Honestly, if you’re looking at Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive, you’ve probably seen the photos of those rooms that sit right on the sand. It’s the kind of view that makes you want to delete your email app and never look back. But here’s the thing: most people book this place thinking it’s just another standard Caribbean resort.
It isn't.
There’s a weird, specific rhythm to this property that can either make your vacation the best one ever or leave you feeling kinda confused. You aren't just staying at one hotel. You're basically getting a "two-for-one" deal because of the sister property, Divi Aruba, but if you don't know how to navigate the shuttle or the reservation system, you'll miss half the perks.
The Reality of "Oceanfront" at Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive
Let’s talk about the rooms. Every single room at the Tamarijn is oceanfront.
Usually, "oceanfront" in hotel-speak means you can see a sliver of blue if you crane your neck over the balcony while standing on a chair. Not here. At the Tamarijn, you open your sliding glass door, and the Caribbean Sea is right there. Like, actually there. If you’re on the ground floor, you walk off your patio and your feet hit the sand.
It’s incredible.
But—and there is always a but—the beach changes. Aruba’s trade winds are famous for a reason. Sometimes the sand is wide and powdery; other times, the tide pulls it back and reveals some rocky patches. If you end up in the lower-numbered buildings near the lobby, it’s lively but can be loud. If you want that "deserted island" vibe, people usually aim for buildings 22 through 25.
The rooms themselves got a massive glow-up recently. We’re talking 55-inch Smart TVs and sleek, modern bathrooms. Just don't expect a stocked mini-fridge. They give you these cool reusable metal water bottles (part of their EarthCheck Silver sustainability push), but you’ve gotta fill them yourself at the stations.
Why the "Two-Resort" Setup Matters
You’re staying at the Tamarijn, but you’re also kinda staying at the Divi Aruba All Inclusive next door.
This is the secret sauce.
- You get access to 10+ restaurants.
- You can drink at 8 different bars.
- You have multiple pools to choose from.
The Tamarijn side is generally seen as the "active" side. It’s where the 30-foot rock climbing wall sits right on the beach. It’s where the kids' club (the Sea Turtles Club) is based. If you’ve got kids, this is the side you want.
But if you want a slightly more "refined" pool day, you hop on the golf cart shuttle and head over to the Divi. The shuttle runs constantly, but honestly, the walk along the beach path is better. It takes maybe seven minutes, and the breeze is perfect.
The Food Situation (Don't Wing It)
If you take one piece of advice away from this: make your dinner reservations the second you check in. Actually, do it even earlier if the app lets you.
The buffet at Cunucu Terrace is surprisingly good—they do a live cooking concept now that’s lightyears ahead of the "gray mystery meat" buffets of the 90s. But the à la carte spots are where the value is. Club Margot is the new star of the show. It won a Magellan Award in 2025 for its design, and the family-style Mediterranean menu is legitimately great.
Then there’s Ginger. It’s Asian fusion, and it’s usually the hardest table to get. If you can’t get into Ginger, try Paparazzi for Italian.
One thing that trips people up? The "Beach Bar." There’s a beautiful bar right between the two resorts that looks like it should be included. It isn’t. It’s a separate entity. It has a killer happy hour, but you’ll have to pull out your credit card there. If you want the "free" stuff, stick to the Bunker Bar. It’s built out over the water, and it’s been an Aruba staple for decades.
The Stuff Nobody Tells You
Aruba is windy.
Not "oh, my hair is messy" windy. It’s "my hat just flew into the ocean" windy. This is actually a blessing because it keeps you cool under that intense 12°N latitude sun, but it means the ocean can get a bit choppy.
Also, let’s talk about the towels.
Resorts in Aruba are weirdly protective of their towels. You get a towel card. Don't lose it. If you lose that card, they’ll charge you something like $25. It feels a bit "budget" for a premium resort, but it’s a standard island-wide thing.
If you’re a coffee snob, skip the room coffee. Head to Barista, the new open-air café at the Tamarijn. They do actual lattes and artisanal pastries that feel like they belong in a trendy neighborhood in Brooklyn, not a beach resort. It’s included in your package, which is a massive win.
Is it Worth It in 2026?
The price of all-inclusive in Aruba has gone up, no doubt. But when you factor in that Aruba is one of the more expensive islands to eat out on, the math usually works out in your favor at the Tamarijn.
The resort isn't a "luxury" property in the sense of white-glove butler service. It’s a "fun" property. It’s high-energy. You’ll see families playing beach volleyball, couples drinking Balashi beers at the Bunker Bar, and people trying (and failing) to scale that climbing wall.
It feels like a community.
What You Should Do Next
- Download the Divi & Tamarijn app before you land. It’s the only way to stay on top of the restaurant availability and the daily activity schedule.
- Pack a "Bunker Bar" kit. This means a pair of polarized sunglasses and a high-quality insulated tumbler. Those narrow-mouth metal bottles the resort gives you are okay, but they don't hold ice for long.
- Book your e-bike tour early. The resort offers e-mountain bike tours to places like Boca Catalina for snorkeling. They fill up fast, and they’re easily the best "free" activity on the roster.
- Bring water shoes. Parts of the beach at the Tamarijn are rocky under the surface. You don't want a cut foot ruining your snorkeling.
If you want a vacation where you can literally roll out of bed and into the ocean, the Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive is basically unbeatable. Just remember to book your dinner at Ginger before you even unpack your suitcase.