A few weeks ago, if you followed us on social media (@TravelByBob on Facebook and Instagram), you saw live photos and videos from our Aruba trip, August 20–25, 2025. We stayed at the Barceló Aruba, with day visits to Secrets Baby Beach on August 21st and JOIA Aruba by Iberostar on August 22nd. All three resorts were fantastic! We’re excited to share a comprehensive recap in this post.
Barcelo Aruba – Barceló Aruba is an all-inclusive resort located on Palm Beach, Aruba, offering a beachfront experience. It features 373 rooms with balconies or terraces, six restaurants, three bars, a large free-form pool, and a variety of water sports and activities. Guests can enjoy a casino, nightly entertainment, a spa, a 24-hour gym, and a kids’ club (ages 4-12). Barceló Aruba is situated on Palm Beach, one of Aruba’s most beautiful and popular beaches, known for its white sands and calm, turquoise blue waters. The resort is located in the high-rise hotel district of Aruba, approximately 7 miles from Queen Beatrix International Airport, which is a 15-20 minute drive. The resort is centrally located near vibrant dining, shopping, and entertainment options and various water sports facilities. The resort’s beachfront location offers direct access to the Caribbean Sea, ideal for swimming and beach activities. Click Here to view our photo album from our stay at the resort.
Secrets Baby Beach – We spent the day at Secrets Baby Beach on August 21st. Secrets Baby Beach Aruba is a brand-new, adults-only, all-inclusive resort located on Baby Beach in San Nicolas, Aruba. The resort is approximately 30 minutes from Queen Beatrix International Airport. The resort just opened in June 2025 as Hyatt’s first Inclusive Collection resort on the island, it offers an Unlimited-Luxury® experience with 304 suites, many featuring ocean views, private balconies, or Preferred Club upgrades with plunge pools. The resort boasts three pools (including an infinity pool), six restaurants (Italian, Pan-Asian, South American fusion, seafood, and more), six bars, and a 3,200 sq. ft. spa. Baby Beach remains a public beach, but guests of the resort have access to umbrellas and chairs. If you are looking for a secluded luxury resort on the island, this is a great resort. Click Here to view our photo album from our visit to the resort.
JOIA Aruba by Iberostar – At the time of our visit, the JOIA Aruba by Iberostar was not all-inclusive nor did the resort offer any meal or drink packages. This may change in the future. JOIA Aruba by Iberostar is a luxury resort located on Eagle Beach, Aruba, renowned for its pristine white sands and turquoise waters. It’s approximately 5.9 miles (9.5 km) from Queen Beatrix International Airport, about a 15-minute drive. The resort opened in December 2024. The resort has 240 rooms and suites and offers a contemporary island experience with ocean or pool views, whirlpool tubs, and optional butler service. Amenities include three freshwater pools (one infinity pool with a swim-up bar), a rejuvenating spa, a fitness center, and a 10,118 sq. ft. convention center. Dining options feature a breakfast buffet, two specialty restaurants (Caribbean and grill), a Star Café, and four bars. Eagle Beach is one of our favorite beaches in the Caribbean with an abundance of beach bars and restaurants. Click Here to view our photo album from our visit to the resort.
