Westin Aruba Resort: The Caribbean at its Best

Recent renovations have made this former Wyndham property a jewel of the island

On the white sands of Aruba’s Palm Beach is the jewel now known as the Westin Aruba Resort, formerly a Wyndham property that has undergone a stellar $22 million renovation. We found the resort to be relaxing and full of options to make the trip suit our desires—the perfect option for couples, families, a girlfriend’s getaway, weddings, family reunions or any kind of group celebrating something… or nothing at all.

A breathtaking sunset at Westin Aruba's beachfront.

Travel Agent visited the resort (which is about a 15-minute drive from Queen Beatrix International Airport) this month to take a closer look at the new renovation. In short, it is nothing less than spectacular. The lobby is grand but inviting, decorated in soothing, neutral colors. Plush chairs and sitting nooks are placed conveniently away from the bustle of the front doors. Staff members are incredibly friendly and follow up on each and every request, from prompt room service to hand-delivered toiletry kits for those of us in search of toothpaste.

Thanks to the extensive renovation, the resort’s 481 guest rooms are now adorned with the Westin’s signature Heavenly Bed. The sheets, comforter and pillows are ultra-relaxing in the all-white scheme. Each room also features a 32-inch, flat-screen TV, on-command movies, satellite TV, high-speed Internet access, complimentary Starbucks coffee en suite and Westin’s signature Heavenly Bath products and bathrobes. The spacious bathrooms feature granite tile and countertops.

A spacious guest room at the Westin Aruba.

Although all of the rooms have a great view, rooms on the front and even-numbered side have the optimal views (the odd-numbered side of the hotel faces the newly built Riu Hotel). For your most demanding clients, request any of the three Presidential Suites. All are oceanfront suites and are located on floors six, 16 and 18. The sixth-floor suite has a full kitchen. Each suite has a view of the ocean from the bed, and the bathrooms are large, with double sinks, Roman bathtubs and separate showers.

The next-largest suite is a one-bedroom oceanview suite. This room features a parlor with a balcony that is connected to a bedroom with a king-size bed and a large bathroom, similar to the one in the Presidential Suites. Twenty-three one-bedroom suites and 80 junior suites are available, which are a good value at less than the price of a full suite; either is ideal for families. An impressive 192 of the resort’s rooms connect to one another. All rooms except the Presidential Suites can be booked over the GDS, and the resort is pet-friendly.

David Wahba, director of sales and marketing (david.wahba@westin.com), notes that the week of Christmas is especially busy, and recommends booking about nine months in advance if it is your client’s desire to have a Caribbean Christmas. He says that many people prefer to book their next vacation before they leave, ensuring their spot for the following year. Contact Guest Services Manager Vanessa Rasmussin (297-526-4419; vanessa.rasmussen@westin.com) with any special requests for your clients, or General Manager Matt Balcik (297-586-4466, ext. 2411; matt.balcik@westin.com) with any questions.

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