Aruba announces exciting openings & events for 2024
The Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA) is sharing new enhancements and developments elevating the visitor experience in 2024.
From major hotel openings to an innovative travel resource and a notable cultural anniversary, this will be a year of exciting tourism developments in Aruba.
“2024 will be a landmark year for Aruba as a destination, and we are thrilled for the enhancements that will make The Aruba Effect stronger than ever,” said Ronella Croes, CEO of the Aruba Tourism Authority. “With new property developments, technological innovations, major cultural moments, and more, we’re sure the feeling of rejuvenation that our visitors experience while on the island will continue long after returning home.”
New hotel openings
The noteworthy developments are led by two major hotel openings.
First, The Iberostar Grand Aruba will celebrate its grand opening and welcome guests for the first time this summer. Featuring 240 premium suites and located across from the award-winning Eagle Beach, the adults-only resort will be the first Iberostar property in the Dutch Caribbean and represents the further diversification of hotel options available to visitors.
Outside of the suites, guests will enjoy access to the Tierra del Sol golf course, three restaurants, five bars, two pools, and a spa.
Next, the St. Regis Palm Beach Aruba Resort is set to open at the end of 2024. The St. Regis brand will make its highly anticipated debut on the island and expand its luxury product with 220 luxurious rooms, five-star amenities and top-class dining, spa, and pool offerings. Ideally located near top attractions in Aruba, the hotel will be just the second St. Regis property in the Caribbean.
Existing hotel upgrades
In addition, the culinary offerings available at hotels and in nearby Oranjestad have heightened throughout the island due to a handful of 2023 openings and enhancements that will elevate the 2024 experience:
- Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino debuted its newest restaurant, Mercát in the fall of 2023.
- Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba introduced a brand-new restaurant, The Coco Café, in the summer of 2023, offering a Caribbean-inspired menu that ranges from breakfast to dinner and features.
- Divi and Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusives redefined their culinary offerings in 2023 with additions and renovations, including:
- Le Café, the newest dining venue at Divi Aruba All Inclusive, opened its doors in the summer of 2023 and features freshly brewed gourmet coffees, teas, and breakfast in open-air seating overlooking the Caribbean.
- Pure Lime Restaurant, the first full-service Mexican restaurant in Aruba, experienced a full upgrade in the fall of 2023 including fresh designs, new decor, an expanded menu, and an inviting outdoor space.
- Ginger, Asian Flavors now features a more modern, industrial look with indoor and outdoor seating where guests can enjoy the delicious menu created by Executive Chef Paul Zijlstra.
- Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino recently unveiled a full revamp of their feature restaurant, Ruinas Del Mar, including a complete renovation of the dining room and the introduction of a new menu.
- KOAL is the newest chef’s table experience in Aruba, featuring a vintage setting in a historic monument building in the heart of downtown Oranjestad’s historic district.
Countdown to Carnival
Additionally, 2024 features a major milestone for the celebration of Aruban culture with the 70th anniversary of Aruba’s Carnival.
Now through mid-February, locals and visitors alike will take part in the biggest Aruban Carnival yet with festive block parties, spectacular parades and musical events lighting up the One happy island.
The festivities will then culminate with the Grand Carnival Parade on Feb. 11.
New resources are being implemented to streamline travel to and from the island. Slated for March 2024, Aruba will roll out the Aruba Happy One Pass, a digital travel credential system that will allow travellers to complete pre-boarding verification, share their information directly with immigration officials, and smoothly cross border checkpoints without providing their physical passports.
