I found inner peace at Boardwalk Boutique Hotel in Aruba
Starting this one with a bold statement. My stay at Boardwalk Boutique Hotel healed me…
Ok of course I’m exaggerating a bit… it would take more than a day (maybe 5?), but I can see how a longer stay would totally relax my nervous system and heal my inner child. I don’t know how I’m going to fit my feelings, experience, and love for this hotel into one blog post. And THAT I’m not exaggerating.
The hard life of a destination blogger
As your favorite Aruba blogger, I sacrificed myself for you and spent a day and night at Boardwalk. As a local, I had never been until a couple of months ago, when I was invited to join the hotel’s sustainability garden tour. I fell in love right then and there.
The property is completely enveloped in lush tropical plants and trees, giving it a rainforest village vibe. Within the greenery are colorful little private houses (casitas), complete with hammocks and all the amenities you can think of. From The Coco Cafe (the hotel’s restaurant), a boutique gym, 2 pools, and an abundance of birds, butterflies, and relaxing corners, I didn’t have enough time to discover it all. It truly is an oasis on a desert island. I had hearts in my eyes by the end of the tour. So, when I was invited to spend a night, you could say it was an offer I couldn’t refuse.
| 💡 Fun fact: Boardwalk is a small, locally and independently owned, adults-only boutique hotel, located on a former coconut plantation.🌴 The hotel holds 2 Michelin Keys (2025) 🗝️🗝️, a globally recognized mark of accommodation excellence. Learn more about Boardwalk’s story here. |
Checking in to mentally check out
I got my booking confirmation and made sure to keep my expectations neutral. On the day of, I went to the office “check-in ready.” I can say confidently that knowing you’re checking in to a 2 Michelin Key hotel takes away all the dread of going to the office in the morning…
On arrival, birdsong led me to the lobby, where check-in was a breeze. The lobby had a soft aroma that already felt calming. I got my keycard, pool towel, a clipboard with everything I needed for my stay, plus a treasure map for island exploring. Karol gave me a quick rundown of the treasure map, and then Valery walked me to my “Deluxe Coco Casita.” I must say, before I continue, the staff was the most amazing I've ever experienced. Hospitality at its finest.
💡 Fun fact: The hotel has 49 casitas. 🏠 Each casita has its own personality, but they all share the same colorful Caribbean character, privacy, and indoor-outdoor living. Choose from simpler “Coco Casitas” to a Palapa Lodge with 360° views. |
My Casita: a dreamy cabin in a tropical village
My casita was perfect. Complete with a patio, kitchenette, king-size bed, hand-painted mural, and outdoor shower. I got a handwritten welcome note, and a fruit platter was waiting in the fridge. I felt at home, comfortable, and excited, but in a calm way. An immediate rush of sadness followed that I would be there for only 1 night. But I powered through and continued my experience.
A coconut, a burger, and a piña colada
I headed off to The Coco Cafe, where I was welcomed with a fresh coconut. Nothing says island life like coconut water in 90° weather. I ordered a Boardwalk Burger for lunch and sat at the bar as I waited. How could I resist a piña colada? It was served in the cutest coconut cup and was perfectly made. I am super critical about piña coladas, btw, but that’s a story for another day. My Angus burger was juicy, fatty, and the fries were crispy. Did I want to wear a bathing suit after that? Not really, but for you, my dearest reader, I did it anyway.
The art of pool lounging
I spent the rest of the afternoon performing the art of doing nothing, or dolce far niente (if you know which movie that’s from, you get bonus points). As a single working mom, I needed it oh so much. The sound of the pool fountain, the birds, the breeze, while lying on a Fatboy in the pool was transcendent. Btw, Fatboy beanbags in the pool are pure acts of genius. Whoever came up with that deserves a raise. The hammock over the water is a close runner-up.
Happy hour is from 3 pm to 5 pm, and I said, why not? I won’t be leaving the property anyway. After 1 or 3 Aruba Aribas, it was time to head to my casita to shower and relax some more before dinner. Pro tip: after a long day in the sun and happy-hour juice in your body, the outdoor shower is a MUST. It was like all the decisions in my life led me to that moment. I became one with my casita. Almost made me forget about the cododo (Aruban Whiptail Lizard) that joined me on the pool lounger and climbed my leg.
Everything you need in one place
The beauty of staying at Boardwalk is that you don’t have to leave if you don’t want to. There’s plenty to do, and everything you need for a peaceful, comfortable stay is right there on the property. Of course, it’s important to venture off and explore the island, too. But on days when you just need to feel worry-free and relaxed, you can enjoy meals and drinks at The Coco or order room service. Even a BBQ box is available for grilling right on your own casita patio. Spend time at the pool, book a spa treatment, explore the gardens or join the garden tour, discover local artwork throughout the property, and, if you want to go only a little further, take Chichi, the hotel shuttle, to the beach.
Another experience is called “moments”. It’s designed around the simple idea of disconnecting from our screens. Hand in your phone and you’re given an activity to do in its place. Activities include dominoes, a portable CD player with a curated local playlist, binoculars for birdwatching, spotting boats, etc., and more! When you’re done, you swap back.
For the explorers
The hotel also encourages guests to explore and experience our island. With their signature Treasure Maps, guests can discover Aruba by following local recommendations. Choose from different themed maps, including Romance, Explorer, Culture, and Do-Good. They are filled with personally selected restaurants, beaches, cultural discoveries, and more. The maps encourage guests to venture beyond the typical tourist spots.
| 💡 Fun fact: Guests are always amazed by how peaceful the hotel feels, despite being so close to the Palm Beach area. They love the greenery and wildlife, and how spacious and private the casitas are. It feels like their very own Aruban home, rather than a hotel room, while still enjoying all the services and amenities of a luxury hotel. |
Dinner around the corner of my casita
After a good hour of lying around in my robe, it was time to get ready for dinner. Skin tanned, hungry, and relaxed, I headed to The Coco. It was music night, so I heard the steelpan as soon as I opened my casita door. I felt like I was part of a secret community, living peacefully in nature, but with a cute dress, of course! I was seated, and my order was taken. Still feeling the delightful lightheadedness from happy hour, I enjoyed the music and atmosphere.
I got a watermelon palate-cleanser shot, and it was… crunchy? It had bits of onion and herbs and was surprisingly tasty. My coconut shrimp arrived, and I ate it in 5.2 seconds. It was a good start. I saw my picanha on the way and started salivating. I think I may have been a lion in a past life. I was skeptical about The Coco, since it is such a small hotel restaurant. But the steak, just like the burger I had for lunch, was absolutely delicious! I skipped dessert and headed back to my casita. By 9 pm, my body was in a state of optimal relaxation, and I was knocked out.
| “Our interpretation of luxury is relaxed and personal: privacy, space, thoughtful details, and the freedom to enjoy Aruba at your own pace. We call it barefoot luxury - a beautiful stay without the formality.” |
A beach moment
The next morning, I was happy to wake up in my casita. The blackout curtains did their job well. But it was time to open them up and hit the beach for a bit before I checked out. I got dressed and headed to the lobby. I was told Chichi (the beach shuttle), which runs every hour, was ready to go. I jumped in and enjoyed my last moments in “Boardwalk Village.” The beach is only a 3-minute walk from the hotel, or a 1-minute shuttle ride. The hotel offers F&B on-site and provides beach amenities such as snorkeling gear, towels, and portable beach chairs. There is a dedicated beach area reserved for Boardwalk guests, complete with loungers and palapas.
My new favorite place away from the chaos
Aruba isn't chaotic by any means, but at a typical Palm Beach hotel, you’re surrounded by more people and activity. People are coming and going constantly, and life doesn’t slow down. There is so much to do, so much to see. Which has its moments, of course. But at Boardwalk, you’re on a different pace. Your pace. Especially for solo travelers, couples celebrating milestones (10/10 for honeymooners!), or wellness-minded guests, it’s an escape within a vacation escape.
That’s why they recommend staying at least 5 to 7 nights to settle into the Boardwalk rhythm. Enough time for slow mornings and peace of mind. Waking up and listening to your body, mind, and spirit. Not following a rigid schedule because time is limited. That is what a vacation is about, after all. Sometimes doing nothing and having no plans is the best thing you can do.
As I write this, I’m looking at the property map, and there’s so much I didn’t get to explore and so many experiences I still need to have. One day I will disconnect from my digital life and stay at this chic tropical village again. And if I ever get married, this is where I’ll have my staycation honeymoon. I will reconnect with the best mirror in the world in my casita (with the perfect lighting, built-in Facetune). I will have too many drinks at happy hour and enjoy the outdoor shower again. I will try everything on The Coco’s menu. I will sleep in and have slow mornings. Because I deserve it. And so do you!
This stay at Boardwalk may have just ruined all my future hotel stays, because nothing will ever compare. After experiencing the property, the people, and everything in between, even for just a day, its 2 Michelin Keys come as no surprise.
I would like to thank Shari, Cara, Valery, Karol, Suzanne, Karin, and everyone else on the Boardwalk team. Don’t change anything, because it is perfect.
