5. The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba
Situated on the beach on Aruba’s northwestern coast, this Ritz-Carlton outpost, opened in 2013, lives up to its brand’s service, amenities and expectations, according to reviewers. Each stay starts with a complimentary welcome drink at check-in and extends to the spacious rooms, all of which feature marble bathrooms with separate showers and large soaking tubs, 46-inch LCD TVs and furnished balconies. Recent visitors described the staff at both the front desk and the five on-site restaurants as exceptional. However, the property’s cuisine receives mixed feedback. While some previous travelers enjoyed their dishes, others said their meals were average and expensive. When it’s time to explore the hotel’s offerings, adults can test their luck at slots or table games at the casino or head to the 15,000-square-foot spa to indulge in a unique treatment like a hammock massage or a Caribbean coconut salt scrub. This hotel isn’t just for grown-ups, though. The Ritz Kids club entertains children ages 4 to 12 with activities like arts and crafts and board games.
6. The Reserve at Paradisus Punta Cana
The Reserve at Paradisus Punta Cana is an all-inclusive Punta Cana resort that caters to vacationing families. Property amenities include the Kids Zone, a children’s pool with waterslides, a trampoline, a rock climbing wall and suites that come with family concierge service for arranging on- and off-site activities. The Family Concierge suites also offer video game consoles (upon request), kids minibar items, nightly milk and cookies, children’s beach kits and kid-sized bathrobes, slippers and towels. Those vacationing sans little ones can book a Paradisus Suite, which features a hydromassage tub for two, a terrace or balcony, an adult-friendly minibar and free Wi-Fi access. When it’s time to eat, guests can dine at one of four on-site restaurants or at an eatery at the neighboring sister property, Paradisus Punta Cana Resort. The all-inclusive package covers meals at all on-site restaurants except the Passion by Martin Berasategui fine dining venue.
