the cocktails. 

What makes Boardwalk stand out from other hotels in Aruba?

Boardwalk: We’re one of a very few small boutique hotels on the island and truly one of a kind. No cookie-cutter design, but 49 unique, individually designed casitas tucked into a lush garden that once served as a coconut plantation, adults-only serenity, and a deeply personal, locally-rooted vibe. Guests love the privacy, the peacefulness, and the sense of space to just be. 

The hotel feels very personal—was that intentional?

Boardwalk: Absolutely. We’re a small family-business, and it shows in everything we do. From the handpicked art to our locally-sourced produce, the idea is to offer an authentic, elevated Aruban experience that still feels super relaxed and warm.

Speaking of local touches, what are some Aruba-inspired details guests can expect?

Boardwalk: So many! Our casitas are filled with local artworks. We pamper our guests with Aruba Aloe bath & body products. And on the menu of our bar & restaurant, Coco Café, you’ll find local flavors and products sourced from local farmers, bakers and small entrepreneurs. We also connect guests with off-the-beaten-path island experiences—from hidden snorkel spots to food truck feasts.

What kind of traveler is Boardwalk perfect for?

Boardwalk: Adults who want to slow down, soak up sunshine, and still feel a little bit spoiled. We see a lot of couples, solo travelers, and friend groups who are here for R&R, but still want to explore and connect with the local community and vibe. It’s barefoot luxury without the attitude.

Is it a good fit for older travelers or first-timers?

Boardwalk: Absolutely. The calm atmosphere, personal service, and stress-free setup make it ideal for travelers who want ease and authenticity. If you’re looking to avoid mega-resorts and prefer privacy, this is the place.

Why do guests keep coming back?

Boardwalk: Because Boardwalk strikes a rare balance: cozy yet luxurious, peaceful yet well-located, personal but never intrusive. Many say it feels like home — only better. Each casita has a full kitchen, private patio, and space to truly unwind. The setting is quiet and lush, with two pools, hammocks, and thoughtful service that makes everything easy. Guests appreciate the calm, the comfort, and how everything is taken care of without fuss. Many guests return year after year — and their glowing reviews have helped the hotel earn multiple awards, including “Small Caribbean Hotel of the Year” by the Caribbean Travel Awards.

You receive a lot of attention for your regenerative and sustainable effort; can you give us some examples?

Boardwalk: We’re very passionate about those efforts! Operating on an island like Aruba where clean water is precious and electricity is pricy, our number one priority from the get-go was to become energy efficient. We installed our own reverse osmosis system on property, have LED lighting and our casitas are fully insulated and powered by solar energy. Other examples are our composting efforts to nurture our garden, source as much as we can locally, a Do Good program that invites our guests to give back to the local community and a weekly Sustainability Tour of our property. This year for the first time we published our Impact Report, calculating our carbon footprint and indicating areas where we can still improve our efforts.

Boardwalk: This summer, Boardwalk is offering complimentary wellness experiences for guests, like yoga under the palms, floating ocean sound baths, and herbal tea rituals. It’s all designed to help you slow down and reconnect — no schedules, no pressure. But then again, Boardwalk is a great destination to unwind and indulge, any given day of the year.

What’s one thing every guest should do before leaving?

Boardwalk: Swing in a hammock with a cocktail, no phone in sight, and let yourself fully unplug. Oh, and try the local pastechi. Preferably both in one day.