Divi Aruba All Inclusive
Divi Aruba All Inclusive delivers a genuinely peaceful Caribbean beach experience on one of Aruba's least-crowded stretches of coastline. The compound model with Tamarijn gives guests 12 restaurants, 11 pools, and an activity roster that most mid-range resorts cannot match. Couples and active travelers seeking a calm, unpretentious beach base will be happy here. Guests expecting premium drinks or polished luxury will not.
Divi Aruba All Inclusive: The Honest Review
Aruba has surprisingly few true all-inclusive resorts. While Palm Beach is lined with high-rises that will happily sell you a room-only rate, the list of properties where meals, drinks, and activities are genuinely included narrows fast. Divi Aruba All Inclusive is one of the island’s original all-inclusive options, and it plays a trick that no competitor can match: it is not one resort but part of a four-property compound sharing Druif Beach, connected by free shuttles, with 12 restaurants and 11 pools accessible to every guest.
That compound model is both Divi Aruba’s greatest strength and its most misunderstood feature. This review will cut through the marketing and tell you exactly what you get, what disappoints, and whether the MEGA all-inclusive plan is actually worth your money.
Quick Verdict
Divi Aruba is a solid mid-range all-inclusive that punches above its weight on beach quality and activity breadth but falls short on drink quality and dining logistics. The 2024 renovation has brought 44 rooms into the modern era, and the compound access model genuinely multiplies your options. But this is not a luxury resort — the house-brand-only bar program, the 48-hour reservation window that creates real frustration during peak season, and an underwhelming kids’ club mean you need to calibrate expectations correctly. Best for couples, honeymooners, and active travelers who want a calm beach, plenty to do, and do not need top-shelf cocktails to be happy.
Score: 7.6 / 10
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Druif Beach: calm, uncrowded, mile-long white sand | House spirits only — drinks frequently described as watered-down |
| 12 restaurants and 11 pools via compound access | A la carte reservations open 48 hours ahead only; 2-hour waits at peak |
| E-bike tours to California Lighthouse included | Isolated location — no walkable shops, bars, or restaurants |
| 2024-renovated rooms expanded to 320 sq ft | Unrenovated rooms show significant age |
| Ginger (Asian fusion) is genuinely excellent | Kids Club (Sea Turtles) gets poor reviews |
| Rock climbing wall, windsurfing clinics, tennis program | Shuttle to Tamarijn adds 10-15 min to dining trips |
| Free daily 9-hole golf round included | WiFi inconsistent during peak occupancy |
| EarthCheck Silver certified | Not adults-only — shared family/couple pool areas |
The Resort at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Rooms | 265 |
| Restaurants | 12 (across Divi + Tamarijn compound) |
| Bars | 8 (across compound) |
| Pools | 4 on property, 11 across compound |
| Beach | Druif Beach — 1.5-mile shared white sand |
| Airport Distance | ~15 minutes from Queen Beatrix (AUA) |
| Star Rating | 4-star |
| Chain | Divi Resorts |
| Last Renovation | 2024 ($6 million) |
| Certification | EarthCheck Silver 2025 |
The Compound: Understanding What You Are Actually Booking
Before we talk rooms and restaurants, you need to understand how Divi Aruba works — because it is unlike any other all-inclusive you have probably stayed at.
Divi Aruba shares Druif Beach with three sister properties: Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive, Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort, and Divi Dutch Village Beach Resort. All four are connected by a free shuttle that runs continuously throughout the day.
When you book Divi Aruba All Inclusive, you get full cross-access to Tamarijn Aruba’s restaurants, pools, bars, and beach facilities — and vice versa. That means your 6-restaurant property instantly becomes a 12-restaurant compound. The two timeshare properties (Divi Village and Dutch Village) can purchase a “MEGA All-Inclusive” upgrade to access Divi and Tamarijn’s all-inclusive dining, but it works in only one direction — your Divi Aruba booking does not include access to the timeshare properties’ private pools.
The practical effect: you are booking a mid-range resort but getting a compound-scale experience. The catch is the shuttle. Tamarijn is a 10-15 minute ride away, which makes spontaneous “let’s try that restaurant” decisions feel less spontaneous. Plan your evenings, or eat at Divi.
Rooms and Suites
Divi Aruba has 265 rooms across low-rise buildings spread along Druif Beach. The 2024 renovation is the most important thing that has happened to this resort in years — 44 rooms were expanded by 120 square feet to 320 square feet each, with modernized finishes. Whether you get a renovated room or an older one makes a meaningful difference to your stay.
Garden View (from $310/night)
The entry-level category at 320 square feet (post-renovation). King bed or two queens, patio or balcony, air conditioning. These are in one-to-two-story buildings surrounded by tropical landscaping.
The critical caveat: not all Garden View rooms have been renovated. The 2024 renovation covered 44 rooms total across garden, pool, and ocean view categories. Unrenovated Garden View rooms are closer to 200 square feet and look dated. At booking, explicitly confirm that your assigned room is in the renovated block. This single question will determine whether you are happy with your room or not.
Pool View (from $360/night)
Located in the 2016 Pool View Building — the newest structure on the property. These are consistently modern: 320 square feet with a king or queen bed, built-in fridge, floating desk with pop-up electrical outlets and five USB ports, walk-in shower, and granite double-sink counter.
The balcony overlooks the step-down pools with floating lounge chairs directly below. Solar-heated water and LED lighting throughout make this the most energy-efficient building on property.
This is the best-value room at Divi Aruba. You are guaranteed a modern room (the entire building is from 2016 — no renovation lottery), you get the resort’s most attractive pool area steps away, and the $50/night premium over Garden View is money well spent.
Beachside Casita (from $380/night)
Ground-floor rooms positioned close to the beach. The name is slightly misleading — you are near the beach, but your actual views face garden paths rather than the ocean. The convenience of stepping out your door and being on Druif Beach within a minute is genuine, though. If proximity matters more than views, these work.
Ocean View (from $400/night)
At 320 square feet (renovated units), these offer partial to full ocean views depending on floor assignment. King or queen beds, standard amenities. Some units in this category were included in the 2024 renovation — again, confirm at booking. The ocean views from upper floors are genuinely pretty: you are looking at Druif Beach’s calm turquoise water with Tamarijn’s low-rise buildings in the distance.
Oceanfront Lanai (from $460/night)
Only 20 units exist — 10 ground floor, 10 second floor. This is the room to book if you want the quintessential Caribbean experience: step from your private lanai or patio directly onto Druif Beach. King bed, ocean right there.
These sell out months in advance during peak season (January through April). If Oceanfront Lanai availability is what brought you to Divi Aruba, book three to four months ahead or accept that you will end up in a different category.
Oceanfront Suite (from $520/night)
The top-tier option, and there are only four on the entire property. King bed, en-suite bath with shower and soaking tub, 55-inch smart TV with Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime, and a private terrace looking directly at the ocean. Sleeps up to six (maximum four adults plus two children under 12).
For families who want space and ocean views, this is the play — but with only four units, availability is extremely limited. Book as far in advance as possible.
Our Pick
Pool View room in the 2016 building. At $360/night you get a guaranteed modern room, the resort’s best pool area outside your balcony, and no risk of being assigned an unrenovated unit. The Oceanfront Lanai is objectively the most special room on property, but availability makes it unreliable to plan around.
Food and Dining
Divi Aruba’s dining story has two chapters: what is on your property and what you can access across the compound.
On-Property at Divi Aruba
Red Parrot Restaurant is the signature dining room. Reservations required. The menu runs classic: Argentinian Beef Tenderloin, Beef Bourguignon, Grouper Provencale, and a proper Creme Brulee. You can eat indoors or on the beachside outdoor terrace, which is the better choice on any evening without rain. Red Parrot is not going to blow anyone’s mind with culinary innovation, but it delivers a reliable, pleasant dinner — and “reliable” is higher praise than it sounds in the all-inclusive world.
Pure Lime is Divi Aruba’s Mexican restaurant, opened in 2016 as the first full-service Mexican dining room in Aruba. Open kitchen concept under Executive Chef Lyssette Van Der Biezen. Reservations required. The food is above-average for resort Mexican — do not expect Mexico City authenticity, but the execution is competent.
Pelican Terrace offers live cooking where chefs prepare dishes at your table. No reservations needed. This is a solid casual dinner option when you cannot get a slot at Red Parrot or Pure Lime.
Coco Grill & Bar is the casual poolside and beachside grill. Burgers, grilled items, bar snacks. Exactly what you expect.
Le Cafe handles breakfast with gourmet coffees, teas, and light morning fare.
Across the Compound at Tamarijn
This is where the compound model earns its keep. Via the shuttle, you gain access to:
Ginger — the culinary highlight of the entire four-property compound. Asian fusion with handcrafted sushi rolls, wok mains, Tokyo Beef, and steamed Bao Buns. Ginger is the restaurant that repeat guests rave about. Reserve the moment the 48-hour window opens — this fills first, every time.
Palm Grill — hibachi-style teppanyaki experience. Entertaining and fun, particularly if you are traveling in a group.
Paparazzi Ristorante — Italian a la carte with ocean views. However, recent 2025 reviews flag inconsistency here. Some nights are fine; others are bland. Manage expectations.
Club Margot — Mediterranean-Caribbean family-style dining with curated set menus and sunset views.
Cunucu Terrace — Tamarijn’s main buffet with live cooking stations.
Pizza Per Tutti — casual pizza and Italian snacks, great for families with kids who want something quick.
Bars and Drinks
Eight bars span the compound: Sandpiper Bar (beach) and Pelican Bar (poolside) at Divi, a poolside bar at the Pool View Building, plus Bunker Bar and Coconuts Bar at Tamarijn.
Here is where honesty is important: the drinks program is Divi Aruba’s biggest weakness. House spirits only — no premium brands, no top-shelf upgrades, no bottled or canned beer, and a wine selection that multiple guests describe as poor. Worse, numerous 2025 reviews report drinks that taste watered-down or low-proof. If you are a cocktail person, a craft beer lover, or someone who expects a decent glass of wine at dinner, you will be disappointed. This is not comparable to what you would get at RIU Palace Aruba or Secrets Baby Beach.
If you care about this — and many travelers understandably do — factor it into your decision. Some guests bring their own bottles of rum or tequila to supplement. Just know what you are walking into.
Food Quality Verdict
The specialty restaurants (Red Parrot, Ginger, Pure Lime) are solid — not destination dining, but respectable all-inclusive fare. The buffets at Pelican Terrace and Cunucu Terrace are adequate for breakfast and lunch but will not excite you. The compound model’s real value is variety: with 12 dining options across two properties, you can eat somewhere different every night of a week-long stay without repeating. The drinks drag the overall food-and-beverage experience down significantly.
Beach and Pools
Druif Beach
This is Divi Aruba’s best feature, and it is not close.
Druif Beach is a mile-long stretch of fine white sand on Aruba’s southern coast, shared between Divi and Tamarijn. The water is calm and turquoise — calmer than Palm Beach thanks to the southern position — and the beach is significantly less crowded than Eagle Beach or the Palm Beach hotel strip. Aruba’s trade winds blow debris away from shore, so seaweed is minimal compared to eastern-facing Caribbean beaches.
Beach chairs, umbrellas, and palapas are included. Natural shade from the trees lining the beach is also plentiful. The one caveat: during peak season, chair-saving competition is real. Guests who want a prime spot near the water should plan to be out before 8 AM to claim their chairs.
If you are choosing between Divi Aruba and a Palm Beach property primarily for beach quality, Divi wins. Druif Beach is quieter, less commercial, and the water is reliably calm for swimming. The tradeoff is that you are isolated — there is nothing walkable beyond the resort compound.
Pools
Divi Aruba has four pools on property, with 11 total across the compound.
The Main Pool is the social hub, with a swim-up bar and lounge chairs. Entertainment happens nearby in the evenings.
The Pool View Building pools are the standout. Two step-down pools with floating lounge chairs, cabanas, and poolside bar access. These skew slightly more adult in atmosphere and are the most Instagram-worthy spot on the property. If you booked a Pool View room, these are literally outside your balcony.
The Tamarijn pools (accessible via shuttle) have a younger, more energetic vibe with ocean views. If Divi’s pools feel too quiet, head to Tamarijn for more energy and nightlife.
Activities and Entertainment
Daytime Activities
This is another area where Divi Aruba outperforms its price point. The included activity roster is genuinely broad:
- E-mountain bike tours with a guide to the California Lighthouse and island landmarks — this is a standout that you will not find at most all-inclusive resorts anywhere in the Caribbean
- Water sports: kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling (with equipment and a beginner clinic), and windsurfing lessons
- 30-foot rock climbing wall in the fitness center
- Tennis clinics with courts
- Fitness classes: yoga, Pilates, Zumba, water aerobics
- Beach volleyball
- Golf: one complimentary 9-hole round per person per day at The Links at Divi Aruba, available from 10:30 AM
The e-bike tours are genuinely special. Guided rides across the island’s rugged northern coast to the California Lighthouse are the kind of experience that makes a vacation memorable — and they are included in your rate. Most resorts at this price point offer kayaks and snorkel gear and call it a day.
Evening Entertainment
Nightly entertainment runs consistently: live music, fire shows, and themed events at the main pool area. The entertainment is competent resort programming — not destination-worthy, but enough to fill an evening if you are not heading off-property.
For livelier nightlife, head to Tamarijn via shuttle. The pool and bar area there has more energy after dark, particularly on weekends.
Kids’ Club
The Sea Turtles Club accepts children ages 4 to 12. Multiple 2025 reviews describe it as underwhelming — limited programming, no water slides or splash areas in the pool zone, and staffing that does not inspire confidence. If you are choosing Divi Aruba specifically for your kids, this is not the property. Holiday Inn Aruba and even the Barcelo Aruba offer stronger family programming.
One additional note: some reviews suggest that the kids’ club for 4-year-olds may carry an additional fee around $150/day. Confirm the current policy at booking.
Spa and Wellness
Indulgence by the Sea is an independently operated spa on Divi Aruba’s grounds. Full-service menu: massages, facials, body treatments, manicures, and pedicures. The skincare lines are a cut above typical resort spas — Eminence Organic Skincare, Farm House Fresh, and Aromatherapy Associates.
All spa treatments cost extra. Nothing is included in the all-inclusive plan, and you need to book directly with the spa. Not unusual for a mid-range AI, but worth noting.
What Is Included vs. What Costs Extra
| Included | Extra Cost |
|---|---|
| All meals at 12 restaurants across compound | Spa treatments (Indulgence by the Sea) |
| Unlimited drinks at 8 bars (house spirits) | Scuba diving |
| Non-motorized water sports (kayak, SUP, snorkel, windsurf) | Motorized water sports |
| E-mountain bike tours with guide | Off-property excursions |
| Tennis clinics and courts | Premium/top-shelf alcohol |
| Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, water aerobics | Room service (confirm at booking) |
| 30-foot rock climbing wall and fitness center | Casino (off-property) |
| Sea Turtles Kids Club (ages 4-12) | MEGA AI upgrade (for Village/Dutch Village guests) |
| Nightly entertainment and live music | |
| Free shuttle across all 4 compound properties | |
| 1 daily 9-hole golf round per person | |
| WiFi (quality varies) | |
| Beach chairs, umbrellas, and palapas | |
| Taxes and service charges |
Pricing and How to Book
Price Ranges by Season
| Season | Dates | Garden View | Pool View | Oceanfront Lanai | Oceanfront Suite |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peak | Jan - Apr | $420 - $550 | $460 - $580 | $550 - $650 | $650 - $750 |
| Shoulder | May - Jul, Nov - Dec | $340 - $430 | $380 - $460 | $460 - $540 | $540 - $620 |
| Low | Aug - Oct | $310 - $380 | $360 - $420 | $420 - $480 | $480 - $550 |
| Holiday | Dec 20 - Jan 2 | $500+ | $540+ | $600+ | $700+ |
Aruba sits outside the hurricane belt, which means low season (September through November) is genuinely viable here — you get 20-30% lower pricing with only slightly more rain. Unlike Cancun or Jamaica, you are not gambling on hurricane season.
Best Time to Book
Book three to four months ahead for peak season (January through April). Six weeks out generally works for shoulder and low seasons. If you want an Oceanfront Lanai or Oceanfront Suite, book as early as possible — with only 20 and 4 units respectively, these categories sell out fast.
Where to Book
Direct through diviandtamarijnaruba.com often has the best rates plus room category specials. For package deals bundling airfare, check CheapCaribbean, Apple Vacations, United Vacations, and JetBlue Vacations — these regularly offer competitive all-inclusive packages to Aruba that can undercut booking flights and hotel separately.
One booking tip that will meaningfully improve your stay: confirm your room is in the 2024-renovated block or the 2016 Pool View Building. This is worth a phone call after booking. The difference between a renovated and unrenovated room is the difference between a pleasant vacation and a frustrating one.
Check latest prices at Divi Aruba All Inclusive →
Compared to Nearby Resorts
vs. Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive
Tamarijn is Divi’s sister property — essentially the other half of the same compound. The key difference: all Tamarijn rooms are oceanfront, while Divi has garden, pool, and ocean views. Tamarijn has a younger, livelier vibe with more nightlife energy, and most of the compound’s specialty restaurants (Ginger, Palm Grill, Paparazzi) are actually at Tamarijn. If you want oceanfront guaranteed and a more social atmosphere, book Tamarijn. If you prefer the quieter, more couples-oriented side with the newer Pool View Building pools, book Divi. Either way, you access both.
vs. Barcelo Aruba
Barcelo sits on Palm Beach — the polar opposite of Druif Beach. With 373 rooms, 7 restaurants, and direct Palm Beach access, Barcelo delivers a livelier, more connected location. You can walk to shops, bars, and restaurants. Drink quality is comparable (house brands), and the price is slightly higher. Choose Barcelo if location and walkability matter more than beach calm and activity breadth.
vs. Hotel RIU Palace Aruba
RIU Palace is the true 5-star all-inclusive on the island. On Palm Beach, 408 rooms, 24-hour AI service, and — crucially — top-shelf spirits. If the drinks complaint about Divi would genuinely bother you, RIU Palace is the answer. It is significantly more expensive ($400-$700/night) and much larger and busier, but the drinks and service are in a different league. Worth the premium for guests who prioritize bar quality.
vs. Secrets Baby Beach Aruba
The island’s newest luxury option (opened June 2025), adults-only, with Hyatt points value. Secrets is nearly double the price of Divi and targets a completely different guest — couples seeking luxury seclusion. Baby Beach is extraordinary, though Secrets is not directly on it. If you have the budget or Hyatt points, Secrets is the better experience. If you want more value and a genuinely beachfront property, Divi is the smarter pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Divi Aruba guests eat at Tamarijn’s restaurants?
Yes — full cross-access is included in your all-inclusive plan. You can eat at any of Tamarijn’s restaurants (Ginger, Palm Grill, Paparazzi, Club Margot, Cunucu Terrace, Pizza Per Tutti) at no extra cost. You will need to take the free shuttle, which runs continuously and takes about 10-15 minutes each way. Specialty restaurants at Tamarijn still require reservations through the resort app.
How does the 48-hour reservation system work?
A la carte restaurants (Red Parrot and Pure Lime at Divi; Ginger, Palm Grill, Paparazzi, and Club Margot at Tamarijn) require reservations made through the resort app. The booking window opens exactly 48 hours before the meal time — no pre-trip reservations allowed. During peak season (January through April), popular slots at Ginger and Red Parrot fill within minutes. Set reminders on your phone and book the moment the window opens. Walk-in waits of two hours have been reported during busy periods.
Is the 2024 renovation finished?
Yes. The $6 million renovation completed in August 2024, covering 44 rooms across garden view, pool view, and ocean view categories. Each renovated room was expanded by 120 square feet to 320 square feet with modern finishes. However, not all rooms in those categories have been renovated — confirm your specific room assignment at or after booking. The 2016 Pool View Building was already modern and was not part of the renovation scope.
Is Divi Aruba good for families with young children?
It can work, but it is not optimized for families. The Sea Turtles Kids Club (ages 4-12) receives consistently poor reviews — limited programming, no splash areas, and underwhelming staffing. The pools have no water slides. The beach is calm and safe for swimming, which is a genuine plus for families with small children. But if kids’ programming is a priority, Holiday Inn Aruba or Barcelo Aruba are stronger choices.
Do I need a rental car?
Not strictly, but it helps. Divi Aruba is isolated on Druif Beach with nothing walkable beyond the compound. The free shuttle connects the four Divi properties, but if you want to explore Oranjestad, Palm Beach, Baby Beach, Arikok National Park, or the island’s restaurants, a rental car ($40-$60/day in Aruba) will transform your trip. Many guests rent for two or three days mid-stay and rely on the resort for the rest.
What is the MEGA All-Inclusive plan?
The MEGA AI plan is an upgrade available to guests staying at the two timeshare properties (Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort and Divi Dutch Village Beach Resort). It adds full dining and bar access to Divi Aruba and Tamarijn Aruba. If you are booking Divi Aruba All Inclusive directly, you already have full compound access — the MEGA plan does not apply to you.
Final Verdict
Divi Aruba All Inclusive scores a 7.6 out of 10.
Divi Aruba is the best mid-range all-inclusive in Aruba for travelers who prioritize beach quality, activity variety, and compound-scale dining options over luxury finishes and premium drinks. Druif Beach alone justifies the stay — it is one of Aruba’s most beautiful and least crowded stretches of coastline, and you wake up to it every morning.
The compound model with Tamarijn is the property’s secret weapon. Twelve restaurants, 11 pools, e-bike tours, golf, a rock climbing wall, windsurfing clinics — the breadth of what is included in a $310-$550/night rate is genuinely impressive. The 2024 renovation has addressed the biggest historical complaint (dated rooms), and the Pool View Building pools remain the most photogenic amenity on property.
But do not book Divi Aruba if you care deeply about cocktails. The house-spirits-only bar program with watered-down drinks is a real problem that the resort has not addressed. Do not book if you expect seamless a la carte dining — the 48-hour reservation window creates genuine friction. And do not book for a family-focused trip expecting excellent kids’ programming.
Book Divi Aruba if: you want a calm, activity-rich Caribbean beach vacation at a fair price, you are a couple or honeymooner who values beach over bar, or you are an active traveler excited about e-bike tours and water sports.
Skip Divi Aruba if: you want premium drinks, walkable nightlife, a strong kids’ program, or true luxury service.
For Aruba specifically, Divi Aruba occupies a sweet spot that is hard to replicate: genuine all-inclusive value on a genuinely beautiful, quiet beach. On an island where true all-inclusive options are limited, that combination still counts for a lot.