The high tide has just soaked my ankles and caused half of my fellow diners to scramble for higher ground, but I’m unfazed. It’s hard to feel anything but peaceful when you’re eating dinner on the beach in Aruba while watching the sun set across the blue-green waters. My wet sandals are a small price to pay for this one-of-a-kind experience at Passions on the Beach, the restaurant belonging to the island’s Amsterdam Manor resort.
Amsterdam Manor is located in Aruba’s capital city, Oranjestad, directly across the street from Eagle Beach, which is widely considered one of the most pristine beaches in the Caribbean (if not the world). The location is an obvious selling point for the resort, but as I discovered during my four-day stay at the Dutch-inspired property this fall, that’s far from the only reason to book a room during your visit to One Happy Island.
Equipped for days or months: Rooms at Amsterdam Manor
Photo: Amsterdam Manor
As a boutique hotel, Amsterdam Manor features just 72 rooms — a far cry from the many enormous chains like Marriott and Hyatt that line the island’s waters. Each room is charmingly designed, with brightly colored artwork and live plants, and surprisingly spacious; even the property’s smallest studios (starting at $261 per night) include queen beds and kitchenettes. Keeping with Aruba’s commitment to eco-friendly measures (all visitors pay a $20 sustainability fee upon entering the island), the Earthchest Master- and Travelife Gold-certified resort’s rooms have green features like solar panels, water-saving faucets, refillable toiletries, and recycling bins.
I’m staying in one of the resort’s numerous one-bedroom suites, which retail for $333 per night and contain a king bed, a fully equipped kitchen, a large living area, and a private patio. The scale of the kitchen, in particular, is a pleasant surprise. Although I never end up cooking, the full-size refrigerator and microwave allow me to store and heat up leftovers, and the coffee maker comes with several pods.
An Amsterdam Manor employee told me that a number of guests stay in these suites for weeks or even months on end, and I can certainly see why. They may not be the fanciest or most modern hotel rooms, but they’re plenty big and have everything you’d need for long-term visits — especially if you book the Penthouse Suite, which goes for $423 per night and has two bedrooms, a separate dining area, and a full balcony. All the rooms here are pet-friendly, and the majority are on the ground floor, accessible via a wheelchair ramp.
Basic staples, little luxuries, and beach access: Amenities at Amsterdam Manor
Photo: Amsterdam Manor
Other than the perks found in its living spaces, Amsterdam Manor has a few notable amenities, namely free parking, an on-site laundromat, and room service through 9 PM. For those celebrating special occasions or who want to bring some luxury to their stays, the hotel also sells add-ons like in-room Champagne breakfasts and personalized bathrobes for extra costs. As for the pool, it’s well-maintained but relatively small, although it does feature a waterfall and a separate swimming space for young kids.
The biggest amenity that the resort has to offer, however, is its proximity to the beach. I revel in the two-minute walk from my suite door to the Caribbean Sea. All beaches in Aruba are open to the public, so I’m prepared to have to fend for space upon my arrival each day. To my delight, I learn that Amsterdam Manor reserves complimentary beach chairs for guests, so I always have a spot to relax (with a cocktail in hand, of course).
Waterfront eats and rooftop drinks: Dining at Amsterdam Manor
Photos: Amsterdam Manor
Speaking of cocktails, I’m enjoying my share of them thanks to Passions on the Beach, the resort’s deceptively low-profile waterfront restaurant. Although the setup looks like your average beachside eatery, the largely locally sourced food and drinks (which include a number of vegan options) are high quality and worth their moderate price tags. My personal favorite dishes are the shrimp spring rolls and bourbon steak, the latter of which I have while dining at a candlelit table mere feet away from the water. It’s an elegant and romantic setup that’s ideal for couples, and I’m not surprised to hear that engagements and weddings are frequent mealtime events.
Passions is Amsterdam Manor’s main attraction, but the property also plays host to Horizons Lounge, a small but lively rooftop space that’s ideal for happy hour, thanks to its on-site DJ and stellar views. The eclectic food menu includes everything from fajitas to sushi (depending on the day), and dessert includes a killer crème brûlée. Earlier this year, Horizons hosted an LGBTQ+ Pride celebration, echoing the resort’s inclusive feel and role in the larger Aruban community.
Things to do near Amsterdam Manor
Photo: Amsterdam Manor
As easy as it’d be to spend all my time here drinking and eating at the beach, there’s plenty else to do while in Aruba. On my second day, a driver picks us up at the resort to take us on a very fun Jeep tour around the island, stopping in spots like the mural-filled San Nicolas neighborhood and the gorgeous Baby Beach. Another time, we take a luxury cruise down the coast and spend a relaxing day swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing at sea. If I had more time, I’d make sure to fit in activities like a tour of the nearby donkey sanctuary or a massage at a spa, both of which could be arranged by Amsterdam Manor’s concierge, along with car or bike rentals.
Getting to and from Amsterdam Manor
Photo: Amsterdam Manor
I’m having a blast in Aruba, but unfortunately, it’s soon time to get back to reality. Luckily, the resort is only a 15-minute drive from the airport (AUA). So while I’m sad to say goodbye, I can soak up every last minute in the sun before heading home.
