Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive

Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive: The Honest Review

Aruba’s all-inclusive scene is surprisingly thin. Most of the high-rises along Palm Beach sell room-only rates, and genuine all-inclusive properties — where meals, drinks, and activities are truly bundled — can be counted on one hand. Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive is one of the originals, and it has a selling point that none of its competitors can touch: every single one of its 236 rooms faces the ocean. Not “partial ocean view.” Not “garden view with a peek of blue if you lean off the balcony.” Every room, oceanfront.

That guarantee, combined with its position on Druif Beach and cross-access to 12 restaurants across the Divi compound, makes Tamarijn one of the most interesting mid-range all-inclusive options in Aruba. But “interesting” is not the same as “flawless.” The drinks program is a genuine weakness, the restaurant reservation system will test your patience, and the 3-star bones show through in places. Here is the full picture.

Quick Verdict

Tamarijn Aruba is a solid mid-range all-inclusive that wins on beach access, ocean views, and activity breadth — and loses on drink quality and dining logistics. The all-oceanfront guarantee is not marketing fluff: you genuinely wake up to turquoise water every morning regardless of room category. The compound model with sister property Divi Aruba unlocks 12 restaurants and 11 pools, and the included daily golf round is a perk that no other all-inclusive in Aruba offers. But the house-spirits-only bar program with consistently reported weak pours, the 48-hour reservation scramble for specialty restaurants, and mediocre snack options between meals keep it from punching into the next tier. Best for couples, active travelers, and repeat Aruba visitors who care more about ocean proximity and watersports than cocktail quality.

Score: 7.4 / 10

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
All 236 rooms are genuinely oceanfront — no lottery	House spirits only; drinks described as watered-down
Ginger (Asian fusion) is the compound’s best restaurant	A la carte reservations open 48 hours ahead; Ginger fills in minutes
12 restaurants + 8 bars via compound cross-access	Bar food and poolside snacks are sub-par
Free 9-hole golf daily — unique in Aruba	Kids Club (Sea Turtles) gets poor reviews
Druif Beach is calm, uncrowded, and beautiful	Isolated from Palm Beach shopping and nightlife
Windsurfing, kayaking, biking, rock wall all included	End-side rooms get highway and event noise
Lower key and more social than the Divi side	Rooms are compact at 306 sq ft (Deluxe category)

The Resort at a Glance

Detail	Info
Rooms	236 (all oceanfront)
Restaurants	12 (across Divi + Tamarijn compound)
Bars	8 (across compound)
Pools	Multiple on-site, 11 across compound
Beach	Druif Beach — 1.5-mile shared white sand
Airport Distance	20-25 minutes from Queen Beatrix (AUA)
Star Rating	3-star
Chain	Divi Resorts
Adults Only	No — families welcome

The Compound: How Tamarijn Actually Works

You cannot understand Tamarijn without understanding the Divi compound. Tamarijn is one of four Divi properties sharing a 1.5-mile stretch of Druif Beach: Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive, Divi Aruba All Inclusive, Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort, and Divi Dutch Village Beach Resort.

When you book Tamarijn, you get full cross-access to Divi Aruba’s restaurants, pools, bars, and beach facilities — and vice versa. A free shuttle runs continuously between the properties, and they are also connected by a walkable beachside path. That means your booking at a 236-room property effectively gives you a compound-scale experience with 12 restaurants, 8 bars, and 11 pools.

Here is what most guests miss: the specialty restaurants are split between the two properties. Ginger, Paparazzi, Palm Grill, Club Margot, and Pizza Per Tutti are at Tamarijn. Red Parrot and Pure Lime are at Divi. You will use both sides during your stay, and the shuttle adds about 10-15 minutes to each trip. Plan accordingly — spontaneous cross-compound dinner decisions are less spontaneous when a shuttle is involved.

Rooms and Suites

Tamarijn’s rooms are housed in low-rise, two-story buildings positioned directly on Druif Beach. The architecture is straightforward — nothing flashy, no towering high-rises — but the payoff is immediate: every room faces the ocean. This is Tamarijn’s signature differentiator over sister property Divi Aruba, where many rooms face gardens or pools instead.

Deluxe Oceanfront (from $482/night)

The entry-level room at 306 square feet. King bed or two queens, patio (ground floor) or balcony (second floor), air conditioning, flat-screen TV, and WiFi. The furnishings are functional but not luxurious — this is a 3-star property and the rooms reflect it. What you are paying for is the view: open your patio door and Druif Beach is right there, turquoise water and white sand filling your entire sightline.

At 306 square feet, these are not spacious. Two guests with large suitcases will feel the squeeze. But you are not spending your day inside — you are spending it on the beach ten steps from your door.

Premium Oceanfront (from $580/night)

At 347 square feet, you gain about 40 square feet of breathing room plus upgraded furnishings described as “smart furniture.” Same oceanfront view, same patio or balcony setup. The premium over Deluxe is around $100/night — whether that is worth it depends on how much time you spend in your room. For most guests who are out on the beach, at the pool, or at dinner, the Deluxe is perfectly adequate.

Spacious Oceanfront (from $650/night)

The largest room category at 443 square feet — roughly 45% more space than the Deluxe. If you are staying a full week and want room to spread out, or if you are traveling as a couple who values in-room comfort, this is the upgrade that makes a real difference. Still oceanfront, still a balcony, just more room to live in.

Our Pick

Deluxe Oceanfront. At Tamarijn, the view is identical across all three categories — every room faces the ocean. The $100-$170/night premium for Premium or Spacious buys you square footage, not a better view or better location. For couples who plan to spend their days outside, save the money and put it toward an off-property dinner or an island excursion instead.

Food and Dining

Dining at Tamarijn is really dining across the Divi compound. You have access to 12 restaurants and 8 bars total — a number that gives you genuine variety over a week-long stay. The specialty restaurants are split between Tamarijn and Divi, so plan on using the shuttle at least a few evenings.

At Tamarijn

Ginger is the crown jewel of the entire four-property compound. Asian fusion with handcrafted sushi rolls, wok-fired mains, Tokyo Beef, and steamed Bao Buns. This is the restaurant repeat guests build their dinner schedule around, and for good reason — it is genuinely good, not just “good for all-inclusive.” The catch: reservations open exactly 48 hours in advance through the resort app, and Ginger fills within minutes of the window opening. Download the app before you arrive and set calendar reminders. This is not optional advice — it is the single most important tip for your stay.

Paparazzi Ristorante serves Italian a la carte with ocean views. February 2026 reviews praised generous portions and solid quality. Reservations required. A reliable choice when Ginger is booked, which it will be.

Palm Grill offers hibachi-style teppanyaki with live cooking. Fun for groups, entertaining for couples, and reservation required. Not the strongest food on the compound, but the experience makes up for it.

Cunucu Terrace is the main buffet — live cooking stations for breakfast and lunch. Breakfast here is adequate. Lunch is forgettable. Use it for convenience, not culinary excitement.

Pizza Per Tutti is casual poolside pizza. Exactly what it sounds like. Fine for a late-afternoon bite when you do not want to leave the pool area.

Club Margot serves a Mediterranean-Caribbean set menu format. A decent option when you want something different without the reservation scramble.

At Divi (via shuttle)

Cross the compound and you add Red Parrot (the Divi side’s signature fine dining — Argentinian beef tenderloin, grouper provencale), Pure Lime (Aruba’s first full-service Mexican restaurant), Pelican Terrace (live cooking buffet), Coco Grill & Bar (casual), and Le Cafe (breakfast).

Bars and Drinks

Eight bars span the compound, including Bunker Bar and Coconuts Bar on the Tamarijn side, plus a swim-up bar at the pool.

Now for the honest part: the drinks program is Tamarijn’s biggest weakness. Confirmed brands include Captain Morgan, Jameson, Absolut, and Kentucky Bourbon — mid-tier spirits, not bottom shelf but decidedly not premium. Select wines and champagne are included. Beer is on tap.

Multiple 2025 and 2026 reviews report drinks that taste watered-down or low-proof. This is a consistent complaint, not an isolated incident. If you are someone who notices the difference between Absolut and Grey Goose, between Captain Morgan and Diplomatico, you will notice here. If you are a craft cocktail enthusiast or wine lover, this will disappoint you.

This is the single biggest factor in deciding between Tamarijn and a competitor like RIU Palace Aruba, which includes premium spirits, 24-hour service, and in-room liquor dispensers. The price difference is real, but so is the drinks quality gap.

Food Quality Verdict

The specialty restaurants — Ginger especially, but also Paparazzi and Red Parrot — deliver respectable all-inclusive dining. The buffets are functional but uninspiring. The bar food and between-meal snack options are sub-par. The compound model’s value is variety: 12 restaurants mean you eat somewhere different every night without repeating. The drinks drag the overall food-and-beverage grade down meaningfully.

Beach and Pools

Druif Beach

This is why you book Tamarijn. Period.

Druif Beach is a 1.5-mile stretch of fine white sand on Aruba’s southwestern coast, shared between Tamarijn and Divi. The water is calm, turquoise, and warmer than you expect. Because Druif sits south of the main Palm Beach hotel strip, it is significantly less crowded — no jet ski operators buzzing past, no cruise ship day-trippers claiming half the beach, no high-rise shadows cutting your afternoon sun short.

Aruba’s constant trade winds keep the beach clean and make Druif a popular spot for windsurfing — which is conveniently included in your rate. The winds can make beach lounging breezy on some days, but they also mean the water stays flat and the sand stays clear of seaweed.

Beach chairs, umbrellas, and towels are included. Because Tamarijn’s rooms are in low-rise buildings directly on the sand, your walk from bed to beach chair is measured in steps, not minutes. During peak season (January through April), the best spots go early — plan to claim chairs before 8 AM if you want front-row positioning.

If beach quality is your top priority and you are comparing Tamarijn to Palm Beach properties like Barcelo Aruba, Tamarijn wins on calm water, space, and atmosphere. The tradeoff is isolation — Druif Beach has no walkable shops, bars, or restaurants beyond the resort compound.

Pools

Tamarijn has multiple pools on its side of the compound, including a swim-up bar pool that serves as the social hub during the day. The vibe is active and social — livelier than the Divi side’s more couples-oriented atmosphere.

Via the compound, you access 11 pools total. The standout is the Pool View Building step-down pools at Divi, with floating lounge chairs and a more Instagram-worthy setting. If Tamarijn’s pool scene feels too lively, walk or shuttle to Divi for something quieter.

Activities and Entertainment

Daytime Activities

Tamarijn leans hard into its active-traveler identity, and the included activity roster reflects it:

• Windsurfing — Druif Beach’s trade winds make this genuinely good, not just a token offering
• Kayaking and snorkeling with gear provided
• Biking — explore beyond the compound on two wheels
• Rock climbing wall — 30-foot wall in the fitness center
• Tennis — courts and clinics included
• Golf — one complimentary 9-hole round per person per day at The Links at Divi Aruba, available from 10:30 AM tee times. This is Tamarijn’s stealth MVP perk. No other all-inclusive in Aruba includes daily golf. The course is not championship-caliber, but it is a real 9-hole layout and it is free, every day, for every guest.
• Daily activity program — fitness classes, water aerobics, beach volleyball

For active travelers and watersports enthusiasts, this lineup is hard to beat at the price point. Most mid-range all-inclusives hand you a kayak and call it a day. Tamarijn adds windsurfing, golf, rock climbing, and biking.

Evening Entertainment

Nightly entertainment runs consistently: live music, themed events, and shows at the pool area. The programming is standard resort fare — not destination-worthy, but enough for a pleasant evening without leaving the compound.

Tamarijn’s side tends to have more energy after dark than the Divi side. If you want the liveliest evening on the compound, stay put. If you want something quieter, shuttle to Divi.

A Note on Families

Tamarijn welcomes families, but the Sea Turtles Kids Club (ages 4-12) is not a selling point. Reviews consistently describe underwhelming programming, no water slides or splash areas, and limited engagement. If a strong kids’ program is important, look at Holiday Inn Aruba or Barcelo Aruba instead. Tamarijn is better suited to couples, groups of friends, and families with older kids who can enjoy the watersports.

Spa and Wellness

Indulgence by the Sea operates independently on the Divi compound. It offers massages, facials, body treatments, and salon services using premium product lines: Eminence Organic Skincare, Farm House Fresh, and Aromatherapy Associates. All treatments cost extra — nothing is included in the all-inclusive rate. Book directly with the spa at spaaruba.com.

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 (mid-tier spirits)	Certified scuba diving
Non-motorized water sports (windsurf, kayak, snorkel, bike)	Motorized water sports
1 daily 9-hole golf round per person	Off-property excursions
Rock climbing wall and fitness center	Premium/top-shelf spirits (not available)
Tennis courts
Daily activity program
Nightly entertainment and live music
Free shuttle across compound properties
WiFi
Beach chairs, umbrellas, and towels
Taxes and service charges

Pricing and How to Book

Price Ranges by Season

Season	Dates	Deluxe Oceanfront	Premium Oceanfront	Spacious Oceanfront
Peak	Jan - Apr	$580 - $750	$680 - $800	$750 - $850
Shoulder	May - Jul, Nov - Dec	$520 - $600	$600 - $700	$680 - $780
Low	Aug - Oct	$482 - $540	$580 - $640	$650 - $720
Holiday	Dec 20 - Jan 2	$700+	$780+	$850+

Aruba sits outside the hurricane belt, so low season (August through October) is a genuinely viable time to visit — you save 15-25% with only marginally more rain. Unlike Cancun or Jamaica, you are not rolling the dice on a hurricane.

Best Time to Book

Book three to four months ahead for peak season (January through April). For shoulder and low seasons, six weeks out generally works. Tamarijn does not have the same room-category scarcity as Divi (no ultra-limited Oceanfront Suites), but peak-season availability still tightens fast.

Where to Book

Direct through diviandtamarijnaruba.com typically offers competitive rates and occasional room upgrade promotions. For package deals bundling airfare, check Apple Vacations, CheapCaribbean, and JetBlue Vacations — these regularly offer all-inclusive Aruba packages that beat booking flights and hotel separately.

Critical pre-arrival step: download the Divi & Tamarijn app before you arrive. Specialty restaurant reservations are managed exclusively through the app, and the 48-hour booking window means you need to be ready from day one.

Check latest prices at Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive →

Compared to Nearby Resorts

vs. Divi Aruba All Inclusive

Divi Aruba is Tamarijn’s sister property — the other half of the same compound. The fundamental difference: Divi has garden, pool, and ocean view room categories, while Tamarijn guarantees oceanfront for every guest. Divi’s 2024-renovated rooms and 2016 Pool View Building are more modern than Tamarijn’s standard furnishings. Divi skews quieter and more couples-oriented; Tamarijn is livelier with a more social, active-traveler atmosphere. Most of the compound’s best specialty restaurants (Ginger, Paparazzi, Palm Grill) are physically at Tamarijn, which is a practical convenience advantage. If guaranteed ocean views matter more than modern room finishes, book Tamarijn. If you want the newer rooms and do not mind a garden view, Divi is the better value starting at $310/night.

vs. Barcelo Aruba

Barcelo Aruba sits on Palm Beach — walkable nightlife, shops, and off-property restaurants that Tamarijn’s Druif Beach location cannot match. Barcelo has 373 rooms, 6 restaurants (no compound sharing), and a lagoon-shaped pool with swim-up bar. Food quality is comparable (both get mixed reviews), and drink quality is similarly mid-tier. Barcelo’s Kyoto teppanyaki is excellent. The main tradeoff: Barcelo has a severe beach chair competition problem (guests arriving at 4:30 AM), and Palm Beach is busier. If walkability and location matter, choose Barcelo. If beach quality and ocean-view rooms matter, choose Tamarijn.

vs. RIU Palace Aruba

RIU Palace Aruba is playing in a different league: 5-star, Palm Beach, 24-hour all-inclusive with premium spirits and in-room liquor dispensers. If Tamarijn’s drinks quality would genuinely bother you — and for many travelers it does — RIU Palace solves that problem completely. The price is higher ($400-$700/night), the beach is busier, and the property is much larger. But the drinks, the 24-hour service, and the overall polish are worth the premium if bar quality ranks high on your priority list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Tamarijn guests eat at Divi Aruba’s restaurants?

Yes — full cross-access is included in your all-inclusive rate. You can eat at Red Parrot, Pure Lime, Pelican Terrace, Coco Grill, and Le Cafe at Divi Aruba at no extra charge. Take the free shuttle (10-15 minutes) or walk along the beach path. Specialty restaurants at Divi still require reservations through the resort app, subject to the same 48-hour booking window.

How does the 48-hour restaurant reservation system work?

Specialty a la carte restaurants (Ginger, Paparazzi, Palm Grill, Club Margot at Tamarijn; Red Parrot and Pure Lime at Divi) require reservations through the Divi & Tamarijn app. The booking window opens exactly 48 hours before the meal time. During peak season, Ginger fills within minutes — sometimes seconds — of the window opening. Set phone reminders for each night you want to reserve. Walk-in waits of two hours have been reported at popular restaurants during January through April. This is the single biggest operational frustration at the resort, and there is no workaround besides vigilance.

Is Tamarijn Aruba good for families?

It can work for families with older children (ages 10+) who will enjoy the watersports, beach, and pool areas independently. For families with young children, the Sea Turtles Kids Club (ages 4-12) is underwhelming — limited programming, no splash areas, and reviews suggest inconsistent staffing. There are no water slides anywhere on the compound. If a kids’ program is a priority, Holiday Inn Aruba or Barcelo Aruba are stronger picks.

What spirits are included in the all-inclusive?

Mid-tier brands: Captain Morgan rum, Jameson whiskey, Absolut vodka, and Kentucky Bourbon have been confirmed by recent guests. Select wines and champagne are included. Beer is available on tap. Premium or top-shelf brands (Grey Goose, Hendrick’s, Patron) are not available — there is no upgrade option. Multiple reviews describe pours as weak or drinks as watered-down. If drink quality matters to you, this is a real factor in your decision.

Do I need a rental car?

Strongly recommended for at least part of your stay. Tamarijn is isolated on Druif Beach — there is nothing walkable beyond the compound. If you want to explore Oranjestad (15 minutes), Palm Beach (20 minutes), Baby Beach, Arikok National Park, or the island’s independent restaurants, a rental car ($40-$60/day) opens up the island significantly. Many guests rent for two or three days mid-trip and rely on the resort for the rest.

What is the difference between Tamarijn and Divi Aruba?

Both are Divi Resorts properties on the same compound with full cross-access. The key differences: Tamarijn guarantees oceanfront rooms for every guest (Divi has garden and pool views too). Tamarijn has a livelier, more active atmosphere. Most specialty restaurants (Ginger, Paparazzi, Palm Grill) are physically located at Tamarijn. Divi has newer rooms (2024 renovation and 2016 Pool View Building), a quieter atmosphere, and lower starting prices ($310 vs $482). You access the same 12 restaurants and 11 pools regardless of which you book.

Final Verdict

Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive scores a 7.4 out of 10.

Tamarijn Aruba’s pitch is simple: every room faces the ocean, Druif Beach is beautiful, and the compound gives you more restaurants and activities than any single mid-range resort on the island. That pitch delivers. Waking up to an ocean view regardless of room category is not a small thing — it removes the anxiety of the room-assignment lottery that plagues every other resort at this price point. The included daily golf, the windsurfing on trade-wind-swept Druif Beach, and the compound’s 12-restaurant variety make this a genuinely activity-rich, variety-packed vacation.

But Tamarijn is a 3-star resort priced in the mid-range tier, and you feel that in the drinks, the room finishes, and the snack-between-meals situation. The house-spirits-only bar program with weak pours is a dealbreaker for some travelers, and the 48-hour reservation scramble for Ginger can turn dinner planning into a competitive sport. If those compromises would ruin your vacation, this is not your resort.

Book Tamarijn if: you want guaranteed ocean views, an active vacation with watersports and golf, and you care more about beach quality than bar quality. Couples who want a social, unpretentious Caribbean beach base will be very happy here.

Skip Tamarijn if: you want premium drinks, walkable nightlife, modern luxury finishes, or a strong family program for young children.

For an Aruba all-inclusive, Tamarijn occupies a unique position: it is the only property on the island where every single room is oceanfront, and the compound model delivers variety that standalone resorts cannot match. If that combination speaks to you — ocean views without exception, plenty to do, and honest mid-range value — Tamarijn is an excellent choice.