Marriott Aruba Surf Club vs. Marriott Aruba Ocean Club

marriott aruba ocean club

Nestled in the turquoise waters of the Southern Caribbean is beautiful Aruba. Though Aruba is just under twenty miles long, it is rich with Dutch Caribbean culture, overflowing with breathtaking sights and unforgettable experiences for the adventurous traveler. Of course, with Marriott Aruba, making once-in-a-lifetime memories comes easy! Marriott Aruba Surf Club and Marriott Aruba Ocean Club are ideally located along Palm Beach and offer lavish amenities and spacious resort villas. So, when it comes down to Marriott Aruba Surf Club vs. Ocean Club and which is better, it’s really up to your tastes. However, in this blog, we’ll break down what the Marriott’s in Aruba offer so you can make the best decision.

Effortless Vacations with Marriott Vacation Club

Marriott Vacation Club

Since 1984, Marriott Vacation Club has provided owners and guests alike with inspired vacation experiences. Moreover, the Marriott-standard of quality remains consistent over their 90-plus resorts and properties at 55 highly sought-after destinations worldwide, such as Aruba!

Further, when you become a Marriott owner, you also gain access to Interval International (II), a vacation exchange program. Use your Club Points to stay at over 3,000 II resorts worldwide, or stay within Marriott’s network of pristine resorts. Either way, you won’t be disappointed.

Marriott Vacation Club Explained

Want to know more about how Marriott Vacation Club works? We’ve written a blog filled with everything you need to know about this spectacular vacation ownership company. Click the button to learn more.

Marriott Aruba Surf Club

Resort Features

Settled along the stunning Palm Beach, Marriott’s Aruba Surf Club is an oceanfront resort with numerous lavish amenities. Enjoy direct access to the white sand beaches of Aruba, complete with thatch tiki huts, a sand volleyball court, and lounge chairs. However, back on the pool deck, this Aruba Marriott resort features a flowing lazy river and multiple swimming pools, including a Serenity Pool for guests looking for a more tranquil experience. Meanwhile, kids can splash in several kiddie pools on-site and ride down the water slide to their heart’s desire.

Let the kids loose to enjoy the playground or sports courts. The Matey’s Hall Activity Center and The Den, featuring video games, crafts, and more, as well as the arcade, are sure to keep the little ones busy in downtime. You, however, will love the Mandara Spa located on-site. From body wraps, facials, and everything in between, Mandara Spa is the perfect place to pamper yourself after an exciting day in Aruba.

Want to keep up with your workout routine? No worries! This resort has a fitness center with plenty of cardio and strength equipment to help you stay in shape. Plus, there are clubTHRIVE fitness classes available to help you push yourself even further. With features like these, it’s no wonder Marriott is one of the best vacation clubs to join.

Marriott Aruba Surf Club Dining

You’ll never go hungry during your stay at Marriott’s Aruba Surf Club. Take a seat on the patio at Captain’s Galley Pool Grill, a casual beachfront restaurant. This bar and grill is open all day, serving American classics such as wings, wraps, burgers, and more, as well as frozen drinks, beer, and cocktails. Later, visit Flip Flop Beach Bar, a walk-up bar that also offers quick, delicious fare, such as quesadillas, salads, tacos, and more.

Additionally, for those who never want to leave the refreshing water of the pool, Seaworthy’s Pool Bar features a swim-up bar. They also have seating on dry land to quench your thirst in the warm Aruba weather. Of course, there is also an on-site marketplace for grab-and-go food items, fresh coffee, and other snacks and necessities.

Accommodations at Aruba Surf Club

After a long day of exploring Aruba’s unique offerings, guests can return to their spacious and luxurious Marriott villas. These bright, airy villas boast separate living and dining areas, full kitchens (excluding the studio), washer/dryer, and furnished balconies with ocean or garden views. Guests can choose a studio, one-, two-, or three-bedroom villas at the Surf Club. 

One-bedroom villas sleep up to four guests can feature a king bed and a sofa bed. Two-bedroom villas add a queen bed and an additional sofa bed into the mix to house eight guests. Lastly, the three-bedroom villas feature two king beds, two double beds, and two sofa beds to bring the maximum occupancy to twelve guests. It’s safe to say you won’t have to worry about having room to stretch your legs.

Marriott Aruba Ocean Club

Resort Features

Just across the street from Marriott’s Aruba Surf Club is Marriott’s Aruba Ocean Club. This top Aruba resort strives for premium style and comfort at an excellent beachfront location. This spectacular resort offers a picnic area and barbecue grills just feet away from the sandy beach. This way, it’s easy to cook out during a beach day. Like Aruba Surf Club, Aruba Ocean Clubs features thatch umbrellas and seating on the white sand beach.

Guests can cool off in an outdoor free-form pool and unwind in the steaming whirlpool spa. Plus, guests who stay at the Aruba Ocean Club resort also have access to the Mandara Spa. Here, they can enjoy a wide variety of treatments for some extra pampering after an adventurous day in Aruba.

Not to mention, you can finish up your spa experience by strolling through the on-site shopping corridor, featuring a hair salon and stores like Tradewinds. To get your blood pumping, visit the sports courts. Likewise, anyone looking for a workout can visit the on-site fitness center, which boasts state-of-the-art equipment to help you stay in shape. But if you want a more relaxing game, head to the putting green on-site and practice your swing.

Marriott Aruba Ocean Club Dining

Antilla Beach Bar is the perfect place to lounge with an ice-cold beverage. Serving cocktails, wine, and smoothies, you can relax and admire the glittering waves as they rush in. But the best is yet to come. Dig into some Mexican fare at Campeones Cantina & Tequila Bar, the largest tequila bar on Aruba! Soak in the lively atmosphere and accents from Mexican culture as you enjoy tacos, quesadillas, and other Mexican favorites.

However, for a taste of authentic Aruban flavors, head to Malmok Bar & Grill. This relaxed, beachy restaurant serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner amidst stunning views of Palm Beach. Finally, the Ocean Café is also open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, serving up tasty sandwiches and snacks, as well as sweet treats and homemade gelato.

Accommodations at Aruba Ocean Club

You can save on luxury this summer with this Marriott resort. Much like Aruba Surf Club, all villas at the Aruba Ocean Club offer separate living and dining areas, as well as fully-equipped kitchens. With modern, updated furnishings, plush, tasteful décor, and generous natural lighting, these gorgeous villas will out-do a hotel room every time.

Guests can choose between a one-bedroom or two-bedroom villa. The one-bedroom villa has a king bed, as well as a sofa bed, thus housing up to four people. Meanwhile, the two-bedroom villa adds a queen bed and a second sofa bed, housing up to eight guests. Enjoy an ocean view or garden view from the balcony of your villa, and cheers to a vacation dream come true.

Things to Do in Palm Beach Near Marriott Resorts in Aruba

While the luxurious resort amenities alone make the Marriott’s in Aruba a can’t-miss destination, both resorts’ locations along Palm Beach are perfect for getting to some of the island’s best attractions quickly and easily. Below, discover top sights and activities within this Caribbean oasis.

Explore Rock Formations

rock formation

The resort is just under six miles from the Casibari Rock Formations. These formations are made up of huge boulders and offer trails to help you hike to the top. Once you reach the peak, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking 360 views of the otherwise flat island. Not to mention, if you work up an appetite, a delicious barbecue bar & grill is nearby with shaded seating.

Just another mile out are the Ayo Rock Formations. This monolithic formation was once considered a sacred site by the island’s original inhabitants. You can find original rock drawings here that date back thousands of years, so this is a great spot to visit if you have an interest in history and nature.

Swim, Shop, and Play Marriott Aruba

marriott aruba palm beach pier

The Rock Formations may be nearby, but there are things to do even closer to the Marriott’s in Aruba. As mentioned before, this resort is located in Palm Beach, which is dotted with casinos, piers, restaurants, and shops. Some local favorite eats include Sultan Restaurant & Cafe, a modern twist on Middle Eastern cuisine, and Hostario da Vittorio, authentic Italian specialties by a master chef.

For a taste of Aruban nightlife, spend an evening dancing at Gusto Night Club, voted Aruba’s #1 bar/club three times in a row, or the Hidden Nightclub, an electrifying backstreet club. However, if you’re looking for time spent on the turquoise waters, there’s plenty in store for you. The calm, crystal-clear waters and vibrant reefs make the beach a comfortable, exciting place for swimmers and snorkelers to explore. Also, conditions are often pristine for parasailing, kitesurfing, or taking a day cruise.

Visit Arikok National Park

horseback tour arikik national park

If you want an experience you can only get in Aruba, then you have to check out the Arikok National Park. This park takes up almost 20 percent of the island and guides guests through a memorable journey of the island’s past with its unique geological, cultural, and historical sites. These sites can all be enjoyed and explored either on your own or through a guided tour, such as the horseback ride tour to a natural pool.

As you explore the park, you’ll see gorgeous vistas of Aruba’s rugged terrain, desert hills with fall cacti, a breathtaking coastline, and native flora and fauna. Some highlights of the park include the Jamanota Hilltop, which is the highest point on the island, and Fontein Cave, which features pictographs by the island’s original inhabitants. 

Marriott Beach Club and Marriott Aruba Surf Club Rentals

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