Different locations in the Caribbean have differing degrees of all-inclusive resorts, and Aruba has a particularly strong number of them. In fact, many Aruban resorts straight-up have the phrase "All-Inclusive" in their name, just to make sure you don't miss it. Here's a guide to some of the most popular ones.
Occidental Grand Aruba All-Inclusive Resort
Occidental Grand has just about everything you could want in a resort. With seven restaurants and six bars (including one at the on-site disco), you won't be hurting for options. The "all-inclusive" aspects include scuba demonstration classes, daily activities at the pool and beach, and nightly entertainment with live music. Tennis is included, with private lessons as an optional extra. Additional optional programs include rounds of 18-hole golf at a nearby course, as well as the "Royal Club," a mini-resort within the Occidental Grand that offers an extra restaurant and lounge, as well as free Wi-Fi.
Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa
Manchebo is a boutique resort offering 72 rooms and providing an emphasis on health and wellness, all located on beautiful Eagle Beach. Three restaurants offer a-la-carte service, and an open bar is available to patrons, as well. A stay of four nights or more gets you an off-property dinner, also. The resort separates its room fees from its meal rates, but its "Premium All-Inclusive Program" is on par with what other resorts offer—which isn't always the case when hotels offer multiple plans like this. The hotel has been Green Globe certified since 2003 and professes a strong commitment to sustainability. They offer classes in yoga and pilates, and there's a spa available. Diving getaways are also available in conjunction with a local partner, but the emphasis seems mostly on relaxation and centering yourself.
Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino
Renaissance Aruba offers 556 rooms and suites in the Aruban capital of Oranjestad. Those accommodations are split between the Ocean Suites and the adults-only Marina Hotel. The facility has four restaurants, three bars, a Starbucks, and a private island. That private island has two separate beaches—again, one geared toward families, the other adult-only. Scuba diving, snorkeling, and more launch from the island, with water taxis ferrying guests back and forth every 15 minutes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The island also has a "spa cove," offering massages at the end of a private walkway overlooking the ocean. Those looking for an all-inclusive experience should explore the "packages" section of their website. Interestingly, they price things out assuming two people are staying, which can be refreshing for people who are pricing things out and see a reasonable rate that's quickly followed by "per person, per night."
Divi Aruba All Inclusive
Divi Aruba has a ton of things going on—10 restaurants and 7 bars, for a start. There are also bikes, tennis courts, free W-Fi, and a sports center that includes a 30-foot climbing wall. As far as the water goes, they offer equipment for catamarans, kayaks, tennis, windsurfing, and snorkeling—and they also teach classes on the latter two. If you want to pick up skills that you can exercise away from the beach, you can learn about casino games, billiards, basketball, and the local Papiamento language. They don't seem to offer scuba diving as an inclusive package, but they do have (for an additional fee) access to their golf course, spa, motorized water sports, and the Alhambra Casino. (Nobody's expecting gambling to somehow be inclusive, right?) The places are kid-friendly, with children under five staying free, and even reduced pricing for older children.
