Why We Chose a Vacation Rental Over a Resort in Aruba (and Loved It)

When my family decided to meet in Aruba for an early holiday celebration, we wanted one thing above all else: quality time together. With three households flying in from different countries, we weren’t looking for an action-packed, see-it-all vacation—we simply wanted space to reconnect, relax, and create memories.

That’s why, instead of booking a resort on the busy north side of the island, we chose a vacation rental near Baby Beach. And honestly? It was the best decision we could have made!

If you’re considering an Aruba family vacation, here’s why we recommend going the villa route over a resort—plus a few tips for making your stay even better!

Villa vs. Resort: Why We Picked a Vacation Rental

Resorts in Aruba are undeniably beautiful. But as a family of eight—my brother, his wife and daughter, my mom, my husband, our two boys (ages 4 and 5), and me—we knew that booking multiple resort rooms would cost a fortune. Even more importantly, we wanted a space where the kids could be themselves without worrying about disturbing strangers in the room next door.

Our rental, Jermal Vacation Home, checked every box:

• 4 bedrooms and updated décor so everyone had space to spread out

• A private pool with floats, toys, outdoor dining area, outdoor patio, hammock and plenty of shade for the kids

• Fully stocked kitchen so we could cook big family meals

• Blackout curtains (a must with little ones in a new time zone)

• Free parking + WiFi, which made logistics so much easier

• Just a 6-minute walk to Baby Beach and Rodgers Beach

Instead of feeling like guests at a resort, we felt like we had our own private oasis.

The Perks of Staying at a Villa with Kids

Our mornings often started with the boys jumping into the pool before breakfast. They were so happy at the house that we sometimes had to convince them to leave for the beach! In a resort, we would have been navigating elevators, crowded pools, and long waits for beach chairs. At the villa, everything was at our fingertips.

Cooking together was another huge perk. Aruba restaurants can be pricey, and with kids, meals out can be stressful. At our villa, we made family breakfasts (pancakes, eggs, fruit) and dinners like grilled kabobs, pasta, and even a full Thanksgiving-style feast. Having our own kitchen saved us hundreds of dollars and gave us flexibility when the kids were overtired or picky.

Tip: If you plan on cooking at a vacation rental, I highly recommend packing a few travel-friendly kitchen tools—like a collapsible colander, compact spice kit, and a small knife sharpener (most rentals have dull knives). These little items made a big difference for us!

What’s Nearby: Baby Beach & More

One of the best things about our rental’s location in San Nicolas was its proximity to less crowded, family-friendly spots:

• Rodgers Beach – 6 min walk

• Baby Beach – 6 min walk (perfect for snorkeling with little ones!)

• Seroe Colorado – 15 min walk for rugged hikes with ocean views

• Arikok National Park – 12 min drive (rent a Jeep or truck for the trails)

• Aruba Golf Club – 9 min drive

Most of the big-name resorts are on the opposite side of the island, near Eagle and Palm Beach. We loved that our side felt more relaxed, authentic, and less touristy.

Packing for a Vacation Rental in Aruba

Because we weren’t relying on resort amenities, we had to be smart with our packing. Here are a few things that made our trip smoother:

• Packing cubes (these are my favorite) – kept everyone’s clothes and the kids' toys organized for 8 days of outfits and entertainment

• Reusable shopping bags (foldable ones like these) – grocery stores in Aruba charge for bags, so we used ours daily

• Kids’ travel entertainment – magnetic blocks, travel card games, and seek-and-find books were lifesavers on the flights and during downtime (here's a full list of must-have travel games and toys!)

• Dry snacks from home – options like granola bars, cereal, and trail mix helped keep meals consistent for the kids (here's my guide to affordable meals and snacks while traveling!)

Why We’d Choose a Vacation Rental Again

The best part of choosing a villa over a resort wasn’t just the money saved (though that was huge). It was the freedom to move at our own pace. Some days we lounged by the pool all morning and didn’t leave the house until afternoon. Other days we explored the island, came home for naps, then grilled dinner in the backyard.

Had we stayed at a resort, I know we would have felt pressure to “get our money’s worth” by using every amenity, signing up for activities, and sticking to schedules. Instead, our villa gave us the gift of time—exactly what we came to Aruba for.

Making the Most of Your Aruba Getaway

If you’re planning your own Aruba family vacation, don’t overlook vacation rentals. They offer more space, privacy, and flexibility than resorts, especially if you’re traveling with kids or a larger group.

Tips for booking a vacation rental in Aruba:

• Look for properties near Baby Beach if you want quiet, family-friendly beaches.

• Pack a few key items like reusable shopping bags, travel kitchen essentials, and plenty of snacks.

• Stay flexible—between jet lag, heat, and kids’ moods, your best memories may come from the unplanned moments.

For us, celebrating the holidays early in Aruba was about slowing down, being together, and creating memories in our own private villa. With a villa, we had the freedom to plan our days around our family’s needs, enjoy meals together, and let the kids play at their own pace. That’s the kind of vacation every family deserves!

Happy travels, and may your Aruba getaway be as relaxing and fun as ours!

Jess