There comes a time in everyone’s year when just about the only vacation you can muster up the energy for is the one that requires relatively no planning and lots of beach time. Divi & Tamarijn’s all-inclusive resorts are the epitome of this ease. With a quicker-than-you-think flight to Aruba, immaculate sands and some of the best turquoise waters in the Caribbean, it qualifies as quite a no brainer. 

The two sister resorts, Divi & Tamarijn, are tried-and-tested stalwarts of Aruba’s resort scene but it has always known how to evolve without losing their laid-back charm. Look at their latest addition, Club Margot — a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant with the soul of a Caribbean spot. There’s a reason most of the staff you meet have been there for 10+ years, and the guests keep coming back.

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The Atmosphere

Just minutes from the island’s capital, Oranjestad, and a short drive from the airport, the property greets you almost as soon as you land, doing its best to get you into your room without delay. Divi & Tamarijn share a mile-long beachfront that never feels too crowded and is constantly sunny. Aruba is located outside of the hurricane belt, making it a reliable choice to sink into a beach chair year round. You might contend with some steady trade winds blowing in from the east – but if your empty cup gets blown over, then you just have another excuse to keep it full.

There are five pools, each with distinct vibes that range from quiet lounging to lively and social. And if you’re craving activity, there’s no need to wander far. The staff are quick to help you book excursions or point you in the direction of a snorkel. You could also just meander through the property on any given afternoon or evening and you’re bound to run into something in motion—musicians, bacheateras, yoga sessions, aerobics classes, violinists, poolside performers, and more. 

Or, don’t do anything at all – just sink a beach chair into the sand mere feet from your room.

The Stay

While most of your time may be spent by the beach or the poolside, the suites at Divi & Tamarjin are not exactly an afterthought. The newly remodeled Junior Suites offer expansive ocean views, taken in from balconies or patios with outdoor seating. At 699 square feet, each suite includes a king bed, a loveseat, sleeper chairs, and plenty of counter space. Smart TVs with streaming services, quiet dehumidifiers tucked in corners, Bluetooth mirrors with adjustable lighting, and large, lighted wardrobes make settling in effortless.

And unlike many spots in the Caribbean, you don’t need to worry about buying bottled water. Aruba’s desalinated water means the tap water is refreshing and safe to drink.

The Dining

With 11 all-inclusive dining options and eight bars, much of the fun comes from plotting your next bite. Guests can make reservations at any of the restaurants across the two properties, conveniently linked by continuously shuttling golf carts.

At Divi, it begins from the start of the day, where a trusty buffet for breakfast and lunch is available, replete with juice bars, eggs in any manner, and a revolving list of all kinds of dishes that change daily. Make note of Le Café, a tiny coffee corner which has the charm of a breakfast secret (though the secret is out). Bright and early, the café draws a long line of people ready to fetch gourmet coffees, fresh banana bread, and the best pistachio or Nutella croissants on the island. It’s likely to become some part of your daily morning ritual while you’re here. 

Red Parrot offers white-tablecloth setting for a romantic dinner. Start with the escargots in garlic herb butter and grilled French bread, then move on to the Grouper Provençale, cooked in ratatouille. Don’t forget to pair it with a wine glass from their vast selection. Best part is that if you don’t want French haute cuisine, you’re still in the right place if you desire something a little more comfort food-esque, like the coconut shrimp.

Hopping over to Tamarijn, you have more great options, including Ginger: Asian Flavored and the buzzy Club Margot. At Ginger, the menu leans pan-Asian with flair, think plump mussels swimming in green curry, crispy egg noodles with just the right amount of char, and pillowy steamed baopao stuffed with sweet-spicy Szechuan-glazed chicken thighs. It’s the kind of place where one dish isn’t enough, and you’ll be glad you ordered extra. Keep the theme going with one of their inventive sake-based cocktails, like the Gin-Ger Martini made with a ginger-turmeric infusion and Matsui Gin, or the Asian New Year Smoked, which arrives dramatically under a glass cloche, swirling with aromatic smoke.

The crown jewel of Tamarijn’s latest updates, Club Margot is an open-air, overwater restaurant with front-row sunset views and a dining experience that begins before you even sit down. Guests are welcomed with a wall of champagne glasses and a decorative vesper chilled with bottles of Prosecco. Once seated, signature cocktails arrive alongside warm brioche, truffle butter, and olive tapenade. But don’t fill up too fast, because what follows is a family-style feast that lands all at once. Wood trays and tiered boards overflow with sizzling peri peri shrimp, grilled eggplant layered with mozzarella and pine nuts, and rich, slow-cooked short rib that vanishes as quickly as the potatoes au gratin it’s paired with. Tuna tataki arrives beneath a dramatic glass cloche filled with smoke, accented by a passion fruit and coriander emulsion. It’s a leisurely, communal meal meant for grazing, reaching, savoring, and circling back for just one more bite.

Part of what sets Divi & Tamarijn apart is the people. Many staff members have been here over 30 years, and turnover is remarkably low. You’ll find guests on a first-name basis with seasoned waiters who have worked several decades, a testament to the loyalty on both sides. The warmth feels genuine and it’s clear the staff takes real pride in making each stay feel personal.

Divi & Tamarijn strike a rare balance: nostalgic but not dated, easygoing but refined. If you’re after culinary spectacle without leaving the beach, this is a resort that knows what works, and still manages to surprise you.

Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusives
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