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 sit side by side along world-famous Palm Beach, offering lavish amenities and spacious resort villas. So, when it comes down to Marriott Aruba Surf Club vs. Ocean Club, which is better? It really comes down to your tastes, your group size, and the kind of vacation you want. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what each Marriott Aruba resort offers, compare them side by side, and answer the most common questions travelers ask.
- Effortless Vacations with Marriott Vacation Club
- Marriott Aruba Surf Club
- Marriott Aruba Ocean Club
- Things to Do in Palm Beach Near Marriott Resorts in Aruba
- Marriott Aruba Surf Club vs. Ocean Club: Which Should You Choose?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Marriott Aruba
- Marriott Beach Club and Marriott Aruba Surf Club Rentals
- Buy Marriott Aruba Resales with Timeshares Only
Effortless Vacations with Marriott Vacation Club
Since 1984, Marriott Vacation Club has provided owners and guests alike with inspired vacation experiences. The Marriott standard of quality remains consistent across more than 90 resorts and properties in 55 highly sought-after destinations worldwide, including Aruba.
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.
Here’s why so many travelers choose Marriott Vacation Club:
- Value-driven ownership: Lock in vacation accommodations at today’s prices for years of future stays.
- Flexibility: Use points across dozens of destinations or exchange through Interval International.
- Spacious villas: Skip the cramped hotel room for full kitchens, separate living areas, and room to spread out.
- Resale savings: You can buy a Marriott Vacation Club ownership on the resale market for a fraction of the developer price.
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, and burgers, plus frozen drinks, beer, and cocktails. Later, visit Flip Flop Beach Bar, a walk-up spot that offers quick, delicious fare like quesadillas, salads, and tacos.
For those who never want to leave the refreshing pool, Seaworthy’s Pool Bar features a swim-up bar. There’s also seating on dry land to quench your thirst in the warm Aruba weather. And the on-site marketplace is perfect for grab-and-go food items, fresh coffee, and everyday necessities.
Because every villa (except the studio) comes with a full kitchen, you can also cook your own meals to save money during a longer stay. That mix of dining options and in-villa convenience makes the Surf Club especially friendly for families and budget-minded travelers.
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.
| Villa Type | Bedding | Sleeps |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | King or two doubles | Up to 4 |
| 1-Bedroom | King + sofa bed | Up to 4 |
| 2-Bedroom | King, queen + 2 sofa beds | Up to 8 |
| 3-Bedroom | 2 kings, 2 doubles + 2 sofa beds | Up to 12 |
It’s safe to say you won’t have to worry about having room to stretch your legs. The three-bedroom villas, in particular, make the Surf Club a standout choice for multi-generational trips and large family reunions.
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.
Ocean Club highlights:
- Free-form outdoor pool and whirlpool spa
- Beachfront barbecue grills and picnic area
- Mandara Spa access and on-site shopping corridor
- Fitness center, sports courts, and a putting green
- A quieter, more laid-back atmosphere
Marriott Aruba Ocean Club Dining
Antilla Beach Bar is the perfect place to lounge with an ice-cold beverage. Serving cocktails, wine, and smoothies, it lets you relax and admire the glittering waves as they roll in. But the best is yet to come. Dig into Mexican fare at Campeones Cantina & Tequila Bar, the largest tequila bar in Aruba! Soak in the lively atmosphere and accents of Mexican culture as you enjoy tacos, quesadillas, and other favorites.
For a taste of authentic Aruban flavors, head to Malmok Bar & Grill. This relaxed, beachy restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner amid stunning views of Palm Beach. Finally, the Ocean Café is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner too, dishing up tasty sandwiches and snacks, plus 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.
| Villa Type | Bedding | Sleeps |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom | King + sofa bed | Up to 4 |
| 2-Bedroom | King, queen + 2 sofa beds | Up to 8 |
Enjoy an ocean view or garden view from the balcony of your villa, and cheers to a vacation dream come true. The Ocean Club’s smaller, more intimate footprint makes it ideal for couples and smaller families who want a calmer pace.
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
The resorts are just under six miles from the Casibari Rock Formations. These formations are made 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-degree views of the otherwise flat island. If you work up an appetite, a delicious barbecue bar and 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, making it a great spot if you have an interest in history and nature.
Swim, Shop, and Play Marriott Aruba
The Rock Formations may be nearby, but there’s plenty to do even closer to the Marriott Aruba resorts. As mentioned, both properties sit in Palm Beach, which is dotted with casinos, piers, restaurants, and shops. Local favorite eats include Sultan Restaurant & Cafe, a modern twist on Middle Eastern cuisine, and Hostaria da Vittorio, serving authentic Italian specialties from 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 spot. If you’d rather spend time on the turquoise water, you’re in luck. The calm, crystal-clear sea and vibrant reefs make the beach a comfortable, exciting place for swimmers and snorkelers. Conditions are often pristine for parasailing, kitesurfing, or taking a day cruise.
Visit Arikok National Park
If you want an experience you can only get in Aruba, you have to check out Arikok National Park. This park takes up almost 20 percent of the island and guides guests through a memorable journey of Aruba’s past with its unique geological, cultural, and historical sites. You can explore on your own or through a guided tour, such as a horseback ride to a natural pool.
As you explore the park, you’ll see gorgeous vistas of Aruba’s rugged terrain, desert hills with tall cacti, a breathtaking coastline, and native flora and fauna. Highlights include Jamanota Hill, the highest point on the island, and Fontein Cave, which features pictographs by Aruba’s original inhabitants.
Marriott Aruba Surf Club vs. Ocean Club: Which Should You Choose?
Both resorts share the same prime Palm Beach location, the same Mandara Spa, and the same Marriott standard of quality. So how do you decide? Here’s a simple breakdown:
Choose Marriott Aruba Surf Club if you:
- Travel with kids who’ll love the water slide, lazy river, and activity centers
- Have a large group and need a three-bedroom villa for up to 12 guests
- Want the most pools and family-friendly amenities on-site
Choose Marriott Aruba Ocean Club if you:
- Prefer a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere
- Travel as a couple or smaller family
- Enjoy beachfront barbecues, a putting green, and an intimate vibe
Since the two resorts sit directly across the street from one another, owners and guests at either property can easily enjoy a stroll along Palm Beach and explore everything the area has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marriott Aruba
Marriott Beach Club and Marriott Aruba Surf Club Rentals
Looking for Marriott rentals this summer? At Timeshares Only, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re looking for Marriott Aruba Surf Club rentals or Marriott Aruba Ocean Club rentals, or you just want to browse the rentals marketplace, our rentals market offers some of the best deals for stays at can’t-miss resorts and destinations.
Buy Marriott Aruba Resales with Timeshares Only
Want to buy a timeshare like the Marriott’s in Aruba? Then be sure to check out our resale marketplace! With Timeshares Only, you can secure the vacation of your dreams for a fraction of the cost. If you have any questions about timeshares, feel free to give us a call at 1-800-610-2734 or email us at [email protected].
