The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba

"The old adage of getting what you pay for rings true here—while it may be a splurge, it will be an unforgettable stay. The rooms are quiet, the beds are comfortable, and in my opinion, this is the best stretch of beach on the island. If you’re looking for luxury, the Ritz is the top of the line. Guests who stay in the 320 spacious and chic rooms can expect to be spoiled. Servers cruise around the shore on Segway scooters, effortlessly balancing trays of tropical cocktails. The concierge can secure reservations for you at sold-out restaurants, set up offsite tours, and suggest itineraries for any kind of traveler. The 15,000-square-foot spa at the Ritz is one of the largest and best on the island, and the property's on-site restaurants are simply divine. The vibe is upscale without being stuffy, with guests in the elevators side by side wearing pool towels and Prada." - Jacqueline Dole

"A seafront resort with 320 rooms featuring a turquoise-and-yellow color scheme. Activities include windsurfing, catamaran sailing, and nature-based kids programs. Indoor amenities include a spa and a 24-hour gym." - Kathryn Romeyn, Devorah Lev-Tov

"Backed by the aquamarine waters of Palm Beach, the Ritz-Carlton Aruba’s 320 rooms are generously sized, with cheery turquoise-and-yellow color schemes and balconies overlooking the sea. Aruba’s north shore has famously white sand that squeaks under foot, swimmable water for all ages, and unobstructed trade winds from the eastern Caribbean that make windsurfing one of the must-do local activities." - Laura Dannen Redman

"The island’s only luxury resort, features 320 rooms, each with an oversize private balcony. The hotel offers a Club Level lounge, two swimming pools, a 15,000-square-foot spa, fitness center, and 15,000-square-foot casino that defies expectations—what Brezovar describes as “subtle yet classy.” Seven “always-relevant” world-class food and beverage venues serve up something for every gourmet’s sophisticated taste, she says."

"Travelers hoping to find the lap of luxury in Aruba need look no further than the Ritz-Carlton. Backed by the aquamarine waters of Palm Beach, the resort’s 320 rooms are generously sized, with cheery turquoise-and-yellow color schemes and balconies overlooking the ocean. Leisure pursuits can be as easy as a daytime doze in a poolside cabana or as strenuous as a catamaran sailing trip complete with a diving lesson. Need a break from all that sun? Indoor facilities include a spa that specializes in island-inspired treatments (think full-body massages with local aloe and divi-divi tree oil) and a state-of-the-art gym that opens at 6 a.m. so guests can sneak in early-morning workouts. Before you roll your eyes, consider the four on-site restaurants (BLT Steak, from noted chef Laurent Tourondel, is a favorite). For an even more memorable experience, staff can arrange a private sunset dinner on the beach to the tune of a serenading violinist." - AFAR Editors